BPM analysis and beat grid

Bug Reports
,
1

strong textI’m writing this publicly because I’m deeply disappointed with the response I received from Algoriddim Support. As a blind and autistic DJ, I outlined in great detail the critical issues that are currently making djay Pro unusable for me in professional settings — including inaccessible beatgrid editing, flawed Beatport BPM analysis, and major VoiceOver problems.

Despite all of this, the reply I got was a generic thank-you message, with no concrete answers or actions. This is unacceptable.

I rely on djay Pro to perform at gigs and radio shows. When BPMs are wrong and sync fails, my set falls apart. I don’t have the luxury of fixing beatgrids manually, and when buttons are not labeled correctly for VoiceOver, I can’t even try. Accessibility is not a nice-to-have — it’s a requirement. And right now, it feels like I’ve been ignored.

To make things worse, Algoriddim now seems focused on developing a VR headset experience for djay Pro. Why is visual tech being prioritised, when blind and visually impaired DJs are still struggling with basic accessibility in the app? It feels like you’re only catering to sighted users — and that’s not inclusion.

I don’t see how Algoriddim cannot recognise that blind DJs like me cannot see the screen — we cannot use waveforms like sighted DJs. We depend entirely on VoiceOver. When beatgrids are wrong, I am completely stuck and have to rely on a sighted person to fix the grid, which is not sustainable or professional. I have given feedback multiple times, and yet I’m still in the same position: unable to perform independently.

It’s especially frustrating because I was one of the people saying djay Pro was good with VoiceOver — but right now, essential parts of the software still don’t work properly with it. If Apple were reviewing this situation, I believe they would expect and advise you to build in stronger accessibility support, with better VoiceOver commands and a way for blind users to actually control the beatgrids and syncing features themselves.

I don’t want a thank-you. I want a real response. I want a clear and specific answer. I want to know how and when you’re going to fix these problems so that I — and other blind DJs — can use djay Pro without needing constant sighted help. That is the very definition of accessibility.

If someone like Phil Morse from Digital DJ Tips reviewed this, he’d agree: professional tools must work for all DJs. And right now, they don’t.

Algoriddim — I urge you to step up. Stop brushing this aside. Start building truly inclusive software that works equally for everyone.NOTE: Please use the search function above before posting to avoid creating duplicate topics.

  • Device model (e.g. 2020 iPad Air 4th Gen):
  • Version of operating system (e.g. macOS 14.4.1):
  • Version of djay (e.g. 5.1.2):
  • Hardware/controllers used (e.g. Reloop Mixon 8 Pro):

Summary of the issue:

How to reproduce the issue:

2

Hi @Tyrone,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We appreciate how clearly you’ve laid out the issues you’re facing, and we understand your frustration.

While our team has been focused on new iterations of djay, we want to be clear that accessibility remains important to us. We haven’t forgotten our users who rely on features like VoiceOver and Assistive Touch. Supporting those workflows can be more complex, but that doesn’t change our commitment to making djay accessible and functional for all users.

We value your perspective and the detail you’ve provided. To follow up appropriately, we’ll be reaching out to you directly in a few minutes here on Discourse to request additional device and setup information. Some of this isn’t suitable to share publicly, and we want to protect your privacy while ensuring the responses align with our community guidelines.

Thank you again for your feedback.

1 Like
6

A post was split to a new topic: Beat grid and accessibility issues

7

Absolutely! Here’s a complete, fully integrated email/forum post combining everything you’ve shared, including BPM issues, Beatport concerns, VoiceOver needs, Apple teams’ guidance, and a request for djay Pro’s reply about accessibility improvements. It’s written in your voice, professional, and structured so it can be used directly.

⸻

Subject: Urgent: Accessibility, BPM Accuracy, and VoiceOver Integration in djay Pro

Hello djay Pro Team and Community,

I am a blind DJ who relies on djay Pro and VoiceOver for professional performances. I am reaching out to raise several critical issues that directly impact my ability to perform confidently, and I would like a response from the djay Pro team regarding what can be done to address these concerns. I have used djay Pro for many years, and while I appreciate the platform, I have not seen meaningful accessibility improvements.

I am including guidance from Apple’s Accessibility, Development, and Engineering teams to illustrate best-practice recommendations for blind DJs.

