If you want to become a DJ, then you need to remember that DJing is more than just playing dance music. You work as an entertainer and you need to know the equipments you will work with in order for you to do your job well and really keep the party going.
One of the equipments that you will want to know more about is the DJ mixer. This particular equipment sits between the turntables or CD decks and it controls the amount of sound coming out from either source. It controls the volume for the right and left CD player and it will allow you to do some cross fading effects.
The mixer is also used by DJs to queue tracks in to the monitors or the headphones. Today, most mixers will also have digital effects, which can be added in to the output. Even if you use a laptop or software as your turntable or your deck, you will still need to connect it to the house mixer before the music you are playing on your laptop hits the sound system.
As a DJ, you need to remember that it is very important for you to be familiar with the different types of mixers available. This way, you will not get lost when you are hired to perform in different clubs that uses different mixers.
Although most mixers follow a standard set up, there are some mixers that can be quite confusing to understand and figure out if you use it for the first time. The most common type of mixer that you will encounter in clubs may be patterned with the Pioneer DJM-500. This particular mixer was one of the foundations of early club music and its interface is very easy to understand. This is basically the reason why this is a very popular pattern for most mixers today.
In fact, most units follow the control layout and flow of the DJM-500. At the bottom near the center of the mixer, you will find that cross fader, which moves laterally or from left to right. This will allow you to mix between each sound source or the two decks.
There are also vertical faders, which will control the level of the audio input. Along with that, you will find 3 knobs for every channel which can affect the equalization of the sound. This will give you control over high, mid, and low frequencies.
Mixers today have a lot more features in addition to the basic features mentioned. New mixers now give some digital interface, which will allow you to use different kinds of effects and even let you take advantage of enhanced visual monitoring of audio levels.
However, you will also find mixers that follow a less traditional approach. Companies, such as Gemini, Heath, and Allen to name a few, will provide you with mixers that has different control placement.
Operating with these kinds of mixers may be intimidating at first but once you familiarize yourself with it, you will find that it will be a lot easier.
Always remember that mixers take a lot of abuse in a live environment. Dirt can get in the sliders, which can interrupt the contacts that can result in improper audio transmission. This is why it is very important that you should always test the mixer before you actually use it on the party.
Always remember that you should always go for popular types of mixers that are made by well-known manufacturers. By doing so, you can be sure that you will only get the best quality sound output whenever you use them for parties and events.