Howcast

How to Mix Music on Turntables

Howcast — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:11:33 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Set up turntables On each turntable, replace the rubber mat covering the large round disc, or platter, with a slip mat, and attach a cartridge to the tonearm.
Step 2: Adjust tracking weight Balance the tonearm to help avoid skipping. Turn the turntable’s counterweight until the tonearm floats above the turntable and the cartridge’s needle is even with the record’s playing surface. Hold the counterweight still and set its dial at zero. Then spin the counterweight until the dial matches the mass specified by the cartridge manufacturer.
Step 3: Hook up the DJ mixer Connect the turntables to the mixer’s input, and the mixer’s outputs to the external speakers using RCA or other appropriate cables. Plug your headphones into the headphone jack; it has a separate mix you can adjust without affecting the music in the external speakers.
TIP: Use headphones that fit over your ears, rather than earbuds, for better sound quality.
Step 4: Ground the connection Secure the turntables’ ground leads to eliminate excess noise. Slide the leads between the mixer and the back grounding screw, and then tighten the screw by hand.
Step 5: Fix the anti-skate level Adjust the turntable’s anti-skate. With the anti-skate knob at its first notch, begin playing an LP – when the anti-skate is too low, the left channel will dominate the volume. Increase the anti-skate’s level until the right and left channels sound balanced.
TIP: When you think you’ve found the right anti-skate level, try going one more notch. If the sound deteriorates, go back.
Step 6: Choose a record Delve into your record collection and choose a tune to get the party started. Place it on the left turntable and, with your mixer’s cross-fader all the way left, start it up.
Step 7: Pick the next song As the left side plays, choose a song to play next. Put the record on the right turntable and, using only your headphone’s independent mix, find the perfect place in the song to start it.
TIP: Try playing songs with similar beats after one another to help your audience maintain a steady groove.
Step 8: Slip-cue Hold the right-side record still while the platter rotates underneath the slip mat. When you want to switch to the new song, release the right-side record as you simultaneously adjust the cross-fader from left to right, creating a seamless transition between the two songs.
Step 9: Repeat Repeat this process, switching between turntables. Remember to keep a steady supply of records on hand; for a good DJ, the party never stops!
FACT: Francis Grasso, a New York City disc jockey, is credited with first mixing records together in the late 1960s.

You Will Need

2 turntables
2 slip mats
2 cartridges
DJ mixer
Headphones
External speakers
2 sets of cables
Record collection
Rhythm (optional)

How to DJ a Party

Howcast — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:24:11 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Meet with client Meet with your client to discuss their preferences and a song list.
Step 2: Visit local clubs Visit local clubs to hear the music people are dancing to. This is a great way to learn about different styles from other DJs.
Step 3: Practice Invest a lot of time in practicing your DJ skills, especially new techniques, before the party.
TIP: Practice playing in front of friends so you get comfortable in front of an audience.
Step 4: Bring variety of music Bring a variety of music with you to the party so you have something for everyone and can change the style, tempo, and mood for an interesting mix.
Step 5: Set up early and check your equipment Arrive early to the party to set up. Make sure all your equipment is in working order and your music is well organized.
TIP: Watch people’s reactions and body language so you can see when they’re getting bored.
Step 6: Play slow song Play two slow songs in a row. During the first song, people may be looking for a partner. After two, switch to a livelier tempo.
FACT: Did you know? According to Guinness World Records, in 2009 Russ Prager set the world record for the longest drumming marathon, with 120 hours

You Will Need

Research
Practice
Music
Equipment
Friends (optional)

How to DJ a Wedding

Howcast — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:45:43 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Print playlist Print a playlist of all the music you have and give it to the bride and groom at least three weeks ahead of time. Allow them make suggestions, add songs, and to delete songs they don’t like.
Step 2: Have a planning meeting Have a planning meeting with the bride and groom two weeks before the wedding. Ask the couple what announcements they would like you to make and when. Get the names and pronunciations of everyone in the wedding party.
TIP: Write down the pronunciations so you don’t flub anyone’s name.
Step 3: Find out about preferences Find out what kind of music the couple expects throughout the reception. Ask them what kinds of music their friends and family would like.
TIP: Prepare a backup copy of the couple’s first-dance music in the event of technical problems.
Step 4: Visit venue and propose a layout Visit the venue to draw a map of the DJ space and your layout.
Step 5: Set up Set up early and check your equipment. Arrive wearing formal wear, and don’t forget to smile!
FACT: Dick Clark started his career as a DJ at the student radio station at Syracuse University.

