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-- Basic Help For Beginner DJs
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What r the best
Best decks? Best Headphones? Best mixer? Best online record store?
Guys, is it really important to have good decks to start off with? I can't really afford any technics turntables, but I still would like to have ones to learn on...what do you think? For my mixer i think im gonna grab a three channel one, to mix from my comp as well...suggestions?
there are quite a few questions asked on this page.. and i have the solution to ALL of your questions.
just click on the link below. 
welcome to TA.
BPM Mixing Charts
Is there a website where I can get a BPM Mixing chart? I really don't wanna go through the trouble and finding one over here. Help please?
what the hell is a BPM mixing chart?
if you're referring to a chart that has a list of BPMs and crossreferences to the different %pitch changes to go to another BPM, then you're wasting your time as it's just a simple math equation.
if you want to speed up the beats of a song to match the track that is playing, then the equation is:
%pitch = (BPM of track currently playing)/(BPM of track you want to mix)
if you want to slow down the record to match the speed of the track that is playing, then the equation is:
%pitch = (BPM of track currently playing)/(BPM of track you want to mix) -1. remember to subtract the 1 as that will you give you a negative and indicates that you need to go in the negative pitch direction
| quote: |
| Originally posted by liquidmist2001 what the hell is a BPM mixing chart? if you're referring to a chart that has a list of BPMs and crossreferences to the different %pitch changes to go to another BPM, then you're wasting your time as it's just a simple math equation. if you want to speed up the beats of a song to match the track that is playing, then the equation is: %pitch = (BPM of track currently playing)/(BPM of track you want to mix) if you want to slow down the record to match the speed of the track that is playing, then the equation is: %pitch = (BPM of track currently playing)/(BPM of track you want to mix) -1. remember to subtract the 1 as that will you give you a negative and indicates that you need to go in the negative pitch direction |
. That was exactly what I was looking for. Vinyl File sells BPM mixing charts and I thought that there would be something simular on the net. But given this equation I can make my own. thanks a lot
Mixing software
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Furel Hey, I would like to know if there are any mixing softwares for beginners. I just want to edit and put some tracks together. Since I work fulltime and study at night, the only freetime I have is the weekend. So I dont want to spend lots of money on equipment that I will seldomly use. I just want to know what do I need in my PC to put some tracks together. I dont care if its not gonna sound REALLY good. Its just 4 fun!!! Can you help me? Thats all, thanks for you time. |
Mixing software
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Furel Hey, I would like to know if there are any mixing softwares for beginners. I just want to edit and put some tracks together. Since I work fulltime and study at night, the only freetime I have is the weekend. So I dont want to spend lots of money on equipment that I will seldomly use. I just want to know what do I need in my PC to put some tracks together. I dont care if its not gonna sound REALLY good. Its just 4 fun!!! Can you help me? Thats all, thanks for you time. |
Im sorry, but, mixmeister takes the fun out of,,, everything, unless u want a mix cd on the double, its really booooring
Im sorry, but, mixmeister takes the fun out of,,, everything, unless u want a mix cd on the double, its really booooring
tips-n-tricks
Some tips-n-tricks in no special order. Not rules, just tips 
Mixers with/or BPM counters:
Doesn't really matter if you use it or not, it WILL NOT hurt you in the long run. I learned without, but for doing straight 4-on-the-floor (most trance and house) it can get you up to speed quicker. Sure for the first couple of weeks you may depend on it, but once you get the feel of mixing, you'll find you could care less if it is there or not.
Beat Mixing:
Myself, I prefer a rule I made up myself, (least I've never heard anyone else say it -but I am sure others follow it to a degree).
It's called "2-in/2-out"*. All this means is that for the last 2 minutes of a track, I already have the 2nd track beatmatched and playing. Using this as a guideline can lead to extremely smooth mixing which leads to...
Music Selection/Order:
Playing by BPM order is an easy way to start. After you get a feel for that, you'll find that some tracks work better with others regardless of BPM.
