Music Beat Machine

Learn How to DJ Mix Like a Pro

DJing has become a musical art form in its own right. If you want to learn how to DJ professionally there is a lot to learn and you will want to refer to some of the resources mentioned later in this article. However if you just want to learn the basics of spinning and mixing your own tunes then this article will get you on your way to learn how to DJ mix like a Pro.

Lets begin with the definition of a DJ or “Disk Jockey”. The original meaning of DJ is someone who selects music and plays it for an audience. The DJ may perform on the radio, on TV, at a party, at a Rave, in a club or today even in a stadium setting with thousands of fans watching. Originally this was done with vinyl records on a turntable but today it is done with all sorts of media either alone or in various combinations including:

• Vinyl Records on multiple turntables
• CD players
• MP3 players
• iPod/iphone
• Laptop computers controlling DJ mixing Software

 

How to DJ Mix:

A typical DJ setup today consists two sound sources such as two turntables and a mixer. The DJ can monitor one record on a headphone while the other record is playing so he/she can set it up to begin playing at a specific point when the other record stops.

The mixer has a fader switch that allows the DJ to smoothly transition between the two decks and to control the various sound elements such as volume, EQ, Bass,Treble etc. A basic system will just have a simple mixer and two “Platters” as the record turntables are known.

CD based systems will have a pair of CD Decks instead of turntables and a mixer. In addition these units typically have whats called a “Jog wheel” that emulates a vinyl record deck. This can be used to control the music and can be run forward and backward to get a “scratching” effect. With the advent of MP3 players and the iPod music player it is common to see these music sources included in the mixer units.

An ipod dock is becoming commonly available in many models of dj equipment. Typically there would be two decks a mixer and an iPod deck allowing the DJ to play tunes from the ipod & the decks or to record his performances to the ipod itself.

Learn How to DJ:

More sophisticated DJ units known as “software controllers” connect to a laptop computer via a fast USB MIDI interface that is running specialized DJ software. The music is stored on the laptop & the controls on the mixer/deck unit control the software & thus the music. These units typically have “platters” with actual vinyl records that give the DJ the tactile feel of a vinyl record with the advantages of digital control. There are many manufacturers of complete DJ Systems. One of my favorites is Numark. They provide a full range of different types of DJ equipment including:

• dj in a box
• iBattlePack
• Total Computer DJ in a Box
• Mixdeck
• Mixtrack
• Ns7

 

Some of the common techniques & terminology used by the DJ include:

• Scratching
• Cueing
• Looping
• Virtual needle drops
• BPM
• Beat Matching

 

There are a number of DJ software packages available that can be used by a variety of different DJ systems. They include:

• Serato Itch
• Serato Scratch Live
• Numark Cue
• Virtual DJ
• Traktor
• Mix meister

 

I have provided a link below that will show you the different types of DJ equipment available. The cost of DJ equipment varies greatly depending on the type and quality you are after, it can range anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. You can learn how to DJ mix like a pro.

 

 

About the Author

Take a look at these complete DJ systems for some examples of the different types available

 

TOTAL COMPUTER DJ IN A BOX Introduction

Keurig 5071 K-Cup Carousel Tower $19.94 Here’s the perfect way to store and organize your K-cups and have them ready whenever you’re ready fo a delicious, hot beverage. This counter piece features a lazy-susan base for simple rotation and the black and grey design suits most kitchen styles. The Keurig 5071 K-Cup Carousel Tower is a perfect accessory for owners of Keurig K-Cup coffee machines. Coffee K-Cups are not included in the tower….

Honeywell HHT-011 Compact Air Purifier with Permanent HEPA Filter $41.88 Helps Remove/ Captures Up to 99% of Airborne/ Microscopic Particles Such as*: Tobacco smokePet danderMold sporesDust Pollen* (from the air that passes through the filter). Overall particle reduction depends on many factors including the amount of air processed, the pollutant type, and the pollutant’s introduction rate into the environment.Permanent Filter**- just vacuum to clean (** permanent clai…

Magna Cart Personal Hand Truck $31.49 Ideal for travelers, trade show exhibitors, and anyone else who frequently schleps boxes and other gear from place to place, the Magna Cart personal hand truck is engineered with toughness in mind. The 7-pound hand truck is made of sturdy rustproof aluminum, with a telescoping handle that extends to 39 inches tall. As a result, both tall and short users can comfortably haul up to 150 pounds at onc…

Airheads $3.99 AIRHEADS – DVD Movie…

Monster House (Widescreen Edition) $1.84 MONSTER HOUSE – DVD Movie…

The Cartoons That Time Forgot – The Ub Iwerks Collection, Vol. 1 $5.93 CARTOONS THAT TIME FORGOT – DVD Movie…

GE40W 48 BLK LGT Bulb $11.89 GE, F40/BLB, 40 W, 48″, Black Light Bulb, Medium Bi Pin, 20,000 Hours….

