Music Randomly Stutters at Various Times During the Event

Questions
1
  • Device model: iPad A16 11th Generation
  • Version of operating system: 26.4.2
  • Version of djay: 5.6.4
  • Hardware/controllers used: Pioneer DDJ Wego4

I finally took the plunge and brought an iPad after using djay on Android for years as everyone says that its much better on iOS. I do agree that its better as you can use the Pro layout and has better controller support, etc.

I’m having a problem with it though that I never expected to have on a brand new iPad A16 11th Gen which should be plenty powerful enough to run djay properly.

Basically it will be working fine and then a song will have a little stutter and then carry on playing fine. This happens a few times throughout the night at random times. I’ve done 3 gigs with it now and it has happened at all of them.

The DDJ Wego4 is powered up by its own 12v power adapter and then the iPad is connected to it with a USB C to USB B cable. The iPad isn’t plugged into a power adapter, but I fully charge it before the event and it only uses 10% battery per hour, so at the end of a 5 hour gig its still has 50% battery left.

Any ideas on what’s causing it would be greatly appreciated!

2

Hi @djsmoothe, this sounds like either a USB connection issue or a WiFi connection issue.

  1. Are you using a streaming service or local music stored on the iPad internal drive?
  2. Are you using a high-quality USB cable with dual ferrites on either end? Have you tried a different USB cable?
  3. Do you have Bluetooth turned on or off?
  4. If you are using local music, try disabling WiFi and Bluetooth to see if that helps.
  5. Before your next gig, try performing a Forced Restart of your iPad and don’t use any other apps other than other than djay. Force restart iPad - Apple Support (IE)
4

Hi @Slak_Jaw, thanks for a quick reply.

  1. I’m using a combination of both streaming and local music and it happens on both of them.
  2. The USB cable doesn’t have ferrites on but its the same cable that I use with my Android tablet without any stuttering issues. I will try a different cable and see what happens.
  3. Bluetooth is turned off and I also have Do Not Disturb turned on.
  4. I restarted the iPad before each gig and djay was the only app I was using.
1 Like
5

You’re welcome @djsmoothe. Thanks for answering my questions. Sounds like you are doing the right things here.

  1. Please let me know how it goes using a different cable - I personally use the Chroma Cables by DJ TechTools.
  2. I would also check the USB socket on your DJ controller to make sure that it is free of dust/debris and the connection with the cable is solid.
  3. How much free space do you have on your iPad?
  4. Also, I shared my personal iOS DJing tips a few years ago if you’d like to have a look: iOS Specific Advice / Tips
  5. If you are able to catch this issue on video that would also be very helpful.
6

Hi @Slak_Jaw,

  1. I’ve just had a look at the Chroma Cables and they only seem to come in long lengths, I only want a 0.5m cable really to keep things neat. Just done a Google search and they reckon these ones are pretty good for audio. What do you think? 0.5m USB 2.0 Type C to B Cable, Anthra Line - Cables & Adapters from Lindy UK
  2. I’ll try cleaning out the socket and see if it helps.
  3. There’s 76.15 GB free on the iPad.
  4. I’ll have a look at this now.
  5. I wouldn’t really be able to catch it on video as it happens randomly and quickly as it only stutters briefly then carries on playing normally.
7

Hi @djsmoothe,

  1. The Black and Red USB-C to B Chroma Cables come in 1m length: Chroma Cables USB-C to B – DJ Controller USB-C Cable | 1m & 2m – DJ TechTools. I have no experience with the Anthra cables you linked and they don’t seem to have ferrites so I wouldn’t recommend these.
8

Thanks @Slak_Jaw, at least there shorter than the 1.5m ones I see online.

I’m going to try doing all the things in your iOS Specific Advice and cleaning out the USB port on the controller to see if this works before buying one.

Do you think its worth getting a newer controller like the Pioneer DDJ FLX4 or the Hercules Impulse 500 to use with this USB C iPad as my Wego4 was designed for older tablets? Or would it not make any difference really?

9

You’re welcome @djsmoothe. I would try the iOS tips, cleaning the USB port then a new USB cable before upgrading your DJ controller. I use my iPad with older USB-B controllers and with more modern USB-C controllers with no issues. If the new cable doesn’t solve your issue, then you might want to consider a new DJ controller.

1 Like
10

Hi @Slak_Jaw, just giving you an update. I’ve done the recommendations in your iOS Specific Advice, cleaned the USB ports on the controller and brought a new cable. I got a Ugreen one from Amazon as it was on a good deal and could return it for free if it wasn’t any good.

I’ve tested it for an hour and haven’t had any stutters so fingers crossed it will be all good at the gig tonight :crossed_fingers: I’ll let you know tomorrow….

1 Like
11

That’s good to hear @djsmoothe. Thanks for the update. Good luck at your gig tonight.

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12

Hi @Slak_Jaw, I’m really pleased to say it worked perfectly last night at the gig with no stuttering at all :slightly_smiling_face:

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13

That’s great news @djsmoothe. Glad we were able to sort it all out.