dj how do you do

Whatdoes a DJ do? A DJ plays pre-recorded music from other musicians, usually drawing from a large collection of available songs that suit the theme of the event or venue he or she is working at. A disc jockey has several responsibilities depending on their workplace and position in the music industry. Beinga DJ requires you to do a lot more than just play songs. Learning to structure a set, mix on the fly, and get a crowd moving all starts with your deck. Later on, you can invest in bigger speakers, a monitor, a MIDI controller, an audio interface, mics, and various plug-ins, depending on your ambitions for playing out, but a bare-bones basic DJ setup needs to include the following: DJHOW DO YOU DO - 𝕽𝖎𝖟𝖐𝖎.SZ. 52 4 5. arvanjebe van. · 3-30 Follow. 4 comments. Log in to comment. Rii. TikTok video from van. (@arvanjebe): "#ArvanAsu". DJ HOW DO YOU DO. TikTok. Upload . Log in. For You. Following. LIVE. Log in to follow creators, like videos, and view comments. Log in. Popular topics. Comedy Gaming Food Subscribe Hope you like the nightcore upload and be sure to Subscribe to stay up to date with my latest daily Nightcore uploads!: Song: Boom - How Do You Do (C. Baumann Beforewe talk about how to DJ, it is essential to know what type of DJ you'd want to become. In my article - What Does DJ Stand For? I talk about 5 Types of DJs. Radio; Mobile; Club/ Bar; Event; Touring; Each one is different. You do not need to be all of these. Try to focus on one area. And work on being very good at that area. Freie Presse Zwickau Er Sucht Sie. Prime Sound is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process hereDJs make their work look so graceful, and it’s all thanks to their equipment, namely the controllers. However, if you’ve ever seen one of these controllers, then you know it’s a fairly intimidating device. It comes with multiple buttons, knobs, and controllers, which is enough to put people off from using the machine. However, for the determined few, the only thing stopping them is they don’t know how to use a DJ controller on their PCs. Otherwise, they would get one as soon as possible and put it to good use. If you’re one of these determined few, this write-up should give you insight into what the machine is capable of and how to use it to your advantage. What is a DJ controller? To understand a DJ controller and what it does, you must first understand DJ software. Examples of DJ software include Ableton Live, Serato DJ pro, Atomix VirtualDJ Pro, and more. Notably, this kind of software allows you to combine different tracks to make remixed alternatives using your keyboard and mouse pad as your controls. Since that isn’t the main function of the keyboard and mouse, it makes controlling the software more difficult, which is where the DJ controller comes in. DJ controllers have dedicated controls that can sometimes be mapped out according to your preferences to make the DJ software easier to use. They technically do not mix audio. This is the job of your computer and the DJ software. However, they do give directions to the computer on how to go about it. Also, a common feature in modern DJ controllers is that they come with built-in soundcards. This is further supplemented by outputs making it easy to preview audio and remixed tracks before routing it to the main output for the audience. The Traditional “deejaying” setup involved having a mixing console sandwiched between two decks. However, with the modern DJ controller, you typically get the same things built into one machine. Additionally, traditional machines took up the duty of processing the sounds mixed. In the modern era, the software takes up that responsibility, therefore, allowing the controllers to be smaller than ever. Benefits of DJ controllers As improvements for the old Deejaying setups, DJ controllers have some benefits, as highlighted below. Fairly affordable If you were to try and use an older/more traditional setup, you’d have to buy at least two decks and a mixer. Also, given how we access music files in the modern age, you would still need a computer as a repository for the tunes and sounds that you mix on the daily. This is in addition to several USB sticks that you use to load the songs onto your decks. Contrast that with only having to buy a controller and a laptop, and you find that the DJ controller setup is much cheaper. Today it’s even possible to get a DJ controller for under $300. The Numark Party Mix II is, according to reviews, an excellent example of how affordable DJ controllers can be. Not only is the hardware inexpensive, but buyers also get Serato DJ lite software included with the purchase. Portable Another notable factor when learning how to use a DJ controller with Traktor or FL studio is that the sound production and processing are done by the computer. Modern PCs have enough computational power to get the job done and still manage to be compact. A side effect is that the controller doesn’t need many inbuilt electrical components to do its job. Consequently, new DJ controllers are also getting smaller and smaller, making the whole setup more portable. Adaptability to modern needs This is another side effect of the integration with DJ software. Notably, the software seems easier to develop compared to hardware with no raw materials being used. As such, new and improved versions of DJ apps are pushed out regularly, and of course, they’ll have new capabilities, features, and functions as well. The users, in return, update their old apps allowing them to use the new features with the old hardware that they have. If you were to use older tech, CDJ, this adaptability is stifled because they require firmware updates that are infrequent at best. Ease of use Another benefit is the ease of use which is evident in several ways once you start using a DJ controller. One example is easy access to your music library. Every track you use will likely be stored on your PC’s hard disk. Consequently, searching for specific tracks becomes a cakewalk. Remember you have the search feature in your computer where you can put in keywords and get results. The “sort” feature is another extension of this, not to mention the big screen you have as well as the mouse. Additionally, you need to preview tracks to mix or remix them properly. This has also been made easier compared to traditional setups. There is no need to even load the tracks onto one of your decks which was necessary when using a CDJ or DDJ system. Instead, you use your mouse to play bits and pieces of the songs before loading them onto your decks. Next, recording your Deejaying sessions is not as difficult as it used to be. The computer is enough, and the deejaying apps have a built-in recording feature. You just hit the “record” button before starting your set. The last piece of evidence showing that DJ controllers are easy to use is the plug-and-play functionality. This is partly due to the integration with the deejaying software available. A USB cable connecting your PC and controller is basically all you need for the two machines to work together. Basics of how a DJ controller works The term “specialized keyboard” is an apt description for a DJ controller. All it does is give a set of instructions to the DJ software running on the computer. For instance, hitting the play/pause button on the DJ controller hardware works the same as hovering over the same button in the software and clicking on it with your mouse. However, the former is much easier, faster, and more intuitive. Older turntables were self-reliant where they had electrical circuitry to adjust the audio. They featured pedals and controls that would create effects. Additionally, they also helped adjust frequency response and the playback of the song. Modern controllers, on the other hand, use binary signals to communicate with your PC. Your computer and the DJ software create the effects and adjust the playback of the song according to instructions. Most DJ controllers need to be connected to your PC via USB to work, although there are exceptions. Furthermore, the DJ is required to map the tool’s buttons in addition to the various faders and knobs to make the device more intuitive. That said, most new controllers come with predetermined controls that have been tried, tested, and proven to be fairly intuitive. Also, the larger your DJ controller, the more controls and buttons you’re likely to have. Additionally, many modern DJ controllers come with built-in soundcards. This allows the audio to be fed back into the controller from the computer via the USB cable. Consequently, the user gets more control over audio levels going out to the various outputs, including your PA system. DJ controller setup Setting up a DJ controller is a fairly easy task. First, you have to plug your PC and the controller into working sockets. After all, the devices need to be powered up before you can use them. Additionally, you connect the PC and the controller via the provided USB cord. Next, you open the DJ software on your computer. Most of these are designed to automatically detect the connection with the controller. Some may require additional manual input and selection of the device you’re using once the program is open. You can then map some of your controls if it’s your first time. Where you don’t have this option, you can read the manual on what certain buttons are for and how to use them. We’ve also covered some of that in the section below. You’ll likely have to connect the controller’s outputs to your PA system or speakers. Sometimes you may even have to route that connection via an external mixer, depending on the setup at your deejaying booth. Other DJs connect their headphones to one of the outputs of the controller for previews. Your DJ controller is now set up and ready for use. Controls Whether you’re learning how to use a DJ controller with Serato, Traktor, or FL studio, the button layout and their functions on the device will likely be the same. Here are the controls that you should expect Play/Pause Just as the name suggests, this button will either play or pause the track that you’ve selected. Cue The cue button is often used to mark a start point in a song or track. Most DJs use this button on a track they’re not playing to control where the song starts when they make a transition. After that, if you press the cue button a second time, it will start the song at the cue mark. Additionally, the song will only keep going as long as your finger remains on the button, although you can also press the play button for continuous play. Lastly, you’re discouraged from pressing the cue button while playing a track because it will pause the song. Hot Cue The hot cue button is similar to the cue button in that it marks certain sections of the song, so you can easily jump to them at any time. Notably, you can