tinytunes DJ

tinytunes DJ Docs

tinytunes DJ: Complete Introduction and User Guide

2025-12-16

A complete guide to installing, configuring, and using tinytunes DJ - including local files, YouTube tracks, set lists, cue points, mixing basics, sync across devices, offline/PWA usage, and troubleshooting.

tinytunes DJ is a minimal, browser-based DJ controller for local files and online sources like YouTube.
This guide walks through everything you need to go from first playback to confident mixing.

Table of contents

  1. Quick start
  2. Interface overview
  3. Local music files
  4. YouTube tracks
  5. Playlists & library
  6. Set lists
  7. Cue points & beatgrids
  8. Mixing basics
  9. Beatmatching & sync
  10. Accounts & sync
  11. Keyboard controls
  12. Offline use & PWA
  13. Audio setup
  14. Troubleshooting
  15. Advanced: multi-device behavior

1. Quick start

1.1 What tinytunes DJ is

tinytunes DJ is:

  • A web-based DJ app running in your browser.
  • Designed for:
    • Practicing DJ skills at home.
    • Simple sets at house parties or small events.
    • Teaching and experimentation.

1.2 System requirements

  • Modern desktop browser: Chrome, Edge, Brave (latest version).
  • Reasonably fast CPU and enough RAM for audio + UI.
  • Stable internet if you use YouTube or other online sources.

Optional (recommended):

  • External speakers.
  • Headphones.
  • Audio interface for multi-output setups.

1.3 First-time setup

  1. Open the tinytunes DJ URL in your browser.
  2. Allow any required permissions (audio, file access, etc.).
  3. Get oriented:
    • Navigation - switch between Deck, Library, Docs, Plans, and Controls; account controls are in the user menu.
    • Decks - Deck A (left), Deck B (right).
    • Mixer - crossfader, EQ, master.
    • Library panel - tracks, playlists, set lists, search.

1.4 Your first track

  1. Add a local track (see Local music files)
    or add a YouTube track (see YouTube tracks).
  2. Load it to Deck A (button or drag-and-drop).
  3. Press Play.
  4. Set a Cue at your preferred start point.

2. Interface overview

Understanding the layout makes everything else easier.

2.1 Main layout

  • Deck A / Deck B
    • Track title & artist.
    • BPM and elapsed/remaining time.
    • Waveform display.
    • Transport controls (play, pause, cue).
    • Tempo / pitch controls (if available).
  • Mixer
    • Crossfader between Deck A and Deck B.
    • EQ (High / Mid / Low).
    • Channel and master gain.
  • Library panel
    • Track browser.
    • Playlists and set lists.
    • Filters and search.

2.2 Navigation

  • Logo
    Usually returns to the main deck view.
  • Nav items
    Deck, Library, My Mixes, Docs, Plans, and Controls (keyboard icon).
  • On desktop, navigation is typically shown as a sidebar. On smaller screens, it may appear in a menu.

2.3 Responsive behavior

  • Desktop - decks, mixer, and library visible together.
  • Tablet - some panels may collapse or toggle.
  • Mobile - one main panel at a time with tabs/drawers for navigation.

3. Local music files

Local files are the most reliable source for tight, responsive DJing.

3.1 Supported formats

(Exact support depends on the browser.)

  • Typical formats: mp3, wav, flac, aac.
  • Keep files organized by artist/album or crate for easier browsing.

3.2 Adding local tracks and folders

  1. Click Add local tracks (or similar).
  2. Choose:
    • A single audio file, or
    • A folder containing multiple tracks.
  3. When the browser prompts, grant access.

tinytunes DJ can then:

  • Read metadata (title, duration, etc.).
  • Play files directly from your disk.

Local audio is never uploaded by default.

3.3 How your local library is saved

tinytunes DJ saves your local library on this device. If you clear site data or switch browsers/devices, you may need to re-add your folders.

