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

**deathy** · 03-20-2015, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by dsquareddan

Recently I've been moving my DJ performances to Ableton and the amount of custom fx chains you can build from plugins is practically limitless.

This is why I have developed my own custom DJ software... it's a hybrid between Ableton and Traktor and lets me control my workflow completely.

**Bassline Brine** · 03-23-2015, 02:59 AM

I use the EQ's without relent always. You aren't properly mixing if you aren't IMO.

FX are a sometimes thing for me. If I'm messing around something I play with them - but most of the time I don't. I do like looping and delay/echo out sometimes with that.

I usually spin breaks. With that - I don't use many FX. I find with house I'll layer some stuff up a bit more - but I don't like going over the top with FX and like the tracks to speak for themselves.

I'm always fiddling with the EQs to get the proper sound out though.

**Jester** · 03-23-2015, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by tekki

This. And just this!

+1

**deathy** · 03-23-2015, 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by Bassline Brine

I use the EQ's without relent always. You aren't properly mixing if you aren't IMO.

FX are a sometimes thing for me. If I'm messing around something I play with them - but most of the time I don't. I do like looping and delay/echo out sometimes with that.

I usually spin breaks. With that - I don't use many FX. I find with house I'll layer some stuff up a bit more - but I don't like going over the top with FX and like the tracks to speak for themselves.

I'm always fiddling with the EQs to get the proper sound out though.

Same here - I also spin breaks, and depend heavily on the EQ to shape the sound to bring the parts to attention I want noticed... and tend to not add much in the way of additional effects.

**Jimslaton** · 04-21-2015, 05:51 AM

Well, if you are Tommy Trash you literally are turning filter knobs and adding effects pretty much NON-STOP. Just go watch his set on YouTube from his recent performance at th Ultra Music Festival or any of his other videos. It's crazy.

I'm a resident DJ in Houston and I play 4-5 hour sets each week. I'm playing mostly progressive & electro house music with some remixes of some popular top 40. I'm typically use ing the filter knobs and effects about every 2-3 songs but recently I've been using more effects because I recently added a Pioneer RMX effects unit to my set up which includes all CDJ 2000 nexus with Pioneer DJM-900 mixer.

I have to agree with other guys on this forum who say less is more unless you are REALLY good and curent mixing with effects and you can make it seem natural to your listeners. But what happens most of the time is opposite. Newer DJs seem to us effects too much because they can be fun in the beginning plus they try covering up their lack of experience with effects. I know because that is what I did and that is what I see other guys doing all the time.

**DJAdeSands** · 04-21-2015, 08:37 AM

I use fx sparsely, delicately, and filter sometimes between mixes. Less is more. Think also it should be used with phrasing in mind, It sounds a bit silly random fx thrown on randomly over tracks. Pick the moment, don't overdo it, just because you got the tech to do it, don't mean ya gotta let the fact that having the tech influence how much ya use it.