Preface: I am in way over my head.
Premise one: Overestimated my capabilities
Premise two: Very little luck finding traktor/vci specific tutorials
Conclusion: Djtechtools to the rescue (?)
I want to learn to mix, and I am beyond confused. I have roughly 36 different strings of thought mixed together in my head, from beatmatching to genre choice to appropriately cataloging my music, and I have no idea where to begin. I’ve checked out websites like djtutor, but I’ve had little luck- I was hoping I could find some information directly applicable to the vci 100 or traktor pro (and it doesnt help that I’m using the tsi 2.2, with on overlay/instructional video). If somebody could:
A) Clarify how to mix songs in an environment where the bpm is already constructed for you (and by that I mean, I don’t quite understand how to sync tracks, or even if I can use tracks outside of that bpm- although that stuff is more general, I’m just confused as to the advantage of auto beatmatching. Does that simply clarify what songs I can mix, or does it actually preclude beatmatching?)
B) Teach me what songs I can even mix in the first place
C) Throw me a life preserver
I would greatly appreciate any assistance at all (that traktor pro bible needed to come out yesterday)- and yes, I’ve tried searching/lurking/looking at eans tutorial vids.
Prostrate and meek,
-AM
It’s a pretty open question. If you have your hardware sorted, cueing etc. Why don’t you just try mixing a tracks from outro to intro. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this, just practice over time. You probably know already what genres you like.
Sync does preclude beatmatching in the traditional sense but leaves time for more creative things, fx, looping, more decks. etc.
You only ned to check out B33son’s set to know what I mean
Try and listen to mixes and figure out how they have done certain things. It’s all about developing your own style at the end of the day (and having fun)
Ean has a good tutorial on beatgridding, check that out to learn more about sync etc.
Yea I can feel where you are, I was there about 4 or 5 months ago. The main points I can stress are read/listen to all info on djing that you can it all has its own relevance and there is no right way.
…Unless you need to party mix in a hurry, say next wiken.
In other words, other than having the picture complete beforehand get your hands on it.
If you feel you’ve read enough and still are confused… (as said above) keep reading if U like and/or get your hands at it and relax; it will come up to you,
sometimes gradually, sometimes in shocks. haha
Start of by practicing, it doesn’t matter how crap you are, your the only one listening. This will give you personal experience to analyze, and this will generate more specific questions than “how do I mix?”, these are the sort of questions you will find answers to.
There are great articles on all the basics (eq’ing, phrasing, griding, etc) on the DJTT’s blog.
I find that trial and error during or just aside from mixing, (i.e. trying a new technique) can be really helpful for determining what works and getting used to doing it. Also I would stress to you not to use the fx board much when you are first starting, I think everyone and their mother wants to augment their breakdowns and transitions thru effects, but really they sound best when used minimally and only in the right spots. Making them sound good and really add something to the mix is difficult at the beginning (of getting into djing) and has the potential to make a decent or good mix sound very bad.
Also see Recommended book for DJ's... the book referenced here is very good for beginners and has a nice balance of what you need to know.
Thanks guys!
Actually, a specific question regarding the fx- even when I turn them on, and adjust the wet/dry, the fx do not..effect…the audio output. I am using the 2.2 tsi, firmware 1.3v, and traktor pro 1.1.1
I spend 2-4 hours a day on my decks.
You learn something new every time, you see what works what doesn’t. Learn song structure, keys, and read some books about it
i have to agree to all the guys who said “practise!practise!practise” it took me nearly one year to get a good mix together…but the mix was shit so i tried to do it better…and every time i listen to a mix from other dudes i realize/recognize other cool ways for a nice transition.
there was nothing so intense for me for the last 2 years than listening to mixes, creating mixes and reading djtt!!! u will fight ur wa trough that jungle!!!
Ean has an amazing tutorial on the basics behind the structure of songs in his Beatgrid tutorial.
Basically, you have to understand that songs contain within them a set structure. Most electronic music follows the same common pattern, in that there are 32 beats for each section. Mixing music becomes easier once you recognize that by syncing not only the beats, but the STRUCTURE of the song as well allows your mixes to sound more professional.
For example, when one song drops to a breakdown (say 32 beats) you should mix the other song from that same point in the track (a part 32 beats long). This way, the tracks will coincide with each other and will sound like they were made to be mixed.
Start with really minimal techno music, as shifts in measure are easily distinguishable by additions of instruments or a shift in style (i.e. a new bassline comes in after 32 beats, then 32 beats with a cowbell and so on and so forth)
Drop in the new track at the change, so that each track will match up not only in BPM, but in structure as well.
I became a better guitar player after discovering song structure from DJing.
It takes time, and a good ear, but with enough practice you should be mixing MSTRTRKS in no time
http://howtodj.djdownload.com/
check that out. its based off of CD decks, but the principles are exactly the same. you have pitch and all that. so take a look at those and feel free to email me at djalexlaine@gmail.com. i will answer whatever questions i can to help get you started.
in all honesty, like most crafts and professions that require skills and experience to even begin, taking a mentor would be a great asset to you.
DJTT and all the instructional videos in the world don’t show a glimmer of comparison to actually standing next to a pro dj and watching what he or she does, asking questions, and trying things out for yourself.
I picked up many good tips on this site, but it was only after i was an apprentice to a DJ. I would have been lost without someone to show me the ropes.
