ok well here's a little thing I like to do. If I'm playing a record at +3 pitch, then it's key is going to be a little high, so I make it more bassy with the EQ's. Likewise, if I play the track at -3 pitch then the key will be lower, so I'll put up the high end EQ's.

I have DJM-500 and +12 for BASS seems high.....just my opinion though.

I usually set the

HIGH 1 or 2 lines

MID 0

BASS 2 1/5 lines

For DJM-500.....it's like -20 to +12 or something. I always use the lines.

I always mess around with the TRIM/GAIN though.

It's actually pretty bad practice to play a song through with the eq's not on 0. Tracks are mastered professionally in a studio before they are pressed onto vinyl by people who know what they are doing and know how to make the record sound good on vinyl. All you do when you come along and change the eq is introduce distortion and make the track sound differently to how it was intended by the producer.

Note that here I am talking about when you are actually playing a track, like in the middle of a track. Whilst actually mixing you need to use the eq's, so you can create a smooth transition between the two tracks. Playing a song through at +5 bass isn't big or clever, it just makes the track sound distorted and not the way it is intended. Also, I am not talking about creating effects with the eq's here, like playing with the mids or cutting the bass during a buildup. I just mean while you are letting the track play.

Even when setting up a sound system so that it sounds right in a particular venue, you shouldn't adjust the eq's on the mixer. This is what the eq and crossover in the amp rack are for, or the graphic equaliser/bass/treble controls on the amp. Eq's on the mixer should be set to 0 - adjust the eq on the amp to get the sound right.

There are exceptional circumstances though, like if you have a really bad pressing or a worn out record. I have a second hand copy of Camisra - Let Me Show You that is really worn out, and there is hardly any treble in it at all. Here, you should tweak the eq on the mixer to make the record sound ok, because you're not going to start adjusting the eq in the amp rack just for that one song.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ-Kuza ok well here's a little thing I like to do. If I'm playing a record at +3 pitch, then it's key is going to be a little high, so I make it more bassy with the EQ's. Likewise, if I play the track at -3 pitch then the key will be lower, so I'll put up the high end EQ's.

You should always set the levels according to the track. You can't just always put them at +1, 0, +2.

Oh yeah, if a particular track is too loud/quiet, this is where you should use the gain or trim control. That's what it's there for.

quote:

Originally posted by DJTJ It's actually pretty bad practice to play a song through with the eq's not on 0. Tracks are mastered professionally in a studio before they are pressed onto vinyl by people who know what they are doing and know how to make the record sound good on vinyl. All you do when you come along and change the eq is introduce distortion and make the track sound differently to how it was intended by the producer. Note that here I am talking about when you are actually playing a track, like in the middle of a track. Whilst actually mixing you need to use the eq's, so you can create a smooth transition between the two tracks. Playing a song through at +5 bass isn't big or clever, it just makes the track sound distorted and not the way it is intended. Also, I am not talking about creating effects with the eq's here, like playing with the mids or cutting the bass during a buildup. I just mean while you are letting the track play. Even when setting up a sound system so that it sounds right in a particular venue, you shouldn't adjust the eq's on the mixer. This is what the eq and crossover in the amp rack are for, or the graphic equaliser/bass/treble controls on the amp. Eq's on the mixer should be set to 0 - adjust the eq on the amp to get the sound right. There are exceptional circumstances though, like if you have a really bad pressing or a worn out record. I have a second hand copy of Camisra - Let Me Show You that is really worn out, and there is hardly any treble in it at all. Here, you should tweak the eq on the mixer to make the record sound ok, because you're not going to start adjusting the eq in the amp rack just for that one song.

You should read my post about the key of the track. Some tturntables try to give you a "key Control" button but it's better to use the EQ's like I mentioned 2 times now.

and another thing, while i agree with you DJTJ, that tracks are meant to be heard at 0 eq, not all tracks are created equal.

true, if every song was perfectly mastered, then that would be fine, but some aren't, either because they are poorly mastered, worn out, whatever. for these you have to compensate.

and furthermore, it's all about your personal taste, personally, i like the way it sounds with the bass and treble cranked up a bit, give that CLUB sound if you know what i mean.

this is how i usually have my EQ set up in winamp:


at home, i have a 7 band stereo EQ, and both sides are set up similarly.

theoretically, i should be able to leave my mixer EQ at 0 then, cuz i have my club sound from the EQ already, but i find it sounds even BETTER if i put the bass and treble up a bit on the mixer as well.

of course, i adjust for each song and for each mix, but i find these settings in general work best for me.

above all, your goal is to make it sound GOOD, not "like it was intended" all the while being careful not to clip at any stage.

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Last edited by JohnSmith on Jan-07-2003 at 20:48

part of being a good DJ is knowing how to use the eq's while you are playing out. watch any video of tiesto, corsten, PvD, they all use EQ's

Last edited by Special_K on Jan-08-2003 at 02:07

Am I doing something radically wrong? Cuz here's what I do.

I have a DJM 300. Gain/trim are usually 1/4 of the way up. LIve track has all eq's totally up. When i'm brining in the incomming track...the all eq's are totally off. and I mix ONLY usuing eq's. I feel this gives me more flexibility and accuracy in my mixing.

well... some would say, you are doing nothing wrong.

but, why would you want all your EQs maxed out? you mean like cranked right as far as they go up? then how would you adjust them if you needed too, all there is to go is down?

ideally, you should have them at 0 or as close too as possible. then you should be able to turn your gain up to about halfway instead of only a quarter up.

technically, as long as it isn't clipping it's ok but the closer you have everything to the middle, the more flexibility you have.

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quote:

Originally posted by Special_K you shouldnt have 1 standard that you have your eq's at. Every song is diffrent and therefore every song should be EQ'd diffrently. It just makes sense. Your EQ's are there for a reason, use them. And if you havnt started using EQ's while you are mixing, start.

unless your records are poor pressings you shouldnt NEED to to touch them (unless youre a born fiddler)

i believe the eq on most mixers should be used for creative purposes and not trying to make to tune sound better if you know what i mean.
im your mixer sounds crap unless unless you boost the eq. you probably have a shit mixer...like my old newmark one....shit sound quality

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Last edited by Mod1 on Jan-08-2003 at 09:34