Small Questions Thread!

[epik1]

Hoping this gets stickied and helps clean up the section.
Just shoot for quick small questions!
I have one real quick one:

What's your guys' take on playing multiple tracks form the same artist?
Either throughout a set or following another or a combination of the two.

[Quentin Legend]

I don't really see a problem with it.

But for Top 40 I wouldn't play songs of the same artist back to back, rather play the song a bit later in the set instead of straight after the previous song (of the same artist).

[DJ Matt]

in salsa Djing ist kind of a no-no in my opinion, sign of laziness on the Djs part, since mixing is not necessary in salsa anyway then track selection is one of the only ways for a dj to show that there is in fact a human being behind the decks :P

in other genres, i also think it need to be kept to a minimum

i guess it all depends on how important Variety is in whatever style you DJ

[John Veselsky]

Unless they're both big tracks or by a hugely popular artist most people won't notice.

I wouldn't play them back to back though. Just leave a good 30 minutes between the tracks to be safe.

[epik1]

I was just wondering because I find myself doing it when I'm jamming at home, awesome tracks of course don't get me wrong, but part of me felt like I shouldn't be doing it.

[KLH]

DJs are expected to bring variety to their performances. Repeating tracks and artists is usually frowned upon... unless it's Michael Jackson.

-KLH

[Finnish_Fox]

How is everyone today?

[KLH]

Thirsty. You?

-KLH

[Finnish_Fox]

Thirsty. You?

-KLH

Not as clever as I thought I was. :shrug:

[mostapha]

I have no problem re-using artists in a mix…up to a point. Then again, one of the reasons I don't spin downtempo and trip hop is that I'd just want to play Portishead and Massive Attack all the time. But when it comes to music I actually DJ, there aren't that many artists that release enough so that it's a problem.

And I don't listen to Albums. That might help. If a house/techno/breaks/etc. artist puts out an album and isn't Daft Punk, Orbital, or Underworld, I just skip the entire thing when I'm shopping for tracks. Which is about the opposite for everything else, because for the music I listen to outside of DJing (Blues, Country, Hip Hop, Industrial) I just about only listen to albums.

And I'm insanely tired…and thirsty…in the "I want to be drunk right now" kind of way.

[mann1n]

Variety, keep the crowd wanting to know whats coming next.

[*G*.~JerryMoon]

I dont usually spin the same artists one after another I spin mainly electro tracks so i just try to match osngs based on their energy bangers will follow one another for maybe 10 min of the mix then I'll bring it down for a bit and come back up Closest I think I've come to repeating tracks is using a daft punk vocal sample after a daft punk remix .. but then again daft punk are gods so that made it ok in my mind :D

[BurntToast]

Is there any reason not to use the master tempo function on my CDJs? Seems ideal that this feature exists, so not sure why one wouldn't use it unless they wanted to purposely change the key of a song.

[XxBooshxX]

Quick question, can someone refer me to some good suggested timecoded vinyls?

[DJNR]

Quick question, can someone refer me to some good suggested timecoded vinyls?

Depends on your software. You can get Serato and Traktor online at a ton of different retailers.

I have bought from Agiprodj and PSSL.

[XxBooshxX]

Does the scratch vinyl make a difference wether your just playing music not even scratching? I'm using serato

[epik1]

I think it's finally time I record a set so ya'll can rip, rail, and flame me on what the hell I'm doing wrong :P

I try not to touch effects and stuff, get down the real "musicality" part of being a DJ, just choosing music like the first Disc Jockeys .

[Sigma]

I think it's finally time I record a set so ya'll can rip, rail, and flame me on what the hell I'm doing wrong :P

I try not to touch effects and stuff, get down the real "musicality" part of being a DJ, just choosing music like the first Disc Jockeys .
You a hip-hop DJ? I'm asking cos of your favourite track in your profile. If you are, PM me if you like when you've uploaded that mix and I'll give you some feedback on it.

[KLH]

I think it's finally time I record a set so ya'll can rip, rail, and flame me on what the hell I'm doing wrong
You'll find DJF to be VERY supportive when it actually comes time to reviewing a mix. All of us invest ourselves in our work and it shows. I've found feedback to be positive and encouraging.

By all means, please do submit a mix.

-KLH

[epik1]

You a hip-hop DJ? I'm asking cos of your favourite track in your profile. If you are, PM me if you like when you've uploaded that mix and I'll give you some feedback on it.
When I was first interested in DJing, my roots are from hip-hop because I love hip-hop (still do) and I wanted to spin for my bboy crew =P Now I'm a bit of everything everywhere , I have a wide range of tastes so I'm not exclusively a hip-hop DJ (can't learn how to scratch properly on my poop Vestax Typhoon lol). There is always a place in my heart for hip-hop :)
Thanks, I will be sure to PM you when it's up!


