How important is an effects unit to a dj?

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-- How important is an effects unit to a dj?

Posted by |cEbLu3 on Sep-24-2004 10:17:

How important is an effects unit to a dj?

I'm new to djing even tho i've been a trance fan for quite a while. Whne i got my setup, i din't get an effects unit because i run the sound through my laptop, and i have prog that has basic effects, and I wanted to concentrate on increasing my mixing ability, before i venture into messing abt with effects. My question is how important is an effects unit to a decent dj today? Can it make or break his mix? Some people say that some djs mask their poor mixing skills with great effects. Is this true? how do you stay behind the line of having a signature effect vs. overuse. Does the average listener really care abt the effects a dj uses while mixing?

Posted by sleepydragon on Sep-24-2004 10:24:

i dont really think that using alot of effects in trance is very good it sounds abit rubbish but when used in techno they sound awesome abuse the hell out of the music

Posted by GrimReaper on Sep-24-2004 10:24:

FX unit isn't really THAT necessary. More important is to learn to mix first and then maybe adding something little here and there while you know what you're doing and not just trying to be 1337 because you can add some nice FX to your mixes. Good mixers have enough FXs for most of us IMO and you can easily spoil the feel of the mix by adding too much this and too much that in your sets.

I doubt the average listener cares how much you really use additional FXs but more likely how good you are actually mixing and keeping the flow. And yes, some DJs do hide their poor DJ skills under all the FXs. I don't recommend you to do so too.

Posted by AndskiSpeed on Sep-24-2004 10:34:

I'd say you were better off not getting an effects unit for mixing with trance, maybe if you were using something with some live instrumentation or some breaks it will probably sound better

Posted by Sand Leaper on Sep-24-2004 13:37:

As mentioned, it depends what you're playing. For techno it is a great creative tool and can transform tunes into something you've never heard before, while as in trance just using the flanger too much will piss people off.

Posted by Frase on Sep-24-2004 14:12:

If more dj's concentrated on mixing than FX then i'd be happy

Posted by sisterbliss on Sep-24-2004 14:56:

FX are cool when used properly and rarely. Zabiela is good with FX

the worst thing about FX is going overboard - instead of a set you get a zoo of sounds. it's like DJ Jean playing with the knobs or playing that fart remix of resurrection

Posted by nrjizer on Sep-24-2004 15:45:

FX are fantastic but don't flange. The flange has been used and abused.

Posted by NiteMer on Sep-24-2004 16:38:

Good points. I agree that effects enhance techno sets along with knob twisting. Techno wouldn't be the same without the effects and tweaks.

For trance you can throw a flanger in, maybe once in a set. Otherwise it's flanger abuse and you look like a rookie. Auto pan can be cool on the right track especially on cd's you listen to in the car. The filter, which I don't have on my 500, can be cool if not overused.

I like the echo effect for prog and sometimes the delay.

You should learn to mix first though, and effects and tweaks shouldn't be used as a cover, but an enhancer. When you get better at beatmatching you'll have a lot more time to use your effects, or drop your new kick in over the break as a teaser or building effect, etc...

Posted by torontotrance on Sep-24-2004 16:40:

Most trance deejays don't do much with the effects. You see more of that with Zabiela and co.. Personally whatever works for a deejay, then go for it.

Posted by montana on Sep-24-2004 17:15:

djs who does not use the flange properly should be shot