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Crossfader & transitions

The crossfader blends Deck A into Deck B on the program output. It's the centrepiece of live mixing: cue a source on each deck, then move between them however you like — a slow dissolve, a hard cut, a wipe, or a 3D flip.

The crossfader controls sit in the A/B Crossfader box between the two decks.

The controls

ControlWhat it does
Crossfader slider (◄ A … B ►)Drag to blend. Hard left = only Deck A; hard right = only Deck B; in between = a mix using the selected transition.
Transition dropdownThe style used when blending (see the table below).
Time (s)Duration of an automatic transition, 0.1–10 seconds.
AUTOSmoothly glide to the opposite deck over the set time, using the selected transition.
CUTJump instantly to the opposite deck.

The crossfader also rides the deck audio levels as you move it, so sound follows the picture.

Mixing by hand vs. AUTO vs. CUT

  • By hand — drag the slider for full manual control of the blend; great for riding a dissolve to the beat. Grabbing the slider stops any running AUTO move.
  • AUTO — press it to animate from the current side to the other over the Time (s) you set. Press again before it finishes to reverse. AUTO always heads to whichever side you're not on.
  • CUT — press for an instant switch to the other deck, ignoring the transition style (a true hard cut).

Transition styles

The Transition dropdown picks how A and B combine across the blend. The full set:

TransitionWhat it looks like
CrossfadeA simple alpha dissolve between the decks.
CutA hard switch at the fader centre.
Wipe ←B is revealed from the left.
Wipe →B is revealed from the right.
Wipe ↑B is revealed from bottom to top.
Wipe ↓B is revealed from top to bottom.
Slide ←A exits left as B enters from the right.
Slide →A exits right as B enters from the left.
Slide ↑A exits top as B enters from the bottom.
Slide ↓A exits bottom as B enters from the top.
Dip to BlackFade through black between decks.
Dip to WhiteFade through white between decks.
Additive GlowAdds the two images for a bright, glowing VJ blend.
Cross ZoomA dynamic zoom‑scaling blend.
Split Door (H)A horizontal split opens to reveal the next deck.
Split Door (V)A vertical split opens to reveal the next deck.
Vortex SpinA spinning vortex wraps from one deck to the other.
Split 4‑CornerThe frame splits into four quadrants that slide outward.
3D Gallery FlyA cinematic 3D pan/zoom fly‑past with a warm light sweep.
3D CubeA 3D perspective cube rotates to reveal the next deck.
3D FlipThe screen flips 180° in 3D perspective.

Choosing a style: Crossfade and Dip to Black are the safe, classic choices for most shows. Wipes and Slides suit energetic sports and music segments. The 3D and Vortex styles are showpiece moves — striking, but use them sparingly.

A quick mixing workflow

  1. Fire a source to Deck A (its card's A button or a hotkey).
  2. Fire a different source to Deck B (its B button or Shift + hotkey).
  3. Pick a Transition and set a Time (s).
  4. Press AUTO to glide across, drag the slider to ride it manually, or CUT for an instant switch.
  5. Cue the next source on the deck you just left, and repeat.

Remote and panic

  • You can drive the crossfader, AUTO, CUT, and the transition style from another device — see Remote control.
  • The Panic buttons (Blackout / Pause / Stay Tuned) override the program output for live emergencies, independently of the crossfader.