I think lining up phrases is easy, the hard part for me is getting away from making manual adjustments to the record during the mix. I need to master riding the pitch. Another year or two of mixing should straighten me out though.

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quote:

Originally posted by Nou Just to sound cheesy, you have to "feel it"

it's not cheesy at all
that's pretty much the point i was wanting to get across in my previous post

just keep practicing and practicing some more till mixing almost becomes second nature to you

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Recording is definitely a good idea. I dont think I would have learned as quick as I did had I not recorded my mixes. Definitely helps pinpoint trouble areas, identify parts that sound good and those that dont.

As for the "feel it" remark, I second that as well. You have to be on the same level as the music, and not just do some half ass job of beatmatching and crappy fades.

i've recently started "riding the pitch" (feels great to be riding something!) and i must say it is a whole lot smoother and more accurate than using ur fingers on the platter. i reckon its also easier to get used to than using ur fingers.

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quote:

Originally posted by Nou dont use it as a crutch tho... as in dont rely on riding the pitch compared to having it solidly matched... believe me, its alot more fun to have two tracks very closely matched so you can work the mixer and not touch the decks.

True but using your fingers on the vinyl is a much bigger cruth that riding the pitch.

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I've never been able to eat a whole baby.
Kill the women. Eat the children.
It's just one of those days where you want to bend over everyone you know and kiss their ass goodbye with a big sideways boot.

Latest Mix

quote:

Originally posted by Nou dont use it as a crutch tho... as in dont rely on riding the pitch compared to having it solidly matched... believe me, its alot more fun to have two tracks very closely matched so you can work the mixer and not touch the decks.

i totally agree

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quote:

Originally posted by Tony Morello 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

i know.. perhaps i should have rephrased, because you dont literally count. i think its just that after DJing long enough and listening to your tracks long enough, you kind of count without thinkin about it. i mean, i know when im 8 beats past a break, without counting.. its a subconscious thing that comes naturally.. thats what i mean. you'll learn to know where you are without having to literally count. but whatever, im sure some of you know what i mean

Alot of the info thats given is "the basics" but mixing is different from track to track, and that keeps it interesting and unique. In general its the right way. I was "put to the test" by my buddy that tought me. Use the same two records and change the pitch on both tables after each mix. I learned each song as well as where I wanted to drop the track. Seriously you will teach youself were to drop it at your liking. Recording it helps alot. It will take a few years to "feel" a mix on the fly....you'll see

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quote:

Originally posted by Nou dont use it as a crutch tho... as in dont rely on riding the pitch compared to having it solidly matched... believe me, its alot more fun to have two tracks very closely matched so you can work the mixer and not touch the decks.

Interesting point, but I think you will find as you play more different events you sometimes need this as you will very often have the elements against you.
You wont always have the luxury of hearing everything the way you like it and you may find that you are playing at speeds that you are not used to etc. All this can be a factor. In this case a solid correction technique goes a lot further than the skill to match under studio conditions.
That's not to say that good matching is a waste of time, most definately not.

It is nice to be able to stand back and enjoy a perfectly matched mix though especially if you have younger DJs watching you it can be a bit of a trip he he.

Cheers
Nem

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Just wanted to thank you guys for your advice...I know I have a lot of practice and learning to do, but at least I feel confident saying I'm in it for the long haul and having fun at the same time.