You'll find DJF to be VERY supportive when it actually comes time to reviewing a mix. All of us invest ourselves in our work and it shows. I've found feedback to be positive and encouraging.

By all means, please do submit a mix.
-KLH
Thanks, KLH! for sure, there will be those who contribute valid opinions and advice, but there will also be the nay-sayers which I welcome with open arms lol.

Nearing the end of the semester, finals and stuff!! I wish I recorded the 2-3 hr long mix I did a few days ago I felt it had some potential, good thing I have the history from VDJ lol.

[epik1]

http://soundcloud.com/wilmmmm/april-12-blehmix
derp derp derp, as promised a few weeks ago :P Sorry, don't know how to embed.

wasn't feeling very well today, so sorry for lack in quality of....everything lol so many slips haha.
Done with VDJ7 and Vestax Typhoon that is sort of broken lol.

Flame away!

[epik1]

bump, no tips?

[DJ Highline]

Is there any reason not to use the master tempo function on my CDJs? Seems ideal that this feature exists, so not sure why one wouldn't use it unless they wanted to purposely change the key of a song.

It really depends on what you're mixing and how you are mixing. I primarily mix Top 40, Hip Hop and Electro, for those genres, I turn on my master tempo/key lock and leave it on and forget about it. If you are mixing trance or something like that and you are mixing harmonically, then if becomes more of a big deal and something to really pay attention to. Do you want to leave it on and keep the key or are you trying to change keys etc.

[Rosten]

I've got a few questions about harmonic mixing. To start off, i got my keys from beatport. I've got trouble applying all my songs to the camelot wheel as it mentions sharp and flat keys.

I've got no such keys in my songs i think, are they just rare or am i not getting something here? I do have a heap of #-keys though, wich as far as i know is the same as a semitone. How do i apply those keys to the wheel?

Help me spread some light upon this! It has bothered me for a while now.

Thanks!

[Subprime]

In musical notation # means sharp, b means flat. So A# is A Sharp etc. Does that help?

[Rosten]

Definitely! Thanks a bunch. However it raised another question about flat keys, since none of my songs seems to be flat. Where and how are they used, since they dont seem to be very common?

[Buddy McKarthur]

Back to back, not a good idea. It is kind of lazy and just boring. However if there are two songs by the same artist that you want to play, play them at 2 different time in the set. But no more than two by the same artist in one set!!!

[mostapha]

Definitely! Thanks a bunch. However it raised another question about flat keys, since none of my songs seems to be flat. Where and how are they used, since they dont seem to be very common?

Ab and G# are the same thing. It's just a notation difference.

Habitually, when there are two possible names, classical musicians would prefer one name over another (like slightly prefering G# to Ab or whatever). But AFAIK the decision was always arbitrary.

With computers, there are reasons to do a lexicographic sort on notes and since b is a letter and # isn't, if you don't pick one or the other for everything, sorting them doesn't put them in order.

Maschine, for example, doesn't use flats to refer to notes…only sharps. It's easier to code the base pad selection that way.

I'm sure your key detection software made a similar decision at some point so you could sort by key and have things show up in the right order without telling the program exactly how to sort them. Plus, if you have it written to the beginning of the file name (which a lot of people do) and show them in your file browser (Windows Explorer, Finder, etc.) in alphabetical order, they'll also be in key order.

[Rosten]

So a # can be either sharp or flat? This keeps getting more confusing!

My key detection software is me manually searching each and every track on Beatport, getting the key from there then adding it to the Key-infothingy in Traktor.

Beatport seems to have only #, how am i supposed to know wich is wich? :uhoh:

[BurntToast]

So a # can be either sharp or flat? This keeps getting more confusing!

My key detection software is me manually searching each and every track on Beatport, getting the key from there then adding it to the Key-infothingy in Traktor.

Beatport seems to have only #, how am i supposed to know wich is wich? :uhoh:

A# and Bb are essentially the same note. The difference lies in the context and their relation to other keys. Each key is made up of 8 notes. For example, Cmin = C D Eb F G Ab Bb and C (octave). Notice that they go in order up to G and come back around to A. If you were to call that Eb a D#, you would technically be wrong. Why would you be wrong? Because you can't have a D and a D# in the same key... it doesn't make sense. BUT, you could play a "D#" on the keyboard and it would still SOUND correct, because it is an ENHARMONIC note. In the context of the key of Cmin, Eb is the correct terminology, because E is the 3rd note of the C chord, and it is flat because the characteristics that make a key "minor" are a flat 3rd, flat 6th, and flat 7th. Does this make sense?

