Breaking Down Barriers in Live Performance Synchronization
The live performance industry has long struggled with a fundamental challenge: getting DJs, VJs, and lighting designers to work together seamlessly. Enter Clockworks.live, a companion software suite that's finally bridging the gap between audio and visual professionals, making synchronized performances more accessible than ever before.
What is Clockworks.live?
Clockworks.live is a specialized sync software designed specifically for Serato and Traktor users who want to integrate perfectly timed visuals and lighting into their performances[1][2]. Unlike traditional solutions that require complex MIDI setups or unreliable workarounds, Clockworks acts as the intelligent middleman that speaks the language of both DJ software and professional lighting/video systems.
The platform operates on a simple but powerful principle: it listens to your DJ software and automatically translates that information into industry-standard protocols that lighting designers and VJs already know and love[2].
Core Features That Actually Work
Universal Protocol Support
Clockworks.live doesn't force you to learn new systems. Instead, it outputs to familiar industry standards including Artnet TC, SMPTE, OSC, MTC, NDI-TC, and standard Metronome signals[2]. This means your existing TouchDesigner patches, Unreal Engine setups, or lighting console programming can immediately tap into perfectly synced DJ timing data.
Real-Time DJ Integration
The software maintains live connections with both Serato and Traktor, providing real-time track information, waveform data, and precise timing information[1]. This isn't just BPM detection – it's full metadata streaming that includes track titles, artist information, and most crucially, accurate beat-locked timing signals.
Professional Workflow Ready
Unlike consumer-focused sync solutions, Clockworks.live is built with lighting designers and video professionals in mind[2]. This means it supports the multi-deck workflows, cue point systems, and professional reliability standards that touring productions demand.
Why This Matters for the VJ Community
The challenge facing VJs has always been the disconnect between DJ booth technology and visual performance tools. While DJs have settled on Serato and Traktor as their primary platforms, VJs have been stuck with complicated MIDI mapping, unreliable audio analysis, or expensive timecode systems that require cooperation from artists who just want to focus on their music.
Solving the Sync Problem
Traditional solutions like Ableton Link work well in controlled environments, but fail in real-world club scenarios where network reliability is questionable[3]. MIDI clock, while functional, suffers from stability issues and requires complex setup that often breaks during performances[3]. Clockworks.live addresses these pain points by creating a dedicated bridge that's designed for the chaos of live performance environments.
Professional Integration
The software's support for industry-standard protocols means VJs can integrate it into existing workflows without rebuilding their entire setup. Whether you're running Resolume, TouchDesigner, or custom visual systems, Clockworks.live provides the reliable timing backbone that makes everything else possible[2].
Pricing and Accessibility
Clockworks.live offers three distinct pricing tiers designed for different use cases[1]:
Light Plan ($8/month)
Perfect for VJs who primarily need visual information, this viewer-only plan provides track titles, waveforms, artist information, and basic metronome functionality. It supports both Serato and Traktor with Virtual DJ and TCnet support coming soon.
Pro Plan ($75/month)
The professional tier unlocks full transport signal output, complete metadata streaming, 4-deck support, and iPad app integration. This is the sweet spot for working VJs and lighting designers who need comprehensive control.
Tour Plan (Contact Pricing)
For large-scale productions, the Tour plan includes everything from Pro plus beta builds, SLA availability guarantees, 24/7 direct support, and custom solutions development.
The Broader Industry Impact
Clockworks.live represents more than just another sync tool – it's addressing a fundamental workflow problem that has held back creative collaboration in live performance. By creating reliable bridges between DJ software and visual systems, it enables new types of collaborative performances that were previously too technically challenging to implement consistently.
For DJs, it means their software choices are no longer limited by what their visual team can work with. For VJs and lighting designers, it means they can finally build shows that truly respond to the music rather than just approximating it. For audiences, it means more immersive, synchronized experiences that feel cohesive rather than like separate audio and visual performances running in parallel.
Real-World Applications
The software excels in scenarios where traditional sync methods fail. Festival main stages, where network infrastructure is unreliable and MIDI setups are impractical, benefit from Clockworks.live's direct software integration. Club residencies, where VJs need to adapt to different DJs' workflows nightly, can use the platform's universal compatibility to work with any Serato or Traktor user seamlessly.
