Monday, November 21, 2011

The role of the DJ mixer

By Brandon Hopkins


A DJ mixer essentially allows a DJ to use two turntables to create a mix. Using a mixer, a DJ can cue a non-playing source to headphones, which allows him or her to then beat match the source with the master mix being played through the PA system. A cross fader facilitates the smooth transition between two audio sources.

A DJ mixer constitutes the connection between the various audio sources. A console will usually have between two and six audio channels, to which sources such as turntables and CD players like the Pioneer CDJ, can be connected and mixed.

Each individual channel on a DJ mixer has a set of controls, which are arranged vertically on the mixing console. Different inputs can be selected using channel-specific switches. The equalizer controls allow certain parts of tracks to be faded in and out, which can make transitions easier. For example, fading out the bass on one audio source means that mixing is made easier, and there is less likely to be a bass clash between the two sources.

A DJ mixer typically includes inputs for microphones, to be used when an MC is toasts during a live mix. These inputs can be configured either as additional inputs to the main channels, or as specific inputs for microphones, which require fewer controls.

No DJ mixer would be complete without headphone jacks, allowing the DJ to listen to one audio source through headphones, while the master mix can be heard through the speakers. This means the DJ can hear both sources and prepare a smooth transition, with the beats perfectly matched. Some mixer consoles send one source to each earpiece, for the same purposes.

Outputs on the DJ mixer send the master mix either to monitor speakers, the PA speaker system, or, through an amplifier. In the context of a recording studio, the master mix can be directed to recording equipment such as a computer, through the DJ mixer.




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