I'm planning on getting involved in making a mix through software for Windows (like Cool Edit, Sound Forge, Goldwave, etc.). I need advice on the best software to do this, plus, since this is my first time, I want to know how to set volume levels, pitch/tempo, etc. so that my mix turns out well! What's the best way to do this? I'm planning on making this mix about 1 hour long so that it's compatible with every medium available (audio cassette, CD, high-quality MP3, MD, DAT, etc.). One thing: Is it OK to do this with MP3 files? How much quality will be lost through re-saving the mp3 file again? I have MP3s of multiple bitrates. For example: 1 MP3 that I have is 128 kbps, while another is 256 kbps. I have a lot that are 192 and 160 kbps as well. Should I make my mix VBR, ABR, or CBR? I was think about VBR because of the fiels that I want to use vary greatly between each other but, I NEED your opinion on this one! If all goes well, I'll release it around 2002/07/15 (or earlier, I'll keep you posted) (I want to make sure that it's PERFECT before my first release!)! It'll be on Audiogalaxy.

I don't have the money for Technics TTs, best mixer, 3000 watt AMP, etc. PLUS, thousands of vinyl/CDs like a lot of people seem like they have. That's why I'm forced to use MP3 files. Plus, even if I DID have the money and items, I don't know how to mix with TTs/CD Decks! I never done it before!

What I want is EXPERT ADVICE for the first-time software mixer! What I DON'T want is: Negative comments about the first paragraph that have NOTHING to do with the thread. Remember, I'm doing this on a Windows XP COMPAQ PC. Here's my specs: 800 Mhz Intel Celeron, 128 MB of RAM, SONY 12x8x32x CD burner, 18.6 GB (~20000000000 Bytes) HDD.

Last edited by ali92 on May-01-2002 at 03:17

well I'm no expert by any means, but I'll recommend to you Mixmeister as a good mixing program that is dead easy to learn and use. It mixes mp3's and exports them as .wav files which you can convert with a variety of other applications (I use MMJB to convert to mp3). You don't really lose much sound quality, if any at all from the program as you're really just converting the .mp3 to .wav and burning to disc.

I've never used Goldwave or CoolEdit, but Soundforge requires a monster system to use and a lot of patience IMO. But it also is a feature packed program!!! But for straight mixing, MixMeister is really nice, doesn't use a lot of resources and works great even on my Athlon 650 rig.

I've made a few kick-a$$ megamixes with it. After your mix is done, it offers you the ability to record each track separately (I guess like a .cue file) for burning to disc without gaps and still keeping each track separate.

For setting volume levels, well you can adjust each track separately as it has that option, or you can let the program do it (it does a fair job). I'd recommend you use 160+kbps files as you'll really notice the lower quality of the 128k rips in most instances.

Good luck with your endeavors

Hi ya

I mix using software. I suppose you've got to decide if you want to "live/realtime" or "studio" mix. By this I mean "live/realtime" using a program like BPM Pro or Traktor DJ to cue the tracks but you mix them as you play in realtime, as you would with two decks OR "studio" mix using programs like CoolEdit or MixMeister to overlay tracks, adjusting the exit and entry points, volume and EQ between tracks.

I use the first method, I have a PC set up running BPM Pro. I have 2 sound cards in the PC for each playback channel, sort of right and left deck. Then this runs out to my external mixer. My headphones are plugged into the mixer. Then it's mixing like you've got 2 decks. I can take my PC, mixer etc to private parties and DJ/CJ live.

Rule no 1. Always use the highest quality source and output rate possible. You can always drop down the quality but you can't increase it. I rarely use MP3, maybe if it's 256kbps or greater. I always rip from vinyl or CD at 44.1khz stereo WAV and mix with that (ripping from vinyl using CoolEdit Pro 1.2). However you can get anyway with mixing MP3's at 192kbps. I always record my mix at 44.1khz for burning to CD and convertion to other formats. (Again, CoolEdit for taking WAV to MP3).

Rule no 2. If you're going to mix "live/realtime" then buy the best mixer and headphones you can afford. You don't need a mixer with built in BPM counter 'cos your software can do that. (Having said that, you'll have to mess around adjusting the source BPM of a track, BPM Pro can give a good approximate but it's never spot on). You'll need a mixer with EQ controls, which shamefully I don't have at the moment. Mixing with BPM Pro is easy, once you've loaded the first track and set it's start pitch/bpm you can load the second track and click match other track BPM and that's it. All you have to do is CUE in at the right point and bring the track in when you hear the beats are matched. You have pitch forward/back controls to do that.

If you need any other advice, reply to this thread or PM me directly.

To see what can be done with BPM Pro and an external mixer check out my last Mix post below, probably on page 2 now. I have 3 mixes downloadable from AG.

Good luck with the mixing.

Regards

Stella

quote:

