Mixing without the cross-fader?

[Source raver]

Hey Gang..

Lately I have shifted from using the cross-fader to using the up/channel faders and I have a few questions. First of all, I notice that some Dj's don't let take the channels all the way to the top (i.e. have them about %90 of the way). Some mixers even have this area marked in red or indicated in some other way. Am I right in thinking that the up channels effectively control the output volume and moving them all the way to the top means max. volume and therefore possible distortion? Is this a function of all mixers or just a few? I sometimes like being able to 'jam' it all the way to the top (even though I suspect this may not be the best mixing method).

I also noticed that if I have both channels are at 90%, the mixer seems to be a bit more forgiving when the mix is fractionally out of beat. Has anyone else had this experience?

The next question relates to a basic mix using the up channels. If I move both faders to the upper limit I notice a slight overall increase in volume that even registers on the meters. I already compensate for the bass by keeping the bass on one channel down low (i.e. not wanting to 'flood' both channels with bass). Would the best way to deal with this be too move each fade down slightly (at the top of the mix when both are level) to compensate for the increase in volume? Or is it acceptable practice to allow a small increase in volume?

 

[Gossamer]

Hey source raver,

I mix using only the upfaders too. I think this is common practice for DJs who do long blends between tracks (as opposed to hip-hop-style cuts).

First of all, you should adjust your system so that pushing the upfaders to 100% does NOT cause distortion. Usually this means adjusting the channel gain knobs and the master volume so that the mixer is not "redlining" (distorting). Also make sure that your amplifier and speakers can handle the music with upfaders at 100% without distorting.

Most DJs keep the upfaders at 70%-80% because it leaves you some "headroom." If you keep the faders at 100% all the time, and you want to mix in a quiet track, you may be unable to match the volume to the last track (because you can't go above 100%). Keeping things at 70% ensures that you'll be able to handle that sort of situation.

I also noticed that if I have both channels are at 90%, the mixer seems to be a bit more forgiving when the mix is fractionally out of beat. Has anyone else had this experience?

Nope.

If I move both faders to the upper limit I notice a slight overall increase in volume... Would the best way to deal with this be too move each fade down slightly (at the top of the mix when both are level) to compensate for the increase in volume? Or is it acceptable practice to allow a small increase in volume?

It's usually not the increase in volume that's the problem, but the decrease that results when you finally mix out of the first track. That drop in volume can be pretty disappointing and kill the energy. So yes, you should try to cut the volume of track 1 slightly as you mix in track 2. A typical mix for me would go like this:

track 1 playing at 75%.
bring track 2 from 0% up to 60%, holding track 1 volume constant.
Slowly move track 1 from 75% to 60%, and track 2 from 60% to 75%. This is the majority of the mix.
Fade track 1 from 60% to 0%.

That sort of mix gives you a slight increase in volume without sounding disappointing when you mix out.

Hope that helps,
Gossamer

 

[modernstyle]

the main problem I encounter during such mixing is when I bringin in another track, and fading out the other... I need one more hand to bring the bass in. What to do?

 

[highkoo]

A lot of mixers have a ramp at the top end of the volume faders. So that last quarter inch is where most of the volume is. Thats why your mixes are more forgiving there. You are pushing less power. And the thing you said about not having enough hands is funny. And true. I love that feeling when Im playing and I know what I want to do in the next three seconds, I just have to figure out how to do it with two hands. Dont be afraid to go back to the fader or use the line switches to cut in and out.

Heres the real tip. Try mixing with ONLY the eqs. Dont use the fader or nothin. You will have to have somethin to que with, but after that, the way youre gonna mix well is to pay close attention to the eqs. Through a combo of experience and laziness, I know pretty much just use the eqs on long mixes. When my mix is done, all my eqs on the last channel are on 'kill'. Then I slap the volume fader down. Its the most accurate way to do it.

Oh-get a pioneer mixer if your into actual 'mixing'. They are far superior to anything else.

If you got any other questions Id be happy to anser em. Long mixes are the sh1t.

Peace.

 

[-=JK=-]

Am I right in thinking that the up channels effectively control the output volume and moving them all the way to the top means max. volume and therefore possible distortion?

It depends on the mixer and how the gain stages are laid out. If the channel input section has a gain of 1 or less, then running it at 10 will not cause that section to clip or distort. You could still clip the outputs by overdriving the main gain stage, but thats independent of the channel fader levels.

On the other hand, a lot of mixers have some amount of amplification in the phono preamp stage which can be overdriven by running the channel faders too hot. Then, even if the master volume is down low it will still sound distorted. Quiet, but distorted.

There's a really good discussion about this in a thread on the Wave board:

http://www.wavemusic.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3351

Oh-get a pioneer mixer if your into actual 'mixing'. They are far superior to anything else.

Ummm, you're kidding I hope...?

 

[modernstyle]

hey highkoo thanx for the answer.. practice, practice, practice.....