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preparing a mix

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  • June 18, 2012 at 9:46 pm #1006399
    Arthur Kokanov
    Participant

    Hmmm I was actually wondering about something like this. What kind of steps do you take to prepare a mix.

    June 18, 2012 at 10:03 pm #22204
    longmover
    Member

    my mine concern is that it must flow perfectly, ‘if it dont flow that it wont go’

    June 18, 2012 at 10:36 pm #1006403
    longmover
    Member

    the end of a track you mix out of must have some elements that the track being mixed into has as well, this gives the mix flow (imo).

    listen to Jimmy Van Ms bedrock mix from about 2001, a masterpiece and blueprint for flow and structure

    June 19, 2012 at 2:56 am #1006411
    Steelo
    Participant

    I find if I am specifically trying to record a mix I get a bit tense and often end up doing a worse job as I’m trying way too hard and I’m way too much of a perfectionist. The best way I find is to select a whole bunch of tracks you’re liking, make sure you know them pretty well and all you’re cue points, beat grids etc are spot on. Grab a few beers (not too many – just enough to take the edge off) and just spin these tracks over the next few days with the recorder on every time. Don’t try to make a demo on a specific time or date just enjoy the tunes. You’ll record something decent without thinking about it.

    June 19, 2012 at 4:20 am #1006412
    Phil Morse
    Keymaster

    Take a look at this series for some tips:

    http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-mixtape/

    June 19, 2012 at 6:59 am #1006421
    backtothefront
    Participant

    longmover, post: 22351, member: 1361 wrote:
    listen to Jimmy Van Ms bedrock mix from about 2001, a masterpiece and blueprint for flow and structure

    Totally agree, a cracking couple of CD’s, the opening 15 mins or so of CD2 blew me away, lovely stuff.

    Re: OP’s original question, Steelo’s suggestion is a good one, just grab a couple of dozen tracks and mix away. All of my recorded mixes are done on the fly, I then listen back, if they work, they work, if not I know for next time. It’s all good practice and if nothing else it helps you learn the tracks.

    Cheers.

    June 19, 2012 at 1:22 pm #1006435
    gbadegesin
    Participant

    I have actually discovered that i deliver better when i mix on the fly. I have also tested this. I have created mixes ( combination of on the fly and pre planned) and i have done a poll and asked for feedback and have found out that the fly one comes out better.
    I still have a pre planned set lined up, but i tend to use this as a ‘get out clause’, so if i am running out of a track or have a sudden DJ block, i turn to my set list and make up as i go.
    I also do radio, in which i mix on the fly as well. I have a couple of tracks that i must play in my set list. I also take live requests, which i add to the mix during the show. It all adds to the fun

    June 19, 2012 at 1:29 pm #1006436
    SCHIES
    Member

    MixedInKey has a great ebook that has recently been released which might help you improve your mixes.
    The ebook can be found online for free here: http://www.mixedinkey.com/Book/

    June 19, 2012 at 4:25 pm #1006440
    J-Zed
    Participant

    I find the easiest way for me is to put some 30 tracks into a playlist, that would be my main goto list for my mix. There’s no actual order, they are just tracks I would like to use and I won’t even go through them all.

    I find it makes it easier because there’s more than I need, but everything I may want is in one place. Also since there is no set list 1, 2, 3 the mix actually ends up having proper flow. I also use the star ratings to describe a song’s intensity, that also gives me the ability to mix tracks that flow together quickly.

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