Corporate events and installations gain access to professional-grade synchronization without requiring specialized technical knowledge from performers. The software handles the complexity behind the scenes, allowing artists to focus on their creative performance rather than technical troubleshooting.
Looking Forward
Clockworks.live is solving a problem that the industry has worked around for years rather than addressing directly. By creating professional-grade sync infrastructure specifically for the DJ/VJ ecosystem, it's enabling a new level of creative collaboration that was previously reserved for productions with significant technical budgets and specialized knowledge.
For the VJ community, this represents both an opportunity and a shift in how we approach live visual performance. Rather than building complex workarounds for each venue and DJ combination, we can focus on creating content and developing artistic vision, knowing that the technical sync foundation is reliable and consistent.
The platform's commitment to supporting both established DJ software platforms and emerging visual technologies positions it as the infrastructure layer that could finally unlock the full potential of collaborative live performance in electronic music and beyond.
For VJs ready to stop fighting with sync issues and start creating synchronized experiences that actually work in real-world venues, Clockworks.live offers a compelling solution that bridges the gap between DJ booth technology and professional visual performance.
Citations:
[1] Clockworks About & Plans https://clockworks.live/plans
[2] CLOCKWORKS https://clockworks.live
[3] Using Ableton Link to Sync Resolume 6 with DJs https://zerotovj.com/using-ableton-link-to-sync-resolume-6-with-djs/
[4] Using Waveclock to send MIDI clock to VDMX https://vdmx.vidvox.net/tutorials/using-waveclock-to-send-midi-clock-to-vdmx
[5] We Review The Clockworks Live In Manchester https://rgm.press/we-review-the-clockworks-live-in-manchester-what-happened/live-review/
[6] THE CLOCKWORKS – LIVE REVIEW – MOTH CLUB LONDON https://thesongbirdhq.com/2024/02/20/the-clockworks-live-review/
[7] Livestream - Building VJ software / EP04 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b54nxwEdPTg
[8] Clockwork https://jenselfving.com/clockwork
[9] LIVE REVIEW: Johnny Marr, The Clockworks, Kelvingrove ... https://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/202407/reviews/live-reviews/live-review-johnny-marr-the-clockworks-kelvingrove-bandstand-glasgow-25-07-2024
[10] THE CLOCKWORKS Share New Performance Film 'Live at ... https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/THE-CLOCKWORKS-Share-New-Performance-Film-Live-at-the-Rio-20210728
[11] The Clockworks — Review - Traveller's Tunes https://travellerstunes.com/review/tag/The+Clockworks
[12] Anyone know anything about doing live visuals for shows? https://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers/comments/cib81/anyone_know_anything_about_doing_live_visuals_for/
[13] The Clockworks - Exit Strategy | Reviews - Clash Magazine https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/the-clockworks-exit-strategy/
[14] NUCLYR Software https://beatflo.net/products/nuclyr-software
[15] Northlane | Clockwork | Live at the Forum, Melbourne 18 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4auL9QDLHc
[16] Gig Review: The Clockworks @ Rough Trade - Epigram https://epigram.org.uk/untitled-221/
[17] How to timecode? And what products are needed for ... https://www.reddit.com/r/vjing/comments/czqc74/how_to_timecode_and_what_products_are_needed_for/
[18] The Clockworks - Live At The Rio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gXdQgD_NFs
[19] Live Review: The Clockworks / Cheap Teeth / Niches (IVW) https://www.backseatmafia.com/live-review-the-clockworks-cheap-teeth-niches-ivw-the-factory-worthing-02-02-2022-plus-gallery/
[20] VJ Day Mailbag: What VJ Software to Use? https://cdm.link/vj-day-mailbag-what-vj-software-to-use/
[21] Lost in the Moment (An Abbey Road Live Session) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5HhrMKfelI
[22] Sync Resolume, GrandMA, and CDJs with Showkontrol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGIxUY691K0