mark multiple hot cue points on a song, and the machine and software will remember them for you. Sync One of the basics of deejaying is that you transition better from one track to another when they have a similar BPM or song tempo. By pressing the sync button, you sync the BPM of the song in the secondary channel to match the one currently playing, therefore making the transition more seamless. Auto loop This is yet another button whose function is self-explanatory. You use it to create a loop area where a section of the song will keep repeating until you turn it off. It’s best used to make quick loops. Manual loop The manual loop button is almost the same as the auto loop, but it needs extra input from you. Typically, you use the available pads to determine where the loop starts and ends. You can also tweak it if the result is not up to your standards. Sampler This button is used to play short sound effects loaded onto your Deejaying software. Some examples include your DJ name or your contact information. Shift Notably, some buttons on the machine have two functions. However, if you press them, you only activate the first function leaving out the secondary one. This is where the shift button comes in. You press both the shift button and the button with two functionalities, and the secondary function will be activated. For instance, the cue button may also have a rewind function. If you only press this button, it will cue a song just as described above. However, if you press the shift + cue button, then the secondary function, in this case, rewind, will be activated. Motorized platter Another control that some DJs like on their controllers is the motorized platter. It’s similar to the old-school vinyl turntables in the way it spins while a track is playing and even gives you similar functionality. As such, options with these platters make the best DJ controllers for scratching. You can pause, slow down the song, and more using this part of the hardware. Screen Higher-end DJ controllers are also likely to come with a screen that may have multiple functions depending on whether or not it has touch functionality. According to reviewers, the Pioneer DJ DJ System has one of the best screens in the market. It’s large and offers lots of visual feedback while you’re mixing. Also, the machine features lots of professional-grade DJ features. Music mixing tips Lastly, here are some tips to guide you as you start mixing. Always load the songs you’re playing in decks one and two. This affords you better control of the track, especially if you have a motorized platter. For scratches, loops and other peripheral sounds, you can load them into other decks in your software. Start simple, especially when adding effects and scratches, then gradually build up the mixing complexity. Lastly, be frugal with your sound effects. Hearing them every two minutes may lower the quality of the mix and the music. Final thoughts Hacking how to use a DJ controller is not a day-long endeavor. It takes a while not only to familiarize yourself with the controls but also to use them effectively. You need to build up your mixing skills over time, and that can only happen through practice. For reference, you can check out your favorite DJs and note down how they make transitions, the FX frequency, and other aspects of their mixes that you like. After that, you try to mimic them while also trying to build your identity as a DJ. Last Updated on September 29, is becoming more and more popular lately, and in order to have a chance to make it you need to improve your course, if you ever want to reach the highest level you can, the best way to achieve this is by practicing the right is why I wrote this 15-step guide on how to practice as a DJ and not waste time on things that won’t make you any get straight into it. 15 Steps to Practice DJing! 1. Practice Makes Perfect2. Record Yourself3. Streaming4. Playing for/with friends5. Set a Timer6. Use Simple DJ Equipment7. Learn to Count8. Be approachable9. Don’t Drink and Play10. Ask for Help11. Join Djing Groups12. Choose a Name13. Teach Others14. Read Books about DJing15. Enroll in Online CoursesBest 4 DJ Controllers for Beginners1. Practice Makes PerfectHow do you get better at anything?… Practice, Practice, Practice!Whether you are trying to learn a new language, driving, or a sport, it always comes down to practice. Therefore, practice makes perfect, or so the saying practicing the right way makes perfect, but let’s keep practice will help you identify consistent mistakes and help you correct can do this in your bedroom or download DJ apps and practice while in a car or whenever you have some free time. The more you practice, the more natural your movements and skills Record YourselfRecording yourself during practice sessions is a great way to improve your get to listen to your mixes and judge yourself. It is a great way to improve your technical the recording sessions you may even feel embarrassed when you make a helps you deal with mistakes when Djing because let’s face it, you will make mistakes whenever you are playing to a live recording yourself will help you to understand and manage the pressure of errors while StreamingAnother useful tool to improve your Djing skills is to stream to a live is like number two above, but this time, there is the added pressure of a live this digital age, there are various streaming services at your disposal, such as Facebook live, among careful not to pay too much attention to the likes or viewer count since this may be most significant benefit is that you can get feedback from your audience that can be quite helpful in improving your Best Free DJ Mixing Software you can stream with them.4. Playing for/with friendsFriends can be a motivating tool, especially if you are a general, most friends seem have the same interests and tastes in music, at least in my inviting friends over and having them listen to a Djing session can help you get constructive criticism and praise that can be quite a morale can also help you get used to playing for a live isn’t it a lot less intimidating to play for people you know, who you are certain will give you honest feedback?5. Set a TimerThis is an excellent way to apply extra external pressure on you set a timer, you must ensure to play your gig within the time limits will help you focus more on beat matching and music selection without wasting time deciding on what to play you’ve never done this, then you’ll notice that you will be much more focused on the task at hand, instead of worrying about details that don’t matter as Use Simple DJ Equipment As a beginner, use simple Djing equipment that is not too complicated to will help you perfect the basics before moving on to the complicated can quickly get excited by loops, hot cues, and filters, which may give you a false sense of excellent skill sets, whereas the basics of listening and hearing of beats are still in need of an expensive and over-complicated system may confuse you and even give you a sense of panic due to the extra knobs and dials on the just as a bonus, beginner and not so fully-featured equipment is usually the end of the post I will add a table with the best DJ controllers for beginners, in case you need that info!7. Learn to CountThis mainly involves what was traditionally known as kicks and snares on the drum songs you play will be in counts of beat matching will involve the matching of kicks on two songs and having them run parallel to each at the end of the eighth kick, you can transition to the second involves excellent hearing skills and is one of the necessary Djing skills that one should learn from the Be approachableDJs work in high-pressure environments that involve pleasing crowds that are probably drinking and partying the night skills are essential as various people will walk up to you with song requests, while others may criticize your outfit and mixing Dj must keep his cool and focus on the task at hand. Reacting to every comment or banter will only enrage you or spoil the entire approachable and genuinely nice and ensure to always be in good imagine what people will think of you if every time someone comes up to talk to you, even if it’s for criticism, you react defensively… not Don’t Drink and PlayFollowing the previous recommendation, is this should be on your A-Game while performing live, and drinking will only lower the chances of a great you might think that it helps because it can calm the nerves, but I would avoid it at all Ask for HelpSometimes being a beginner can be may feel that some of the questions you have may be considered obvious or stupid. Sometimes even finding decks to practice on can be a daunting not be afraid to ask any questions or seek help on any matter when learning how to remember that even the experts such as Laidback Luke and Dj Khaleed probably started where you are, and many are willing to help in any way that they Join Djing GroupsThere is a ton of groups out there for DJs, and Facebook is a great place to joining Djing groups, you get to ask questions and get prompt answers from various experts with experience in the also get to meet beginners such as yourself who may also be struggling just like the support provided in these groups, you will gain confidence and improve your Djing Choose a NameChoosing a stage name can be quite morale-boosting and a message to the industry that you mean can go by your official name or choose a nickname/stage this gives you an identity and brand to protect. It also gives you a badge of honor and an unofficial stamp that you are now a a brand name, you can go ahead to open social media accounts and upload various gigs can also start building a name for yourself and become a force to be reckon with in the Teach OthersBy teaching others how to Dj, you get to improve and add to your skills way more than you will require you to research, gather learning materials, and answer questions from upcoming DJs and, in turn, push you to be better and improve your others is not just noble but enhances your reputation in the industry as always found that teaching is by far the best way of you’ll need to have a foundation of skills and knowledge, but explaining something to someone else requires you to have a deep understanding of what you’re trying to teach, which in turn helps Read Books about DJing Believe it or not, there are hundreds of excellent books about DJing that can teach you a great deal; not just about how to become better, but also the history about DJing, and know this might not seem as appealing to some of you, but I promise you it you’re interested in finding out more about the best books about DJing, then read my article on that Enroll in Online CoursesLearning to DJ by yourself might seem appealing, and in all honesty might also work, but if you want to fast-track your progress