Energizer LED Book Light $4.48 Flexible Neck30 Hour Run Time (on one set of batteries)Large Durable ClipContains:1 Light2 CR2032 Lithium BatteriesBenefits of LEDs(Light Emitting Diodes)LEDs never need replacingVirtually unbreakableUse less energy, so batteries last longerNo filament, no glassLifetime Guarantee: Energizer guarantees that the enclosed light will be free from defects in materials and workmanship or the entire life…

Extech EX430 True RMS Autoranging Multimeter with K Type, Capacitance, Frequency, and Duty Cycle $89.99 Compact and powerful, the Extech EX430 11-Function True RMS Professional MultiMeter provides the versatility of multiple meters in one convenient device. The EX430 measures AC/DC voltage and current, resistance, diode, continuity, frequency, and temperance. It also includes a True RMS function to ensure accurate AC voltage and current measurements without distortion from electronic devices. A larg…

Panasonic Oral Irrigator EW-DJ10-A $49.99 Potable Oral irrigator for Home and Travel UseEW-DJ10-AEffectively cleans debris between teethWater jet is gentle on gumsChoose from 2 water jet power settingsEasy to store nozzle5.5oz (165ml) water tank capacityBattery operated (2 AA Batteries included)Water proof and washableMade in China…

COMPUTER DJ MIXER CONTROLLER MOUSE WITH JOG WHEEL $68.99 COMPUTER DJ MIXER CONTROLLER MOUSE WITH JOG WHEEL

ION / Ion Audio Computer DJ System / DISCOVERDJ $98.39 ION – Ion Audio Computer DJ System – DISCOVERDJ

Numark Total Computer DJ In A Box 889406888227 $191.22 A computer DJ starter rig with interface, headphones, software, and controller.

Numark Total Computer DJ In A Box 889406715509 $254.96 A computer DJ starter rig with interface, headphones, software, and controller.

Numark Total Computer DJ In A Box 889406226814 $127.48 A computer DJ starter rig with interface, headphones, software, and controller.

Numark Total Computer DJ In A Box 889406562707 $149.98 A computer DJ starter rig with interface, headphones, software, and controller.

ION ICUE3 Discover DJ Computer DJ System $99.99 Type: Pro Audio – DJ & Lighting Connectors: USB connection Features: Includes everything you need to DJ with your computer Large touch-sensitive scratch wheels for natural scratch feel Crossfader enables you to mix between songs Perfect your sound with Bass and Treble controls Automatically matches tempo from one song to the next Record and share your DJ performances Extend the mix by looping your favorite parts Plug-and-play USB

Ion Audio iCUE3 Computer DJ System $79 Ion Audio iCUE3 Computer DJ SystemThe ION Discover DJ system easily allows you to mix and scratch your computer music library at your fingertips.Simply load the included MixVibes Cross LE software, plug in the ION Discover DJ and you’re ready to be

Computer-Buff $4.99 Computer buff is laptop notebook screen protector to protect your laptop notebook screen. Again it cleans laptop notebook screen and keyboard as well.

DJ $6 DJ

Ion-Discoverdj – Ion Audio Computer Dj System $108.66 - Ion Discover DJ computer DJ system- Includes everything you need to DJ with your computer- Large touch-sensitive scratch wheels for natural scratch feel- Crossfader enables you to mix between songs- Perfect your sound with Bass and Treble controls- Automatically matches tempo from one song to the next- Record and share your DJ performances- Extend the mix by looping your favorite parts- Plug-and-play USB connection requires no drivers or power adapter- Easy-to-use MixVibes Cross LE DJ software included- Perform with the music in your iTunes music library- Includes USB DJ controller, software CD, USB cable, quick start guide- Requires Mac OS X or later, Windows XP or later and USB portDISCOVERDJ [ION-DISCOVERDJ] UPC: 812715011239 10L x 4W x 22H 3.63 LB

DJ-Tech DJ For All Laptop Controller – Computer USB MIDI $199.9 The DJ-Tech “DJ For All” is a powerful controller, specifically designed for DJs who want to create unique party sets. From a technical perspective, the DJ console combines everything you could need, from the included Deckadance software to the comfortable and precise deck controls. This software and controller combination allows anyone to mix, cue and scratch through their iTunes library and MP3 collections; it even has advanced features like effect assignment and sampling. The comprehensive package includes a USB-to-RCA cable, meaning you can connect your computer to an amplifier or PA set-up through the RCA inputs. The DJ Tech “DJ For All” includes a pair of headphones with foldable and hinged shells, and is fully compatible with Windows PCs and Mac computers. Please note that the computer pictured is not part of the package.

