How Do DJs Actually Mix Live?

The main thing people tend to think when they hear the word ‘DJ’ is that they play music. That may be correct in the case of a DJ spinning records on a turntable, but most of the time a dj is actually playing electronic music that has been created live using laptops or hardware synthesizers, drum machines and samplers.

They actually do mix in a live setting

The most important element of a DJ set is how they mix their tracks together, which hasn’t changed since the early days of pitch-shift turntables and dance music types that were made to be mixed. It’s all about the ability to build on the energy of a crowd through an entire set and blending the tracks together in a way that builds up a cohesive vibe.

There are so many different methods that a DJ can use to create this type of mixing, which ranges from simple to crazy. Some will work non-stop to loop sections or mix three or four tracks together to create completely new tunes. Other will use a more simple approach and rely on playing exceptional music that their audience just loves.

They do this with a variety of different effects that can be used to add texture and depth. This can be done with a simple plugin such as a reverb or a deeper bass sound effect that’s added to the track.

This is what makes a live DJing experience so special and unique. It allows a DJ to create new sounds on the fly and have a lot more control over their sound than someone who’s only been able to record their sets in advance and play them back later.

Most DJs use a small audio mixer with crossfader and cue functions to blend or transition from one song to another. These tools allow them to pre-listen to sources of recorded music in headphones before playing them to a live club or broadcast audience, ensuring that the songs align with each other and provide a smooth transition between songs.

Beat matching is a technical skill that every DJ needs to learn. This is when a DJ takes two tracks with different tempos and matches their speed so that they sound smooth and natural when played together. It’s not as easy as it looks, especially when you’re mixing several songs at once, but it is important for a DJ to master this skill.

The best DJs can match their tempos perfectly and use this to create an overall flow of songs throughout a set. This can take a bit of practice, but it’s a skill that can make or break a set.

They do this by selecting their next track based on the tempo of the previous one and the current crowd in front of them, or by choosing the next track based on how it fits into their set. They can also choose a track because they like it and want to share it with the crowd.