DJ effects: When to use them (and when not to use them)

This topic has 26 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 13 years, 6 months ago by Phil Morse.

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July 14, 2012 at 1:21 pm #1007717

synthet1c
Member

I kind of agree but with things like filter sweeps that cut the sound so much if you use you whole body you move the knob more precisely than with your fingers, a violinist or some other musician throwing their head back on a really high note is because they are in tune with the music they are playing and their emotion becomes one with the sound. Dj’s can push it too far but it’s in the same field of expression & if done genuinely in the moment and not just for the crowd or appearance I can’t see a problem with it.

July 14, 2012 at 3:10 pm #1007731

Robots Can’t Dance
Member

Phil Morse, post: 23745, member: 2 wrote: “I’ve seen too many DJ’s who act like a filter sweep is a feat of incredible physical difficulty. You’re turning a knob dude, not playing a violin solo at Carnegie Hall. Does anybody else feel this way?” – this is so true of DJs since the start of time, though, riding knobs like it’s something that’s actually difficult … 😉

Agreed! The hand-flick thing that a lot of controllerists and DJs do after moving an eq so slightly it has no effect winds me up far more though!

July 14, 2012 at 8:21 pm #1007750

Steelo
Participant

Don’t watch any Ean Golden videos then…

July 15, 2012 at 6:13 am #1007768

Eden.M
Member

I think the effects ruin the music as it is, upvote for no effects.

July 24, 2012 at 3:57 pm #1008514

Phil Morse
Keymaster

Each to their own, I think we’ve all been guilty of over-dramatising some control or other when behind the decks. Me, I screw my face up when dropping the bass back in, can’t help it 😉

July 25, 2012 at 1:49 am #1008567

djsnoop23
Participant

Hmm, that all depends on how you use them. Myself personally have brighten up my mixes using effects. I use effects right after one song ends & new one begins. It creates that echo effect in the air.

July 30, 2012 at 3:04 am #24814

J-Zed
Participant

I’m a fan of the effects, though they have to be used properly. Proper timing and effect selection on buildups, track mixes and breaks can add so much to a set. I never use the effects so much that they actually take over the track playing. Also, I can’t stand when djs overuse the filter and keep interrupting the beat, it’s really annoying to dance and listen to.

July 30, 2012 at 12:28 pm #1008883

Lordamercy
Participant

I ain’t no “nob rider” Lmfao but I do understand why they do it. It adds drama and mystery to DJin let’s face it lads what we do ain’t hard. Same thing wid card tricks when u learn em its like is that it when some1 does the trick on u its like Wtf, how did u do that?

As for Fx beatmasher on vocals or chords can create some real nice changes. Delay in transitions smoothes out a boring mix. Ttfx I love and the old reverse ttfx combo is Kool for transitions. As always in this game its whatever floats ur boat

September 27, 2012 at 10:37 pm #1012788

KatS
Member

I like when people use effects to enhance or make their set more dynamic and interesting. If you’re using an effect, make sure it has a purpose, don’t just arbitrarily throw in the flanger in the middle of a phrase and cut it out abruptly. Use it to bring in a new song, make a rhythmic pattern more interesting or intensify a build-up. If you use effects creatively and sparingly it can add a special element to your set.

September 28, 2012 at 12:34 am #1012794

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

Ive just recent started playing around and understanding NS6 effects. I really like what you can do with them but use sparringly. They are for flare and to add on, not to play out with the entire song…
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