HERCULES DJ CONSOLE RMX $349 Doppeldeck DJ Controller aus Metall mit Audiointerface für Computer-DJing.

ION Express DJ System $61.31 ION Express DJ System- Ion Audio Express DJ system- Create your own professional mixes, DJ your own parties- Use the MP3’s on your computer to become the ultimate DJ at any party- With intuitive drag and drop playlist creation and automa

HERCULES DJ CONSOLE 4-MX COMPUTER CONTROLLER, MIXER $479.99 Large DJ controller with metal casing, built-in audio and large jog wheelsKey featuresLarge DJ station for mobile computer DJs- 2-deck/4-deck metal DJ controller to mix 2 or 4 stereo audio tracks- 2 stereo out (for mixing & previewing) + 2 stereo in (for analog gear)- Mobile metal controller: a large mixer (40×25cm) with included carry bag 2 large jog wheels with touch detection- Jog wheel size: 12cm diameter (4.7") x 1.9cm height (0.75")- Weight sensors, to detect the hand’s weight on the jog wheel top- Great for scratching and seeking within audio tracks2-deck & 4-deck control2 shift buttons to turn deck A into deck C, and deck B into deck D- 2-deck for standard DJ mixes, when mixing 2 audio tracks- 4-deck mixing: double the controls when you mix 4 tracksVIRTUAL DJ7 LE included: 4-deck DJ mixing software- For Windows XP/Vista/7<b… Type: DJ and Lighting Specifications: Minimum configuration PC minimum requirements Windows® XP/Vista/7 (32-/64-bit) 1.5GHz CPU or higher 1GB of RAM or more USB port with USB bus power Stereo speakers &/or headphonesMac minimum requirements Mac OS® 10.5/10.6 1.5GHz CPU or higher 1GB RAM or more USB port with USB bus power Stereo speakers &/or headphones

DJ-Tech DJH-555 DJ Headphones Earphones with Soundcard $37.9 The DJ-Tech DJH-555 DJ headphones come with a USB connection and cable side integrated sound card. The headphones will fit in nicely at computer-based DJ workplaces and are perfect for cueing tracks. The actual product design of the headphones is specifically suited for DJ’s. The single-sided cable and long cable length offer enough room to move freely in the workplace. Both shells of the DJ headphones are foldable and rotatable. An effective driver and good sound isolation are guaranteed to deliver a crystal clear sound. In addition to the DJ range, the headphones also provide the option to listen to music on a computer without a separate sound card or a faulty sound card (Such as a laptop).

Express DJ $64.99 Mix and DJ professional party mixes Intuitive drag and drop playlist creations Auto beat matching Level control slide fader Bass and treble control USB interface functions as a computer audio interface Mix input for live vocals and transfer mix directly to MP3 music files includes: microphone, software and cables

G-Tech The DJ Pack Black – Computer Backpacks $51.99 G-Tech-It’s a music-lover’s dream, all wrapped up in a modern mix of sleek 420d jacquard and intense 840d nylon. Connect your iPod, MP3 player, or other small audio players to this mind-blowing bag with battery-operated speakers and play DJ for your friends. It’s a portable party!

Numark M6 USB DJ Mixer Standard $149.95 4-channel USB DJ mixer offers versatile mixing with computer integration.

Ion Audio Computer DJ System $87.4 #NAME?

Hercules DJ Console MK4 – Dual Deck DJ Mixer Standard $181.95 The all-in-one DJ station for mobile computer DJs that you can carry on your shoulder.

Hercules DJ Console MK4 – Dual Deck DJ Mixer 889406635203 $99.98 The all-in-one DJ station for mobile computer DJs that you can carry on your shoulder.

Hercules DJ Console Mk4 $215.99 Hercules DJ Console Mk4Digital Dual-Deck Mixer with Internal Audio for both Casual and Advanced DJs Ultra-mobile USB DJ controller with 4-in/4-out, built-inaudio All-in-one mixing station for mobile computer DJs (PC and Mac compatible) – 2-deck cont

Tags: audio, dj, dj computer, dj computer hardware, dj computer software, dj computer software free, dj computer stand, hardware, music, software

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 4th, 2011 at 12:26 am and is filed under music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.