Also I use what I call "cycling" all this means is that I either start out with "slow" tracks (when playing hip-hop/Top40, i call these "Chick Tunes"**), then build to high-energy, then back down again. The order of cycling is going to be determined by the previous DJ, if he ended on a high energy track and the floor is banging, just follow suit. If you are opening the floor, start off with the chill tracks so everyone can get thier drinks and chat up thier friends. I aim for half-hour cycles, but hey 15 minutes or 20 minutes, whatever works for ya'.
Personally, I build tracklists by the length of my set. Depending on the style of the music I will be playing, I can roughly estimate how many tracks I will play, then decide what tracks I need to play, then build around those. For example:
1 hour set of trance/house:
Assuming each track is 8 minutes long and following the "2-in/2- out" guideline means that I will use roughly 14 tracks.
(Not 15 as the first track and last track are only mixed on lead in and out).
Now "cycle", based off of your starting positio(opener/follower).
If you seem to be losing the crowd, feel free to switch it up, but chances are very slim that you will lose the crowd with these simple guidelines.
This info is from a dj with a residency in a medium sized nightclub. I started the rez in October 2003, and have, since December 2003 increased the head count and sales for that night by 200% (from 0-20 people to a consistent 250-300). With no promotion from the venue or myself, just word of mouth from customers, to customers. This knowledge comes directly from live, in-the-club, paying gig experience.
The above are only guidelines, not hard-n-fast rules.
But they work.
Consistently.
ill13
www.ill13.com
* for hiphop/top40 this rule is changed to "1-in/1-out" as most tracks are only 3-5 minutes long.
** "Chick Tunes": Are the slow tracks you may or may not like, but the girls love. The theory behind this is that.
1] The club opens up, chicks are drinkin' and chillin'.
2] They hear songs they like, they drink some more, then they hit the dancefloor.
3] The guys are drinkin' and chillin', but now there are chicks on the dance floor, but the music sucks so the guys drink more, so they can build up the "liquid courage" to chat up the ladies on the dance floor -and wait for better music.
4] More guys and gals walk into the venue, they see chicks on the dancefloor. The club is therefore bangin'. Chicks and guys buy drinks, the new chicks hit the dancefloor.
5] The music starts to build. Guys hit the floor, New guys that just came in see all the chicks and a few guys on the dancefloor, they drink.
6] Music peaks, everyone is on the floor.
7] The music starts to slow down. Some guys get more drinks. The rest of the guys try to mack the girls.
8] Now do you get it?
If I could go back to when I first started DJ'ing I think the best advise I might have received would have been to learn about music.
In my oppinion you must know the fundamentals. Bars, Measures, Keys, etc.. Whether or not you ever plan to produce this will truely set you apart. You may even consider taking a musical theory class.
Exactly!!
The best DJs in the world, are also producers.
Secondly, learning basic music theory, as well as live sound technics, production mixing, recording, all these things lend themselves to being a better DJ. Its not just about knowing music, but also about how music is mixed (in a production sense, or a recording sense) as well as bars, beats, key, etc. All these things will help you become a better DJ. I read constantly about production, as well as music theory, I also read whatever I can get my hands on that has to do with music. I have been djing for almost 4 years now, with a lot of club nights, and a lot of parties under my belt. I am constantly working at it. Constantly trying to polish my sound, as well as broaden it. Music is my life.
13
Thirteen,
You nailed it, bro.!
MUSIC IS NOT KNOWLEDGE IT IS EMOTION!