Originally posted by stella Hi ya I mix using software. I suppose you've got to decide if you want to "live/realtime" or "studio" mix. By this I mean "live/realtime" using a program like BPM Pro or Traktor DJ to cue the tracks but you mix them as you play in realtime, as you would with two decks OR "studio" mix using programs like CoolEdit or MixMeister to overlay tracks, adjusting the exit and entry points, volume and EQ between tracks. I use the first method, I have a PC set up running BPM Pro. I have 2 sound cards in the PC for each playback channel, sort of right and left deck. Then this runs out to my external mixer. My headphones are plugged into the mixer. Then it's mixing like you've got 2 decks. I can take my PC, mixer etc to private parties and DJ/CJ live. Rule no 1. Always use the highest quality source and output rate possible. You can always drop down the quality but you can't increase it. I rarely use MP3, maybe if it's 256kbps or greater. I always rip from vinyl or CD at 44.1khz stereo WAV and mix with that (ripping from vinyl using CoolEdit Pro 1.2). However you can get anyway with mixing MP3's at 192kbps. I always record my mix at 44.1khz for burning to CD and convertion to other formats. (Again, CoolEdit for taking WAV to MP3). Rule no 2. If you're going to mix "live/realtime" then buy the best mixer and headphones you can afford. You don't need a mixer with built in BPM counter 'cos your software can do that. (Having said that, you'll have to mess around adjusting the source BPM of a track, BPM Pro can give a good approximate but it's never spot on). You'll need a mixer with EQ controls, which shamefully I don't have at the moment. Mixing with BPM Pro is easy, once you've loaded the first track and set it's start pitch/bpm you can load the second track and click match other track BPM and that's it. All you have to do is CUE in at the right point and bring the track in when you hear the beats are matched. You have pitch forward/back controls to do that. If you need any other advice, reply to this thread or PM me directly. To see what can be done with BPM Pro and an external mixer check out my last Mix post below, probably on page 2 now. I have 3 mixes downloadable from AG. Good luck with the mixing. Regards Stella

Thanks for all that info!!! I'm planning on doing a "Studio-Style" mix.Where it isn't in realtime. So, I'll just put this info in a Text file and, make use of it! Thanks, again! Also, to the previous poster, thanks for the info on Mixmeister! I'll get it later!

i use atomixmp3 as a real tiem mixing program and its great, only oen problem, it jerks the mp3s if you play them at any pitch other than +0% . does anyone know of any program which do not have this problem?

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quote:

Originally posted by DuMonde TrAnCeR i use atomixmp3 as a real tiem mixing program and its great, only oen problem, it jerks the mp3s if you play them at any pitch other than +0% . does anyone know of any program which do not have this problem?

See the Mixmeister link in my post above. I've had no such problems with 'jerking'.

sounds like a plan...did you ever think about saving up for TT's? I personally think you would be happier with them IMO. But anyway, the only thing that I know out of the programs that you listed, I know about cooledit...I use cool edit for recording my mixes, I like it, it's easy to use and so on. I have never heard of actually mixing with them. Anyway, any other questions just let me know.

Peace

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quote:

Originally posted by stella Hi ya I mix using software. I suppose you've got to decide if you want to "live/realtime" or "studio" mix. By this I mean "live/realtime" using a program like BPM Pro or Traktor DJ to cue the tracks but you mix them as you play in realtime, as you would with two decks OR "studio" mix using programs like CoolEdit or MixMeister to overlay tracks, adjusting the exit and entry points, volume and EQ between tracks. I use the first method, I have a PC set up running BPM Pro. I have 2 sound cards in the PC for each playback channel, sort of right and left deck. Then this runs out to my external mixer. My headphones are plugged into the mixer. Then it's mixing like you've got 2 decks. I can take my PC, mixer etc to private parties and DJ/CJ live. Rule no 1. Always use the highest quality source and output rate possible. You can always drop down the quality but you can't increase it. I rarely use MP3, maybe if it's 256kbps or greater. I always rip from vinyl or CD at 44.1khz stereo WAV and mix with that (ripping from vinyl using CoolEdit Pro 1.2). However you can get anyway with mixing MP3's at 192kbps. I always record my mix at 44.1khz for burning to CD and convertion to other formats. (Again, CoolEdit for taking WAV to MP3). Rule no 2. If you're going to mix "live/realtime" then buy the best mixer and headphones you can afford. You don't need a mixer with built in BPM counter 'cos your software can do that. (Having said that, you'll have to mess around adjusting the source BPM of a track, BPM Pro can give a good approximate but it's never spot on). You'll need a mixer with EQ controls, which shamefully I don't have at the moment. Mixing with BPM Pro is easy, once you've loaded the first track and set it's start pitch/bpm you can load the second track and click match other track BPM and that's it. All you have to do is CUE in at the right point and bring the track in when you hear the beats are matched. You have pitch forward/back controls to do that. If you need any other advice, reply to this thread or PM me directly. To see what can be done with BPM Pro and an external mixer check out my last Mix post below, probably on page 2 now. I have 3 mixes downloadable from AG. Good luck with the mixing. Regards Stella

In Mixmeister, is there a way to make the speed change like on real decks? Because I notice that when the tempo changes, the KEY (pitch) does NOT. In others words, the best changes but the vocals/melody doesn't go up along with the speed...

dont use sequenced mixing software like mixmeister coz that is hardly mixing n u r jus cheatin ursel. download either virtual turntables (VTT) or traktor, and dont use the bpm counters.

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w: www.luketerry.com

@dumonde trancer: go to settings, and try turning on/off time stretch

@ali92: i think yur talking about MASTER TEMPO

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quote:

ALFI - BOHICA - DJ MIX (Stream+Dropbox)

download VTT and learn how to beat match!

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I've read that MP3s distort the high end and lose some ambience when they are encoded from the original cd. I'm trying to start DJing too from MP3s. With Cool Edit, I manipulate the .wav form of the MP3 and use and Graphic EQ filter to return some of the high end, and then use and Pan / Expand to adjust the 3D sound. I guess from there, you can re-encode MP3s. I guess you can apply this to your recorded mix at the end too.

A .wav editor can probably help you normalize your mix too, if one MP3 was encoded too loud, and another too soft, ou can normalize the whole mix to 98%.

Clipping, which occurs when the volume is past a certain point, i think also affected some of my MP3s. Cool Edit can fix this if you apply a hard limiter. Most set it at 0 dB, though I am safe and use it at -0.2 dB. This can be applied after the mixing or to individual MP3s.