Mixing Styles
I know what mixing is. I don’t get it when someone says, “I like your mixing style.” Are there really that many types of ways to mix? Could someone list some DJs that you believe is great at mixing.
Depends on the genre.
When I mix straight up 127-132 techno, I find myself using the crossfader more often since it’s more appropriate to do quick jabs and phase replacements from time to time. Filters are nice to have too for supplemental purposes, but always used in moderation.
Progressive is more so those Sasha-esque/Noel Sanger style 2+ minute phase transitioning long bombs, it leans more towards a blending style due to song structuring, but it’s purely circumstantial as each track varies (and rightfully should, otherwise progressive gets really boring in my opinion).
Mixing doesn’t just cover the transitional aspect of DJing, it also in my opinion encompasses proper EQ work, which also ties into proper programming. Programming a set is important not only for effect, but you obviously don’t want to mix two tracks side by side which are bass heavy and don’t have any supplemental elements, you end up with a muddy clash which isn’t really pleasurable on an audible level. Not to mention sampling, that’s a whole different ball game.
You really wanna see some impressive mixing, check out James Zabiela. Best of both worlds.
Thank you. You’ve been very helpful. Looking into James Zabiela now.
Mixing style is just how you DJ, your own personal technique. When I do Hard Techno/Trance I almost always have 4 decks going, and do 2-3 minute long transitions, very hard to tell when a new song begins or ends, let alone what song is even playing. I go FX heavy as well. It still sounds like hard techno/trance (which is very important mind you) but it sounds like my hard music. I also employ quick cuts on a multi-directional crossfader that I have setup (love being able to program traktor to do what you want), so I use every trick at my disposal. Its all about personal preference and rocking the crowd in the grand scheme of things.
I see. So pretty much I need to learn the basics of mixing. Then with experience find how I personally like to mix. OK. Think I got it. Thanks.
Three things you need to remember mate: Practise, Practise, and Beer 
Haha sounds good
but remember the beer could lead to experiments going awry lol 
There are soooooooooooooo many different ways of mixing its not funny, especially in the digital world the different ways has just blown up astronomically !
Man I remember back in the day - having 4 band EQ was the SHIT.
My Rane MP-22z had it, damn it was epic win.
But if you record the experiments, you can learn a lot when you listen to it the next day (plus its good for a laugh, “oh no, here comes the train wreck”). LOL
Phil.
I think every DJ should develop a mixing technique that’s unique to them. Learn the basics (radio style, no beatmatching, just mixing) the intermediate (beatmatching, blending, EQ) and the advanced (layers, long progressive blends, scratching) and you’ll build an amazing technique that will be spoken just to you.
@ Dvls Damn straight!
I usually just beat the hell out of my mixer with a sock full of oranges until the track changes. Works every time.
I flunked out of dj college dammit. The orange techniques were the following semester.
It was the semester after learning how over use the flanger effect, no big whoop
Do you use a sock full of oranges cause they get they’ll know who’s boss and don’t leave bruises?
haha i despise flanger
careful mauve i can see a few no win no fee claims coming your way!!!