I dont like using the crossfader to mix, for obvious reasons, and as a techno DJ my transitions are usually over a 2 or so minute period.
I tried using the upfaders, but I dont like the lack of resistance to them, too easy to overshoot the mark, so I started to mix using the gain knobs on my external mixer, like i was taught to when i was taught to mix with CDJ’s.
The only problem being, the gain knobs on my mixer aren’t to infinity, they only go to -24db(or something like that) so when i mix using them, there is still some sound coming from that channel.
Would there be some modification i could do to make the pots go to -infinity, or to make the upfaders have more resistance, baring in mind this is a cheap as chips numark i got second hand off a mate?
The crossfaders on Pioneer equipment are very smooth and rigid. Also, I noticed at L&M the other day that the DNC2000, whatever its call, the denon 4 channel controller, has very nice faders. They made my jaw drop.
Now I mix out with my faders you just gotta be careful.
I think if you wanted you could start with the out going track with all the EQ down to like 7 oclock and slowly work up and that would pretty much emulate the upfader?
You shouldn’t ever mix on your gain knobs. At least, in my humble opinion, you shouldn’t ever do that. If you want to mix with knobs then map your gain knobs to your volume for more resistance. And I’m not really sure what long transitions have to do with not wanting to use a crossfader. Hell, it’s easier to do long transitions with a crossfader because, well, you only have to move the crossfader. AND you have more control over how much sound is coming out of the speakers with the volume AND crossfader combined.
Gain and Volume are two completely different functions to audio. Gain changes the level of the track going INTO the mixer, whereas Volume changes the level of the track going OUT. You’re much better off having a normalized level (all tracks peaking at 0db, or just below red) going INTO the mixer, and playing with the volume going out. That’s how you have truly smooth transitions. Especially with no -infinity.
I was taught to mix with gain knobs on the DJM when i was being taught how to mix with CDJ’s, when i first started DJing, and i kinda have a feel for using rotary knobs when i mix, but i can see that its probably a stupid idea, thanks theory for the tip, works much better
As per the above comments, but also: If you want to not overshoot on your upfaders, then adjust your gain so that the upfader at it’s highest position is the loudest you want the track to be…
This can be dangerous. In theory (and I know this doesn’t always happen) if the Gain for two tracks is set so they are very close to the same levels coming in, the volume faders should be able to be set equally and they will put out the same levels. If you remove any chance of headroom (doing this will force you to push the Volume to the max, and then probably pump the master out as well) you are left only with the Gain to increase the level, and that can be VERY dangerous.
I’d think it would be smarter to have the Gain set so when the Volume is at 7 it’s as loud as you need, and then just in case you need that boost you’ll still have space.
If you set your gain properly you shouldn’t be really be needing the headroom..? Though you’d still hit the problem of not wanting both faders to be fully up at the same time, so if you can’t stop them where you want to you’re still going to have problems.
These days mixers are set up so that 0db isn’t at the top of the fader anyway, so while what I said solves the problem as stated, you’re right that it’s not the best of advice.
Keep the gain at a lowish level (about -10 of where I wanna be).
Use the Gain to further ease the main track into the mix to the desired max level.
Most DJ mixers do not have gains that go to infinity (thats only a pretty new thing on some mixers) . I would generally run the faders to 100% gains to between 12 and 2 o’ Clock.
You should NOT be using the gains as an alternative to the Volume Faders
You could always take apart your cheap as chips numark and replace the faders with rotary pots if you drill out the faceplate and really wanna use the mixer that way.
BTW I dont use a x-fader either.
Just as well you arent using really crappy faders like those damn Penny & Giles ones**, jeeze the lack of resistance on them
I learned my trade on a PM90 with P&G’s, love to get my hands on one again! .. anyone who thinks pioneer’s sound/feel good should go play with one. X-faders though had a severe “Dip” which I why I just stopped using x-faders.
You ALWAYS want headroom. There are too many factors that can make a difference, and boosting levels with gain can end a LOT worse than boosting them with Volume.
I’ll agree it’s better to have headroom and not need it, rather than wander further down a road that’s more about me reminiscing than offering decent advice.
Just to clarify BTW, i’m using traktor autogain so when i’m mixing with the gains, its running from 12 oclock to the minimum, thinking of replacing the upfaders with potentiometers, anyone done this or know if its a difficult mod?
Just learn to use your faders. The gain/trim knob at the top is there to set where you want the track to peak at the top of the fader…the fader sets the level.
If you overshoot on the up-faders…practice more and get better at it. There’s not a secret that no one’s telling you.
i have a cheap mixer and it peaks out in the middle, no matter how well i set up the EQ, and so i have to adjust the gains anyway, and i know you’re going to say its down to me being a fairly new DJ and stuff, but when i was using my friends DJM, and mixing internally on traktor, i never had these problems. i’m going to practise a lot more on using the channel faders, but i do like the idea of using rotaries.
The rotaries to faders is a preference, nothing wrong with it.
Also, if you’re using Autogain, then why don’t you just change the “Gain” knob on your controller to control the volume and set the faders to do something else? in theory you should never even need to use Gain
If you’re mixing internally, though, what difference does your friends DJM have? Do you use it as a MIDI controller?