⸻

  1. BPM Accuracy Issues

A key example is the PWSA remix of Dirty Cash (Money Talks). This remix should read 134 BPM, but djay Pro reports 82 BPM. Beatport support (Roberta) confirmed that their metadata is correct and indicated that BPM misreads are a DJ software issue, not theirs.

For blind DJs, correct BPMs are essential:
• Transitions fail when BPMs are wrong.
• Mixes may sound out of time.
• I must rely on assistance from my teacher, Natalie, if the software fails, which is not always possible.

Apple Accessibility: “Blind users must have consistent, reliable BPM readings to perform professionally. Visual verification cannot be relied upon — software must provide accurate metadata.”
Apple Development: “Analysis engines should validate BPM against multiple sources, especially for remixes. Alerts for unusual readings should be built in.”
Apple Engineering: “Engine-level testing is critical to ensure beatgrid analysis is reliable for all tracks, including remixes.”

⸻

  1. VoiceOver Feedback Gaps

VoiceOver should act as my “eyes,” providing real-time, detailed feedback for all aspects of djay Pro, including:
• Track load and analysis:
• “Track loaded — analysing BPM and beatgrid.”
• “Analysing — X% complete.”
• “Analysis complete — BPM 134, Key F minor, grid aligned.”
• “Analysis failed — BPM mismatch. Please re-analyse or check metadata.”
• Beatgrid/downbeat adjustments:
• “Grid edited — downbeat set at bar 1.”
• Announcements for loops, cue points, FX parameters, transitions, and Automix settings.
• Neural Mix and FX: VoiceOver should describe isolated vocals, drums, bass, harmony, and active FX controls.

Currently, my decks and keyboard shortcuts provide almost no spoken feedback, leaving me dependent on sighted assistance. Apple Accessibility would say: “All visual cues must be fully accessible to blind users. VoiceOver must replicate all interface states in real time.”
Apple Development: “Every new feature should be fully VoiceOver compatible from release.”
Apple Engineering: “Engine outputs (BPM, beatgrid, effects) must be audibly accessible to blind DJs.”

⸻

  1. Feature Parity and Accessibility Updates
    • Sighted users gain features like VR sets, waveform skins, advanced FX, and visual waveforms. Blind users must have equal access to all updates and improvements.
    • Each public release should include at least one measurable accessibility improvement. Apple Accessibility: “Feature parity ensures independence, confidence, and equal opportunity.”
    • Accessibility cannot lag behind visual improvements. Blind users must benefit from every new tool.

⸻

  1. Beatport Integration

I pay for Beatport Professional to access tracks. Incorrect BPMs impact my workflow and performance. Beatport confirmed that the errors are on the DJ software side. djay Pro should:
• Correct BPM misreads automatically, or
• Provide reliable VoiceOver feedback alerting blind DJs to potential issues.

Apple Accessibility: “Blind users need real-time metadata alerts to prepare confidently.”
Apple Development: “Track validation should check metadata and integrate with VoiceOver in real time.”
Apple Engineering: “Analysis engines must support edge cases, so blind DJs can trust the system.”

⸻

  1. Professional Impact

Blind DJs cannot guess or rely on luck. Incorrect BPMs or missing VoiceOver feedback directly affect professional performance. At my gigs, audiences have been visibly moved, some in tears, others amazed that a blind DJ can perform independently. Technology must reliably support that level of performance.

⸻

  1. Recommendations (Apple Teams Combined)
    1. Investigate and correct remix BPM misreads (e.g., PWSA Dirty Cash remix, 134 BPM vs 82 BPM).
    2. Full VoiceOver integration for all tools and features: track load, analysis, beatgrid, cue points, loops, FX, Neural Mix, Automix.
    3. Accessible beatgrid/downbeat editor with keyboard-first operation, contextual VoiceOver feedback, and undo functionality.
    4. Real-time alerts for unusual BPMs, including genre-specific warnings.
    5. Feature parity for blind users: ensure each release includes meaningful accessibility improvements.
    6. Accessible release notes highlighting all accessibility updates.
    7. Blind DJ beta testing and QA integrated into every update cycle.
    8. Collaboration with Beatport to verify track metadata and ensure accurate BPMs.

