Mix of recordings created by a DJ
A
DJ mix
or
DJ mixset
is a sequence of musical tracks typically
mixed
together to appear as one continuous track. DJ mixes are usually performed using a
DJ mixer
and multiple sounds sources, such as
turntables
,
CD players
, digital audio players or computer
sound cards
, sometimes with the addition of
samplers
and
effects units
, although it is possible to create one using
sound editing software
.
DJ mixing is significantly different from
live sound mixing
.
Remix services
were offered beginning in the late 1970s in order to provide music which was more easily
beatmixed
by
DJs
for the dancefloor. One of the earliest DJs to refine their mixing skills was
DJ Kool Herc
.
[1]
Francis Grasso
was the first DJ to use headphones and a basic form of mixing at the
New York City
nightclub Sanctuary.
[2]
Upon its release in 2000,
Paul Oakenfold
's
Perfecto Presents: Another World
became the biggest-selling DJ mix album in the US.
[3]
Music
[
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]
A DJ mixes music from genres that fit into the more general term
electronic dance music
. Other genres mixed by DJ includes
hip hop
,
breakbeat
and
disco
.
Four on the floor
disco beats can be used to create seamless mixes so as to keep dancers locked to the dancefloor.
[5]
Two main characteristics of music used in DJ mixes is a dominant
bassline
and repetitive
beats
.
[5]
Music mixed by DJs usually has a
tempo
which ranges from 100 bpm up to 160 bpm.
[5]
Technique
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A DJ mixset is usually performed live in front of an audience in a nightclub, party, or
rave
setting. Mixsets can also be performed live on radio or recorded in a studio. Methods of mixing vary slightly depending on the music genres being played.
[1]
House and trance DJs tend to aim for smooth, blended mixes while hip-hop DJs may use
turntablism
, scratching and other cutting techniques.
[1]
Some DJs, particularly those mixing
Goa trance
may prefer to mix during a
break
in which instead of beats, washes of synthesized sounds are combined.
[5]
Further refinement to the mixing quality can be provided with
harmonic mixing
which avoids
dissonant
tones during a mix.
In live situations, the progression of the DJ set is a dynamic process. The DJ chooses tracks partly in response to the activity on the dance floor. If the dance floor becomes less active, the DJ will make a judgement as to what track will increase dance floor activity. This may involve shifting the tempo or changing the general mood of the set. Track choices are also due, in part, to where the DJ wishes to take his or her audience. In this way, the resulting mixset is brought about through a symbiotic relationship between audience and DJ.
[7]
Studio DJs have the luxury of spending more time on their mix, which often leads to productions that could never be realized in real-time.
Traditional DJ mixing with vinyl required the DJ to sync the tempo of the tracks and modify each track's volume and equalisation to create a smooth blend. DJs can use a mixer's
crossfader
to switch between tracks or use the volume control for each source with the crossfader permanently positioned in the middle. Mixing is usually done through the use of
headphones
and a monitor speaker or
foldback
as basic aids. At this basic level, the DJ is required to develop a specific auditory skill where each track's tempo has to be distinguished while listening to more than one piece of music. The use of compact discs and players such as the
CDJ
brought technological advances for the DJ performing a mix including a readout of the bpm and a visual representation of the beat. Modern computer technology has allowed automatic
beatmatching
and led to debate regarding its use, which is sometimes described as cheating. DJ software provides automatic beatmatching and key detection which simplifies harmonic mixing.
Legality
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]
To be released commercially, DJ mixes often need many copyright clearances and licenses. The vast majority of DJ mixes throughout the years have only avoided legal action because the copyright holders generally do not choose to take legal action against the DJ for the unauthorized use of their material.
[8]
Distribution
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]
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, DJs would often distribute their recorded mixes on
CD-Rs
or as digital
audio files
via websites or
podcasts
for promotional purposes. Many popular DJs would release their mixes commercially on a compact disc. With declining CD usage, it has become more common for DJs to release their mix recordings through websites specifically set up for the purpose. Some of these sites, such as
Mixcloud
, and formerly
Mixcrate
, allowed for legal streaming of DJ mix recordings through established revenue deals with record publishing companies.
When DJ sets are distributed directly via the Internet, they are generally presented as a single unbroken audio file;
cue sheets
may be provided by the DJ or fans to allow the set to be burned to a CD, or listened to, as a series of separate tracks in the way it would be produced as a commercial mix.
See also
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References
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External links
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]
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