and learn from people who have spent decades perfecting their craft, then online courses are probably the best way to go about wrote a post about the best online DJ courses available that you should absolutely check ones I recommend the most are the courses from DJ Courses Online since they offer something for every of their best courses are;How to DJ; MasterclassAdvanced DJ Techniques and Tips Divided into 3 levelsDJing BasicsDJ Career TipsBest 4 DJ Controllers for BeginnersNameDescriptionPricePioneer DDJSB3Allows for quick progress; Great for learning Mixtrack Pro 3Simple and easy to use, without too many DJ MC4000Overall Best Controller for Instruments S2 MK3Good for beginners but also very professional these 15 steps and your practice sessions will improve drastically!Like I just mentioned, enrolling in an online DJing course might be one of the fastest ways to learn, but if you only follow the previous 12 steps, you should be good to hope this information was a wonderful day! Ready to learn how to become a DJ? This really is the ultimate guide that contains everything you will need to know from the different setups to making money from DJing. Every beginner DJ needs this guide! So you’ve decided to become a DJ. You’ve listened to some mixes, watched the DJ at the club, and you really want to give it a go; but you don’t really know where to start. Go back in time twenty years and all you would have needed was a set of turntables and a mixer. But DJing has come a long way since then, turntables are still used but in a totally different way which we’ll cover later. As well as turntables we now have, CD players, controllers, and digital software. You can also incorporate separate effects units, drum machines, and a host of different hardware. So with that being said, you now know there are many different ways you can become a DJ. Before you can go any further you need to decide what type of DJing you wish to do… Do you want to go the traditional route and set up a pair of turntables with a mixer? Do you want to keep the traditional feel but get yourself some modern CD players CD decks? Maybe you want to mix tracks directly from your laptop or computer using this traditional feeling set-up? How about mixing tracks directly from your laptop or even your iPad using an all in one DJ controller? Or maybe you want to go purely digital and mix on your computer, phone, iPad, etc? Obviously you’ll be able to try all of these eventually, but it’s best to choose just one to start with. Figuring out the basics of just one of these methods can be tricky enough when you first become a DJ. So have a think about it, which one will you choose? Check out some of the set-ups below. Then keep reading to learn all about the different methods that we’ve mentioned above! How to Become a DJ for Beginners 1. Pick Your Ideal DJ setup So you’ve made your mind up. You know what type of mixing you want to do, and what set-up you want. Whichever one you chose is guaranteed to bring you hours of fun as you become a DJ and progress. Let’s have a look at each method before going onto the next step. The Traditional Set-up For all of the set-ups we’re about to cover you’ll need a set of speakers or monitors. I always recommend that you use active speakers. Active speakers are powered and self amplified, meaning you won’t have to buy a separate amplifier. You simply plug them into your mixer and a power source, and you’re good to go. In my article DJ on a budget I recommend the awesome Pioneer DJ DM-40 for home DJing. Update I recently bought a set of Behringer B210D Eurolive active speakers and they are amazing! They also come in at a great price! See our favorite Behringer speakers Read our post on the Best DJ Speakers review for more information The traditional DJ set-up consists of a set of turntables, a mixer, and some headphones. Very simple, very cheap to get started, and very fun. This is the simplest way the become a DJ and you have some great options… You can get some brilliant turntables like the Stanton M2. These are also recommended in my DJing on a budget article. Or Pioneer do the higher end PLX-1000 turntables, these will suit beginners perfectly and last many years. The downside of this set-up is that you’ll have to buy vinyl records, which can be expensive. If you already have a record collection this is great. But if not you may need an alternative to vinyl, which we’ll cover shortly. Our Favorite Turntable Pioneer PLX CD Decks in a traditional set-up This is almost the same as the traditional set-up; but instead of turntables you use CD decks. This is a fantastic setup and many modern CD decks now come with the ability to plug in a USB stick. This means you won’t have to buy a ton of CDs, you simply mix tracks straight from the USB stick. This offers a much cheaper way to become a DJ while still giving you a traditional feeling set-up. Numark do the NDX500 with this option. Or the higher end Pioneer CDJ 850k will also allow USB playback. CD’s?! Outdated? If you think CD’s are outdated, or maybe they just take up more space than you’d like, you could try a digital player. A player like the Pioneer XDJ-RR will let you play the following files from USB devices with no need for a laptop – AAC/AIFF/MP3/WAV/ALAC/FLAC. You can even plug them into a laptop to use alongside software if you’d like, as in the controller section further down. These players don’t play CD’s which will put some people off, but this will be attractive to others. The traditional set-up with a difference! Do you still want a traditional set-up but don’t want to have to buy expensive vinyl or annoying CD’s? Check out the digital vinyl system DVS. A DVS will allow you to play tracks directly from your computer, laptop, or mac using control vinyl/CD’s. Control vinyl/CD are encoded and are able to send information about the vinyl/CD’s position to your computer. This allows you to use just two control vinyl, or two control CD’s to play any tack from your computers library. Read all about control vinyl and DVS HERE You’ll need to buy software like Serato DJ Pro or Pioneers Rekordbox. You can then purchase the control vinyl/CD’s with a sound card that plugs into your mixer and computer. Don’t be afraid of this option as a beginner, it sounds complicated but it’s really easy to set-up and really simple to use. The best way to get yourself a DVS is to buy the software and hardware as a package. This can be done with the Denon DJ DS1 sound card audio interface. This all works in conjunction with your turntables or CD decks, or even both. It will get you mixing instantly with no further purchase necessary. The two best DVS programs on the market are Serato and Traktor, check out my comparison of the two programs > HERE So the DVS route is a little more expensive but offers an amazing way to become a DJ. This set-up will grow with you over many years and will suit beginners all the way to professionals. Although it’s a little more pricey you will save enormously over time as you won’t have to buy records. Records are super expensive, you’ll pay around 7-10 times more for a single record than you’d pay for the price of a download check out this full list of the best websites to build your DJ music library so you can see why many DJ’s are now taking this route from the beginning. Others are switching over to a DVS after decades of mixing vinyl simply because it’s cheaper. Another bonus is that you won’t need a massive shelf of huge boxes to store your records, and if you play out you won’t be lugging around heavy record bags. The DJ Controller Setup If you’re looking for a cheaper way to become a DJ, a controller is definitely the way to go. The DJ controller is an all-in-one unit consisting of two decks and a mixer. The controller will plug into your computer and you will select tracks using DJ software. The tracks will then be mixed with a hands on approach using the controller. Some controllers will even let you mix from an iPad, iPhone, android devices, and more. I’ve gone through a list of the top 10 controllers in my article HERE. No matter what your budget is or what features you want, you’ll find the right controller for yourself. The controller option is the cheapest way to become a DJ while still including hardware. If you want a cheaper set-up with a hands-on approach this could be for you. All-In-One DJ Controllers A slightly more expensive option is an all-in-one DJ system which doesn’t need a laptop like a standard controller. These systems are fairly new to the market but make sense for mobile DJ’s or people that haven’t already got a laptop. They’re becoming very popular with travelling and mobile DJ’s because it means you’ll have less equipment to carry. You may pay a little more but you won’t be forking out to buy a pricey MacBook so you could save big at the end of the day. And if you don’t have a laptop at your gig there’s less equipment to get damaged when somebody spills their drink on your DJ table! Mixing digitally – mixing on a laptop or device The last setup option is a computer and software, it’s that simple! You could become a DJ today by simply downloading a program to your laptop! You will be able to mix music using digital DJing software; using nothing but your software’s interface. There are even programs that could get you mixing today for free! My favourite free software is Mixxx and Virtual DJ. These are two of the best programs that you’ll find for free. But search around and you’ll find many more fantastic programs that you can purchase, we’ll look at some of these later. Assuming you already have a laptop/computer/device this is the cheapest way to become a DJ. For those that don’t want hardware and just fancy mixing now and again, this could be for you. This could also suit people with limited space at home, or those that travel a lot and can’t take hardware with them. Once your set up arrives you may need help setting it all up correctly and safely, so let’s help you out. Our favorite, mid-range DJ controller Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR All-in-one DJ Controller 2. set up DJ decks and equipment Setting up the traditional 2 deck 1 mixer set-up is very simple. First plug the turntables or CD decks and your mixer in to the mains socket. But don’t turn them on yet, there’s a certain sequence you must follow which we’ll get to later. You’ll have two phono RCA leads and an earth ground wire coming from turntables. If you’re using CD decks you’ll also have two RCA leads. These leads will plug in to the mixer. If you have turntables plug the leads into the phono input. If you have CD decks plug them in to the line input. You may not have separate phono/line inputs. If this is the case there will be a switch to switch from phono to line. Use line for CD decks and phono for turntables. Next connect to earth