3.4 Rescanning & moved files

If you move/rename folders:

  • Some tracks may show as missing.
  • Fix by:
    • Re-granting access to the new folder.
    • Running a Rescan from the library.

3.5 Local files on multiple devices

When you sign in on another device:

  • Local track metadata syncs, but the files themselves don't.
  • On devices without those files:
    • Tracks may be shown as unavailable on this device and won't be playable until you add the files here.
  • When you're signed in and open the Library tab, you may see a one-time modal:
    "Some local files are not available on this device."
    • This modal only appears for logged-in users.
    • Use SYNC to re-open your local music folder (similar to the Library's OPEN FOLDER button) and restore access to missing files, or CANCEL to dismiss it for the current session.

4. YouTube tracks

You can mix YouTube tracks alongside your local library.

For a complete walkthrough (search + playlist import + management), see:

4.1 Adding YouTube tracks

  • Paste a YouTube URL into the appropriate input, or
  • Use built-in search if available.

Saved YouTube tracks keep the link/video details in your library (title and source info).

4.2 Differences vs local files

  • Require live internet.
  • Subject to:
    • Ads.
    • Region restrictions.
    • Removed videos.
  • Analysis (waveform, BPM) may be less predictable.
  • Latency can be higher than local playback.

4.3 Best practices

  • Pre-load YouTube tracks before mixing them in.
  • Favor tracks with clean intros/outros.
  • Consider local copies for critical tracks.

4.4 Troubleshooting YouTube playback

  • Check your network connection.
  • Confirm the video works directly on youtube.com.
  • Try another browser or device if a single track consistently fails.

5. Playlists & library

Playlists keep your library organized by context.

5.1 Creating & renaming playlists

  • In the library panel:
    • Click New playlist.
    • Name it (e.g. “Warm-up House”).
  • Rename via context menu or properties.

5.2 Adding & removing tracks

  • Add:
    • Right-click a track, then choose "Add to playlist".
    • Or drag-and-drop into a playlist.
  • Remove:
    • Open the playlist and remove individual entries.

Playlists are references, not copies of files.

5.3 Sorting & filtering

  • Sort by title, artist, BPM, duration, date added (depending on features).
  • Filter with:
    • Text search.
    • Tags or categories where supported.

5.4 Playlists across sessions/devices

  • Playlists are saved on this device.
  • They persist across reloads, but they do not currently sync to your account.
  • If you use a different device or browser, you'll need to recreate playlists there.

6. Set lists

Set lists capture a full performance plan: deck queues + set-specific cues.

6.1 What a set list is

A set list stores:

  • Deck A queue (order of tracks).
  • Deck B queue.
  • Cue points specific to this set.

It’s different from a playlist:

  • Playlist = a bucket of tracks.
  • Set list = “how I’ll play these tracks tonight.”

6.2 Saving a set list

  1. Prepare your Deck A/B queues.
  2. In SETTINGS, click OPEN next to SET LIST.
  3. Choose Save current set list.
  4. Enter a name (e.g. "Friday Night House - v1").
  5. Save.

The app records:

  • Order of tracks per deck.
  • Set-specific cue points for each track.

6.3 Loading a set list

  1. In SETTINGS, click OPEN next to SET LIST.
  2. Select a set from the list.
  3. tinytunes DJ:
    • Restores Deck A/B queues.
    • Restores set-specific cue points.
    • Skips any tracks that are unavailable on this device.

6.4 Editing & deleting

Depending on your UI:

  • Rename a set list.
  • Save a modified version as a new set (“Save As”).
  • Delete sets you no longer need.

7. Cue points & beatgrids

Cue points let you jump instantly within a track.

7.1 Why cue points matter

Use cue points to:

  • Mark intros/outros.
  • Tag breakdowns and drops.
  • Store loop start points.

7.2 Global vs set-specific cues

  • Global cues - attached to the track itself; used everywhere.
  • Set-specific cues - stored inside a particular set list; changing them does not affect other sets.

