Techno/minimal looping style of djing a la Richie Hawtin et al

[AllDay]

Are you sure? I was checking some of his sets and the tracks weren't arranged by it's keys, can't remember which though

Edit: This one for example:

http://www.1001tracklists.com/trackl...011-12-29.html

5A - 10B - 7A - 3A - 8A...

I took the keys from BP don't have the MIK

What does that site u posted prove at all? I dont see him being able to mix the way he does with out mixing harmonically.

[photojojo]

Are you sure? I was checking some of his sets and the tracks weren't arranged by it's keys, can't remember which though

Edit: This one for example:

http://www.1001tracklists.com/trackl...011-12-29.html

5A - 10B - 7A - 3A - 8A...

I took the keys from BP don't have the MIK

Just because a song is listed as 10B doesn't mean it's 10B or that all parts of it are 10B. I mostly mix in key and have to ignore the MIK keys sometimes.

[Sachemdot]

Are you sure? I was checking some of his sets and the tracks weren't arranged by it's keys, can't remember which though

Edit: This one for example:

http://www.1001tracklists.com/trackl...011-12-29.html

5A - 10B - 7A - 3A - 8A...

I took the keys from BP don't have the MIK

Also, just to add on to photojojo, there are plenty of ways to combine songs in key that aren't just the basic one to the left/right on the camelot wheel. You can't just look at the numbers to tell if things will mix, anything like MiK is just a guideline to help speed up the process, not entirely automate it.

Here's a chart of alternative combos that could work for instance: mixchart.jpg

[The Pancaker]

Personally I think the F1 sucks and wish I still had my second X1. The use of the remix decks just isn't really there. You can't really cue up loops and stuff, I think the theoretical base idea was good, but thats about it. Its not really a great functional piece. I will most likely be selling mine to get something else... Right now I am just using it as a 3rd controller for controlling deck C as a regular deck, and it honestly sucks for that. I am using the maschine a lot more. Being as I am legally blind I was really hoping the F1 would have done a lot for me since it has a lot of pretty lights and all, but those remix decks really suck. Maschine is more functional for me not being able to see anything, I already know where my set sounds are and the step sequencing is just far superior to what the F1 and remix decks can accomplish for me.

I'm considering on selling my F1 and buying a second hand Maschine... but I'm still unsure about that. I don't think I necessarily need another controller (although I know I miss having 4 dedicate mixer channels), but at the same time, I think I could do so much more if I found a decent work flow.

[Mert]

Hey Guys!

Iam using 2 F1's, first one is remapped as FX-Unit - so i can select FX unit(1,2,3,4) ON for deck a,b,c,d and the Faders Knobs can be used to adjust the FX Paramenters (FX unit 3 &4)... so i got total FX control next to my S4...
The other F1 is in Remix mode so i can use it for one shots and loops! Iam using a lot of percussions and Hihat loops (!!!??? same effect like Maschine!!!???) u can also change Pitch and size. other loops i use are famous Beats like Radioslaves Grindhouse and own created oneshoot of old famous 90's tracks (rythmen is da dancer vocal + 92filterlfo + Delay ( 65 - 25 - 1/4 )

[Hermes]

Since I acquired a new setup (external 4 channel mixer) recently I'm also trying to play the same style as mentioned here. I too find it hard to manage, which I think also has to do with a decent workflow. Still looking for the perfect mapping for my K2 and X1. You have a lot more work to do then simple A to B mixing. I really need to get this technique under control because I really see it can add a lot to the variety in your set.

One advise that i can give so far is that eq-ing is key for letting it sound nice. It's a bit stating the obvious, but still very true.

Next couple of weeks I'm focusing on this mixing technique, I'll let you hear the results.

[ThinkAboutIt]

Til

[firebr4nd]

I don't have a maschine yet, but I mix with a lot of loops using my f1. The trick with that is proper eqing, and when you're mixing in a loop with a lot going on you want to make sure it complements the main track playing well. If you're mixing in some drums or a single sound it's easier though.

[DarioJ]

Sorry to the OP, but thought this might be of some help to others in this thread.

I feel into the trap as everyone else with the F1 and have been working on an F1/X1 mapping with a, 3 track deck (with key control) - 1 remix deck (used as a glorified loop recorder) w/ 4 FX assign-ability.

X1 = Deck A/B) Basic controls, 4 FX assing-ability, Unit 1 FX, key control (for track decks) - done over the Native mapping

F1 = Deck D) Full native remix deck mapping
Deck C) Sorry for the crude outline, it was done in paint . VVVVVVV

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/...9/F1Layout.jpg

The basis of the mapping was to be able to either copy a loop from any deck, duplicate a deck to C, and be able to easily jump to other set loops. Then if need be, be able to capture the loops in the remix decks (4 slot essential mode). This was done over the User mode to retain HID control over the colors.

I have to flush out some some bugs on the F1 mapping and finish the X1 side (which probably only 10 commands), but if I get off my lazy butt i'll get it all finished and posted in the mapping section this weekend.

[djsrone]

A tip I suggest and has helped me a lot is to not worry about time or if a track is about to end. Tech house and Minimal Techno is...well minimal and a slow progression! This crowd is normally accustomed to hearing long drawn out percussion loops. Also the crowd is at times expecting you to experiment. They are a lot more patient then you think! So whether you're at home or in front of a crowd be at peace knowing you have time play around a bit and come up with something unique.

Percussion loops are your best friend. Learn to build your drops, break, or builds around random loops that you choose. Its more of a zone I get into but at time Ill just grab an 4 to 8 bar loop randomly at any part of track playing. This is where the magic happens. I make that loop my bitch! I cant stress that enough. When you loop something make sure you add your touch to it. Add EFX, Cut off a low, mid, or high, mix another loop into it, a snare or hi hat etc.You'll find at time that you build entirely new track or groove just playing around with, lets say, the last 16 bars of a track. A track doesn't have to end cause time is up. Keep it going and spice it up. Keep in mind the groove of your set. Don't go too far off the path. Once youve made your loop and messed it enough with it, move on to a new track. Theres no doubt that guys like Hawtin have this shit down to a science but ALOT of it is improvised on the fly. Youll need learn to be comfortable to enough to break away from the conventional dj standard (ie. intro/outro dj sets)


Edit: More on the technical side;

I keep my favorite EFXs close by. Delay, Reverb, and Flanger are go to(s) for build ups. Start from 0 and slowly going up on the parameters and you should start getting a feel how your build up may end up. Reverb gives your mix space. Gives stuff atmosphere. Delay can create dramatic sounds. Flanger build tension.

3-4 decks is a must. I was hoping the remix decks in traktor would help with this but I dont like its workflow.

Prep work always helps. Ques, Loops, Start points etc. Not only does it give you confidence cause you know how the track is laid out but its also a time saver if you really want to experiment.

Sync and snap are a must

Quantize helps but sometimes hampers juggling of ques or throwing in snares or hat patterns around.