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-- Beatmixing with both Cans.
Beatmixing with both Cans.
So over the past few years while learning how to beatmatch, I have found myself using both cans at the same time (both channels through both cans at the same time, not split cue) as opposed to using one in conjunction with the speakers. For some reason I just find it easier. This could be due to the fact that my speakers aren't very good. I can beatmatch both ways, but I just find it easier this way.
I have also recently noticed Armin Van Buuren often uses both cans. I first noticed it on some Armin Only videos on youtube, but then I went to see him play in Nottingham last week and saw the same thing. I can't remember if he was only using both or if he was using the other method as well.
Basically, I just want some more information on this. How do you guys beatmix? Is it OK for me to carry on like this or should I go out of my way to learn with decent monitors. Also, anybody have any information on how Armin does it? I'm not saying I want to copy Armin, just somewhat interested.
I do it mainly using the one can method, but I've tried using both cans too and I just found myself getting the other can off my ear after a little while. I find it better for myself this way 
But, just do it the way you find it easier and better. It's still a good thing to learn how to beatmatch using a monitor too, since you could find yourself playing in a club which has a different kind of mixer and stuff, you probably can't always do it your favorite way.
Just keep it up, there's no "rules" against mixing with both cans on.
I mix the same way. (Both cans on, both channels playing through each.)
Works best for me. I'm more accurate this way, plus it's a nice consistent factor when playing out.
I do it the other way, but I first learned to do it the way you're describing. Actually I first learned to beatmatch without headphones at all and both channel faders up, but that won't fly in a club. Which method you use is up to you.
the only proper way to mix is the way that makes you sound your best. It is invaluable to know every angle, but if you can do what you are most comfortable with, then do it. People don't dance to earphones on your head.
It doesn't really matter but I would recommend knowing how to mix both ways just in case you have to in the future.
it really depends on the mixer you use and the setup playing the sound. So many various mixers, have different cur/mix pfl pgm settings. Idealy, i solo the incoming track in the cans and beatmatch to the masterout speakers but i toggle both tracks after im done that to make sure the beat phase is there. My mixers so crap i wonder if the eq is crap as well. numark dmx1002 
| quote: |
| Originally posted by david.michael I mix the same way. (Both cans on, both channels playing through each.) Works best for me. I'm more accurate this way, plus it's a nice consistent factor when playing out. |
my cans are on most of hte time some of hte time
| quote: |
| Originally posted by stan229 my cans are on most of hte time some of hte time |
I learned with the one ear method but now I'm in the process of buying a condo, so I am teaching myself with both cans on. I do feel my mixes are crisper this way, so it is a good thing as I have crappy monitors also. Even though they are crap, they still thump and I can't be waking the neighbors haha
Re: Beatmixing with both Cans.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Ceen So over the past few years while learning how to beatmatch, I have found myself using both cans at the same time (both channels through both cans at the same time, not split cue) as opposed to using one in conjunction with the speakers. For some reason I just find it easier. This could be due to the fact that my speakers aren't very good. I can beatmatch both ways, but I just find it easier this way. I have also recently noticed Armin Van Buuren often uses both cans. I first noticed it on some Armin Only videos on youtube, but then I went to see him play in Nottingham last week and saw the same thing. I can't remember if he was only using both or if he was using the other method as well. Basically, I just want some more information on this. How do you guys beatmix? Is it OK for me to carry on like this or should I go out of my way to learn with decent monitors. Also, anybody have any information on how Armin does it? I'm not saying I want to copy Armin, just somewhat interested. |
Any method that makes you sound good has to be right. Don't worry too much about it. There a school out there though that insists that you are not a real DJ if you use that method. Retards in my opinion.
What I would say though is that you would benefit from knowing how to mix in as many ways as possible.
Extract from my mega guide still yet to be uploaded.
Nem says...
A few things to try:
* DJ without your headphones, get used to hearing the beats etc. playing over a sound system that isn�t as accurate as the headphones where you have sound bouncing off walls that can distort what you hear. This will also improve your speed at matching records. Try and perform sets every now and again by actually starting to match at the point where you would start mixing. This is excellent for improving your matching skills and making them a lot faster.