7.3 Creating & managing cues

  • While a track plays or is paused:
    • Hit Set Cue to drop a marker.
    • Drag cue markers along the waveform to fine-tune.
  • Remove via an X icon or context menu.

7.4 Using cues in performance

  • Jump instantly to key moments (e.g. breakdown, drop).
  • Combine with EQ and crossfader moves for more musical transitions.
  • Use cues as practice markers while learning a new track.

8. Mixing basics

This section focuses on crossfader, EQ, and safe levels.

8.1 Crossfader

  • Fully left = Deck A only.
  • Fully right = Deck B only.
  • Center = blend of both.

Basic transition:

  1. Old track on Deck A; new track prepared on Deck B.
  2. Start Deck B at low EQ/volume.
  3. Gradually move crossfader towards Deck B as you bring it in.

8.2 EQ (High / Mid / Low)

  • High - cymbals, hi-hats, brightness.
  • Mid - vocals, synths, body.
  • Low - kick and bass.

Typical approach:

  • Cut lows on the incoming track until you’re ready to switch basslines.
  • Use mids/highs for creative emphasis (e.g. remove vocals during mixing).

8.3 Gain & headroom

  • Use per-deck gain/trim to match perceived loudness.
  • Keep meters out of the red:
    • Leave some headroom.
    • Avoid clipping and distortion.

9. Beatmatching & sync

Beatmatching aligns the beats of two tracks.

9.1 BPM & tempo

  • BPM (beats per minute) is shown per deck.
  • Tempo sliders adjust playback speed:
    • +% to speed up.
    • -% to slow down.

9.2 Manual beatmatching

  1. Match BPM values as closely as possible.
  2. Use cue points to start tracks at similar phrase positions.
  3. If beats drift:
    • Nudge one deck briefly faster/slower until kicks line up.
  4. Practice with two similar-BPM tracks until it feels natural.

9.3 Sync features

If sync is enabled:

  • Sync can match tempo and sometimes phase.
  • Good for:
    • Quick transitions.
    • Complex mixes where you want to focus on EQ and phrasing.
  • Still:
    • Check phrasing yourself.
    • Be aware sync may misdetect complex or live tracks.

9.4 Practice ideas

  • Mix two versions of the same track.
  • Mix tracks within +/- 2 BPM.
  • Record yourself (even screen/audio capture) and listen back critically.

10. Accounts & sync

Accounts are optional but unlock cross-device sync.

10.1 Signing in and out

  • Use the Account / Sign in controls.
  • Logged-out:
    • All data stays on this browser only.
  • Logged-in:
    • Some library info can sync to your account so you can see it on other devices.

10.2 What gets synced

Synced:

  • Track metadata (not audio).
  • Set lists (including set-specific cue points).

Not synced:

  • Local audio files.
  • Folder/file access permissions on this device.
  • Playlists.
  • Global cue markers outside set lists.

10.3 Multi-device expectations

  • On a second device:
    • Library structure appears.
    • YouTube tracks should play.
    • Local tracks from other devices may show as unavailable until those files exist locally and you've added the folders on this device.

11. Keyboard controls

tinytunes DJ treats keyboard control as a first-class way to run the decks.

11.1 Default shortcuts

By default (on a US-style keyboard):

  • A / B - Play/Pause Deck A / Deck B.
  • Q / W - Cue Deck A / Deck B (set or jump).
  • ArrowLeft / ArrowRight - Move the crossfader towards Deck A / Deck B.
  • ArrowDown - Snap crossfader to center.
  • Z / X - Nudge Deck A slightly backward / forward.
  • , / . - Nudge Deck B slightly backward / forward.
  • Shift + Q / Shift + W - Sync Deck A to B / Deck B to A.
  • Shift + X / Shift + . - Load next queued track to Deck A / Deck B.
  • L - Toggle Set List dialog.