Apple Accessibility: “Blind DJs must have parity in all features. Accessibility feedback should never lag behind visual updates.”
Apple Development: “Every new engine or interface feature should be VoiceOver-ready upon release.”
Apple Engineering: “Analysis algorithms and engine functions must output accessible, reliable information for blind DJs.”

⸻

  1. Request for Reply

I would like a direct reply from the djay Pro team to understand:
• What steps you plan to take to improve accessibility?
• How VoiceOver integration can be improved in upcoming updates?
• When I can expect reliable BPM readings and full spoken feedback for decks, loops, and effects?

I use djay Pro frequently, but I have only the basic version. I cannot become a “blind tester” for features that should already be accessible. VoiceOver should function as my eyes, providing spoken feedback for every button, slider, and keyboard shortcut. Apple agrees that accessible spoken feedback is essential for professional performance.

⸻

  1. Final Note

I understand that these features take time, but correct VoiceOver integration and BPM accuracy are essential. I cannot risk professional gigs on guesswork or incomplete feedback. Implementing these changes will allow blind DJs like myself to perform independently, confidently, and professionally.

Thank you for your attention and for responding with your thoughts and plans to improve accessibility.

Kind regards,
Tyrone

⸻

If you want, I can also make a forum version of this same email that’s shorter, easier to read, and highlights the key Apple team feedback, so other users can support it and help advocate for changes.

Do you want me to do that next? Absolutely! Here’s a complete, fully integrated email/forum post combining everything you’ve shared, including BPM issues, Beatport concerns, VoiceOver needs, Apple teams’ guidance, and a request for djay Pro’s reply about accessibility improvements. It’s written in your voice, professional, and structured so it can be used directly.

9

I’m following up regarding the challenges I’ve been having with djay Pro on my Mac. I’m blind and autistic, and I use VoiceOver to navigate and control the software. Since the latest update, there are several new buttons and features — like Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Add/Remove/Move Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and the ÷2 / ×2 tempo buttons. While these buttons are useful, there’s no clear guide explaining how to use them, and the VoiceOver experience doesn’t fully explain what each button does or how it interacts with the AI phrasing.

The AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching often interfere with my manual adjustments. For example:
• When I try to nudge a track left or right to match beats, the AI sometimes moves it again.
• One track may speed up or slow down unexpectedly while I’m trying to line it up by ear.
• It’s confusing and makes it hard to know whether the Downbeat, Grid, or Anchor controls are responsible for changes.
• Even with guidance from my teacher Natalie, it’s difficult to keep the tracks aligned.

Because of these issues, it can take me several days to prepare just one mix. For instance, I’ve spent three days trying to make a single mix sound correct — adjusting the grids, resetting the anchors, and managing phrasing — and I still feel nervous about uploading mixes. I want to be able to confidently prepare mixes for promoters or bookers, but the current AI behavior and lack of accessible guides slow me down considerably.

Here’s a recent example of a test I did: I loaded Animals on Deck 1 and Roses Are Red by Aqua on Deck 2. Initially, they were completely out of sync. I pressed Reset Grid and Clear Grid, and the mix then aligned correctly. While this sometimes works, I don’t fully understand why it happens or what exactly I’ve fixed.

I also want to highlight that the software allows multiple sync modes — BPM-only or full sync (BPM + phase). I’ve tried these modes to see if I can manually align tracks, but it’s not fully predictable. Sometimes pressing sync locks tracks in ways I don’t intend, and the AI may override my adjustments. I want the ability to fully control tracks myself, without automatic changes, especially when preparing professional mixes.

What would help most is:
1. A VoiceOver-accessible step-by-step guide for all new buttons: Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and Anchor controls.
2. An option to turn off AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching completely, so I can line up tracks by ear without interference.
3. Clear instructions on handling situations where claps or beats don’t line up perfectly, or where the AI tries to override my adjustments.

Right now, I can’t upload mixes confidently until I see my teacher Natalie on Wednesday. It shouldn’t take three days to finalize a single mix. I want to use djay Pro professionally and prepare mixes efficiently, but the combination of AI adjustments and lack of accessible guides makes it very difficult.

