2-Track Mixing

Everybody starts with two

Every DJ’s starts with the common 2 channel or track mixing. This means you have one channel on your left playing one track and the second one one doing the same. The crossfader let’s the audience hear what you want, while in your headphones you cue the next track you want to play. The crossfader usually labels it A to B or 1 to 2. It’s easy enough and lets you experiment easily. The challenge comes when adding more channels which more advanced DJ’s use.

In order to make the mixing sound smooth though it’s important to remember that your BPM’s are the same by using the jog wheel to line up the beat markers. You can also use the sync button on your controller or your software sync, but watch out that it locks every song into syncing. Sometimes that can cause unwanted tempo changes.

Song format and genres

This helps in making sure the rhythm of the mix stays consistent. It can also help you when you mix without a setlist, and you are reading crowds at events. DJ’s usually call this live mixing or free-styling. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Most professionally made music consists of an intro, (chorus, and verse x2 or x3), outro structure.
• Songs contain 4 beat bars which are grouped into either 4 or 8 beat phrases. This means a intro, chorus or verse is usually 16 or 32 bars. Knowing this can help you position cues for builds and transitions to other drops.
• Most mainstream music can range from about 3-5 minute stretches so watch out that it runs to zero.

Observe and experiment

Keep in mind that a lot can be done with 2-track mixing and the possibilities are almost endless with song selection, effects, samplers, and other techniques. Start with the basics and then experiment. Once you feel comfortable add your own flare and start to build up skills like scratching and live mixing. The video below can begin to show you what 2-track mixing can achieve.

This shows you how 2 track mixing looks when done live. He is advanced but it shows you the skills you can learn, and the beauty of knowing your equipment. Keep in mind he always has the same BPM when transitioning to another song until the end when he goes up to 110 BPM.