I've seen many different styles of mixing through videos on Youtube and DJ Mag and it made me realize how there are various styles of mixing. I've seen those that use the volume faders and EQ's to mix without ever touching the crossfader and get very successful results while I use the crossfader and EQ's and find it a lot more comfortable for me while executing my mixes well. Is it still proper then for me to mix this way?

I am just wondering because it seems that in DJing there are many different ways to achieve good results. Some may use both cans to mix and some may use one at a time and like wise for mixing. I'm sure there are other examples as well.

What do you guys think?

The quick and dirty answer I can give is that if you're happy with the results, it doesn't matter how you go about mixing. Over time you're going to learn all sorts of different techniques, tips, and tricks for mixing, and each will come in handy in a different situation - there's no reason to deny anything you've learned in the name of doing what others call "proper mixing."

The only proper mixing that exists is good mixing. Beyond that, format, style, technique, etc. are all gravy.

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last minute disco dot net

RJT pretty much summed it up.

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Originally posted by ******** Seplling don't demonstrate intelligence and educatoin - knowing does.

Thanks for the quick reply! This is what I figured. The more techniques I learn the better DJ I will become because I will be able to use the right one for the right mix.

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Originally posted by DJ Blitzkrieg Thanks for the quick reply! This is what I figured. The more techniques I learn the better DJ I will become because I will be able to use the right one for the right mix.

As long as you take the "I'm never going to stop learning something new" tact, you'll do great.

I'm not talking about the "big names" here at all - but the folks I've known and friends I've had over the years who found themselves in the rut of one mixing style, genre, etc., are the ones who gave up most quickly.

The best advice I think I can possibly give is never be afraid to try something new just because you might fuck up. There is little in life so satisfying as learning well from ones mistakes.

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last minute disco dot net

Also, when you vary your mixing styles and tricks, it keeps it more interesting for the folks dancing. Always keep em' guessing...

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quote:

Originally posted by ******** Seplling don't demonstrate intelligence and educatoin - knowing does.

Good advice. I think if I didn't learn a little each day from DJing I would have already given up on it.

I just slam the cross fader from one side to the other, followed by a jesus pose.


and a line of coke.

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Originally posted by Halcyon+On+On OOKA-OOKA ME NACHOS ME PRESS KEYS ON COMPUTER GOOD

Once you're beatmatched the sky is the limit.

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Click the link below to stream all of my mixes past and present. New mixes go up about once a month. Enjoy!

www.mixcloud.com/jluger

There is no right/wrong way to mix. The way u mix is unique like others.

You will also find that a lot of mixing styles are born out of a particular equipment that is used.

For example, the one cup on and on off actually was the only way that many mixers would allow you to cue way back in the day.
Not all mixers have crossfaders etc.

Even the style of music can determine a lot of these variables so there is no one thing that is the cause.

Equally there is no one way that is the definitive and would be considered the proper. But as stated, the end result is ultimately what counts as far as the way you use the mixer goes.

I would however recomend that you try experimenting with the upfaders rather than the crossfader simply from the point of view that many DJs including myself feel that they have more control over the overall mix than when using the crossfader. Excluding scratching, I have found that being creative with dance music also tends to work better with the upfaders, EQs and Gains.

There is a lot to be said for mastering more than one method as it will server you well in the long run.

Cheers
Nem

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https://www.mixcloud.com/Calvin_Karass/

quote:

Originally posted by RJT As long as you take the "I'm never going to stop learning something new" tact, you'll do great. I'm not talking about the "big names" here at all - but the folks I've known and friends I've had over the years who found themselves in the rut of one mixing style, genre, etc., are the ones who gave up most quickly. The best advice I think I can possibly give is never be afraid to try something new just because you might fuck up. There is little in life so satisfying as learning well from ones mistakes.

Great advice - no doubt that experimenting will be your best friend. I used to always mix with a crossfader until I saw one person using the levels and eq only... tried it and preferred it. Just trying some new shit all the time will get you where you need to be. Always be a student!