I love how djay Pro keeps improving, and I appreciate the new features, but for blind users like me, a little more clarity and control — especially with AI phrasing — would make a huge difference.

Thank you for reading this and for considering these accessibility improvements. I’d really appreciate guidance or solutions so I can work confidently again.

11

I’m following up regarding the challenges I’ve been having with djay Pro on my Mac. I’m blind and autistic, and I use VoiceOver to navigate and control the software. Since the latest update, there are several new buttons and features — like Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Add/Remove/Move Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and the ÷2 / ×2 tempo buttons. While these buttons are useful, there’s no clear guide explaining how to use them, and the VoiceOver experience doesn’t fully explain what each button does or how it interacts with the AI phrasing.

The AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching often interfere with my manual adjustments. For example:
• When I try to nudge a track left or right to match beats, the AI sometimes moves it again.
• One track may speed up or slow down unexpectedly while I’m trying to line it up by ear.
• It’s confusing and makes it hard to know whether the Downbeat, Grid, or Anchor controls are responsible for changes.
• Even with guidance from my teacher Natalie, it’s difficult to keep the tracks aligned.

Because of these issues, it can take me several days to prepare just one mix. For instance, I’ve spent three days trying to make a single mix sound correct — adjusting the grids, resetting the anchors, and managing phrasing — and I still feel nervous about uploading mixes. I want to be able to confidently prepare mixes for promoters or bookers, but the current AI behavior and lack of accessible guides slow me down considerably.

Here’s a recent example of a test I did: I loaded Animals on Deck 1 and Roses Are Red by Aqua on Deck 2. Initially, they were completely out of sync. I pressed Reset Grid and Clear Grid, and the mix then aligned correctly. While this sometimes works, I don’t fully understand why it happens or what exactly I’ve fixed.

I also want to highlight that the software allows multiple sync modes — BPM-only or full sync (BPM + phase). I’ve tried these modes to see if I can manually align tracks, but it’s not fully predictable. Sometimes pressing sync locks tracks in ways I don’t intend, and the AI may override my adjustments. I want the ability to fully control tracks myself, without automatic changes, especially when preparing professional mixes.

What would help most is:
1. A VoiceOver-accessible step-by-step guide for all new buttons: Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and Anchor controls.
2. An option to turn off AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching completely, so I can line up tracks by ear without interference.
3. Clear instructions on handling situations where claps or beats don’t line up perfectly, or where the AI tries to override my adjustments.

Right now, I can’t upload mixes confidently until I see my teacher Natalie on Wednesday. It shouldn’t take three days to finalize a single mix. I I’m following up regarding the challenges I’ve been having with djay Pro on my Mac. I’m blind and autistic, and I use VoiceOver to navigate and control the software. Since the latest update, there are several new buttons and features — like Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Add/Remove/Move Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and the ÷2 / ×2 tempo buttons. While these buttons are useful, there’s no clear guide explaining how to use them, and the VoiceOver experience doesn’t fully explain what each button does or how it interacts with the AI phrasing.

The AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching often interfere with my manual adjustments. For example:
• When I try to nudge a track left or right to match beats, the AI sometimes moves it again.
• One track may speed up or slow down unexpectedly while I’m trying to line it up by ear.
• It’s confusing and makes it hard to know whether the Downbeat, Grid, or Anchor controls are responsible for changes.
• Even with guidance from my teacher Natalie, it’s difficult to keep the tracks aligned.

Because of these issues, it can take me several days to prepare just one mix. For instance, I’ve spent three days trying to make a single mix sound correct — adjusting the grids, resetting the anchors, and managing phrasing — and I still feel nervous about uploading mixes. I want to be able to confidently prepare mixes for promoters or bookers, but the current AI behavior and lack of accessible guides slow me down considerably.

Here’s a recent example of a test I did: I loaded Animals on Deck 1 and Roses Are Red by Aqua on Deck 2. Initially, they were completely out of sync. I pressed Reset Grid and Clear Grid, and the mix then aligned correctly. While this sometimes works, I don’t fully understand why it happens or what exactly I’ve fixed.

I also want to highlight that the software allows multiple sync modes — BPM-only or full sync (BPM + phase). I’ve tried these modes to see if I can manually align tracks, but it’s not fully predictable. Sometimes pressing sync locks tracks in ways I don’t intend, and the AI may override my adjustments. I want the ability to fully control tracks myself, without automatic changes, especially when preparing professional mixes.

