Beatmatching using only headphones v one ear + speakers

[Jambon]

I can beatmatch using headphones only no problem..... however I can't beatmatching (not even come close) when using one ear in the headphones and the other ear listening to the speakers. I'm shocking but really want to learn how. Is there any preferred way? Any tips for the one ear + speakers approach? I'm really struggling

[djnotapplicable]

It's all about your ability to separate the 2 tracks from each other.

Try to do it with the same 2 tracks over and over again - you will learn the elements of those tracks and become able to separate them. Then do it with other tracks.

Practice and record everything. Then listen back to see what worked and what did not.

[Jambon]

At least I can finish it off in my headphones, but the one ear method seems almost impossible right now! I was kinda hoping you would say that beatmatching in the headphones would be sufficient hehe lol

Thought I was at a stage where I can start improving my mixes and using effects and moving onto other stuff. Would you suggest spending a few more months nailing beatmatching just with one ear then (even though I can beatmatch in headphones) ??

[djnotapplicable]

Maybe I am unsure about what you mean by beat matching in your headphones only. Are you able to transfer tracks in a live mix, or do you just beat match in your headphones and then go to the one ear to mix.

[Jambon]

I can beatmatch with both tracks cued in the headphones (both tracks coming from the same source), however for the life of me I can't beatmatch when I have one track cued in the headphones in say left ear (incoming track im looking to mix in), whilst using my right ear to listen to what is coming through the main speakers which everyone can hear (two different sound sources).

[djnotapplicable]

I am assuming you can not complete a transfer of a mix from one track (left ear) to incoming track (open ear).

It's like patting your head while you rub your belly. You need to practice trying to separate the 2 different tracks.

I would do what I said above and also add constructive active listening sessions where you listen to a mix from a DJ you like and try to decipher which track is which.

Also, don't think about using effects. They are minimal in the scope of things. Also, you don't want to become dependent on them in order to mix. Just focus on beat matching with split hearing.

There is no secret formula for learning to beat match. All you can do is practice.

[Jambon]

Cheers dude thanks for the reply.

Not meaning to sound stupid lol but I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'able to transfer tracks in a live mix?'. I'm able to make (for the most part) seamless transitions and mixes to the listener/audience. It's just my preparation of the tracks in my headphones. As soon as I start bringing in a track headphones come straight off and I make subtle adjustments from what I hear through the main speakers.

So I need to learn beat matching through split hearing even though I can get the tracks ready in my headphones? lol

[Waterbeat]

Beatmatching with headphones on then mixing in with them off sounds fine to me. In booths with stray sounds, sometimes you need the isolation.

[djnotapplicable]

Beatmatching with headphones on then mixing in with them off sounds fine to me. In booths with stray sounds, sometimes you need the isolation.

Yea.

I thought you could not mix with the headphones on. Mixing in the headphones - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Nicadraus]

It's all about your ability to separate the 2 tracks from each other.

Try to do it with the same 2 tracks over and over again - you will learn the elements of those tracks and become able to separate them. Then do it with other tracks.

Practice and record everything. Then listen back to see what worked and what did not.

^^^ This!