This is much more important in music composition rather than mixing. For mixing, just trust your ears! Imagine what the mix would sound like in your head. Do the notes clash? In most cases, you don't want to mix a song in a "darker" key with a song in a "lighter" key. Do the melodies and bass lines compliment each other well? Knowing the key of the song is not as important as just knowing it sounds good or not with another song. Most songs just use a few notes from each key, therefore you are less limited in your options to blend songs in different keys. For example, if song A's outro contains just a bassline that is just a simple C note thumping away, there are a ton of keys with the note C in it that will sound perfectly fine mixed with that note. You don't have to limit yourself.

In other words, don't worry about mixing songs in key. What's more important is that the notes blend well together. Is this sort of the same thing? Yeah... but as long as the songs sound good together, then go for it. Don't follow the rules too much. If you hear it in your head and it sounds like it works, try it out on the decks.

[Subprime]

No, look a piano. The white keys are natural notes, the black ones are sharps/flats. So you've got C, the next white key is D. The black key is either C# (one semitone up from C) or Db (one semitone down from D). But it's the same note. It gets worse, because there isn't a black key between every two white keys.

[mostapha]

A# and Bb are essentially the same note.They're not essentially the same note…they're exactly the same note.


If you were to call that Eb a D#, you would technically be wrong.No, you wouldn't.


Why would you be wrong? Because you can't have a D and a D# in the same key...They're both in D# Major. D is the 7th scale degree of D#.


Does this make sense?No, because you're wrong.


In other words, don't worry about mixing songs in key. What's more important is that the notes blend well together. Is this sort of the same thing? Yeah... but as long as the songs sound good together, then go for it.That part is 100% right. Key is not the end of the story, not by a long shot. So, you could either get/find/write sheet music for the song and figure out the chord progression, modes, and scales………or just use your ears.


So a # can be either sharp or flat? This keeps getting more confusing! No. # means sharp. b means flat. Period.


My key detection software is me manually searching each and every track on Beatport, getting the key from there then adding it to the Key-infothingy in Traktor.

Beatport seems to have only #, how am i supposed to know wich is wich? :uhoh:Just use them. It's easier to sort by key that way anyway. I promise you that they're just doing it so it's easier to sort them in your software.


No, look a piano. The white keys are natural notes, the black ones are sharps/flats. So you've got C, the next white key is D. The black key is either C# (one semitone up from C) or Db (one semitone down from D). But it's the same note. It gets worse, because there isn't a black key between every two white keys.

This is right.

[BurntToast]

Wow, check out this know it all with the dickish attitude. If you were playing a song in C minor and you called out to your band member to play a D#, you would absolutely be wrong and it would be apparent that you don't know what you're talking about... because you're playing in C minor and there is no D# in the key of C minor. It's an Eb. And they're not the same thing, because if they were, there would be no reason to call them "enharmonic" notes. The word would serve no purpose and there would be no reason to give 2 names to 1 sound.

How about instead of being an asshole and incorrectly breaking down some sound advice, you just offer something new to the person who asked the question?

[mostapha]

Because he's already confused and the notation difference is just one of habit. The pitches are identical.

[Subprime]

Wow, check out this know it all with the dickish attitude. If you were playing a song in C minor and you called out to your band member to play a D#, you would absolutely be wrong and it would be apparent that you don't know what you're talking about... because you're playing in C minor and there is no D# in the key of C minor. It's an Eb. And they're not the same thing, because if they were, there would be no reason to call them "enharmonic" notes. The word would serve no purpose and there would be no reason to give 2 names to 1 sound.

How about instead of being an asshole and incorrectly breaking down some sound advice, you just offer something new to the person who asked the question?

Sorry, my last post was to Rosten. From what I remember of my music theory, you are correct BurntToast.

Mostapha, there is no D# major. What you are reading as D# major is Eb major...

[BurntToast]

Because he's already confused and the notation difference is just one of habit. The pitches are identical.

Which is why I explained that they're "essentially" the same note... because they sound the same but have different names for a reason. And that's why it was explained to him that you can mix some notes and keys together despite different key names. D and D# in the same key? Lol dude. You are a 100% wrong. Try not to be so aggressive next time and you won't embarrass yourself when you don't know what you're talking about.

[Rosten]

Muchas gracias! This cleared up some issues. :worship:

[epik1]

Wow, I'm glad this thread got stickied, very useful!

Anyways, I'm in a rut I think I've hit a "learner's DJ block" I just don't know really what to do anymore. I think I've outgrown my Vestax Typhoon/VDJ setup? Not sure.
This is bad because I'm expected to play something like 8 opening parties for shows from September to next April, on top of that I also got hired as a general technician for a an entertainment/production company that does weddings, corporate events, parties, etc.etc. (not sure if I should post who they are) and their goal is to eventually get me up to DJ status, they know I'm learning and I have low confidence levels in almost everything...music choice, mixing, etc.