wire from your turntables to the GND of the mixer. This will normally be a simple knurled nut that you can tighten up by hand. Next you can connect your active speakers to the master output of the mixer. If you have a separate amplifier connect this to the master output. And connect your passive speakers to the separate channel outputs of the amplifier. Then you can plug in your active speakers/amplifier to the mains. But don’t turn it on yet, we’ll get to that shortly. Setting up a controller is also very simple. Most controllers are plug and play meaning you can plug them straight into your computers USB port. The majority of controllers also have a built in sound card to allow this. So simply plug your active speakers or amplifier into the master output. If you don’t have master outputs you will need an audio interface. This will plug into your computers USB port and connect to your speakers. If there is no headphone output they will plug into your laptops headphone port. Setting up a DVS. You will need an audio interface soundcard to connect your hardware to your computer. The interface must have at least 4 inputs and 4 outputs to work. First connect the two RCA leads from your left turntable/CD deck to the 1, 2 input of the interface. Then the same with the right turntable/CD deck, but connect to 3, 4.. Next connect the channel 1 line out of you mixer to the 1, 2 output of the interface. Now connect channel 2 line out on the mixer to 3, 4 of the interface. If you have ground wires on your turntables connect those the the ground connection on the interface. Next plug in the USB cable to connect the interface to your computer. When you open up your software it should recognise your sound card and sync to it. Feeling Lost? Become A DJ In The Next 30 Days Thousands of aspiring DJs swear by this “online university for DJs”. Taught by DJ TLM and with over 40+ hours of video, this class will guide you from beginner to pro. Setting up a purely digital set-up. If you are mixing with software but need to connect loudspeakers you can do this with an audio interface. Simply connect the interface to the USB port on the computer. Then connect your active speakers to the outputs of the interface. If you have an amplifier, connect this to the outputs of the interface. Then connect your speakers to the separate channels on the amplifier. If you are mixing with headphones these will plug into the computers headphone port. Your equipment is ready! So the equipment is now ready to use but you need to turn it on in the correct order as mentioned earlier. All audio components can emit a power spike which can make a loud pop through your speakers. This should be avoided at all costs as it can cause serious damage your speakers. Turning equipment off in the right order You simply reverse the turning on procedure but you may have to wait a moment while amplifiers discharge. Amplifiers store energy so don’t turn the mixer off too soon after the amplifier or active speakers or you may still hear a pop. You’ll usually see the lights on the active speakers/amplifier slowly fade as they discharge. This can be a good indicator of when to turn the mixer off. Your equipment is now ready to use and it’s time to play some tracks! As this is the first time your set-up is being used we need to check that the signal levels are not too high. So load up a track and hit play and get the volume set to a level right for you. You can do this by using the master volume knob on your mixer. You can also use the volume control on your active speakers/amplifier. The gains on your mixer should remain at the 12 o’clock position. While you are setting the volume be sure to keep an eye on your VU meters. These are the lights on your mixer/software that jump along to the beat of the music. It’s important that you don’t see any red lights. If you see reds you need to lower the master volume on the mixer. You can compensate by turning up the active speakers/amplifier. I’ve got a full explanation of VU meters and EQing in this article. You can also now set the headphone volume to your liking. Now all of the levels are set you can start having a play around with the decks/mixers different functions. This also applies to software and controller users. There are many settings you’ll need to use, so learn what each one does and how it changes a track. Next you’ll be able to try mixing your first two tracks together… But before we get to that you’ll need some good headphones. Check out the best headphones on the market with a full buyers guide. Feeling Lost? Become A DJ In The Next 30 Days Thousands of aspiring DJs swear by this “online university for DJs”. Taught by DJ TLM and with over 40+ hours of video, this class will guide you from beginner to pro. 3. Learn the Basics What is mixing? Now you understand what each function on your equipment does we can have a go at mixing. Mixing means you will blend the two tracks together whilst making it sound smooth and seamless. This is done by getting the beats of each tune playing at the same number of beats per minute BPM. This is called beatmatching and it’s the first skill you will learn as you become a DJ. Learn exactly how a DJ mixer works and how to use one > learn all about using DJ controllers, multi players and all-in-one units > HERE. If you’re using software you’ll have the option of using the sync button. Sync does the beatmatching for you and is great for time saving so you can play with effects, loops etc. Unfortunately many DJs now see the sync as the only way to beatmatch and they never learn manual beatmatching. This can cause problems if the time ever comes that you don’t have a sync button. This could be whilst using different equipment in clubs for example. All DJ’s need to learn manual beatmatching by ear, it’s an essential skill that we all need at some point. You don’t become a DJ until you master beatmatching! For a full lesson in mixing including beatmatching by ear, counting beats, EQing, and many tips and tricks see my full article – HERE. Once you have read the article you will have all of the skills needed to progress with DJ music mixing. This will take a few months to get perfected. Even if you think you have it down quicker than that you should keep practising before moving to the next step. Feeling Lost? Become A DJ In The Next 30 Days Thousands of aspiring DJs swear by this “online university for DJs”. Taught by DJ TLM and with over 40+ hours of video, this class will guide you from beginner to pro. The next step is to learn skills that will make your mixing and your sets stand out above the rest. This could be the use of loops, samples, and effects by using your software or simply an effects mixer. Or if you don’t have either of these you could learn how to scratch, every audience appreciates a DJ that can scratch. Scratching involves taking a certain sound and cutting it up with the crossfader to make different variations of the sound. This is all done in time to the beat and takes a long time to master. Some people like to scratch just to add a little something different to their sets like myself, others will become turntablists. A turntablist is a DJ that scratches, juggles beats, and basically puts on a show for the crowd using the turntable like an instrument. The chosen setup is usually a set of turntables and a DVS, but a new breed of DJ’s called controllerists are now emerging. These DJ’s use controllers in place of turntables, controllerism can produce impressive performance mixes that flow effortlessly from track to track while incorporating scratching and beat juggling. Great examples of turntablism can be seen at the Red Bull 3Style world championships. This style of DJing takes a lot of commitment and you can expect to spend most of your spare time practising in your room. But the outcome is so impressive that 3style champions are taking massive prizes for winning over the crowd. If scratching sounds like something you’d like to try, then take a look at my scratching article > HERE. Now you’re confident in your mixing and you have some awesome skill behind the decks. At this point you’ll be thinking about getting out of the bedroom to mix at a bar, club etc. 4. Choose Your Music Genre When you’re new to mixing choose a genre an stick to it until you have the beatmatching on lock. If you start mixing different genres together the difference in BPM and variations in the bass lines can make things more difficult. If you chose one certain genre; for example house music, the tracks will all be similar. They’ll have a similar BPM, similar kick-drum, long intro/outro etc. This makes the initial learning processes much easier. Don’t over complicate things, keeping everything simple when you first become a DJ is the key to progressing faster. Mixing different genres is a great way of improving your DJing skills and it broadens your options. Once you’re confident in your beatmatching, general mixing, and EQing, try mixing different genres. You’ll notice how much different your style of mixing will have to be for different genres. This all leads to a better more skilled DJ that can cater for any music taste a specific crowd has. 5. Software for Beginner DJs If you chose a setup that requires a laptop then you’ll be wondering what software you will need. There’s a massive amount of software available and as we mentioned earlier some of it is even free. But you can’t always just choose any old software, or the one that looks the best. Controllers will be mapped to work in conjunction with a certain program. For example many Pioneer controllers only work alongside Rekordbox, Pioneers own software, while others will only work with Serato. When you buy a controller bear this in mind, if you like the look of Serato look for the Serato symbol on the controller. If you don’t see it read the specifications to see what program you’ll need. Many manufacturers give you a free copy of the required software when you buy a controller so don’t go rushing into purchasing software until you have a controller. Also bare in mind that some free software that’s included with a controller purchase may just be a simplified version. For example Serato does Serato DJ Lite, this is simply made for learning how to mix. As you progress you’ll most certainly need to upgrade to the Pro version which will cost you extra. DJ software choices So what choices do you have when it comes to software? We’ve already mentioned a few but let’s look at the best of the best, and the top DJ choices. Serato DJ Pro Serato is possibly the most commonly used DJ software on the market. We’ve already mentioned the free version that you can download right now from their website. The paid version is available as a subscription at $ per month, or you can pay outright for $129. They also do a DJ suit that has all of the