I usually mix with the crossfader in the middle, and use the channel faders.

Every transition should be approached differently, but I usually turn down the EQ's on the incoming track a bit, sometimes I'll leave one EQ set at 0, and turn the others down. I usually slowly bring the fader up to around 70-80% on the incoming track before I start tweaking the EQ's to bring it in. Than I'll try and swap in the incoming bass in and the outgoing bass out. Once the incoming track has become dominant, I'll start EQ'ing the outgoing track out and lowering the fader.

That's just a general way to go about it though, and you have to really experiment with what sounds best for what tracks.

when you have the two tracks beatmatched, make sure you're counting the beats. every 32 beats something will be added or taken out of the track, so when the song is on the outro, make sure you're counting for each of these 32 beats. in order for the track to mix in correctly, you need to have the incomming track on the same 32 beat pattern as the outgoing one.

as the outgoing track is counting out, make sure the incoming one is not only beatmatched, but on beat (the 32 beat segments.) use the cross fader, or up fader (my preference) to bring in the new track on beat.

i personally have the Lows cut on the incoming track and as im fading in the new track, i'll bring in the lows of the incomming track and fade out the lows on the outgoing one.

its really hard for me to explain, but yeah... if you need me to clear something up, just ask

Thanks for your input, fellas...

I'm ready and willing to learn, so keep your comments comin'!

I'm also a beginner.. and I though it was 16 beat segments that have to be followed.

quote:

Originally posted by Fëanor I'm also a beginner.. and I though it was 16 beat segments that have to be followed.

each song can be set up different, it can be 16 32 64 or whatever.

I have tracks that have anywhere from 8 to 64 beat phrases. You have to know your tracks. You'll be able to just feel it after awhile you won't need to count anything. Like everyone else said, use the channel faders and leave the crossfader in the middle. I like to bring tracks in with the bass totally cut and the mids and highs around 9 o'clock, then I start to swap out the frequencies. Even though you may thing you are good at beatmatching it takes years to really refine your skills and become flawless so practice beatmatching as much as possible. Learn how to ride the pitch instead of touching the record for corrections. Learn about mixing in key.

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no no no no...
i can't believe you've got them counting

this isn't math, it's djing, some even consider it an artform

the only number you need to worry about is 4, learn it, live it, love it
element changes happen on multiples of 4, be it 8, 32, 64 or whatever

just keep practicing, record your mixes and listen to them... at great length

pick them apart, what sounded good, what sounded bad
then don't do what sounded bad and do what sounded good, basically speaking of course

just keep mixing and recording, i suggest investing in a LOT of blank cds and a few good sharpies

also, if you can get a good vantage point when watching a dj mix, you can learn a bit as to how they're doing what they're doing

and above all, have fun
if you're not having fun WTF are you doing this for?

and know that if you even consider thinking djing is going to be a great way to make a living, think again
i do it and it's a hard life and the politics are the worst
make sure you have a good job/backup plan

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Last edited by Tony Morello on Jan-20-2005 at 08:12

i agree ^

i bought my tables about 6 months ago, and started recording in the past month. i relly does help you figure out what sounds good/doesnt etc. i usually record every time i get behind em on my laptop... that way you can listen to it the next day and critique what not to do and what to emphasize on next time you play.

record, and send it out to yor pals! chances are theyve got some good input for you. usually, i get pissed off during a mix and listen to it later on and realize it wasnt as bad as i thought it was (in my headphones )

good luck.

mostly i turn down the high and mid on the incoming and every 32 beats move one of them up a little and maybe move the mid down on the other track.... and also hope and pray the beats stay in line lol

quote:

Originally posted by Fëanor I'm also a beginner.. and I though it was 16 beat segments that have to be followed.

You are right but what he is talking about is called a phrase. Match using phrases and your mixing will sound better.

Cheers
Nem

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i ll drop the first beat of the ext track usually after the last breakdown or after a change in the music(every 8,16,32 there is a change as others said) i usually dont fail and almost all my transisions are 2-3 minutes long. i usually touch the platter cuz when im eq the 2nd track in i dont have time to ride the pitch. (if anyone knows anything better please tell me )

basicly the harder part is the flow and the good tracks. harmonics is also something you muast learn but after you do it wont be hard at all. look at the sticky after you get good enoguh about beatmatching.

hope this helps