DJ Performance Techniques and Live Mixing

Question 1

What is an 'EQ transition' mix technique?

Accepted Answer

Gradually rolling off frequencies of the outgoing track while boosting them on the incoming track during a mix

Answer

Changing the equalizer settings during mastering

Answer

Using only the equalizer to adjust volume levels

Answer

Applying EQ to recorded mixes only

Question 2

What is a 'bass swap' technique in DJ mixing?

Accepted Answer

Cutting the bass on the outgoing track and boosting it on the incoming track to transition low frequencies cleanly

Answer

Replacing the bassline in a track using effects

Answer

Swapping two bass-heavy tracks by BPM

Answer

A technique for mixing reggae basslines

Question 3

What is a 'loop roll' or 'rolling loop' technique?

Accepted Answer

Rapidly cycling through progressively shorter loop lengths for a stutter or build effect

Answer

Playing a track in reverse on a loop

Answer

Setting a loop at the track's chorus section

Answer

Looping a track for 8 bars without variation

Question 4

What is 'track selection' skill and why do DJs consider it as important as technical mixing?

Accepted Answer

The ability to choose the right track at the right moment to maintain energy and emotional flow for the crowd

Answer

The ability to load tracks quickly on CDJs

Answer

Selecting tracks by file format quality

Answer

Organizing tracks alphabetically for quick access

Question 5

What is 'reading the crowd' in DJ performance?

Accepted Answer

Observing and responding to audience energy and reaction to adjust the music selection and energy arc accordingly

Answer

Looking at the audience demographic data

Answer

Reading track credits aloud to the crowd

Answer

Counting the number of people on the dance floor

Question 6

What is a 'cut mix' or 'cut transition' in DJing?

Accepted Answer

An abrupt switch from one track to another at a beat boundary with no overlap or blend

Answer

Reducing the track volume by half

Answer

Cutting a track's duration shorter in the library

Answer

A crossfader technique using very slow movement