[23] Clockwork Reviews 2025: Details, Pricing, & Features https://www.g2.com/products/clockwork-clockwork/reviews
[24] Showsync | Tools for synchronised live shows https://www.showsync.com
[25] DJ / VJ / DMX Setup (Midi Clock Sync) - Q Light Controller+ http://www.qlcplus.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8067
[26] Clockwork AI Xero Integration Reviews & Features https://apps.xero.com/au/app/clockwork-ai
[27] SoundSwitch - The Best Way to Light your Event https://www.soundswitch.com
[28] How I Create VJ Mixes: My Step-by-Step Workflow https://dj.studio/blog/create-vj-mixes
[29] Clockwork Software - 2025 Reviews, Pricing & Demo https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/254445/clockwork
[30] How to Sync DJ Lights with Your Music for Maximum Impact https://www.marsledstage.com/a-news-how-to-sync-dj-lights-with-your-music-for-maximum-impact.html
[31] Clockwork Reviews https://www.capterra.com.au/reviews/211815/clockwork
[32] Is SoundSwitch still the best DJ DMX software for 2024? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1lNt8CEQCs
[33] Clockworks Analytics Cost & Reviews https://www.capterra.com.au/software/219714/clockworks-analytics
[34] Beginner's Guide To DJ Lighting 2024 https://www.digitaldjtips.com/beginners-guide-to-dj-lighting/
[35] Best software to both DJ and VJ at the same time? : r/vjing https://www.reddit.com/r/vjing/comments/179gldr/best_software_to_both_dj_and_vj_at_the_same_time/
[36] Clockwork.ai Reviews & Product Details https://www.g2.com/products/clockwork-ai/reviews
[37] Rekordbox Sync'd with external video/lighting software https://www.reddit.com/r/Rekordbox/comments/1alh8p8/rekordbox_syncd_with_external_videolighting/
[38] The Best VJ Software for Live Events - Castr's Blog https://castr.com/blog/best-vj-software-for-live-events/
[39] Clockwork IT Reviews, Cost & Features https://www.getapp.com.au/software/2077586/clockwork-it
[40] Synchronizing DJ Software With Vidjam https://beatflo.net/tutorials/synchronizing-dj-software-vidjam
[41] Best way to SYNC CLOCK for several devices : r/synthesizers https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/comments/gr5tr1/best_way_to_sync_clock_for_several_devices/
[42] Mind boggled trying to choose lighting software. Pls halp https://www.reddit.com/r/lightingdesign/comments/igsq1y/mind_boggled_trying_to_choose_lighting_software/
[43] Head To Head: Traktor Pro 3 Vs Serato DJ Pro https://www.digitaldjtips.com/head-to-head-traktor-pro-3-vs-serato-dj-pro/
[44] Get Companion running on a Raspberry Pi and create your ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esh6cewbyO8
[45] How to GET ALL RGB's to SYNC! BEST RGB SOFTWARE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQkfH5FgCP4
[46] DJ Software 2025 ▶ Compare Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor ... https://www.recordcase.de/en/dj-software-comparison-2025-rekordbox-serato-traktor-virtualdj-explained
[47] Downloads For Mac & PC - CLOCKWORKS https://clockworks.live/download
[48] Syncing Results In Serato DJ, Traktor Pro, Rekordbox DJ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrRF4iiL_H0
[49] Sync for Everyone - CLOCKWORKS https://clockworks.live/recover
[50] Clockwork Clock Sync Reviews & Product Details https://www.g2.com/products/clockwork-clock-sync/reviews
[51] Traktor vs Serato vs VirtualDJ vs Mixx vs Rekordbox https://www.reddit.com/r/DJs/comments/ysljku/traktor_vs_serato_vs_virtualdj_vs_mixx_vs/
[52] Sync Clocks Across Locations and Environments - clockwork https://clockwork.io/blog/sync-clocks-across-locations-and-environments/
[53] RGB SOFTWARE for all brands! | How to get ALL ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S44Xr2NH7Js
[54] Hardware - Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 https://serato.com/dj/hardware/native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s2-mk3
[55] Clockwork Clock Sync https://appsource.microsoft.com/uk-ua/product/web-apps/ticktocknetworksinc1589741222544.tick-tock-clock-synchronization?tab=Overview
[56] How to control RGB lights in PC 2025! How to GET ALL ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeeB0G2yrbU
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