In a nutshell, you will want to run “re2_install.jar”, the executable for the installer. You must have Java installed. You can find more detailed instructions in the Installation section.
Simply download the latest version from the Software section and run the installer. Select the same location you have Rapid Evolution installed, and when prompted choose to overwrite the files. Your song data will never be overwritten by the installer.
It is an advanced music library tool for DJs, which also aids in harmonic mixing. It offers automatic BPM and key detection, as well as BPM tappers and a built in MIDI keyboard to determine these properties yourself. It can even change the speed or key of a song independently of the other, which enables you to make any 2 songs compatible. Advanced searching lets you see which songs are in key, within BPM range and in compatible user-defined styles. It allows you to save information about successful mixouts between 2 songs. It is made to be referenced live while mixing, but can be used to plan mix sets. Additionally, it automatically shares song information through a central server, and lets you utilize collective DJ song and mix information.
This program will allow you to know and remember more about your music and your mixes. It helps you to mix harmonically without having to think twice about the underlying theory. It saves you time by offering automatic key and BPM detection and other useful database functions. It will help develop your ear if you use the built-in MIDI keyboard to key your songs. You can find great songs to mix much faster by filtering songs which are out of BPM range and out of key. It allows you to remember every successful mix between 2 songs you come up with, with details and your personal comments. It also separates your music library from the hardware or software you use to mix, which can change. It lets you collaborate seamlessly with other DJs. Hopefully, it will help take your mixing to new levels!
The program is free! However, donations are always welcome, and can be made in the Software section. Your continued donations help make this a success!
The only known comparison of key detection software so far is at MixingOnBeat. Currently, Rapid Evolution has the most accurate key detection in the world! Here is a summary of the results at the time of writing, against 91 songs:
| RE2 (@ highest quality) | RE2 (@ lowest quality) | Mixmeister Pro 6 | Mixmeister Pro 5 | MixedInKey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 correct (71%) | 61 correct (67%) | 53 correct (58%) | 52 correct (57%) | 40 correct (44%) |
| +17 compatible (90%) | +19 compatible (88%) | +14 compatible (74%) | +12 compatible (70%) | +26 compatible (73%) |
| 9 incorrect (10%) | 11 incorrect (12%) | 24 incorrect (26%) | 27 incorrect (30%) | 25 incorrect (27%) |
Yes! The wiki is the central location for information about Rapid Evolution.
There is a section in the wiki for music theory, which includes a tutorial on how to find a song's key. You can also find information at Harmonic-Mixing.com
If you have questions, ideas or find bugs please use the forum or email qualia@mixshare.com.
Simply copy the “music_database.xml” file from the program directory to the new location, all song and mix information is stored in it. Optionally, to preserve your display settings and configuration, you should also copy “skin.dat” and “lookfeel.cfg”.
Run the program, then go under options→server and clear out the email address field. It is not required, and if left blank will remove your contact information from the website.