Best place to begin to learn to mix

[theboz]

Hey all, I know this isn't specifically about producing but I think this would still be the best forum to discuss it regardless. I'm looking to begin learning how to mix and I was wondering if anyone could help me in the right direction. I really don't have much money atm so getting a mixer and some CDJs is a bit out of the question. A friend recommended I try using Virtual DJ 8 to begin learning but I'm always open to better suggestions.

Many thanks in advance!

[philipandtigger]

You can do the basics with Virtual DJ no problem if you're looking for a budget solution. It can be a bit fiddly on the old fingers unless you invest in USB attachments.

I learned on turntables using vinyl - and I'd still say that's the best way because you can't cheat. You have to learn how to count in time properly, recognise where the first beat of the bar is, work out rough bpms, get a good understanding of how pitch impacts key - and how to use all that info to transition perfectly without the software doing it for you. The essence of DJ'ing is getting your hand on some wax - you absolutely need to give it a try.

It's a million times easier using software like Virtual DJ - but ABSOLUTELY DO NOT use the Sync button, it's akin to raping yourself. Learn how to sync tracks properly yourself...

[Flexo24]

Virtual DJ is also good if you want to record and upload a mix online.

Or just record, then listen back yourself privately and make notes on what worked and what didn't. Then go again

[riocoyote]

Getting the hang of the song phrasing patterns is a good first step, groups of 32 bars and 16 bars are easier to pick up on if you're new to that. It's good to get an idea of what extended mixes feel like. Once you've got a good idea of that, you'll "know" when to bring in a track to have the musical phrasing match up with the previous track. Once you get more familiar with your library and the songs you wanna play, you'll get an even better sense of when to bring in tracks against certain other tracks.

If you find the songs aren't meshing harmonically, try software like MixedInKey to get you key and bpm info on your tracks. Then you can use harmonic mixing techniques to train your ears to get better at nailing the pitches and potential harmonies on your own. 

[domza]

take a look at www.digitaldjtips.com/
There's lots of free info on there....

[domza]

Traktor DJ on iphone or ipad is fun, cheap and a good place to start.
I don't want to get involved in a sync button argument but don't be put off from using it.

[clemo]

If you really are right at the beginning of mixing then use every tool available ,
Better to understand how it all works than get frustrated and walk away.
Just because you have a sync button doesn't mean that you have to use it . And even if you do use it you will realise that not all tracks go together even if the key is the same and with the bpm's matching.
But if you know absolutely nothing about mixing then it will help show you how to pull the bpms together ,
Then turn it off and get used to using the pitch slider to match both decks . you can then follow how to pull the deck back if/when it drifts out ..

There are many controllers available for very little money . just had a look on ebay and there are newmark , hurcules , and even X1 traktor controllers from £20 .
you have a computer , plug and play ..

I started on turntables , then CDJ ( back when we had to spend just as long buying or burning cd's) ' then onto controller . I then upgraded my CDJs for usb , though rekordbox / Native instruments scratch pro is a handy tool if you have an analogue / digital mixer .. which i use for a bit of fun to mess around with on my old turntables  . for easy of use the controller is far more user friendly and a good way to start if you can afford one .


If you have any friends go to theirs , look and learn . DJ tech tools is a pretty good source of information on the difference between formats .

Hope you enjoy the learning process . Stick with it . it is very rewarding when you hit that oooooh yeah ... that sounded good moment .