add-ons. Bare in mind that if you’re wanting to use it for a DVS you will need the DVS add-on. Once it’s on your laptop you’ll be able to plug it in at the club or around your friends house and recall all of your tracks, cue points, samples, and loops. There’s a huge amount of hardware that works alongside serato and even some that have been specially designed around the program. Traktor Pro 2 Traktor Pro 2 is the main competitor for Serato and is made by a company called native instruments. Native instruments were one of the first companies ever producing timecode vinyl back in the year 2k! Traktor Pro 2 will require a powerful laptop and comes in at $117 for the full version, or they have a full featured demo that will let you play for 30 minutes at a time. There are lots of plug and play controllers, mixers, and midi controllers, and just like Serato Trakto supports a long list of controllers by Pioneer, Denon, Allen & Heath, Reloop, Behringer, Numark, and many more. Rekordbox DJ Pioneers own software which was produced in cooperation with Mixvibes who actually make their own great program. Rekordbox has become big competition for both Traktor and Serato and is a fantastic program. They do a free 30 day trial or you can buy it for $129 plus tax, you’ll need to buy an add-on for $99 to use it with a DVS. Many Pioneer controllers, mixers, and players come with a free license key for Rekorbox so don’t buy it until you have your hardware. Virtual DJ Virtual DJ is another program that’s been about or a long old time, it’s the first software I ever used back in 2006. Thankfully it’s had a few upgrades since then and the latest version really is brilliant. When you buy Virtual DJ the makers, Atomix will upgrade you for FREE every time they release a newer version which is a great selling point. I mainly see it used by mobile DJ’s and beginners but that’s not to say it’s any less of a program, it made my top 5 list HERE for good reason. You can buy the home version for $99 or the professional club version for $299, or you can pay $19 per month. Mixvibes Cross We mentioned earlier that Pioneer teamed up with Mixvibes to produce the awesome Rekordbox. Well Mixvibes also have their own software selection and Cross is the one everybody is raving about. It’s available for for Pc and Mac, and DJ’s who are taking the software only route will be happy to know it’s also available for iOS and Android. It’s compatible with a long list of controllers and can also be used as a DVS. Cross is available for $115 and the DVS which is only available for the desktop version comes as a package that includes two control vinyl for $150. All of these prices are correct at the time of writing, I will update this article regularly. Mixxx – Free full download We mentioned Mixx earlier as being my favourite free software, and I suggest that all beginners try this program. It’s a great way of getting to know DJ software before cashing out on any of the more feature packed programs. Mixxx has been developed and fine tuned by a bunch of top DJ’s and producers and supports a massive list of hardware. Beginner DJ’s will be more than happy with its features and it even includes free timecode vinyl control! All you will need to do is buy the control vinyl; and you’ll be happy to know a bunch of readily available timecode vinyl and timecode CD’s work perfectly in conjunction with it. 6. Get Your Name Out There as a DJ The first step is to make some mixtapes, record your mixes and hand them out to friends and family. The feedback you’ll receive is priceless and if you’re going wrong anywhere this is how to find out. The best place to get your mixes heard by others is by uploading them. You could try mixcloud or make it into a video and whack it on YouTube. Once it’s on YouTube find groups related to your chosen genre of music on Facebook, Reddit, and elsewhere online. Stick a link anywhere you can and the feedback will soon come rushing in. Feedback is important and will let you know if you’re ready to start looking for club work. Take all feedback seriously and make sure you feel confident enough to step into a club and mix for at least an hour without making any mistakes before even contacting any venues. Promotors or club owners may ask you to prove you’re worthy of playing at their venue before they risk letting you play live, so be ready for this and make sure your mixing is on point. Feeling Lost? Become A DJ In The Next 30 Days Thousands of aspiring DJs swear by this “online university for DJs”. Taught by DJ TLM and with over 40+ hours of video, this class will guide you from beginner to pro. Another thing that you can do is start building a following; Facebook pages are great fore this. You can upload mixes, do live DJ mixes, post photos of your gigs, and promote yourself. And if somebody wants to book you for a gig they can easily contact you. Another option that DJ’s may consider is radio. The modern daytime radio DJ will need a plethora of skills besides mixing. But if you want a simple option internet radio is a great route. You’ll have the ability to mix and present your show from home, and certain specialist stations won’t require presenting skills. These stations are all about specific genres of music and people will tune in just for the mixing. You could even start your own radio show in the form of a podcast. People will be able to download the podcast and listen whenever suits them. It’s a great way of getting your name out and building a following. You could promote this over a Facebook page, a YouTube channel, or a website. These are just a few examples, there are so many options available on so many different platforms. You just have to find one that works for you. 7. Make Money From DJing If you think you’re ready to become a DJ at a club, bar, or any other venue read my definitive guide > HERE. The article goes through what kit you’ll be using, and ways to prepare for your first gig. You’ll also learn tips that took me many years to figure out as a DJ. Many clubs will pay a fairly crappy amount for unknown DJ’s, this is why it’s worth building a following so that you’ll be more in demand. If you can prove to club owners that booking you will attract more custom and make them more money, you can discus a higher payment. You may even want to start your own DJing business. I’ve done it and it’s definitely worth it, it’s great fun and you can make decent money too. It can cost around $3500 dollars for the initial mobile DJ setup but you’ll soon get that back when you start landing gigs. If you fancy starting your own mobile DJing business read my article > HERE You’ll learn exactly what equipment you need, how much to charge, and how to find gigs. 8. Keep Practicing to Become a Better DJ Once you’ve decided what route to take you’ll need to learn a few more tricks. That’s right DJing doesn’t just mean you mix music together. Many DJ’s forget that they are there to please the people that they are playing to. These people have paid good money to see them so getting it right is important. Therefore to become a DJ you also need to learn how to read a crowd. This is another important skill in DJing and shouldn’t be neglected. If you don’t get it right you’ll be clearing dance-floors before the first tune ends. Read my full guide on how to do it right > HERE. Feeling Lost? Become A DJ In The Next 30 Days Thousands of aspiring DJs swear by this “online university for DJs”. Taught by DJ TLM and with over 40+ hours of video, this class will guide you from beginner to pro. You’ll learn all about reading the crowd, the atmosphere, crowd interaction, preparing for the night, and pumping up the crowd. 9. DJ Progression DJing is a huge learning experience and I can honestly saying that after DJing for 11 years I’m still learning new tricks. Whether it’s using different equipment or learning new scratches.. Learning new software tricks, or crowd interaction, it all leads to bigger and better things. Once you’ve mastered the skill of DJing another thing that you may like to try is producing your own music. You’ll be able to drop your own tracks and people will get to know you for your music rather than your mixing abilities. Many people will even start off by producing before they become a DJ, they start mixing their own tracks together to show off their work and wind up getting huge gigs. DJ’s that don’t produce will have a harder time finding gigs and getting attention so it’s definitely a route worth pursuing. Once you master crowd interaction you’ll almost be on the same level as a performer. You’ll get the crowd pumped and they’ll enjoy watching you put on a show. I actually believe some DJ’s are actually performers, I’m talking about DJ’s that have a big following because of their personality. People will go to see these DJ’s because of who they are, not because of their mixing skills. These DJ’s are usually very good at mixing, but they will put on a show behind the decks and the include many special performances in their sets. Laidback Luke is one such DJ that comes straight to my mind. These DJ’s just keep getting more and more popular and gain a massive following. If you fancy that lifestyle, start with crowd interaction. 10. Learn New tricks You can also learn lots of tricks to make your mixing sound better. After you master beatmatching, EQing, FX, Loops, etc you can still find lots more to add to your sets. One advanced skill you can try is mixing your tracks in key’. Known as harmonic mixing, this means you will find the musical key that each of your tracks is recorded in and only mix into tracks with the identical key. This makes your mixes flow seamlessly and people will find it difficult to hear the point where you’re mixing out of a track. Mixing in key is more useful for certain types of music, like trance for example; when you want the music to flow smoothly. At one time finding the key would be done by ear and DJ’s would mark each record, but modern equipment is making it much easier to accomplish. Now you can use programs like mixed in key, and some of the DJ software listed earlier also has this feature. Start playing with different techniques and keep learning new skills to really make your sets stand out. Learn one thing at a time and eventually all of your skills will come together to produce a unique sound that people will love. Useful article Mixing Harmonically Using the Camelot Wheel 11. Use protection For Your Ears The last thing to mention is safety, it sounds boring but you need to take this one precaution if you want to enjoy DJing for many years to come. Have you guessed what it is yet? Most of you probably haven’t because most DJ’s totally ignore this – Mix safely be protecting your hearing! When you’re DJing at home you’ll be using low volumes that shouldn’t cause you any problems, but when you start gigging