What is Key Detection?
Every song is composed in a musical key — a set of notes that sound good together. When you mix two tracks in compatible keys, the transition sounds smooth and musical. Mixing incompatible keys creates dissonance and sounds jarring.
Tremor uses neural network-powered key detection to analyze each track and display its key in both standard notation (C Major, F# Minor) and the DJ-friendly Camelot wheel system.
Automatic Analysis: Key detection runs automatically when you load a track. Once analyzed, the key is cached so subsequent loads are instant.
Where to See the Key
The detected key appears in several places:
- Music Info Popover: Tap the (i) button in the Track Info bar to see full track metadata including BPM, Key, Energy, and Mood
- Library: The key column shows Camelot codes (e.g., "8A", "11B") for quick visual matching
- Waveform Area: The key badge appears near the BPM display when a track is loaded
The Camelot Wheel
The Camelot system converts musical keys into numbered codes that make harmonic mixing intuitive. Instead of memorizing which keys are compatible, you just match numbers.
How It Works
- Numbers 1-12: Represent the 12 positions around the circle of fifths
- Letters A/B: A = minor key, B = major key
- Same number: Major and minor versions of relative keys (always compatible)
Harmonic Mixing Rules
Use these simple rules to find compatible tracks:
| Mix Type | Rule | Example | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Match | Same code | 8A → 8A | Identical key, always works |
| Energy Boost | +1 number | 8A → 9A | Builds energy, moves up the wheel |
| Energy Drop | -1 number | 8A → 7A | Reduces energy, mellows the mix |
| Mood Shift | A ↔ B (same number) | 8A → 8B | Minor to major (or vice versa) |
| Diagonal | ±1 number + A↔B | 8A → 9B | Subtle change, sounds fresh |
Avoid: Mixing tracks more than ±2 positions apart. For example, 8A to 5A will likely clash.
Practical Workflow
Quick Harmonic Match
- Check the key of your currently playing track (e.g., "8A")
- In your library, look for tracks with codes 7A, 8A, 9A, or 8B
- Load a matching track to the other deck
- Mix with confidence — the keys will blend smoothly
Building a Set
For a cohesive set, plan your key progression:
- Build energy: Move clockwise around the wheel (+1 each transition)
- Peak and drop: Jump to the relative minor/major for emotional contrast
- Stay in zone: Hover around ±2 keys from your starting point for a consistent vibe
Key Lock
When you change a track's tempo with the pitch fader or Sync, the pitch normally changes too (like speeding up a record). Key Lock maintains the original key regardless of tempo changes.
When to Use Key Lock
- Large BPM differences: Matching a 100 BPM track to 128 BPM without Key Lock would raise the pitch dramatically
- Vocal tracks: Pitch-shifted vocals often sound unnatural
- Harmonic mixing: Keep detected keys accurate even when tempo-matching
When to Skip Key Lock
- Small adjustments (±3%): Natural pitch drift is often unnoticeable
- Turntablist effects: Scratch and manual manipulation expects natural pitch response
To enable Key Lock: Tap the lock icon near the tempo slider, or use the Key Lock button on your DJ controller.
Tips & Tricks
- Trust your ears: Key detection is highly accurate, but some tracks have complex or ambiguous keys. If something sounds off, trust what you hear.
- Loops are forgiving: Short drum loops and percussion breaks usually mix with anything since they lack melodic content.
- Genre matters: Some genres (deep house, trance) benefit more from strict harmonic mixing than others (hip-hop, EDM drops).
- Pre-analyze your library: Analyze tracks in advance so keys are ready instantly during your set.