Re: tips-n-tricks
| quote: |
| Originally posted by ill13 ** "Chick Tunes": Are the slow tracks you may or may not like, but the girls love. The theory behind this is that. 1] The club opens up, chicks are drinkin' and chillin'. 2] They hear songs they like, they drink some more, then they hit the dancefloor. 3] The guys are drinkin' and chillin', but now there are chicks on the dance floor, but the music sucks so the guys drink more, so they can build up the "liquid courage" to chat up the ladies on the dance floor -and wait for better music. 4] More guys and gals walk into the venue, they see chicks on the dancefloor. The club is therefore bangin'. Chicks and guys buy drinks, the new chicks hit the dancefloor. 5] The music starts to build. Guys hit the floor, New guys that just came in see all the chicks and a few guys on the dancefloor, they drink. 6] Music peaks, everyone is on the floor. 7] The music starts to slow down. Some guys get more drinks. The rest of the guys try to mack the girls. 8] Now do you get it? |
Hey all, I don't know if this is the right place to ask this but I did look around. I just want to know a few basic things. I have 2 turntables lying around the house and i'm not sure if they are usable. One is a Technics Quartz SL-Q2 Direct Drive turntable and the other is a Technics SL-D202 Direct Drive turntable and both are in great condition. I am also looking to buy a mixer, now I am VERY new at this but am looking to take it quite seriously. I will show a few model numbers and am wondering if you guys can tell me wether or not they are decent and will work for DJ'ing. I am hoping to spin trance and that sort of thing. Numark EM-250, Numark EM-350, Numark DM 1002 MX, Numark DM-3000X, Numark DM1002X, Numark DM1050, Stanton Mixer Sa-3 and a Stanton SMX-201. Also could someone please tell me what a cartridge is for a turntable and what a KAOSS Pad for a mixer. I know this is alot of information at once....but I don't want to start off wrong and I want to be honest and find out what I don't know. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Diam-
A cartridge is the piece that connects the needle to the tonearm. Using Ortofons as an example, the ortofon cartridge is clamped onto the tonearm by a screw mechanism and then the needle is inserted into the cartridge. A KAOSS pad is just an effects processor which can use different adjustments in order to manipulate the way a record sounds.
And for you newbies, I know this is common sense for a lot of people, but here is the best piece of advice I can give when telling someone how to fine tune beatmatch two records. Once they are almost perfectly matched, do not recue the incoming record. Keep letting it play in your headphones along with the other one and making very small adjustments. By recueing the record you will not be able to make the fine-tuned adjustments that you are able to make by letting the record play continuously.
....And I don't know if I explained that technique very well....
http://www.recess.co.uk
NOoOOooOoOo that site doesnt work anymore!
it had some really, really nice information and advice on dj-how-to, especially for beginners! 
Darn, thanks anyways though. Also thanks for letting me know what I didn't 
Ok, I am a total n00b; therefore, I am looking for a setup that would last me for quite a while, i.e. I will not grow out of it.
Currently I am looking at Stanton ST100 or Technics 1200. DJM-500 or 600.
Are there better recommendations? What would be the best value for the money?
if money is not an option, stick with technics...they will last you a long long time, i can tell from personal use, those things are very very sturdy. i can't tell you much about the stantons or the numarks. as for the mixer, go for something by rane, or allen & heath if money is no object. maybe even look into a tascam x9. the djm series is good also, but not my favorite. if you wanna save some cash, i still suggest the technics, maybe older 1200mk2s and get a decent stanton or vestax mixer, 3 channel should be fine for you. you should also look into getting a good pair of headphones. i suggest getting the studio monitor type headphones from sony, the mdr7000s i think or the pioneer HDJ1000s. also look into sennheiser for headphones, i've heard some great things about it. i'm guessing you already have a stereo at home so you shouldn't need to buy a sound system, but if you are just buying an entire setup... then you might just want to go to a guitar center or something if ure in the US, and ask them about the sound equipment. for the most part the guys there are probably just out of high-school, or are old-school music junkies and they can both help you a great deal.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by liquidmist2001 if money is not an option, stick with technics...they will last you a long long time, i can tell from personal use, those things are very very sturdy. i can't tell you much about the stantons or the numarks. as for the mixer, go for something by rane, or allen & heath if money is no object. maybe even look into a tascam x9. the djm series is good also, but not my favorite. if you wanna save some cash, i still suggest the technics, maybe older 1200mk2s and get a decent stanton or vestax mixer, 3 channel should be fine for you. you should also look into getting a good pair of headphones. i suggest getting the studio monitor type headphones from sony, the mdr7000s i think or the pioneer HDJ1000s. also look into sennheiser for headphones, i've heard some great things about it. i'm guessing you already have a stereo at home so you shouldn't need to buy a sound system, but if you are just buying an entire setup... then you might just want to go to a guitar center or something if ure in the US, and ask them about the sound equipment. for the most part the guys there are probably just out of high-school, or are old-school music junkies and they can both help you a great deal. |
)
I thought that physe did a very nice job explaining beatmatching so I want to post it here for everyone who's in need of help to see!
