Learning the Basics about how Audio Mixers Work

This video explains the basic functions of audio mixers. DJ Bolivia starts by talking about the Pioneer DJM-600, to illustrate a number of basic mixer concepts. He then goes on to explain the differences between the Pioneer mixer and a couple of other DJ mixers. Further into the video, he talks about a couple of "live sound" mixers, and explains some of the different functions on those mixers that are more suited to a live performance approach with bands, or recording studio use. At the end of the video, the viewer should have a pretty good idea of why mixers exist, and how to understand their general functions sufficiently that if you are faced with a brand new mixer that you've never seen before, you can figure out what the various controls are for.

For more information about DJ Bolivia, check out his websites at:

http://www.djbolivia.ca
http://www.facebook.com/djbolivia


Follow Jonathan Clark on SoundCloud:
http://www.soundcloud.com/djbolivia

Category:

Music

Tags:

• instructions
• tutorial
• technology
• musical instruments
• mixer
• pioneer
• djm-600
• allen & heath
• xone 62
• xone 4d
• zone 62
• zone 4d
• emx-5000
• mackie
• cr-1602
• bass
• treble
• mid
• eq
• send
• return
• effects
• cross-fader
• cue
• headphones
• main
• room
• booth
• monitor
• dj bolivia
• faders
• rotary pots
• gain
• trim
• level

[djbolivia]

There's a lot of info about mid-range and high-end MIDI mixers if you do a google search on "midi mixer" and look at the third search result (at the moment) from djtechtools.

Many of these also function a dual purpose as a traditional audio DJ mixer.

For a very simple and cheap MIDI-only mixer to experiment with, try searching something like M-Audio's "X-Session Pro" or similar gear.

[djbolivia]

@fungirlbecky33

That way, as you're playing music back through the software, you can use the mixer to make changes in the sound. I'm actually going to put together a video specifically to illustrate all this sort of stuff over the Christmas holidays.

[djbolivia]

@fungirlbecky33

Probably using a MIDI-control mixer. Some types of mixers can hook up to your computer via USB or MIDI (through a special external sound card). They can then be "key mapped" to your production software so controls on the mixer basically act as an extension to your computer's keyboard. So for instance, you could map a fader to a reverb effect control such as the wet/dry level, so when you move the fader on the mixer, the wet/dry control moves in the program.

[djbolivia]

To plug a laptop into a mixer, you just need to get a single cheap cord. The cord will have a 1/8" male stereo plug on one end, and that end goes into the headphone port of your laptop. The other end of the cord will have a pair of red/white male RCA plugs, and those will go into one of your channel inputs (anything but "phono" signal) on your mixer.

[djbolivia]

MC Wai ...What do you intend to do? Are you looking at DJ'ing or live sound? I presume DJ'ing. If so, what kind of music do you want to play at your shows? That would affect whether I'd recommend a multi-purpose or one that leans more toward working for specific styles.

[djbolivia]

Sure it is. The earlier you can start, the better. You might not be able to start playing in clubs for several years, but you can spend that time becoming a great DJ, learning a lot about music and mixing. Many musicians start playing instruments when they are very young, so I don't see any reason why DJ's would have to wait until they're older to start learning to play.

[partymouse]

Thank you for making this video. I found it very helpful as an aspiring DJ.

[fungirlbecky33]

Thank you so much. I was also wondering what a good cheap mixer would be for what i want to do

[fungirlbecky33]

I make dubstep on a laptop and i want to be able to do it live. Ive seen people like skrillex, flux pavillio etc. Using mixers and turning knobs and whatnot. What exaxtly r they doing?

[xblaklitex]

I'm looking to get my first pieces of equipment and this helped a lot to show me what I'll be looking at and what I think I'm capable of using. Thank you so much!

[antivain360]

DjBolivia.... You're a champ man.. Keep doing what you're doing.

[antivain360]

@DJeMiiXOfficial Yeah that guys a fucking idiot :L

[cheispoopy]

i dont see why people would dislike this video