You Will Need

A playlist
A meeting with the bride and groom
A list of names and announcements
A backup CD of the first-dance song
Equipment
Formal attire
A positive and friendly disposition

How to DJ with a Laptop

Howcast — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:45:36 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Load software and drivers Load software and sound card drivers on to your laptop and read the user guides to become familiar with them.
Step 2: Rip audio CDs to laptop Rip any audio CDs to the laptop that you would like to use.
TIP: Bring a few backup CDs with you in case of software malfunction. You may quickly need to cue some music while you fix the problem.
Step 3: Set up a playlist Set up a playlist that can run for the duration of the event. You can always pause the soundtrack to queue up any requests.
Step 4: Test your playlist, cables, and mixing Test your playlist, cables, and mixing capabilities at least 24 hours before a scheduled event.
Step 5: Plug laptop into surge protector Plug the laptop in to a surge protector.
Step 6: Connect amp to the laptop Connect the amplifier to an audio output on your laptop with an RCA cable. Then plug the amplifier into the surge protector.
Step 7: Connect speakers to the amp Connect the speakers to the amplifier using an RCA cable and plug the amp into the surge protector.
TIP: Make sure that all volume knobs are at zero before playing any music. You may need a ground-lift adapter to remove any buzzing noises.
Step 8: Connect the microphone to the amp Connect the microphone to the amplifier. Keep the microphone away from the speakers to eliminate feedback.
Step 9: Tape down cords Use the gaffer tape to tape down any cords that could be a hazard. Now get ready to watch your guests get down!
FACT: Did you know? The first known recording of sound was made by a Parisian named Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville in 1860.

You Will Need

Laptop with 2 audio outputs and a large hard drive
DJ software with an internal mixer
USB external sound card
Audio CDs
Playlist
Surge protector
RCA cables
Amplifier
Speakers
Microphone
Gaffer tape
Ground-lift adapter (optional)

How to Become a Professional Club DJ

Howcast — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:09:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Decide whether you want to spin old-school vinyl or use a laptop and MP3 player, which are much more portable. Either way, you’ll be expected to provide your own equipment.
Step 2: Amass a music collection that is both broad and deep. You’ll need to be able to provide a single style of music for over five hours, as well as handle any requests.
TIP: You should always bring twice the length of music that you’ll need for your set. In nightlife, you never know what will happen!
Step 3: Check out local DJs and music scenes. Even if it’s not your style, it’s important to know who and what is out there.
Step 4: Become a regular at clubs and bars that you like — get to know everyone from the bartender to the usual crowd. Show up looking good, and keep making friends. Be genuine, not genuinely annoying. Make friends — don’t harass people — and eventually they’ll hire you.
TIP: Make friends – don’t harass people – and eventually they’ll hire you.
Step 5: Make a mix of songs you would spin, add some cover art, and give it out to the key players in nightlife that you now know. Be sure to give it like a friendly gift to avoid the creep factor of handing out promotional schlock.
Step 6: Book a party If you can’t seem to get hired as a DJ, and you have enough friends to fill a space, try asking a bar to let you book your very own party. That way you can pick yourself to DJ — and you’ll get a cut of the profits!
FACT: The record for the longest continuous broadcast by a single DJ is 110 hours.

You Will Need

DJing equipment
A broad and deep music collection
Copies of a mix with decent cover art
Friends who own bars or DJ — and who will show up to your gigs
Cool clothes that reflect your musical style