Shortcuts are ignored while typing into text fields (e.g. search boxes).

11.2 Customising shortcuts

  • Everyone can use the default shortcuts.
  • Signed-in users may be able to customise them depending on plan:
    • Open Controls (keyboard icon) in the sidebar/menu.
    • Click CHANGE next to an action and press a new key.
    • Use RESET TO DEFAULTS to go back to the built-in mapping.

Keyboard settings are saved on this device. When signed in, settings can follow your account across devices.

12. Offline use & PWA

tinytunes DJ can be installed as a Progressive Web App on supported browsers.

11.1 Installing the app

Desktop (Chrome/Edge/Brave):

  1. Open tinytunes DJ.
  2. Click the Install app (or “Install tinytunes DJ”) button in the address bar.
  3. Confirm installation.

Android (Chrome):

  1. Open tinytunes DJ.
  2. Use Add to Home screen / Install app prompt.
  3. Launch from the home screen icon.

11.2 What works offline

After initial load:

  • App shell and UI.
  • Your library saved on this device:
    • Tracks, playlists, set lists, cue points.
  • Local tracks (if the files are still available on this device and any external drive is connected).

11.3 What doesn’t work offline

  • YouTube and other online sources.
  • Logging in/out and live sync.
  • Any features that require an internet connection.

11.4 Platform caveats

  • PWA behavior differs by platform and OS (especially iOS in some regions).
  • For serious sets, desktop browsers usually provide the most stable experience.

13. Audio setup

Good audio setup makes practice and performance more enjoyable.

12.1 Single-output setup

  • Use built-in laptop output or a single external device (speakers or headphones).
  • All audio (both decks) goes through the same output.

12.2 Headphones & cueing

  • With only one stereo output:
    • Cueing is limited; you may rely more on waveforms and quick soloing.
  • With a multi-output audio interface:
    • One output for master.
    • One for cue/headphones (if supported by the app).

12.3 Using an external audio interface

  • Benefits:
    • Separate master and cue outputs.
    • Often lower noise and better converters.
  • Steps:
    • Select the interface as the OS output.
    • Configure tinytunes DJ (if supported) to use specific output channels.

12.4 Latency tips

  • Close CPU-heavy applications.
  • Prefer wired connections over Bluetooth for main audio.
  • Use a modern browser with hardware acceleration enabled.

14. Troubleshooting

13.1 No sound

  • Check:
    • System volume and mute.
    • Browser tab not muted.
    • Correct output device selected.
  • Try:
    • Reloading tinytunes DJ.
    • Testing another site (e.g. YouTube) to confirm system audio works.

13.2 Local files missing

  • Files moved or renamed:
    • Regrant access to the new folder.
    • Run a rescan.
  • Browser storage cleared:
    • Re-add folders and rebuild your local library.

13.3 YouTube issues

  • Verify network connection.
  • Check that the video plays on youtube.com.
  • Try another browser if the issue is persistent for a specific track.

13.4 Sync & account problems

  • Confirm you’re logged in with the same account across devices.
  • Check network health.
  • If recent edits don’t appear:
    • Refresh the page.
    • Give sync a moment to complete.

15. Using multiple devices

If you DJ on more than one machine, keep this in mind.

15.1 Local files are per-device

  • Local tracks live on the computer/drive you're using.
  • Signing in can sync some library structure, but it does not move your audio files to other devices automatically.

15.2 What happens when a track isn't available

  • You may see track entries that can't play on this device yet.
  • Set lists will skip tracks that aren't available on this device.

15.3 Best practices

  • Use one primary machine for managing your full local library.
  • On other machines, focus on online sources or a smaller local subset.
  • Keep folder structures consistent if you move libraries via external drives.

You now have a complete overview of how tinytunes DJ works: from local files and YouTube tracks to set lists, cues, mixing basics, sync, offline use, and multi-device behavior.
Use this guide as a reference as you experiment, practice, and refine your own DJ workflow.