Why use 4 channels?
I’m pretty new to the DJ realm, and I’m just now getting my first equipment. My question is why would you want to use 4 channels vs. 2? What exactly is the point? I’m thinking traktor wise, and also outputting to the mixer wise… 
So you can mix 4 sources of music 
One example with Traktor and an Audio 8 esp you can route 4 outputs to your mixer and use the mixer to control volume and EQS with 4 On screen decks
or do it Oldskool and Try and mix 4 Vinyl records at the same time 
Do you mean 4 audio channels VS 2 standard channels (stereo signal) ?
If you do, it’s because you need 2 Channels [Stereo Signal Left(1) and Right (2)] to “send” the MASTER (HOUSE) audio signal and 2 Channels [Stereo Signal Left(3) and Right(4)] to “send” the CUE (MONITOR) audio signal.
The MASTER would be the track that the crowd is dancing to. The CUE would be the track you are previewing in your headphones.
You cannot accomplish this with a standard 2 Channel audio card, unless you rig it MONO and lose audio quality.
Hope that helps out.
My above example is for a MIDI controller and 4 channel soundcard with no external mixer.
If you are using an external mixer you would use this setup: Deck A [LEFT (1) Right (2) Mixer input 1] DECK B [Left (3) Right (4) Mixer input 2]
Then you CUE through the external mixer.
I mean mixing 4 different tracks. I just don’t see mixing 4 different songs to be very feasible, but maybe that’s my inner “scrub” to DJing. I guess I would just like an example of how you would use 4 different songs O.o
I’m essentially debating between an audio 4 and an audio 8 dj
4 channels for me makes me mix more like a composer. I like that
4 decks for me
2 main decks
1 deck I can loop a beat and keep a continuous sound going while bring in songs, makes it feel like one long track. Can be a beat, a chime, etc. Or bring in a teaser track and play another one
1 deck I keep a few samples on one track with hotcues and use to drop samples.
what set up are you using. Can you use the Kontrol sound card? or are you using TSP timecode?
it essentiall gives you more room to ready extra tracks. it takes your mixing from an A>B model and gives you the flexibility to start mixing from song A and bring in elements of song B. while actually dropping source C. but trying to mash 4 songs together at the same time for a long period isnt really the point of 4 deck mixing and usually sounds muddy. its to open your work flow and refresh your mixes. for example see the video below as the masters of multi deck mixing (2manyDJs) rock it at coachella this weekend.
Okay… Also, right now I’m looking at hardware, my setup is pretty bits and pieces… I like what I’m hearing, so I’ll be investing in an audio 8 dj. The only problem is what do I do after that? xD
I’m gonna get an Axiom 25 with a sustain pedal and move from there… I’ll prob end up getting a midi mixer like the faderfox DJ2 or the Nocturn, then get deck controllers from there (like the otus or the stanton scs.3d’s). What do you guys reccomend? I won’t do any scratching, although I’m going to leave the setup open to turntables (just in case). Any input?
You stated you were new to the DJ realm. So I explained basic digital audio routing. If you are new to the “DJ Realm” forget about 4 decks and concentrate on beatmatching (manually), phrasing and programming your music tracks.
for an awesome four deck mix check out Dj B33SON’s mix which won the DJTT Bali competiton:
o noez! fletch i just wanted to post that Vid.
I agree this vid is prime example WHY MIX 4 decks and a proof that you can do it even though you are not Richie Hawtin or the like,…
oh and to answer the original post of this Thread. Like loverocket said, forget about 4 deck mix, or 3 or anything fancier than basic 2 deck mix - mastering that is huge task on it’s own. Nowadays you don’t have to start learning Vinyl to fully endorse basic DJ skills (even though it is helpful), but that doesn’t mean you gonna jump the train and do top end stuff right out of the box. Start simple.. pleaase (you will save yourself LOADS of time and whole another load of dumb and pointless questions )
equipment wise> planning ahead and getting A8 dj sound card is actually pretty smart move if you are not on very tight budget as that device will give you loads of possibilities of where you will go from there. (for example you might start with basic 2 deck midi controler, then you can research or try digital vinyl system or hooking up bigger midi controler and experimenting with more than just 2 decks)… on contrary i would question the choice if you are not dead set on Traktor (as there are definitely more hardware choices concerning other software)
Yea, I actually own Deckadance right now, but I’m really liking Traktor. I’ve actually been DJing for a little while now, but it’s just been with my maya44 and a mixer in deckadance. I’ve only used two decks so far, so I was just wandering if upgrading to 4 decks was worth it. If you have any recommendations for software solutions I would love to hear it ^.^
So I’ll get an audio 8 dj and go from there ^.^
4 deck mixing isn’t for everyone, and there is alot of hype around it lately, however it can be great.
I often use 3 or 4 decks:-
2 for the main tracks I’m playing.
1 for either drum loop or synth cord or similar.
1 for short loops or accapellas.
I think our friend means learning to beatmatch by ear is very useful to you later on.. its doesn’t really have anything to do with what medium the music is on, whether its vinyl, cd or digital.
Agreed.
You need that confidence that you can get the job done in a DJbooth that has obstacles.
Thats technically what a DJ does traditionally…if you miss this part…you might lose out on some skills you would otherwise not gather…unless you learnt how to Beatmatch.
Or something…
Well thanks for the advice everyone! I’ve concluded that I’m going to definitely use turntables to get my beat-matching rolling (I’m good with beatmatching in traktor, but now I want to get my beat-matching good just by ear), and that I’m definitely going to use 4 channels. I’m going to get a NI K1 or a Faderfox DX2/DJ2 for deck 1 & 2 control (or possible mixing with faderfox) and use a axiom 25 for deck 3 & 4 controls, and using my 2 turntables on whichever decks I see fit. ^.^
a and b are my main decks
c and d used for samples/loops
however. the majority of the time i get some sort of loop/fx combo that i love going on a/b so have to re assign crossfader and use c or d to bring in the next track as main 2 are tied up, lol.
my workflow is a shambles… 
