Clips, layers, effects and output.
UltimateVJ is free VJ software for supported Macs. Arrange your media, trigger clips live and shape the mix through effects. 0.3.2 (build 6) is the current checked Research Preview package. Check your Mac before installing.
This overview connects the product workflow to the manual. The manual describes development behavior; a documented control is not proof that it has passed a live-show test in this package.
Arrange a set you can perform
A set contains banks, layers and clips. Banks organize your choices; layers combine sources in the mix. Import your own media into the matrix and keep related clips together so you can find the next look while another is playing.
Understand sets, banks, layers and clips · Import media
Trigger and audition deliberately
The Preview monitor and program Output have different jobs. Audition a clip before sending it live, then trigger it on its layer. Transport controls let you work with playback and cue points; read the relevant guide before depending on a particular playback mode.
Clips and transport · Take the interface tour
Build an effect stack
Choose the scope before making a change: Clip, Layer or Master. An effect on a clip travels with that clip; a layer or master adjustment changes a wider part of the mix. Stack order matters, so begin with one effect and compare the result before adding more.
The application uses its own supported effects. It does not promise to reconstruct proprietary effect chains or host third-party plug-ins.
Work with effect stacks · Animate parameters
Add generated sources with RenderWave
RenderWave is built into UltimateVJ. Its Shader Browser supplies generated clip sources that can sit alongside imported media. The manual also distinguishes those sources from Kaleidoscope · RenderWave, an effect in the stack. Catalog availability depends on the installed build; do not treat separate RenderWave product claims as UltimateVJ features.
Control timing and performance actions
Tap tempo, quantization and Ableton Link are documented ways to work with timing. Link shares tempo and bar phase; it does not synchronize transport start/stop. Keyboard and MIDI mappings connect supported actions and parameters to controls. A working mapping is separate from proof of device-specific LEDs or controller behavior.
Tempo, Link and quantization · Keyboard and MIDI
Choose output, then check the real screen
Use the separate output window while preparing a set, or choose a fullscreen display. The 0.3.2 release notes describe updated output-mapping manipulation and a built-in calibration card. This is a published change description, not our own physical-screen acceptance result.
The manual limits output to one selected physical display and identifies Syphon/NDI output as unavailable. Recording is documented as silent. Read these limits before designing a workflow around sharing output or recording sound.
Output and fullscreen · Output mapping · Recording
Save a recoverable set
Save a .uvj set and keep its referenced media available. The Media manager can relink missing files or collect a portable copy. Autosave is useful recovery support; an explicitly saved and reopened set is still part of preparing your work.
Start with a small complete workflow
Install, trigger one clip, change one effect, check output and save. Add complexity only after that complete path works on your Mac. Use the Quickstart, then prepare your first set. Read the full limitations for unsupported integrations and unqualified behavior.