=\ tips?..

[epik1]

Should I just "cheap out" and get a Serato box with a cheaper mixer (DNx1600, etc.) as opposed to trying to ball hard and get a Rane 61,62/68???

[Nicadraus]

Should I just "cheap out" and get a Serato box with a cheaper mixer (DNx1600, etc.) as opposed to trying to ball hard and get a Rane 61,62/68???

Yes! :tup:

[epik1]

hmm in that case...what mixer should I look into?

I does the scratches and mixing. Effects are nice.
a 4 channel is nice, but I'm sure a 2-channel is more than enough for learning purposes.

[LoveChobo]

hi extremely new dj here

i just got a lowbudget 200 dollar 4channel hercules set.

I've been playing around with it. I'm really god awful, and i worry that i won't get anywhere, with the current knowledge i have.

If anyone can point to me a recommended read, or some things that can help me improve it would be much appreciated

[Laddybuck]

Hey guys,

Im not sure how to get around SoundCloud's copyright enforcement. I tried changing the pitch but I guess they're making the system more strict. I tried using MixCloud but honestly I prefer Soundcloud. Is there any way?

Thanks,
Laddybuck

[Laddybuck]

hi extremely new dj here

i just got a lowbudget 200 dollar 4channel hercules set.

I've been playing around with it. I'm really god awful, and i worry that i won't get anywhere, with the current knowledge i have.

If anyone can point to me a recommended read, or some things that can help me improve it would be much appreciated

Well, I was god awful as well for a little while. I found YouTube tutorials were pretty good. However I think music, and art in general cannot be taught. If you keep at it you will get better, its as simple as that.

[dlove]

Hey guys,

Im not sure how to get around SoundCloud's copyright enforcement. I tried changing the pitch but I guess they're making the system more strict. I tried using MixCloud but honestly I prefer Soundcloud. Is there any way?

Thanks,
Laddybuck

Hi, for DJ mixes, use mixcloud. :tup:

More and more labels are recognised on soundcloud's system now; it's primarily for productions anyway; mixcloud is specifically designed for DJ mixes and radio shows. Have faith in it!

[Xeloc]

I have a problem with some of my records. 2 of my records dont have enough pressure/grip to my deck and makes the record start really slow and build up speed slowly. Also it keeps changing its pitch because of this. It's really hard to beatmatch with these records, is there something i can do to increase the grip?

[kis7]

hello, i've just buy my first digital dj controller ( Reloop Beat Mix) i use it on my PC now. I am new in DJing and in Audio technic, so maybe my problem is simple. So when i use the controller, everything works good between the pc and the controller, but i cant use headphone and the my pc's speakers at the same time, i can configure the settings that i hear pc's speaker but then i cant use my headphone and inversely. Maybe i need a soundcard to solve this problem?I have no idea about this. my pc's integrated sound card is: 5.1 CH HD Audio (VIA VT1705 Audio Codec).

[Lost Connection]

hello, i've just buy my first digital dj controller ( Reloop Beat Mix) i use it on my PC now. I am new in DJing and in Audio technic, so maybe my problem is simple. So when i use the controller, everything works good between the pc and the controller, but i cant use headphone and the my pc's speakers at the same time, i can configure the settings that i hear pc's speaker but then i cant use my headphone and inversely. Maybe i need a soundcard to solve this problem?I have no idea about this. my pc's integrated sound card is: 5.1 CH HD Audio (VIA VT1705 Audio Codec).

I don't see the problem if you have the controller connected like this:
Headphones plugged into the hole on the right with the headphones icon over it
http://www.reloop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/9/thumbnail/420x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/2/5/225067_Reloop_FR.png

Controller hooked up to your pc with the USB cable (USB spot on the far right)
http://www.reloop.com/media/catalog/product/2/2/5/225067_Reloop_BA.png

And then the controller connected to your speakers either via an RCA to 3,5mm adapter cable like this
https://www.mycablemart.com/store/images/products/1806_large.jpg

Or, if possible, to your pc soundcard input and through your pc to your speakers (Easier with the adapter though)

Then just switch on your pc and setup, run VDJ and you should have sound.

EDIT: Oh yes, the RCA to 3,5mm cable is connected to you master out on the Reloop(The red and black/white end - RCA, and then the 3,5mm to your speakers or amps input)

[Mister Delirious]

Edit; Stuff has been fixed (:

[Sigma]

I have a problem with some of my records. 2 of my records dont have enough pressure/grip to my deck and makes the record start really slow and build up speed slowly. Also it keeps changing its pitch because of this. It's really hard to beatmatch with these records, is there something i can do to increase the grip?
That usually happens because of the dreaded bowl-shaped warp. If the record plays fine on one side (or is even more "grippy" than normal on one side), but barely grips at all on the other, then that's gonna be the problem. Because the record is slightly bowl-shaped, when you play one side only the edge of the record touches the slipmat as it's raised up where the label is, which leads to it being more "grippy", then on the other side, only the area around the label is touching the slipmat and the outer edge is raised up away from it, which makes it barely grip at all.