in super loud venues the problems could start. When I started gigging I didn’t take precautions and I would have numb ears for most of the following day, this isn’t good! What you’ll need is an ear plug that has been specially developed for DJ’s, these ear plugs let sound through, but filter the damaging frequencies. They take a little while to get used to but anything is better than a lifetime with tinnitus! I’ve been using DownBeats earplugs for years and never get any numbness or ringing in my ears after gigs anymore. They’re cheap, reusable, and even come with an aluminium case that you can clip to your gig bag or your keys so that you can keep them safe clean. They fit snugly under your headphones and once they’re in they stay put, unlike some others that I’ve tried that keep falling out. Conclusion When you become a DJ you begin creating a world of possibilities for yourself. I hope you achieve exactly what you want from this amazing hobby, career, lifestyle, whatever you want to call it. Are you ready to become a DJ but feeling held back by your budget? Find out how to get everything you need no matter what your budget > HERE. You should also check out my DJ equipment buyers guide for beginners > HERE. Or my full guide to what gear you’ll need > HERE. And for some top tips check out THIS ARTICLE. Learn all about setting cue points and hot cues > HERE. Have fun learning to become a DJ! What is a DJ? A DJ, or disc jockey, specializes in selecting and playing recorded music for a live audience. The job of a DJ involves choosing and mixing music tracks in a way that creates a cohesive and enjoyable experience for the audience. DJs may work in a variety of settings, including clubs, festivals, weddings, and corporate events, and their role is often to keep the energy and atmosphere of the event lively and engaging. To be a successful DJ, one must possess a range of skills, including a deep knowledge of music genres, an ability to read and respond to the energy of the crowd, and technical proficiency with mixing equipment and software. Many DJs also create their own original music or remixes, and may collaborate with other artists to produce new tracks. As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of the DJ remains an important one, with many DJs achieving celebrity status and fans around the world. What does a DJ do? DJs are essential in the entertainment industry as they provide the soundtrack for events and parties. They have the ability to mix and match different songs, genres, and beats to create a unique and cohesive sound that can keep people dancing and engaged for hours. DJs are not only responsible for playing music but also for reading the crowd, setting the mood, and creating a dynamic atmosphere that can enhance the overall experience. They also act as event coordinators, working closely with event organizers and other vendors to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of a DJ go beyond playing music. They are responsible for creating a memorable experience for their audience. Here is a detailed breakdown of the duties and responsibilities of a DJ Music Selection The primary responsibility of a DJ is to select music that is appropriate for the event and the audience. This involves understanding the audience's taste in music and choosing songs that fit the event's mood and theme. Music Mixing A DJ must also be skilled in mixing songs to create a seamless flow of music that keeps the audience engaged. This involves understanding beats, tempo, and harmonies to create a unique and cohesive sound. Equipment Setup A DJ is responsible for setting up and testing their equipment, including turntables, mixers, and speakers, to ensure that they are in proper working condition before the event. Event Coordination DJs often work with event coordinators to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. They may also coordinate with other vendors, such as lighting technicians or sound engineers, to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Reading the Crowd A DJ must be able to read the crowd and adjust their music selection accordingly. This involves understanding the mood and energy of the audience and selecting music that keeps them engaged. Knowledge of Music A DJ must have a thorough knowledge of music, including different genres, artists, and song lyrics. This helps them to create a unique and engaging musical experience for their audience. Technical Skills A DJ must be proficient in using different types of equipment, including turntables, mixers, and software, to create the desired musical experience. Adaptability A DJ must be adaptable and able to handle unexpected situations that may arise during an event, such as power outages or equipment malfunctions. They must be able to think on their feet and quickly come up with a solution to keep the music playing. Creating Playlists DJs are responsible for creating playlists that align with the event's theme and mood. They must also take into account any requests from the event organizers or audience members. Beatmatching One of the core technical skills a DJ must have is beatmatching. This involves aligning the beats of two tracks so that they play seamlessly together, creating a smooth transition between songs. Types of DJs Here are some of the most common types of DJs and what they do Club DJs Club DJs are perhaps the most common type of DJ. They perform in nightclubs and bars, entertaining crowds with a mix of popular music genres such as electronic dance music EDM, hip-hop, and pop. Club DJs use turntables, mixers, and other equipment to create a seamless mix of music and keep the dance floor packed all night long. Mobile DJs Mobile DJs perform at various events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. They typically bring their own sound and lighting equipment and play a wide range of music genres to suit the occasion and the audience. Radio DJs Radio DJs work for radio stations and play music for a live audience over the airwaves. They must adhere to the station's format, which usually consists of specific music genres and styles. Radio DJs also provide commentary and announcements between songs, and may conduct interviews with guests. Turntablists Turntablists are DJs who specialize in manipulating vinyl records and turntables to create complex and intricate scratching, cutting, and beat juggling techniques. Turntablists often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their skills in front of judges and audiences. Producer DJs Producer DJs create their own music using digital audio workstations DAWs and other software tools. They often incorporate their own productions into their live DJ sets, and may perform using a combination of live instruments and pre-recorded tracks. Scratch DJs Scratch DJs specialize in using turntables and vinyl records to create rhythmic scratching sounds and other sound effects. They often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their scratching skills in front of judges and audiences. Are you suited to be a DJ? DJs have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if DJ is one of your top career matches. Take the free test now Learn more about the career test What is the workplace of a DJ like? The workplace of a DJ can vary greatly depending on their specific job and style of music. Some DJs work in nightclubs, bars, and music festivals where they perform for large crowds. In these settings, the DJ is typically situated on a stage or in a DJ booth, which is often equipped with high-end sound and lighting systems. The atmosphere is often energetic and intense, with loud music and flashing lights, and the DJ is expected to create an engaging and exciting experience for the audience. Other DJs may work in more low-key settings, such as lounges or private events, where they provide background music for guests. In these settings, the DJ's role is typically to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere rather than to pump up a crowd. They may be situated in a corner or out of the way location with a smaller, more basic sound system. Regardless of the setting, the job of a DJ requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail. DJs must spend time selecting and organizing their music library, planning their setlists, and practicing their transitions and mixing techniques. They may also need to coordinate with event organizers or other performers to ensure everything runs smoothly. While the job of a DJ can be exciting and glamorous, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. DJs may work long hours, especially on weekends and holidays, and they must be able to stay alert and focused throughout their set. They also need to be skilled in reading the crowd and adjusting their music selection and style to keep the audience engaged. Frequently Asked Questions Pros and Cons of Being a DJ As a DJ, you have the power to control the energy and mood of a room full of people through music. It can be a thrilling experience to see a crowd dancing and enjoying the music you are playing. However, like any profession, there are pros and cons to consider Pros Creativity As a DJ, you have the ability to create unique mixes and blends that showcase your creative talents. This can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you see people enjoying your creations. Flexibility DJing is a highly flexible career, allowing you to set your own hours and schedule. You can choose to work at nightclubs, weddings, parties, or other events, and can often make a good living doing so. Social connections DJing allows you to meet and network with other professionals in the industry, such as event planners, promoters, and other DJs. This can open up new opportunities for gigs and collaborations. Cons Long hours DJing often involves working late into the night or early morning hours, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. This can also impact your personal life and relationships. Competition The DJ industry can be highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for the same gigs and opportunities. This can make it challenging to break into the industry and establish a successful career. Equipment costs DJing requires specialized equipment, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This can be a significant financial investment, especially when you are just starting out. DJs are also known as Disc Jockey Download Article Get in the loop on looping & other essential musical skills Download Article Assembling the Grooviest Equipment Mastering Your Music Learning the Craft Building a Following Making DJing Your Career Q&A Tips Warnings Back in the day, the idea of putting your hands on a vinyl record was practically sacrilegious. But thanks to a few early disc jockeys’ courage and musical skill, DJing is now a valid art form and a profitable career path. If you’re interested in becoming a DJ, but have been scratching your head pun intended trying to figure out the right way forward, keep reading. In this article, we’ll break down how you can break beats to climb your way to the top of the industry, even as a beginner. Happy mixing! Things You Should Know Practice your DJing on a simple, bare-bones set of equipment. All you really need to build your musical skills are a turntable, a mixer, and some musical software. Learn the BPM of each song you play. Then, mix songs with similar BPMs so the transitions are clean and the groove stays consistent. Build your sound and musical personality over time. Figure out what genres you like to play. Are you hardcore or glitch? Trance or lo-fi? The more you master, the better! 