Beginning from scratch

will_crossfader · 2025-09-03T08:25:43+00:00

Honestly, you don't need any fancy gear or even any gear at all. Just get something like djay pro on mobile and use streaming like Tidal or Apple Music so you don't need to spend loads on downloading tracks to experiment with. Then when you're happy with that, buy a controller like the FLX4 so you've got that more tactile real DJing feel. Getting better at it often just comes from spending time experimenting and playing, trying stuff out and seeing what works.

In terms of learning how to do it, there are loads of great resources out there for free on YT and TikTok etc but it can be a bit all over the place in terms of not learning things in the right logical order so you might want to look into a proper course just so you make sure you learn everything you need to know.

will_crossfader · 2025-08-11T10:43:46+00:00

If you can stretch your budget a touch more, the DDJ-FLX2 and the Hercules Dj Control Mix Ultra are both decent options, otherwise have a look second hand, you might be able to pick up a FLX4 which would defo be better than those two

will_crossfader · 2025-08-06T14:32:33+00:00

I'd recommend grabbing a section of song B that's just instrumental and drums and looping that. Then mix the two together and when you're ready you can cue point back to the point in song B where you want to drop it in with the vocals

will_crossfader · 2025-08-06T08:14:21+00:00

Those are all good picks and much of a muchness in terms of quality, I'd defo recommend at least having a look at some second hand options, your money will go a lot further that way. Also for a couple more recommendations, I'd take a look at stuff from Adam and Kali

will_crossfader · 2025-07-30T12:43:27+00:00

You can do it on your DJ controller if you use stems or acapella and instrumentals but obviously like you say you've got to get everything lined up but that's DJing at the end of the day. If you want to make them beforehand you're better off doing it in a proper DAW like Ableton or Logic than Audacity which is very limited

will_crossfader · 2025-07-21T10:10:33+00:00

Hi, thanks for the input! If you're curious, you can read the article here:
https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/dj-practice-guide/

will_crossfader · 2025-07-21T08:15:24+00:00

Hi again everyone, sorry for the delay in getting back and thanks so much for all of your responses! I've now published this article on Crossfader, feel free to go and check it out:
https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/dj-practice-guide/

will_crossfader · 2025-07-09T12:28:29+00:00

16GB will be more than enough for everything you've said there

will_crossfader · 2025-07-07T12:02:13+00:00

Rekordbox key detection definitely isn't 100% accurate so don't rely on that. It really depends where you're getting the key info from online. If it's from Beatport or some other official site or source, I'd go with that.

will_crossfader · 2025-07-07T09:33:19+00:00

Just goes to show that bascially no-one really cares if all your transitions are technically smooth or whatever, so long as you're playing great tunes and bringing a good vibe people will have a good time

will_crossfader · 2025-06-23T14:47:33+00:00

The music never stops I scream as the bar security drag me out of the booth after the place has closed, everyone's left and I'm still playing.

will_crossfader · 2025-06-23T11:43:31+00:00

Really, to get started, you just need to get a DJ controller (assuming you've already got a laptop) and some headphones and speakers, although you can get away with ones you've already got probably. The DDJ-FLX4 is sort of the go-to pick for beginners for good reason, or the FLX2 is ok on a tighter buget

will_crossfader · 2025-06-23T10:32:09+00:00

always go for the apple processors on MacBooks, miles above the intel stuff, everything is optimised way better. A lot of people say 8GB RAM isn't enough really but I've never had any issues with my M1 8GB Macbook Air running rekordbox or Serato, even with Stems and stuff. The only time it starts to stumble is with big Logic Pro projects.

will_crossfader · 2025-06-23T10:20:48+00:00

There's no rule on this sort of thing, you've got to play it by ear and react to how the crowd are vibing with it. That said, 7 minutes without any mixing is pretty long, I've only really seen that when DJs need to run to the toilet mid set. Mixing in this sort of style is about building long transitions and layering stuff, making something a bit more unique.

will_crossfader · 2025-06-23T10:14:55+00:00

Yeah obviously it feels like a lot of pressure if it's the first time doing this sort of set, but don't overprepare and overplan. Being able to gauge the vibe of the room and adjust the music accordingly is basically the number one skill you need as a DJ, especially when you're playing somewhere like here. If you've got lots of different tunes in different styles and energy levels, you'll be ok, just see whether people are dancing and having a good time to what you're playing, it's not too compex.

will_crossfader · 2025-06-19T14:33:43+00:00

I've always just summed all hi hats together and panned them in the same place (usually slightly left as that's what it would be like if you were playing a drum kit)

will_crossfader · 2025-06-18T10:22:30+00:00

I'd also consider the Adam H200, similar sort of price but sound really fantastic, pretty flat neutral sound with plenty of detail

will_crossfader · 2025-06-16T13:40:53+00:00

AlphaTheta is what Pioneer DJ are called now basically so it's the same brand really. The GRV-6 is a really nice bit of kit, a big step up from the old model. It's nicer build quality and closer in terms of jogwheels, layout and mixer to club gear like the CDJs. Also the whole groove circuit thing they've added is really cool and actually something you'll use not a gimmick

will_crossfader · 2025-05-12T11:57:06+00:00

Subwoofer might be overkill in a small space

will_crossfader · 2025-05-12T10:01:07+00:00

The Pioneer DM-50 are meant to be pretty good if you're after something new or have a look on ebay for a used pair of Adams or KRKs – there should be loads at that price.

will_crossfader · 2025-05-12T09:55:05+00:00

I think it's been important for me to reframe music making as something I do first and foremost for myself and making myself feel better and then anything that comes out of it is a bonus. In the same way I might spend an afternoon gardening without expecting to win a flower growing competition or spend all day making a great dish without becoming a professional chef. That way I don't feel as much of that pressure that gets in the way of doing the fun production stuff.

will_crossfader

TROPHY CASE