If the warp isn't too bad, sometimes you can fix it (at least temporarily), by holding the edges of the record with your fingers and pushing on the centre with both thumbs. Other than that, your only option is trying other methods to fix warped records or buying new copies.

[kis7]

I don't see the problem if you have the controller connected like this:
Headphones plugged into the hole on the right with the headphones icon over it
http://www.reloop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/9/thumbnail/420x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/2/5/225067_Reloop_FR.png

Controller hooked up to your pc with the USB cable (USB spot on the far right)
http://www.reloop.com/media/catalog/product/2/2/5/225067_Reloop_BA.png

And then the controller connected to your speakers either via an RCA to 3,5mm adapter cable like this
https://www.mycablemart.com/store/images/products/1806_large.jpg

Or, if possible, to your pc soundcard input and through your pc to your speakers (Easier with the adapter though)

Then just switch on your pc and setup, run VDJ and you should have sound.

EDIT: Oh yes, the RCA to 3,5mm cable is connected to you master out on the Reloop(The red and black/white end - RCA, and then the 3,5mm to your speakers or amps input)

Thank you, it solved my problem:)

[Lost Connection]

Thank you, it solved my problem:)

No problem :tup:

[fueledbymusic]

Here's another small question. How much harddrive space does Serato or Traktor software take?

[kis7]

hi, i want to practise scratching, but i dont know how to set my jog sensitivity! please help me which is the best way to learn. (reloop beatmix)

[Interracial Tea]

what program are you using with that reloop? it's probably a setting within the software and not on the reloop itself.

[Sigma]

Here's another small question. How much harddrive space does Serato or Traktor software take?
Traktor Scratch Pro 2.5.1 on Windows = 472MB in the main folder in Program Files. It also creates a folder in My Documents that's currently 252MB on my system, but it will vary on size depending on how many different versions you've used and which features you have installed.

[dlove]

I have a problem with some of my records. 2 of my records dont have enough pressure/grip to my deck and makes the record start really slow and build up speed slowly. Also it keeps changing its pitch because of this. It's really hard to beatmatch with these records, is there something i can do to increase the grip?

I was told on this forum and it works; you need to make the hole smaller - get some sticky-tape and feed it through the hole, attaching on the label at each side.

[kis7]

what program are you using with that reloop? it's probably a setting within the software and not on the reloop itself.

sorry my english is bad. I wanted to say how should i change my sensitivity on my reloop, which is the best for learning? very loose or very sensitive?

[HarryK]

I have this question since forever... What are all those numbers in front of the tracks bought from Beatport etc.? Also, why don't they put the artist's name in the file name?


EDIT
One more thing, are manual loops in CDJs quantized? If not, which models have and which haven't quantized looping functions?

[HarryK]

Do noobs only read these questions? C'mon people, answer already :P

[DJ Dash]

Hello

Can anyone help please Ive just got discover lON DISCOVERY DJ pro silver one. Ive just set it up works on virtual dj on my laptop with windows 7, I cant seem to get the decks to work though!!! The lights are on the decks can control the volume with the master volume but cant use it any other way. Any help would be much appreciated!!!! I also got the 20 days free trail and accidentally reset back to factory settings so the menu choice Ive got is limited!!

Thanks

[Interracial Tea]

Does Guitar Center price match?


I have this question since forever... What are all those numbers in front of the tracks bought from Beatport etc.? Also, why don't they put the artist's name in the file name?

Apparently you can use the Beatport app to change the file name before you download the files. I have no idea what the numbers are.

[Zafire]

Does Guitar Center price match?



Apparently you can use the Beatport app to change the file name before you download the files. I have no idea what the numbers are.

Is it possibly the number of the file as it is saved in beatports database? Would make sense since their could be thousands of tracks with the same name etc.

Just a guess though!

[RogerP15]

Was thinking about making a thread about this question, but, hopefully this would probably be a good place to start with it.

Do you any of you guys do any kind of "preparation to tracks" (editing, cutting dead air before track, etc) before burning onto a CD? I tried doing research on this before positing. Any info or links would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance

[Sigma]

^^What is it you actually want to know about that man?

