MIXI-CUT DJ Guide

How to use MIXI-CUT timecode vinyl for DJing.

What You Need

Item	Details	Cost
MIXI-CUT vinyl	Lathe-cut timecode disc (7" or 12")	~8 EUR
DJ turntable	Any turntable with 33⅓ RPM	varies
Audio interface	Stereo line input (or phono + preamp)	varies
DJ software	Mixxx (free) or MIXI	free

Getting Started

Step 1: Get the vinyl

Option A: Cut your own

pip install mixi-cut
mixi-cut generate --preset dj-12inch --output side_a.wav
# Send side_a.wav to a lathe cutting service

Option B: Download a pre-made WAV Download from Releases and send to a lathe cutting service.

Step 2: Connect your turntable

Turntable → [LINE output] → Audio Interface → Computer → DJ Software

Important: Use LINE input unless you generated with --riaa. If your turntable only has PHONO output, either use a phono preamp or generate with mixi-cut generate --preset phono.

Step 3: Configure your DJ software

In your MIXI-CUT–compatible DJ software:

1. Set the input to MIXI-CUT timecode
2. Select the audio input from your interface
3. Start the turntable

The software should show:

• Speed: 1.000x (±0.005)
• Lock: green bar (>0.9)
• Position: increasing in seconds

Playing Music

Once the timecode is locked:

1. Load a track in the software
2. The track plays in sync with the vinyl
3. Whatever you do to the vinyl (scratch, stop, pitch) affects the track

DJ Techniques

Scratching

The decoder responds within 0.33 ms (one carrier cycle). Forward and backward scratches are detected instantly via the stereo quadrature encoding.

Beat matching

1. Start both tracks
2. Use the pitch fader on the turntable
3. The decoder tracks pitch changes of ±8% smoothly
4. Fine-tune by ear as usual

Cueing

1. Move the needle to any position on the vinyl
2. The decoder reads the position within 1 second
3. The track jumps to the corresponding position

Vinyl brake

When you press the stop button:

• The decoder tracks the deceleration
• The track slows down and stops naturally
• Settle time: <500 ms

Backspin

Pull the record backward:

• Speed goes negative immediately
• The track plays in reverse
• Release and the track resumes forward

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No lock (speed=0)	Wrong input mode	Check LINE vs PHONO
Speed shows ~0.978 instead of 1.0	Turntable at 45 RPM	Switch to 33⅓
Intermittent dropouts	Dirty stylus or vinyl	Clean both
Only works in one direction	Cartridge wired backwards	Check L/R channels
Lock but no sound	Software routing issue	Check DJ software output
Speed jitters	Rumble or vibration	Isolate turntable from subs

FAQ

Can I scratch like with Serato?

Yes. The decoder latency is 0.33 ms — faster than Serato's estimated ~1 ms. The stereo quadrature encoding gives instant direction detection.

How long does the vinyl last?

Lathe-cut vinyl typically lasts 100-200 plays with good stylus hygiene. This is less than pressed vinyl but the cost (~8 EUR) makes replacement easy.

Can I use any turntable?

Yes. Any turntable that plays at 33⅓ RPM works. A Technics SL-1200 is ideal but not required.

Can I use my Serato/Traktor interface?

Yes, as long as the audio interface provides stereo line input. The interface hardware is universal — only the software decoding differs.

What about PHONO vs LINE?

• LINE input: Use the standard WAV (no --riaa). This is the recommended setup.
• PHONO input: Use mixi-cut generate --preset phono which adds RIAA pre-emphasis. The turntable's phono preamp will flatten the signal back.

Why 3 kHz carrier?

It's above most music content and rumble, while being well below the 15 kHz high-frequency limit of lathe-cut vinyl. This gives excellent noise rejection without sacrificing resolution.