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Thread: Vinyl DJ'ing: tips for playing from a cue point?

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    Question Vinyl DJ'ing: tips for playing from a cue point?

    I find myself struggling with making a chop between tunes when the incoming tune is best started off of a hard cue point. What happens is that as I hold the record at the cue point and let it go at the transition, one can still hear its acceleration.

    I've been trying to disguise it by letting the record go and fading it in and also by giving it a mild push forward. But I wonder if you guys have other tips to make an abrupt starts on vinyl sound good. Granted it will never sound like when someone presses the cue button on a CDJ.

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    BanHammer™⚒️ Manu's Avatar
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    Better slipmats maybe. Also depends on what turntables you have.

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    I'm using two Pioneer PLX-1000, with their original (Pioneer) slipmats.

    How does a better quality slipmat act in regards to this issue? Any brand recommendations?

    Thanks!

  4. #4
    You can try and rock the cue point on your vinyl so you have a good grasp of the beat. Then you should be in groove with the track playing and can drop it in at the right time. It should make it easier. A slight push as you let go of the record you want to drop in.

    Also check your decks for the "start" knob and make sure it is at it's fastest setting.

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    Boston represent - I am in Attleboro.

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    BanHammer™⚒️ Manu's Avatar
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    as above, check your start settings.

    Quote Originally Posted by mixomatosis View Post
    I'm using two Pioneer PLX-1000, with their original (Pioneer) slipmats.

    How does a better quality slipmat act in regards to this issue? Any brand recommendations?

    Thanks!
    I use some Sicmats, I also have some harder customs slipmats from Cream (record label). Maybe also try the old trick of putting some oven paper cut to size between the slipmat and platter, and see if that helps you clutching the record better. Beyond that, it's pretty much down to your own hand movement.
    Last edited by Manu; 03-13-2018 at 06:09 PM.

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    Member alazydj's Avatar
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    I know it might sound gross, but lick your fingers (or use a small glass of water, whatever) a bit to get better grip on the record and see if that helps you with the cut. Honestly your muscle memory could just take more time to develop the skill of releasing the records at the right time.

    The wax paper under the slipmat is handy.
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    Moderator pete's Avatar
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    If you are dropping straight into a track on a break you need to practice hard with your equipment.
    Specialist slipmats such as Butter Rugs or Tablecloths may help.
    But at the end of the day, practice makes perfect, with the equipment you have on hand.
    You need to push the record till it is running at the right speed.

    It is difficult to do properly, and thus mainly used by technical Djs, often playing hip-hop breaks.
    Other genres generally work better with smooth blends.
    bored, curious, deaf or just bad taste in music?
    finally a mix by me
    and what's this, another shoddy mix...another dull mix

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    thanks all for the tips

    these PLXs come with a plastic film that you can (or not) place between the platter and slipmat; I'm using them for now.
    I agree, this is most likely an ear/hand coordination thing - I can tell because it's like playing any musical instrument, and once in a while I get it perfect, which is very gratifying, especially if the tracks go well together

    @notapplicable - stay safe during the noreastaaaahhh!

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by mixomatosis View Post
    thanks all for the tips

    these PLXs come with a plastic film that you can (or not) place between the platter and slipmat; I'm using them for now.
    I agree, this is most likely an ear/hand coordination thing - I can tell because it's like playing any musical instrument, and once in a while I get it perfect, which is very gratifying, especially if the tracks go well together

    @notapplicable - stay safe during the noreastaaaahhh!
    Ha. Just looked outside on our back deck. About 22 inches. I went out at about 1 to snow blow our driveway and now it looks like I didn't even touch it. Hope you are good.

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