1 Practice the basics on a simple setup. Being a DJ requires you to do a lot more than just play songs. Structuring sets, mixing on the fly, and getting a crowd moving are all essential tricks of the trade. Start practicing with a bare-bones kit. Later on, you can invest in more advanced stuff like a MIDI controller, an audio interface, and various plug-ins. However, when you’re beginning your DJ career, just get the following basic equipment[1] 2 turntables or 2 CD players for record scratching 2-channel mixer for mixing tracks Headphones Speakers Mixing software Be economical. You don’t need super high-tech speakers or software. Invest most of your money in a turntable or mixer which often come used and still highly effective for a much lower cost. 2 Compare analog and digital kits. Traditional DJ set-ups play vinyl records on direct-drive turntables. However, it's become increasingly common to use CD-style and straight-digital set-ups too. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but are perfectly effective for playing gigs and becoming a DJ.[2] Analog set-ups will allow you to DJ in the most traditional way, learning the skills the way they were pioneered scratching a stylus against vinyl. This will require you to choose a long-lasting turntable and amass a sizable collection of vinyl records to play, which can be somewhat expensive. Digital set-ups allow you to be extremely mobile, and the learning curve will be much smaller. Learning to beat-match and transition, for example, will be much easier with a BPM beats per minute counter and an online software to assist you. Advertisement 3 Get a mixing software package. A quality software can teach you skills like looping songs, controlling time, and mixing audio in an easy, user-friendly way. Serato Scratch and Traktor are great programs that can read any format of music and select songs through a computer program interface. Pioneer and Numark also offer various products you may want to look into.[3] These programs will enable you to access a library of MP3s on your hard drive to complement your vinyl and CD selections. More often than not, these programs provide live looping and scratching capability, delays and reverberations, as well as video and karaoke options. Ableton is a program that allows you to connect mixing controllers via USB cable. It's great for beginners and super budget-friendly. Some music-mixing software may be hard to learn. You can find great tutorials online for most types. Otherwise, DJ schools can teach you about the cutting-edge stuff out there—but know that you can do it yourself. 4 Set up a home studio to rehearse and experiment. Most DJs record demos, playlists, and original music at home. Ensure that the equipment you bring to the club compliments the equipment you use at your place. For example, if you're a hip-hop DJ, you'll probably want to invest in a scratch/battle mixer at home to simulate a competition environment when you play gigs.[4] A home studio will be especially useful if you ever plan on producing or remixing songs of your own. Becoming a DJ is an extremely fun, but serious time commitment. Try to rehearse and experiment in your studio at least an hour a day. 5 Study the equipment needed for each type of gig. Not all DJ venues are the same. If you plan to play for a place that already has a DJ setup, you might only need a laptop with music mixing software. If you plan to play in private venues, provide your own equipment. Scope out what you need and what you don't for each particular job.[5] If you're serious about being a DJ, odds are you're aware of a few in your area. Hit them up for advice or for a tutorial on their system! If they're half as passionate as you are, they'll love to give you a minute of their time to explain their ways. 6 Build and prepare to pay for a big collection of music. To be a real DJ, get lots and lots of quality music to mix and remix. Since you want the audio to be crisp and clear for the gigs you play, you’ll also at least eventually have to pay for the songs in your library. For now, work with what you have. Hit up your friends to trade sounds. Consult the charts, YouTube channels of record companies, and websites catering especially to DJs like Beatport. Here's a list of music genres to explore[6] House Trance Techno Electro Glitch Dark Alternative Progressive Breakbeat Hardstyle Hardcore Downtempo Jungle Drum and Bass Dubstep Hip-Hop Lo-fi Advertisement 1 Count the BPM of the songs you play. The beats per minute BPM of a song will determine how smoothly or easily you can mix it with another song. Most mixers and DJ software will calculate the BPM of a track for you. However, these may not be fully accurate 100% of the time, so have some sense of the BPMs yourself. Find out your songs’ BPM by looking it up online or counting the time signature as you listen.[7] You can also use a pitch warp to match the beats, but only use it on a song that doesn't have vocals yet. Speeding it up or slowing it down changes the key and messes with everything. It's best to choose 2 songs that are only a few BPM off for the most seamless transitions. 2 Listen to your songs’ intros and outros until they’re second nature. Most dance songs will have an intro and corresponding outro where the music plays without vocals. DJ mixing usually means blending one song's intro with the outro of another. Knowing when an outro starts and an intro begins is critical to live beat mixing.[8] Have your 2nd song ready to go as your 1st one is winding down. Keep a hand on the turntable or CD player's pitch knob to adjust the speed if your BPMs don't match. Keep your other hand on the crossfader, so you can raise the volume of the 2nd song as you lower the volume of the first. 3 Practice scratching on a turntable. Scratching is an essential art form when it comes to DJing. Use your fingertips to stop the record at various intervals; this can create uniquely layered songs and sound effects. If you don’t have a turntable, you can use your decks as pseudo-records to get your scratch on.[9] Learn the different types of scratches too. There are baby scratches and scribble scratches, and drags and scratches that work at different pitch levels. Get 'em all down before you head out there! Certain places in songs are prime for scratching, while others are terrible for it. Knowing when to scratch is like comedic timing you'll know it when it's right and when it's just wrong. 4 Mix similar songs together at first. When you're starting out, make mixing easier by sticking to 2 songs that are within 3 BPMs of each other. Also, ensure that these 2 songs are in the same key. Your software should be able to tell you this. Once you nail that down, start experimenting with looping and then move on to your toggle function for adding effects. Experiment with the different methods on your mixer. For most effects, there's more than 1 way to do them. Find what you prefer. Generally, 1 method is a very do-it-yourself way and the other is more automated. 5 Transition between the songs smoothly. Seamlessly shift from the beat of 1 song to another, so your crowd can dance, uninterrupted. To transition on conventional DJ hardware, listen to the second song's intro in your headphones and move the pitch slider until the songs play at the same speed. Then, queue the 2nd song simultaneously with the preceding song. Adjust the volume levels of the songs as you transition. The song you’re changing out of will be playing at full volume, so adjust the 2nd volume up slowly and subtly.[10] Never mix vocals over other vocals or the noise will be awkward. Digitally, it's possible to use beat-matching software to do transitions automatically provided that the songs are within a few BPM of one another. However, it's still good to learn how to do this analog, since it’s a fundamental skill. Advertisement 1 Be prepared to spend years improving your skills. While DJing might start off as a hobby, it can eventually turn into a lucrative and life-changing career. However, this won’t happen overnight. To become a DJ is to devote years to working magic on others' music. Enjoy the journey and practice every day to make the best songs you can. [11] You probably won’t make a whole lot of money at first, but if you keep at it, several DJs make well over $70,000 a year.[12] DJing may feel difficult at first. You’re still learning the basics, so your songs probably sound pretty rough around the edges. Don’t give up! Soon, the music will become second nature and playing will become a breeze. 2 Try working as both a crowd-pleaser or a music specialist. Know that certain gigs will require that you make a few compromises. A college bar may want to hear Katy Perry when you're just trying to forget Last Friday Night, but they’ll pay better. Meanwhile, being a specialist will give you a lot more cred with the DJs and critics, but it may make your gigs fewer and far between. Crowd pleasing means playing songs that would, most likely, fit the taste of the biggest number of people in any given crowd. This style of DJing is best suited to private events, such as weddings or small parties. A music specialist sticks to a particular genre of music, regardless of what the crowd demands. Usually, these DJs play nightclubs that have specific genre standards or they have an established following based on a certain type of music. 3 Listen to other DJs for inspiration. Find a DJ whose style you admire and observe them as much as possible. Pay attention to how songs are constructed and how the crowd is managed. After you've watched them a few times, approach the DJ after the show and ask for a few tips. Most DJs will be happy to help guide you if they know you're serious.[13] Gain inspiration from the DJs that hit it big. Sometimes, it can help to look up to professionals such as Headhunterz, Tiesto, Avicii, Knife Party, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Skrillex. 