How often do you performing DJs use the filters/EQ/FX/samples during sets?

**ImNotDedYet** · 02-12-2015, 03:26 PM

I'm not a performing DJ, but I listen to enough mixes and have been to enough clubs to know what I think sounds good. IMO, some music is better suited to effects whereas others, not so much. In the video, he appeared to be using a lot of effects (bitcrusher, phaser/flange, filter) just for the sake of using effects - it really did nothing to the song/transition other than to make it sound different and IMO worse.

I like use of effects in a buildup or perhaps in coming into a breakdown. I've become much more of a fan of using subtle effects at times rather than mid or full on wet, just to add a touch of delay, echo, verb to bring out the hats and snare, etc.

**Gjfukit** · 02-12-2015, 04:16 PM

Hey thanks for the feedback guys! Much appreciated.

Again, I'm a newb so just trying to learn and absorb from you experienced cats.

What genres would you say are more appropriate for fx and which aren't? And at what point in the song? On the 4th/8th bar before the next phrase? Transitions? When you're bringing up the energy? Key change?

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
GJF

**031999** · 02-13-2015, 09:49 AM

we can give you advice all day, but the best way to learn is to see it in action. check it ---->

these are just a few!

**nezza** · 02-14-2015, 01:46 AM

EQ, constantly. FX, less is more. Loops now and again, samples, ahh yeah!

**William Gibson** · 02-14-2015, 11:05 AM

You guys have to realize the audience he was playing for.

when we DJ/perform, are goal is for people to not even notice the effect as an effect, but more an actual part of the song. For lack of a better explination...

Dude in the video is trying to show a bunch of high schoolers what a DJ/ perforner really does. It wouldnt make much sense if he was so subtle (what we consider good use) that they couldnt hear what he was doing. Or if it wasnt blatantly obvious.

How many times have we all watched DJs fiddling knobs but really didnt hear much going on?

Im sure for his demonstration he wanted an extreme opposite.

Just my opinion of course.

**mostapha** · 02-14-2015, 01:05 PM

To answer the OP's question....for the vast majority of DJs I've seen....either almost never or way too much.

But that's just, like, my opinion, man.

It was really annoying the last time I went to miami (also tomorroworld). Every DJ used basically the same tricks over and over again...and each set was "fine", but after hearing the same damn trick used the same way, sometimes on the same songs, for several sets in a row...I kind of just wanted to go back to the days of 2 TTs and a battle mixer (or rotary) just so they couldn't do it at the push of a button.

**Deejaesnafu** · 02-14-2015, 01:46 PM

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seriously tho for me , EQ all the time.. crossfader strictly on cuts(drop most but not ALL low freq out of scratches) volume fades, and i use alot of dryer delay ,dryer reverb and echo freezes. i on occasion use some gater. also i do alot of looping.