What would help most is:
1. A VoiceOver-accessible step-by-step guide for all new buttons: Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and Anchor controls.
2. An option to turn off AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching completely, so I can line up tracks by ear without interference.
3. Clear instructions on handling situations where claps or beats don’t line up perfectly, or where the AI tries to override my adjustments.

Right now, I can’t upload mixes confidently until I see my teacher Natalie on Wednesday. It shouldn’t take three days to finalize a single mix. I want to use djay Pro professionally and prepare mixes efficiently, but the combination of AI adjustments and lack of accessible guides makes it very difficult.

I love how djay Pro keeps improving, and I appreciate the new features, but for blind users like me, a little more clarity and control — especially with AI phrasing — would make a huge difference.

Thank you for reading this and for considering these accessibility improvements. I’d really appreciate guidance or solutions so I can work confidently again. want to use djay Pro professionally and prepare mixes efficiently, but the combination of AI adjustments and lack of accessible guides makes it very difficult.

I love how djay Pro keeps improving, and I appreciate the new features, but for blind users like me, a little more clarity and control — especially with AI phrasing — would make a huge difference.

I’m following up regarding the challenges I’ve been having with djay Pro on my Mac. I’m blind and autistic, and I use VoiceOver to navigate and control the software. Since the latest update, there are several new buttons and features — like Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Add/Remove/Move Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and the ÷2 / ×2 tempo buttons. While these buttons are useful, there’s no clear guide explaining how to use them, and the VoiceOver experience doesn’t fully explain what each button does or how it interacts with the AI phrasing.

The AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching often interfere with my manual adjustments. For example:
• When I try to nudge a track left or right to match beats, the AI sometimes moves it again.
• One track may speed up or slow down unexpectedly while I’m trying to line it up by ear.
• It’s confusing and makes it hard to know whether the Downbeat, Grid, or Anchor controls are responsible for changes.
• Even with guidance from my teacher Natalie, it’s difficult to keep the tracks aligned.

Because of these issues, it can take me several days to prepare just one mix. For instance, I’ve spent three days trying to make a single mix sound correct — adjusting the grids, resetting the anchors, and managing phrasing — and I still feel nervous about uploading mixes. I want to be able to confidently prepare mixes for promoters or bookers, but the current AI behavior and lack of accessible guides slow me down considerably.

Here’s a recent example of a test I did: I loaded Animals on Deck 1 and Roses Are Red by Aqua on Deck 2. Initially, they were completely out of sync. I pressed Reset Grid and Clear Grid, and the mix then aligned correctly. While this sometimes works, I don’t fully understand why it happens or what exactly I’ve fixed.

I also want to highlight that the software allows multiple sync modes — BPM-only or full sync (BPM + phase). I’ve tried these modes to see if I can manually align tracks, but it’s not fully predictable. Sometimes pressing sync locks tracks in ways I don’t intend, and the AI may override my adjustments. I want the ability to fully control tracks myself, without automatic changes, especially when preparing professional mixes.

What would help most is:
1. A VoiceOver-accessible step-by-step guide for all new buttons: Downbeat, Grid, Anchor, Set Downbeat, Reset Grid, Clear Grid, and Anchor controls.
2. An option to turn off AI phrasing and automatic beat-matching completely, so I can line up tracks by ear without interference.
3. Clear instructions on handling situations where claps or beats don’t line up perfectly, or where the AI tries to override my adjustments.

Right now, I can’t upload mixes confidently until I see my teacher Natalie on Wednesday. It shouldn’t take three days to finalize a single mix. I want to use djay Pro professionally and prepare mixes efficiently, but the combination of AI adjustments and lack of accessible guides makes it very difficult.

I love how djay Pro keeps improving, and I appreciate the new features, but for blind users like me, a little more clarity and control — especially with AI phrasing — would make a huge difference.

Thank you for reading this and for considering these accessibility improvements. I’d really appreciate guidance or solutions so I can work confidently again. you for reading this and for considering these accessibility improvements. I’d really appreciate guidance or solutions so I can work confidently again.