4 Get comfortable DJing multiple genres of music. You can still be a specialist if you have multiple genres under your belt—you're just a specialist with versatility. For example, you may create lo-fi music and mix it with underground rap like RZA and J Dilla or play dancey house music with a side of pop like Steve Aoki and Deadmau5. Most DJs are great at one genre of music, but being great at multiple sets you up to be the cream of the crop.[14] This also offers you more opportunities for future gigs. Instead of only having 1 or 2 clubs in the area that'll have you, you can do those, a few other clubs, and the occasional wedding or hoppin' bar mitzvah. 5 Keep up with current music trends. To be viable in today's fast-paced world, be on top of all the charts and where it seems like the trends are going. Browse music blogs regularly, watch the Grammys, read publications like Pitchfork to get insight on people’s taste, and talk to other artists to learn what the music of tomorrow may look like.[15] Keep a list of ideas and notes on popular trends. Refer to these every so often for inspiration. Advertisement 1 Find a place to DJ at regularly. Just like a pilot builds up flight time to get cred, build up as much play time as you can. The best way to do this is to get recurring hours through an established company—not just those one-off gigs. Sign up to work at a local college or community radio station, look for venues that need between-band DJs, or offer some pro bono mixing at a nearby club to get practice.[16] You can also find companies that supply DJs to weddings and similar events. You won't be freelancing, but you'll be getting your foot in the door. 2 Curate your sound to each unique crowd. Having an idea of who your crowd is before the event begins is critical to successful DJing. If you're playing a wedding, for instance, play more slow songs than usual, and try to get a grasp on the bride and groom's musical tastes beforehand. If you're playing a nightclub, get familiar with what the club owner prefers and what the regulars like. The regulars keep the club afloat and, by extension, pay your fee; learn how to keep them happy.[17] Be careful with requests. If you're playing a nightclub that caters to a hip-hop crowd and a tourist requests a song that doesn't fit with the genre, consider it carefully before you play it. Remember, your aim is to keep the core of the audience happy and coming back. If at all possible, visit the venue beforehand. Getting a feel for the regular crowd before you go can help take the pressure off a new gig. 3 Market yourself at each gig. Make press kits, create a social media page, hand out business cards, email clubs constantly, and talk to other artists and club promoters to keep expanding your network. As you're gaining a fan base, play as many shows as necessary to get your name out there. This is not a 9-5 job. It’s a 24/7 one.[18] Book yourself on a tight schedule at first to keep your interest alive and your creativity fresh. Basically, at the beginning take whatever gigs you can. 4 Develop an online presence. If you don't have the time or money to build your own website, start an account for your DJing career on Twitter or Facebook. Promote your shows, connect with your fans, and personally respond to their messages. The more you're a real person to these people, the more they’ll recommend you.[19] Making playlists is a great way to build your presence. Share these playlists with your fans so they can sample your musical tastes and get their appetites wet for your future shows. 5 Play gigs for a low price to get your foot in the door. Start by playing small, private events for a low fee, or take a slow, weeknight shift at a club or bar. Ask a friend who's hosting a party if you can DJ. Be aware that if you're inexperienced, you won't make much money at first and you'll probably have to keep a second job. But you'd do this for free, right?[20] When you first start off, people may book you on the stipulation that you bring X number of people. This shouldn’t be your responsibility, but sometimes you gotta take what you can get. Know that these people are only the ones you're working with now; avoid them in the future. 6 Become a DJ-Producer. You’ll have more success as a DJ if you know how to produce your own music. You can still work with others' tunes, but you're mashing it all up, remixing it, re-editing it, and making it better. Several famous DJs built their fanbase on YouTube doing exactly this![21] You can rake in the cash a lot faster when you start producing your own stuff. Once you have your own catalog of songs, hit up some record labels. Even if you don't end up being a top-billing artist, you can work behind the scenes with other artists doing what you love. Advertisement 1 Build your on-stage persona and charisma. As a DJ, you’re responsible for entertaining a large group of people all by yourself. Work on your stage presence. Don't just stand there hunched over your decks. Shout, jump, and tell the crowd to “MAKE SOME NOISE!” to get them hyped. Sometimes, the crowd may just want to sit back and groove. Learn to read the room and when it’s best to just play your songs. 2 Use each song to work the crowd’s vibe. Curate your music so it moves each moment in the night forward. Divide different styles of songs into different sections. Play slower, quieter songs at the beginning of the party. Slowly slip into a jazzier groove, and pull out the heavier songs at the end. Above all, read the crowd and notice what they're responding to.[22] Don't play mostly fast songs at a wedding. This will take away from the romantic atmosphere. Don't play mostly slow songs at a gathering of kids. They will get bored fast. Have a starter song that’s really upbeat. You can transition to some other slower stuff quickly if necessary, but you want to set the tone with lots of energy. 3 Behave professionally. Show up to your events on time and fully prepared. Treat your bosses with respect. Give each gig your best effort. Have fun with the crowd, but keep your interactions respectful, since you never know who's watching.[23] There can be some real scumbags in the music scene. You want to be that good apple that isn't a part of the bunch. If you behave unprofessionally, there are lots of others waiting to take your spot. Never put another DJ down. The DJ community is tight. If you get a negative reputation, you'll regret it. 4 Handle the music industry BS with care. Working in clubs and the like isn't always a pretty picture. A lot of times especially when you’re starting out, the majority of your listeners will be some level of drunk, high, or both.[24] They may give you a hard time on occasion. Learn to let it go. In one ear and out the other! In addition to rowdy or unappreciative crowds, you may have to deal with shady promoters and technical disasters. Use your savvy people skills to navigate through these issues and let them make you stronger. 5 Have fun with your music. Imagine going to a show maybe you’ve already been to one where the DJ is just pushing buttons like they’d rather be hauling rocks. It's terrible. Watching a DJ that doesn't even like their own music is practically worse than a three-piece polka band with earplugs. Make it clear that you're enjoying yourself and the crowd will follow suit.[25] Smile and dance when you feel like it. Even if you’re focused, you want to convey to the audience that you love your craft. Go a bit crazy if you feel like it. The more you feel the music, the better you'll be able to read the crowd. The more accurately you read the crowd, the more they’ll want you back for the next show. 6 Upgrade your equipment and rates once you have a following. Once you’ve got a comfortable amount of followers and some quality gigs under your belt, you can up the ante. When the money is coming in at more than a trickle, upgrade your equipment. The industry standard is the Technics 1200, but you can even upgrade from there. You're looking at a few thousand dollars in the long run, but you'll make it back and then some.[26] Start figuring out your rates. How much are you worth? Account for distance traveled, if you're bringing your own equipment, and the general realities of the gig some are quite clearly better than others. And don't forget are they feeding you? Upgrade from free and cheap gigs as soon as possible. You don't want to be typecast as a "cheap DJ." Clients should be hiring you because you’re good, not because you’re cheap. Advertisement Add New Question Question Can you recommend consumer friendly mixers for beginners? Any of the DDJ's from Pioneer would work, such as the DDJ-SB or some of the less expensive Numark controllers. If you need a mixer for the two turntables, go with a cheap one, mixers are not a huge deal when using turntables. If you meant a mixer for CD players, just go with what is cheap. Question Do I need a laptop to start learning to be a DJ? That depends on how you want to be a DJ but the easier way is to do it with a controller and software. You can use a mixer to learn it too, as it's the traditional way. Also, you can use any kind of computer but be prepared that after some time, if you will want to go to parties, you will need one. Question Should I buy a turntable or a launchpad first? Buy a turntable because the launchpad doesn't have cue, pitch, sync, jog, etc. But do your homework, as it's impossible to really say that what you need is clear from your basic question - only you can know that. See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Have a friend in the crowd help you set the volume. You want it to be loud enough for people to hear the beat, but not so loud that they can't hear their partners talk. Try arranging the song titles of the popular songs into a continuous narrative. For example "Lady in Red" drove a "Little Red Corvette" down to "Funkytown.' Advertisement Stack your DJ equipment high so partygoers don't spill anything on it. Advertisement References About This Article Article SummaryXTo become a DJ, start by getting a laptop and a music mixing software. You should also build a big collection of music since you'll need lots of songs to DJ with. One of the first things you can then work on is learning the intros and outros of your most popular songs. This will allow you to cue up the next song in time as well as transition between songs seamlessly. Additionally, watch other DJs at work, whether in person or on video, to see how they put songs together and manage a crowd of people. To learn how to develop a following as a DJ, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,939,885 times. Reader Success Stories "Thank you very much for simplifying this complicated for amateurs process and dividing all elements of DJing into..." more If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Did this article help you?

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