Idea – Digital DJ Tips MegaMix

Almost back on track

Yup 😀

To the OP

The harmonic mixing being obligatory is somewhat overzealous. To try and dictate HOW someone mixes is counter-productive. It doesn’t matter what kit you use or what techniques are deployed as long as the end result is a product that works. On the technical side, those tools don’t always get the key right so if you insist on policing that you may well up with a mix that is guaranteed to have mixes that are out of key. It’s also a little offensive to those Djs who have actually been doing this for 10-20 or years and use their ear over an algorithm.

As for transitioning between mixes, again, I wouldn’t get remotely hung up on how a DJ should make that transition. We have a 32 bar rule that simply means the Dj should leave at least 32 bars of non-mixed music at the end of the track. This is mostly aimed at preventing cut-up/mash-up kids from leading out with an untenable section. Part of the fun comes from “getting out of” a particularly tricky track which ultimately leads to the most creative mixes.

As for stitching tracks together, we have had hit and miss results there. While it saves time it can have a negative impact on the quality of the mix and we have also seen beginning and ends of mixes inadvertently clipped off. Using a DAW also encourages the DJ to fix levels and clips in their mix which has the effect of degrading the overall mix by the time it is completed. Out policy is: if a Djs slot is WAY off in terms of level we ask them to re-do it. If time does not permit we roll the mix back a slot and then jump to the next Dj.

Rather than dictating what goes in, execute editorial standards on what comes out. In the IMTC Collective we have had a DJs re-do their mix when they have not been up to par. Select 3 key players as ears for the mix and have them QA each piece. Also, dont share the mix as it is in progress. Each DJ should hear the music with fresh ears. Its also cuts down on Djs complaining about the mix being taken a certain way or one Dj using a track another Dj was going to use. Less earache all round. Don’t be frightened to pull a slot or ask someone to redo. If they cant handle that feedback they are in the wrong game. Oh, and If you think that harmonics will be the issue, look again. It will be gain and levels that will be the real killer 😀

I would love to be involved in this!!

I think mixing out of key can add drama to the end result, adds tension and affect and many dj’s use this, sometimes we need to step outside the box to do a mix and just freestyle songs that suit 🙂

Innit, if you believe all that marketing BS that Tall Pall, Oakenfold and Sasha among others pull off those seamless mixes by using Camelot System software you DESERVE to have your money extracted from your pocket…

They pull off those seamless mixes by using their years of experience, their musical ear and an inside out knowledge of their tunes! And maybe, just maybe – but way down the list, running tunes through key analysis software..
Remember when most of the big names cut their teeth it was on vinyl which changes key as you alter the pitch to beatmatch.

Don’t get me wrong, Camelot is a very valuable guide, but it is just another tool for your DJ box and you need the basic skills to use all your DJ tools