This is a standard DJ setup: two turntables plugged into a mixing deck. Not all turntables look alike, but they all have the same functions.
Mixing is the merging of two tracks playing at the same time at the same speed. Follow the steps below to create a mix.
You have two turntables, A and B, on your mixing deck. Start playing a track on turntable A, then cue up your track on turntable B by finding the first kick on the track (the first beat). Now, stop the track on turntable B by putting your hand on the record so the platter is still moving. Move the record backward and forward to the count of 1, 2, 3, 4. so you can hear the kick (beat) go under the needle. The minute you hear the beat on turntable A, pull the record back to where you know the beat starts and then release it to the count of 1, 2, 3, 4. Both tracks on should now be in synch, for a split second, depending on the track that you have just released.
This
is where you have to decide to speed up the track or slow it down. This
is the tempo of the track. You can increase (speed up) or decrease (slow
down) the tempo with the pitch control slider. Once you have track A and
track B in synch again, re-cue turntable B using the steps outlined above
in cueing a track. This time, because you have altered the pitch, you
know that they will both be playing at the same speed.
The cross fader is the slider
in the middle of the deck between the two turntables. It slides from left
to right, from turntable A to turntable B.
When the cross fader button is in the middle, you will be able to hear the tracks playing on both turntable A and turntable B.
When you move it to the extreme left, you will hear only turntable A; when you move it to the extreme right, you will hear only turntable B.
Once both of your tracks are playing in synch, listen to the rhythm and count 1, 2, 3, 4. On beat 4, move the cross fader across to the left or right to cut in the beat from that track. So if you move the cross fader to the left you are cutting in the beat from the left (or turntable A). If you move the cross fader to the right, you are cutting in the beat from turntable B. When you cut in to one track, you automatically cut out the beat from the other track. So cutting in a beat from the track on turntable A cuts out a beat from the track on turntable B.
The way in which you do this
will create your unique DJ-ing style, since no two DJ’s cut their
beats in the same way.
When you’re first learning how to bring the mix in, you will find
there is a lot happening in your headphones and you can lose control.
Once you have trained your ears to hear the beat it will become easier
– control comes with practice. Over time you will be able to mix
without headphones, put them down, come back ten minutes later and the
mix will still be in synch, and still be playing!
The Channel Fader sliders are in the middle of the mixing deck between the two turntables. The sliders move from top to bottom increasing the volume of the track being played on that channel. If the slider is all the way at the top, the volume is at its maximum. You can use this technique to fade tracks in and out if you don’t want an intense cut in to your mix.
The main volume control button on the mixing deck will affect the whole mix, so the volume of both the tracks playing will be affected.
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