This episode focuses on the SP-6 Sample Player. The SP-6 is a six slot sample player within Serato Scratch Live. You can save samples into four sample banks, use three different playback modes, and adjust the volume for each clip. The SP-6 can be used with all supported Rane hardware. In this episode I’ll be going over the features of the SP-6: how to customize the interface, load and play clips, and control the samples.

Download: Episode 009

Start your search by making a list of your favorite producers who are also DJs. Chances are, they have a radio show, podcast, or both. Doing a simple search online will tell you when artists’ radio shows are broadcasted and if they are also available as podcasts. You can also do a search on iTunes for podcasts if you are an avid iTunes user. Find the titles of the tracks that you like and write them down on a piece of paper or in a text document.

You might be thinking “But those tracks won’t be released for a while. How can I find what tracks are coming out today?”. Pick your preferred Digital Download Store and view the new releases daily. Don’t have time to check the new releases everyday? Then check on Mondays and Fridays as most tracks are released at the beginning and end of the business week. While you’re there follow any link that mentions of “Similar Artists You Might Like”. You’ll probably find an artist or two that you like.

So now you’ve probably inundated with a on of new tracks and mixes to listen to. That’s okay. Listening to music is fun, right? Remember that just because the big-name DJs only play tracks for a week or two on their radio shows, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the tracks you like. The lifespan of a track is not simply determined by how often it gets played the the most popular DJs.

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Download: Episode 008

This episode is presented in HD 720p. Enter full screen mode for best quality viewing.

You can watch this video on Youtube and download Episode 007

This episode is presented in HD 720p. Click the “HD” button on the video player and enter full screen mode for best quality viewing.

You can also find this episode on Winksound.com

Download: Episode 006

Watch this episode to find out more about volume control and how to effectively set your track levels.

This episode is presented in HD 720p. Click the “HD” button on the video player and enter full screen mode for best quality viewing.

You can also find this episode on Winksound.com

Download: Episode 005

In this episode I go over two ways to import files, column selection and sorting, searching for tracks, making a crate, and how to import your iTunes library into Scratch Live.

This episode is presented in HD 720p. Click the “HD” button on the video player and enter full screen mode for best quality viewing.

You can also find this episode on Winksound.com

Download: Episode 004

You should use WAVs if you need to have the best possible audio quality from a digital file, especially if you want to do edits or mashups. Many DAWs do not work well with MP3s or require the files to be re-compressed. Be aware that WAVs do cost a bit more than MP3s and are larger in size. MP3s are cheaper than WAVs but are not as high quality. However, the difference between the two is often hard to hear. People listening on laptop speakers or cheap headphones probably won’t hear any difference at all. Many clubbers may not even hear the difference in a nightclub.

It’s up to each DJ to choose a preferred format. You can’t go wrong either way. Just remember to buy all of your music and get 320kbps CBR MP3s if you go that route.

New DJs often ask how to start and end a mix. There is no right or wrong way. Here are 5 ways to start and end a DJ mix:

If you are playing after another DJ, mix out of the previous DJs last track. Likewise, if another DJ is playing after you, let them mix out of your last track. This will allow the flow  of the music to continue. It is important to note that if the next DJ plays a different style of music or wants to start at a different BPM, this may not be the best option.

A less common start to a mix is to be introduced. Festivals or special events often introduce each DJ. Sometimes it is done by an MC or by playing a produced introduction. Sensation White, an event now held around the world, is well-known for the show that it creates around the DJs who are playing. This video of Armin Van Buuren at Sensation White 2005 shows part of the introduction at the beginning of the video.

Okay, so not all of us are well known superstar DJs. With some basic production skills one can create their own custom intro. Custom intros can be found in most DJ podcasts and draw the listener into the mix. Grab a few free samples off the net, load them into your favorite DAW, and create an  intro.

One of my favorite ways to end a mix is to use an effect. A spinback or slow-braking stop can quickly signal the end of a mix. Add a delay or some looping and you’ve got a crazy effect that is unique to each track.

Finally, if you really want to stand out, do something completely different. The video below is a great example of A DJ thinking outside of the box and doing something unique.

Photo by Ethan Hein