[RogerP15]

An old buddy of mine use to cut the dead air before the track, normalize it in sound Forge or audition and add some eq effects. Do any of you do any kind of mastering to your new tracks (from BP or AJ) before actually putting them onto CD?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[jalipur]

hi.. i got a simple question that i just dont understand. no matter how much i google....

what the hell is cuts?
what the hell is chops?

im not sure if there is a different in the different music genres, but in hiphop i see these words all the time. And i just cant figure out the true meaning of them.
If anyone could explain like im a 5- year old i would be very thankful.
If u got other words related u wanna add and explain, that would be even better!

[JackStalk]

I believe "cutting" refers to either completely dropping a track out of a mix, or cutting one of the EQualizer knobs all the way down to zero (infinity) to essentially remove that element of the track. It it most commonly used while beatmatching tracks, you cut the bass down to zero volume and fit it in with a second track's bassline for example.

I think "Chopping" may refer to cutting up a section of a track, like a bar, half bar, eigth bar, etc. You take a piece of the track and chop it up into smaller sound bytes. I may be wrong, I never really use that terminology.

[2o4]

Such a simple question....yet now it's been almost an hour and I still haven't figured out:

http://i48.tinypic.com/2uh1dlj.jpg

How to remove this plastic base from the container of my brand new Shure needles! Lol....

[John Veselsky]

If I remember correctly you have to twist it until the small metal piece on the bottom of the needle that locks on the tonearm is lined up with a passage in the plastic and then pull it out.

Its kind of like opening a Tylenol or prescription bottle.

[2o4]

If I remember correctly you have to twist it until the small metal piece on the bottom of the needle that locks on the tonearm is lined up with a passage in the plastic and then pull it out.

Its kind of like opening a Tylenol or prescription bottle.
Thank you! Took more force then I felt comfortable with using, but yay now I got my needles free!!!

[John Veselsky]

No problem. Now jump on those decks and have some fun =).

[Sigma]

hi.. i got a simple question that i just dont understand. no matter how much i google....

what the hell is cuts?
what the hell is chops?

im not sure if there is a different in the different music genres, but in hiphop i see these words all the time. And i just cant figure out the true meaning of them.
If anyone could explain like im a 5- year old i would be very thankful.
If u got other words related u wanna add and explain, that would be even better!
Both of those words can mean a few different things, but in hip-hop, "cuts" usually refers to scratching. So if someone says "that guy's cuts are sick" they mean he's great at scratching.

"Chops" is often used as a general word for skill/ability when it comes to musicianship. It used to be a word that was used to describe particularly skilled guitarists and sometimes players of other more traditional instruments, but now it's kind of used generally.

You might see people using these words in other contexts, but without a specific example it's hard to say what they mean. I'd say the definitions I've given are the most commonly used though.

[samuelsan]

Both of those words can mean a few different things, but in hip-hop, "cuts" usually refers to scratching. So if someone says "that guy's cuts are sick" they mean he's great at scratching.

"Chops" is often used as a general word for skill/ability when it comes to musicianship. It used to be a word that was used to describe particularly skilled guitarists and sometimes players of other more traditional instruments, but now it's kind of used generally.

You might see people using these words in other contexts, but without a specific example it's hard to say what they mean. I'd say the definitions I've given are the most commonly used though.

Thanks for clearing that up sigma

[XeniaXross]

Quick Question: when should you use loops to transition to another song? something about using loops bothers me, and that may be because im not comfortable and familiar with them. should you use them often, or only use them when a good transition spot is too short and needs to be looped?

[JackStalk]

I usually only use loops if the track I have is a radio edit and doesn't have a DJ friendly intro. In reality, you can use them whenever you want depending on your style.

[XeniaXross]

Q: when it best to bring in a new track at the point you want? i was told by another DJ, that 4 bars or 4 beats before the is when you want to bring it in. but i feel like if you brought it in one phrase before, then the phrases will be matched up. what do you think?

[Gareth]

Depends entirely on the tracks - what works well for one track won't for another.

[ampnation]

Which is why I explained that they're "essentially" the same note... because they sound the same but have different names for a reason. And that's why it was explained to him that you can mix some notes and keys together despite different key names. D and D# in the same key? Lol dude. You are a 100% wrong. Try not to be so aggressive next time and you won't embarrass yourself when you don't know what you're talking about.

Maybe another way to explain it is... if you play the black key on a piano between D and E by itself with no context, you could be correct identifying that note as either D# or Eb, but in a composition/performance where the song is in C minor, then one is correct and the other is wrong. I personally don't know that is true or not, but trying to explain the concept as I'm interpreting it here.

In other words, it's semantics but important semantics in some cases.

[DJmarkman181]

I have to agree with everyone about playing the same artist back to back. I can only recall a few times in my 29 year career playing the same artist back to back and that was Chubby Checker's "the Twist" followed be his next No. 1 "Let's Twist Again". Other than that I space out tracks from the same artist as much as I can.
I am very impressed by all the helpful comments and ideas!!

