quote:

Originally posted by Dj Flesch If the volume on the incoming track is too loud, then you can just not push the channel slider all the way up. If you use the crossfader, then you basically have to correct the mistake and lower the volume--which is noticable, esp on a recorded mix.

Adjusting the gain on the channel that is too high is probably best...in my experience, at least. It's a pain to keep the channel fader at one set place, especially if you use the channel fader for effects...Paul van Dyk does that sort of thing all the time; sometimes cutting the volume out after each kick in the last 4 beats of a phrase; other times, cutting the volume out completely right after the last kick in a phrase, and raising it right back up just before the first beat starts again.

Its also best to try and match the gain in your headphones. Some mixers let you split channels into each ear; others let you balance the master volume against other selected channels; and then most of them just let you hear the master and any other channels you like. What I'll usually do is listen to the master and the channel with the next track in my headphones, then try and get the hi and lo EQs matched only by adjusting the gain of that channel. Once I find a good gain for each, if any of the EQs on one channel are higher or lower than on the master, then I start adjusting them a bit and getting them to a somewhat equal level so that when I mix in the next song, it won't sound like the bass died just because its so low in comparison to the previous track.

If your mixer doesn't let you combine the master AND any other channels in your headphones at all (in which case I'd hate to be in your shoes ) then, like Flesch said, unfortunately you probably wont be able to find out exactly how high or low the volume is in relation to the master until you start mixing it in. After spinning for a while you may start getting used to the sound system and be able to estimate how loud the sound in your headphones will be once you mix it in. Just pay good attention.

Anyway, do what you're most comfortable with. Like someone said above...just play it by ear.