* Try spinning whilst talking to someone and actually listening to what they are saying making the conversation the focal point and not the mixing. This will help you with distractions and will prepare you for the experience of being in a club environment.
* You could also try turning down all high end and reducing the midrange on your sound system (not your mixer) so that you get more of a rumble, and then try working with this to try and match with it. One of the key points with a lot of these exercises is that you learn the ability to recognise what you need and to work with the bare minimum. You get a lot of people on forums stating that in order to mix, they match based on the hi-hats, well in reality you may not always be in a position to get a clear impression of what they are doing in a DJ Booth. Admittedly good booth monitors will often give you a pretty clear picture of the sound, but you can�t guarantee this so variation of what you base your mix on is crucial.
As an addition to the above you can also try to get a separate audio system and play a separate music source whilst still trying to match correctly with the tracks that you are concerned with. Although I would state that this is probably not something sound good it will train your ability to hear the necessary elements in order to perform your mixes with plenty going on around you. I do hasten add that whilst this can help, it is not the be all and end all solution to becoming accustomed to playing in a club environment.
What you could also try if you are a vinyl DJ is to mix based on the sound that the needles are making. This is an old trick that used to be used by Josh Wink in his live sets, i.e. mixing without headphones.
Cheers
Nem
this is a great thing to be able to do even if it's not your main way of doing it...
sometimes the monitors suck and you can't really hear them over the main system's reverb...
david
| quote: |
| Originally posted by stan229 my cans are on most of hte time some of hte time |
Firstly, I cue up the next track, and wear both cans on to beatmatch, once im satisfied the songs are matched up and i have EQ'ed the next song so the frequencies don't clash, i take the headphones off to work the mixer and and all the other CDJ tricks to p[ressing play on the next deck. Both cans on again for a few seconds in case ive brought one song in slightly slow or fast and in case the beatmatching needs correcting. Then headphones off once again to bring the track in using the xfader, upfaders, eq, and any other effects. Thats how i do a basic mix, all phrased correctly of course. I find using one can to beatmach is distracting and makes it needlessly difficult.
Thanks a lot guys! This is a real help. I always assumed this method was a cheap way of mixing and felt it was a bad habit of mine. It's good to know that it's a perfectly acceptable method and that I'm not alone.
I will take the advise though to lean as many ways as I can.
Thanks!
Re: Beatmixing with both Cans.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Ceen So over the past few years while learning how to beatmatch, I have found myself using both cans at the same time (both channels through both cans at the same time, not split cue) as opposed to using one in conjunction with the speakers. For some reason I just find it easier. This could be due to the fact that my speakers aren't very good. I can beatmatch both ways, but I just find it easier this way. I have also recently noticed Armin Van Buuren often uses both cans. I first noticed it on some Armin Only videos on youtube, but then I went to see him play in Nottingham last week and saw the same thing. I can't remember if he was only using both or if he was using the other method as well. Basically, I just want some more information on this. How do you guys beatmix? Is it OK for me to carry on like this or should I go out of my way to learn with decent monitors. Also, anybody have any information on how Armin does it? I'm not saying I want to copy Armin, just somewhat interested. |
i mix the same way. funny thing is i used to split cue but pawned my tables back in 2004. 4 years go by and my wife buys me a whole new setup for valentine's day (God bless her), when getting back into the groove i find myself preferring to mix the same way you do. chalk it up to old age, only old people use dual can action
As has been mentioned multiple times, it doesn't matter how you do it as long as it sounds right. I switch, depending on where I'm at. If I'm at home, then I use both cans. If I'm playing out, I use one. Don't know why, it's just more comfortable for me given each situation.
With good monitors and a lot of volume its a bit easier imo to correct precisely using the monitors/1 cup, but at home when its late sometimes I like to blast the mix into my headphones for precise adjustments.
Like people have said, all depends on the situation.
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