[jz416]

Pretty sure your right. For example if someone said the first note of the moonlight sonata is A flat, or that it was in the key of D flat minor you could tell them they were wrong even though D flat minor and C sharp minor contain the same notes and G Sharp and A flat are the same note.

[rain91]

kinda curious what "used new in box" means. was looking up used gear on guitar center and it says "used ********* new in box". do they the box was just never opened ?

[ampnation]

kinda curious what "used new in box" means. was looking up used gear on guitar center and it says "used ********* new in box". do they the box was just never opened ?

GC plays all kinds of verbiage tricks. I saw a mixer on "clearance" really cheap but what they meant was, "display unit" which in this case meant missing faders knobs, scuffs, etc.

Also, I don't think they check out returned goods very well. I got a pair of used numark cdjs that powered on but one loaded my CD and refused to play or eject it. Full refund, but a hassle. Luckily, I used a burned CD for my first try so didn't care about getting it back.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

[rain91]

Damn, knew it was too good to be true. $200 for nib hdj 2000

[rain91]

i plan on getting a new laptop in the near future, was curious if traktor is gonna give me any problems with this

[ampnation]

i plan on getting a new laptop in the near future, was curious if traktor is gonna give me any problems with this

Not enough info. If current computer is working and new one has higher specs, what would be the concern?

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

[rain91]

sorry for the lack of info, i know ableton has registration keys and when i mixed with my buddy i think i heard him say that you can only have ableton on 1 machine. was wondering if traktor is like that.

[XeniaXross]

As i practice mixing, i notice i usually like to bring in tracks when the song has about 2:00 minutes left, when the song starts settling down. is there anything wrong with this, or is this a big no no, and i should find other points to transition. thing is, other points may be "calm" in the song, but no for very long. at least 10 seconds max. it may just be that i need to be more skilled as it is more advanced to mix mid-song....??

[LeaPerrins]

I have a question regarding software purchasing, I would like to find the kind of software which has a lot to offer in terms of built in instruments/plugins/sounds/samples/etc, and tools which allow me to tweak, and mix, and record, etc. I'm new to djing but I would like to get started on producing my own music, and I'm just using my laptop to start, and later I will be purchasing gear such as keyboards, amps, speakers, etc, etc. But just looking for the right software for producing my own, I have looked a couple; abelton live 8, cakewalk sonarX2 producer, reason, Fruityloops. http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/12818/#Reviews-tab. Which of these would be the best? or even close to best as I want to spend some money but not a bazillion dollars or anything like that. The kind of music I would like to start producing, is probably more EDM, house, electro-house, and just basic techno stuff, beats + bass + good sound. EXamples: deadmau5, alesso, avicii, hardwell, tiesto, etc.Thanks!

[Garydose]

I have a question regarding software purchasing, I would like to find the kind of software which has a lot to offer in terms of built in instruments/plugins/sounds/samples/etc, and tools which allow me to tweak, and mix, and record, etc. I'm new to djing but I would like to get started on producing my own music, and I'm just using my laptop to start, and later I will be purchasing gear such as keyboards, amps, speakers, etc, etc. But just looking for the right software for producing my own, I have looked a couple; abelton live 8, cakewalk sonarX2 producer, reason, Fruityloops. http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/12818/#Reviews-tab. Which of these would be the best? or even close to best as I want to spend some money but not a bazillion dollars or anything like that. The kind of music I would like to start producing, is probably more EDM, house, electro-house, and just basic techno stuff, beats + bass + good sound. EXamples: deadmau5, alesso, avicii, hardwell, tiesto, etc.Thanks!

Ableton Live imho - Can be used for DJing or to make great productions. Not too hard to get your head around and has stupid amounts of plugins, compatibility etc.

Logic and reason are probably the main contenders, I use PC so Logic was out of the question. Made my choice quite easy really and i'm happy with it.

[LeaPerrins]

Thank you! I shall look into it. Just downloaded the demo.
I suppose there are tutorials I could probably find.

[LeaPerrins]

So, I found this on musiciansfriend.com: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/ableton-edm-bundle which is basically a bundle of software geared towards my desired music production choice. I'm wondering, is it worth it to buy this or to just purchase ableton suite. The bundle includes the full version of Ableton live amongst a vast amount of extra software, and a most likely non-expensive controller. Also, are there cheaper stores online/in canada which may have some products I am looking for which is both music production software, and DJ controllers like NI Traktor.

[LeaPerrins]

So, I am wondering I just purchased ableton live amongst a whole bunch of other edm software, what type of midi controller should I purchase for it. I understand I probably want something with at least 49 keys.

[davidmartins]

whats a good mixer to start djing with?:)

[alexreedDJ]

What is..... the meaning of life?