A reminder tho, this is simply his method of doing it. It might not be the best for just anyone.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by physe I've just started myself, but my method works for me: It's easiest for me to explain with an example. Let's say that the cueing record is faster than the record that is being played out. Okay so now you find a beat on the cueing record and let it go with the beat of the main record. At this point one of three things can occur: 1. The two records are beatmatched perfectly. If this happens, you're done. Mix away. 2. The beats slowly drift apart. In this case, the records are close to each other. This will usually be the case when the two records are the same genre and both turntables have similar pitch settings. 3. The beats drift apart quickly and it sounds really chaotic. This means that the cueing record will need some major adjusting to fit with the main record. Let's tackle the second case first. When the beats are slowly drifting apart. make a guess. Since the cueing record is faster in this example, slowing down the cueing record by putting slight pressure on the side of the platter should bring the beats closer together or at least slow down the rate at which the beats drift apart. If you try speeding up the record by pushing the platter ahead or spinning the center of the record, the beats will drift apart faster and won't come back together as quickly. Once you make a guess, no matter what guess you make, you should have determined that the record is too fast and needs to be slowed down. At this point, apply pressure to the side of the platter to slow it down so that the two records are on beat again and lower the pitch slightly on the pitch fader of the table with the cueing record on it. Now it should still drift apart, but not as much this time. Again, lower the pitch slightly and slow down the platter. If you can learn to use one hand to operate the record/platter and at the same time operate the pitch fader with the other hand, you should be able to match the beats much faster with some practice. One thing to watch out for: when you are slowing down the platter to get the beats matched again, be aware that you may go too far and the beats may start to drift apart while you are slowing down the platter. If this happens and the cueing record is still faster the beats will start to drift together again once you let go of the platter. The goal here is to adjust the record until the beats don't drift apart, ie. they are beatmatched. At this point, you should be able to mix them together. Case 3: There are a few ways to go about this. This is more difficult than the second case becuase even if you make the right guess, it still may be difficult to tell whether the record is faster or slower. If this happens, you can try just listening to one record and get a general bpm in your head and listen to the other record to find whether the cueing record is faster or slower and make an adjustment to get the two records closer together. Another way is to keep guessing by slowing down or speeding up the platter to, but by greater amounts than in the second case to determine the relative speeds of the records. I usually just keep guessing by applying a large amount of pressure to the side of the platter or by speeding up the cueing record and then make the necessary adjustment (usually larger in magnitude than in case two) once I find whether the cueing record is faster of slower. Once I have made one large adjustment, the records are usually much closer together and I then use the solution for case two to match the records. I hope I've explained it well enough to answer your question. I have left out other cases that may arise when you play around with the speed of the platter, but if I cover everything my explanantion will be much much longer. Hopefully this will be enough to get you going and give you some understanding of what you are trying to do and how to go about doing it. Good luck. EDIT: If you have and other questions, I'll do my best to answer them. Cheers. |
Money is an option for me though. I am leaning more toward Stantons. I hear good things about them.
So, the DJM-600 is not the best option? Well, I'll try to look into those other mixers.
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