DJ Mixing
The most confusing part of learning to DJ is beatmatching and mixing. A lot of DJs are looking for tips on dj mixing but what they don’t realize is that there is no one tip or trick that will help you with your mixing. Getting your spinning down involves a series of skills that are easy to learn but do take a little bit of a practice.
It doesn’t matter if you are using dj equipment such as dj mixing software, dj cd players, cdjs, dj mixers or vinyl turntables, you will need to learn how to mix and it will take at least a few days to get the hang of it.
Of course the first question new DJs ask is where do I start with dj mixing? And the answer is simple, just like any other skill learning dj mixing there is a simple series of steps that any new DJ needs to follow.
- Choosing the right gear – The right gear will make learning to mix easier.
- Setup Your Dj mixing equipment or virtual DJ software – Get your gear working.
- Find DJ Training – Find some resources like our video newsletter to help you learn the basics of beatmatching and mixing
- Begin to mix by learning how to cue up a record (vinyl, cd or mp3).
- Learn to throw in the record.
- Practice and nail the skill of beatmatching.
- Learn how to phrase your records. How to throw the record in at the right time. This makes a dj mix soooo much easier!
- Learn about EQing. The Bass, Mid and Treble EQs are essential to tight mixing.
- Learn different kinds of mixes such as cuts, drops, and blends.
- Learn to sc… sc…. Scratch your records. Scratching ads another level to your spinning that you can use at nightclubs, raves and parties.
Once you get these dj skills down you have no mastered dj mixing! So go out and pick up some dj mixing equipment or dj software and start rockin’ it.
DJ Mixing Software
A lot of new DJs want to know what virtual dj software they should use. I recommend Mixmeister for simple mixing, Traktor DJ Studio and Serato Scratch Live for mixing mp3s on your computer with physical gear such as dj cd players, Ableton Live and if you are serious about producing music than even reason, cuebase or logic!
Just get started and follow these steps. Mixing like a pro DJ is that easy!
I hope this helps,
~DJ Sean Gallagher
