Apple’s AutoMix feature is set to launch in macOS 26 and iOS 26 this fall. While it offers a great option for casual listening, it won’t rival professional DJ software or an experienced human DJ. As someone who spent time as a disk jockey in clubs and bars after serving a decade in the Navy, I recall the skills required to mix music using vinyl records. Cueing a record and adjusting the platter’s speed to avoid distortion were essential skills back then.
Beat-to-beat mixing, which has roots in the 1960s, has always been a key technique. My mixing skills were honed during the era of hits like “Can’t Touch This” and “Ice Ice Baby.” I’ve experimented with various DJ software but found it to be overkill for simple home mixing. Apple’s AutoMix impressed me when it was announced.
This feature automates beat-to-beat mixing, essentially replicating functions found in modern DJ software. My first experience with AutoMix on macOS 26 was promising, though not flawless. Activated through a straightforward toggle menu, it transitioned smoothly between my various playlists, including ’80s classics and dance tracks. Instead of traditional fading, AutoMix blends the next track’s introductory beats with the ongoing song, similar to how radio DJs operate.
However, it struggles with lengthy silences at the end of tracks, simply mixing in silence if a song ends with over ten seconds of quiet. While manual adjustments can be made for downloaded tracks, it’s a tedious process. AutoMix works best with electronic genres, while classic rock often features lengthy lead-outs that disrupt the mixing. Even classical music can sound awkward with this feature.
Additionally, there’s a bug that causes stuttering when scrubbing through songs. The feature is also incompatible with AirPlay speakers, though it functions adequately with simpler Bluetooth devices. In summary, AutoMix serves well for casual gatherings but falls short for more sophisticated mixing. Enhanced automatic detection of silence and lead-ins would improve its functionality, providing a taste of DJing without fully replicating the experience.
For now, it allows me to relive the nostalgic playlists of my youth.
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