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-- What am I doing wrong ? (Critique Needed)

What am I doing wrong ? (Critique Needed)

Hi, So I'll start by saying the hardware + software I am using is virtual DJ and a Numark Mixtrack Pro, I have been practising making mixes now for about the last 3 weeks (I try and record at least one mix a day to help me improve)

Over the last few weeks I have noticed some very small improvements, but these are mainly just using the hardware and software and not mixing improvements.

When I listen back to my mixes they seem almost boring and lack energy.....The only transition I can seem to do at the moment is very basic (Track 1 Fade Out, Track 2 Fade In) and it kills the energy of the mix.

It would be awesome if you guys could have a listen to this test mix I have made and give me some constructive criticism and feedback, I want to be able to make quick transitions and keep the energy going but just cant seem to learn how.

(If possible make a comment on the transition at 2:00 IMO its the best one on the mix)

https://soundcloud.com/cgvince/test-mix

Thanks In Advance Guys

Change the tempo of 1 track by half a semi tone.

turn off the beatmatching function. Play the original and the adjusted track at the same time. Don't use headphones. PLay these 2 tracks together both faders up. Use the pitch faders and ride them to keep them synced. The second they are synced, stop one really quickly now try again. This is like the most basic beginning exercise. Do this for 4 hours a day for 1 week.

And then i will give you exercise 2

i'll just pick on the first transition...you are totally not bring the new song in at the right time bro, you have to brign the songs in at the right time.............this is crucial, you must learn song structure, this emeans the ebbs and flows of the song, trance is all about buildup, release, then transition, you can either ride the builddup and release like a surfer on a wave, but you have to be in the backgfround, simplest way is to wait till after the release and mix in there. you r other problem is the songs your picking are just not good matches in terms of type of song, some songs, are intro songs, some are cruising songs, some are climax songs, some are energy, some are chillout songs after the realease, the whole point of a good mix is to build up and release build up and realease, until the final climax when you drop the barn burner track on like this last mix i did the barn burner is the you are made of sun track. just to let you know, my virtual dj mixwes im only using a mouse and i have some of the fader knobs mapped on my keyboard, the other thign is, FORGET THE CROSSFADER....cross fader is for juingle and hip hop scratching comps....learn to use the two channel volume faders as your way of camouflaging the beats you have to be very hard working though. i dont ever even touch the cross fader even ONCE in any mix i do....................

quote:

Originally posted by mistermerlin FORGET THE CROSSFADER....

that's pretty much the only thing i could make sense of, and i agree

quote:

learn to use the two channel volume faders as your way of camouflaging the beats you have to be very hard working though.

you need a rotary mixer, not something w/faders if you REALLY want to make slick/smooth blends. i still can't believe i threw away years of my life using mixers w/channel faders.

Crossfader is just a bit less accurate than upfaders for mixing I used crossfader and EQing for years before changing to upfaders.

I'm too lazy to check out your SC but I'll agree with merlin, part of being a DJ is knowing the structure and nature of your tracks, it's up to you (the DJ) to manipulate it.

Your Mix

I couldn't agree more with sr126. Learn to mix with your gains.

stop waking up.

Re: Your Mix

quote:

Originally posted by michaelmay I couldn't agree more with sr126. Learn to mix with your gains.

those rotary dials are not gains. The gains should be set for the given track. Don't adjust them to mix in and out. THey are also much more cumbersome and offer less control but the price tag of mixers with knobs instead of faders are high and people seem to think they are better for that reason alone.

Re: Re: Your Mix

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney those rotary dials are not gains. The gains should be set for the given track. Don't adjust them to mix in and out. THey are also much more cumbersome and offer less control but the price tag of mixers with knobs instead of faders are high and people seem to think they are better for that reason alone.

Oh, ok. Thanks.

no need to be sarcastic. you said something retarded ie mixing with the gains.

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney no need to be sarcastic. you said something retarded ie mixing with the gains.

Ok. Thanks a lot for your in depth wisdom. We all are indebted to you due to the sacrifices you've made for the greater good of Trance! Blessings!

Mike

it really isn't a big deal. Like if i told you to turn the power on before trying to use your mixer or maybe plug your headphones in or you won't get sound. No need to thank me. Just don't want you to hurt yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by michaelmay Ok. Thanks a lot for your in depth wisdom. We all are indebted to you due to the sacrifices you've made for the greater good of Trance! Blessings! Mike

Id cut that shit out, looney4clooney seems pretty knowledgeable in most posts I read in these sub forums.


You're just being a homo at this point

quote:

Originally posted by darouge11 Id cut that shit out, looney4clooney seems pretty knowledgeable in most posts I read in these sub forums. You're just being a homo at this point

Ok. Thanks. Glad to see all the friendly people on the boards nowadays.

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