DJ Performance Techniques and Live Mixing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'EQ transition' mix technique?
- Changing the equalizer settings during mastering
- Gradually rolling off frequencies of the outgoing track while boosting them on the incoming track during a mix (Correct answer)
- Using only the equalizer to adjust volume levels
- Applying EQ to recorded mixes only
Correct answer: Gradually rolling off frequencies of the outgoing track while boosting them on the incoming track during a mix
An EQ transition involves gradually reducing specific frequencies (like bass) on the outgoing track while simultaneously bringing up those frequencies on the incoming track for a smooth blend.
Question 2: What is a 'bass swap' technique in DJ mixing?
- Replacing the bassline in a track using effects
- Cutting the bass on the outgoing track and boosting it on the incoming track to transition low frequencies cleanly (Correct answer)
- Swapping two bass-heavy tracks by BPM
- A technique for mixing reggae basslines
Correct answer: Cutting the bass on the outgoing track and boosting it on the incoming track to transition low frequencies cleanly
A bass swap cuts the low frequencies from the outgoing track while simultaneously bringing in the bass from the incoming track, preventing two bass lines from clashing.
Question 3: What is a 'loop roll' or 'rolling loop' technique?
- Playing a track in reverse on a loop
- Rapidly cycling through progressively shorter loop lengths for a stutter or build effect (Correct answer)
- Setting a loop at the track's chorus section
- Looping a track for 8 bars without variation
Correct answer: Rapidly cycling through progressively shorter loop lengths for a stutter or build effect
A loop roll rapidly reduces loop length (e.g., 8→4→2→1→1/2 bars) in succession to create a stuttering tension-building effect before dropping into the full track.
Question 4: What is 'track selection' skill and why do DJs consider it as important as technical mixing?
- The ability to load tracks quickly on CDJs
- The ability to choose the right track at the right moment to maintain energy and emotional flow for the crowd (Correct answer)
- Selecting tracks by file format quality
- Organizing tracks alphabetically for quick access
Correct answer: The ability to choose the right track at the right moment to maintain energy and emotional flow for the crowd
Track selection — reading the crowd and choosing the perfect next track for the moment — is widely considered as critical as technical mixing skill for creating a compelling DJ set.
Question 5: What is 'reading the crowd' in DJ performance?
- Looking at the audience demographic data
- Observing and responding to audience energy and reaction to adjust the music selection and energy arc accordingly (Correct answer)
- Reading track credits aloud to the crowd
- Counting the number of people on the dance floor
Correct answer: Observing and responding to audience energy and reaction to adjust the music selection and energy arc accordingly
Reading the crowd involves observing body language, dance floor energy, and audience reactions to determine what music to play next and how to pace the set's energy.
Question 6: What is a 'cut mix' or 'cut transition' in DJing?
- Reducing the track volume by half
- An abrupt switch from one track to another at a beat boundary with no overlap or blend (Correct answer)
- Cutting a track's duration shorter in the library
- A crossfader technique using very slow movement
Correct answer: An abrupt switch from one track to another at a beat boundary with no overlap or blend
A cut mix is an instant, sharp transition from one track to another at a precise beat, typically used in hip-hop DJing and when an abrupt energy change is desired.
DJ Performance Techniques and Live Mixing 1
What is an 'EQ transition' mix technique?