[Tommy D]

What is..... the meaning of life?

A film by Monty Python

[alexreedDJ]

A film by Monty Python
aha nice one

[KLH]

what is..... The meaning of life?
42. :tup:

I may desticky this thread.

-KLH

[timothymwindsor]

Hi I'm relatively new to DJing, im 17, i have 2 american audio ttd2400 turntables with shure m44-7's, a numark M1 mixer and a couple of Ayra 5 monitors. Im looking to buy Traktor scratch A6 as i want to learn to scratch, and mixing on the laptop would be a lot easier and cheaper than buying the vinyl like i have been doing. Basically i need a rough list of what order i should learn scratches in, and how to do them. I think I'm more comfortable at scratching regularly as opposed to hamster and i just really need some help getting started as i've always been interested in DJing and currently have no clue as to what im doing..... thanks

[Capitan]

Hi I'm relatively new to DJing, im 17, i have 2 american audio ttd2400 turntables with shure m44-7's, a numark M1 mixer and a couple of Ayra 5 monitors. Im looking to buy Traktor scratch A6 as i want to learn to scratch, and mixing on the laptop would be a lot easier and cheaper than buying the vinyl like i have been doing. Basically i need a rough list of what order i should learn scratches in, and how to do them. I think I'm more comfortable at scratching regularly as opposed to hamster and i just really need some help getting started as i've always been interested in DJing and currently have no clue as to what im doing..... thanks

Hi Tim, try not to cross post, I've answered your other thread :tup:

[timothymwindsor]

Hi Tim, try not to cross post, I've answered your other thread :tup:
thanks man, only just noticed... found the link really usefull :)

[Capitan]

Sigma has also answered your thread. He wrote that guide and is the scratch master around these parts.

Take advice from him and you won't go wrong :tup:

[Sigma]

Haha, thanks man but I ain't no scratch master!

[timothymwindsor]

What is the correct way to preform a crab scratch? im getting mixed messages, some people start open fader and others start closed.... is on better than the other?

[timothymwindsor]

i find some scratching teqniques easier regualr and others easier hamster.... i find transforms and things that require clicking the fader on and off easier regular, but crabs easier hamster, and cant preform them regular... what should i do?

[JensBond]

Is it possible with any program to have buttons on your computer keyboard like an Launchpad? Click a button = sound
Like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXLL46xkdlY

[grefu]

just got in djying and been checking out what's best for me. as a beginner, i'm tempted to go for all-in-ones and have earmarked Numark's Mixdeck Quad and Pioneer's XDJ Aero. which between the two is the better one? plus, will they be able to last me in gigs? sorry if its a little newbish, but just wanna clear out my thoughts of confusion

[DJ Whrr]

just got in djying and been checking out what's best for me. as a beginner, i'm tempted to go for all-in-ones and have earmarked Numark's Mixdeck Quad and Pioneer's XDJ Aero. which between the two is the better one? plus, will they be able to last me in gigs? sorry if its a little newbish, but just wanna clear out my thoughts of confusion


Hey man! If you have the money to spend on the Pioneer XDJ Aero, then I would go for that - hands down...

However, I would recommend you checking out the Pioneer DDJ Series DDJ-SX Digital Performance DJ Controller (http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DDJ-SX-Digital-Performance-Controller/dp/B009LUFAN2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1367564663&sr=8-5&keywords=pioneer+dj). This is a GREAT DJ controller. The build is beautiful, it isn't much heavier than the XDJ Aero, the effects processor is awesome, and the cue points could really add some benefits to your mixes! Oh, plus it's $12 dollars CHEAPER! ;) Lol, JK. But really, it is a great controller.

What do you think about that? I want to hear your feedback/concerns/questions! :)

Also, (Just curious) what made you interested in the Numark? Anything specific?

DJ Whrr

[DJ Whrr]

Is it possible with any program to have buttons on your computer keyboard like an Launchpad? Click a button = sound
Like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXLL46xkdlY

Sure! You can use your keyboard to trigger points on programs like Serato, Abelton, Traktor, etc.... However, if you don't have a Mac (or a computer with something similar to the Mac keyboards), then it can be a bit delayed. For example, I am working on a Dell Vostro 1520 (someone stole my Macbook Pro :( ) and whenever I hit a cue point on Serato using the keyboard, it is always a bit delayed... So, I don't use it! Lol. I just use a midi controller instead.

If you want to use it anyways, here's a few programs to try out! Sound Plant (http://www.soundplant.org/) :) (Note: I haven't tried it out personally, but I hear it works. Let me know how it goes!

Finally, You don't have to buy a Launchpad to have that basic functionality though. I can show you some other cheaper midi controllers that will work just fine! :)

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

DJ Whrr