I completely agree with you about mixes being too “perfect “ these days. It sounds like there’s no heart, no human input no more. I only use 12” on my technics and I love it. I’ve no plans on going digital at all
I just started teaching myself back in January how to scratch/mix real hip hop & blend deep house via UA-cam. I’m a lil older and came up watching everyone work vinyl. I use a controller as it’s cost effective and I’m just starting but I’m a bit of a purist as I find it to be a violation to use the sync button and I never plan to.
@@JerzeejayliveThe Quantize, Snap and Flux mode features are also ones to turn off and stay away from if your going for the original vinyl style feel. As much as sync is a massive crutch those features are also imho. ✌️
The word your looking for is tension, that's what's missing in today's mixes, the tension in the beat matching, as it wonders and is brought back in line by the skillful touch of the DJ, never quite double beating but to the listening ear it sounds like something is happening, it's going somewhere, things are changing, it's a anxious moment and the whole sound is held aloft only by the mastery of the decks.
Totally agree. Nothing like the energy of a vinyl DJ riding the groove in a club for instance. Doesn't always sound clean and clinical, but adds a bit of excitement and personality as well.
Spot on dude!!Not a fan of these new gen Dj's who are using controllers.I get it why is it so popular, the price and it's all in one, but these people will always miss out on the essence of learning how to dj and the joy of vinyl!!!Even there is a difference between a controller and cdj's.Have a friend who always went for the laptop/controller version, and when I give him my setup he couldn't even start mixing....Was constantly missing the help of the computer and info on tracks.Does'nt know how to use his ears the most important at all!Recently changed his complete setup to the latest pioneer mixer and cdj and now he understands it more,but those big screens still help a lot so hey can't win them all!
Awesome video. I mix mainly on XDJ's at moment - mixing the tunes can be so easy that you'd have to be pretty un-inspired to not try some different cuts and blends! Some of my favourite DJ's sets have really suffered when they made the switch from vinyl to CDJ - don't abuse the loop function. I'd also say avoid running your tracks through a musical key identifier - it stops you from just trying tracks out... quite often your ears will know which tracks work and which don't!
That Is the school I came up from, using Singles, Cutting them together on Springy decks, so much as touched to hard, Would bounce all over the place. I would do a voice over to blur a crossover. Or I would wait for a Drum Round near the end of the playing record, then try and Match It to the drum round at the start of the incoming record. It certainly was a lot of fun, as for the Singles I still have them all 100,000 plus. And I still do those mixes with them, but on SL1210mk2's the only way to go. Thanks for the Demo, Johnathan and keep them coming In these dark times. stay safe.
J you have hit the nail on the head right there mate.....real talk! I completely agree with you, seamless mixing sounds like it's been software compiled, where as human mixing with it going off slightly, bringing it back in, what I like to call "battling the mix" sounds so much better to me as you can hear the originality, the passion & heart of the DJ that is performing that mix which can't be repeated! Now thats a good mix, sounds raw & much much better. These days anyone & everyone can be a dj, but the old skool way is unfortunately dwindling out, making way for these constant boring seamless mixes!
That must explain why I was never into DJing much at all until I started fiendishly buying rap records and decided to get a mixer. Vinyl made me fall in love with DJing and rediscover my creativity again!
Great vid! This is how spinning was done in the mid 70's. You might have a little pitch wheel on a belt drive pioneer deck, or even no pitch wheel at all! You had to bring that track in quickly AND keep the beat!
What a great video. I actually love long mixes, I'm a big techno man, and long mixing in techno works so well. But, in the songs you are mixing here, it's perfect. And I can see how much of a good DJ you are here. I do disagree with your message in the sense of what genres you mix. I love the huge perfect mixing of 4 digital decks. It's what I love. But it really depends on your genre, and I have absolute respect for what you did here with t these songs. Let's take DnB, which also doesn't work with really long 4 decks mixing because it's DnB. But some music does really work with it. Horses for courses.
Completely spot on my man !! Technology now shouldnt mean the DJ has far less to do but it should give him more time to be far more creative in his mixes. Having said that personally I now mix only on turntables and a basic 2 channel mixer as I think simplicity as far as what you use is were the enjoyment is for me. For any aspiring DJ to be different and individual they must not be afraid to be creative .
And the big difference its not a machine syncing but us !! And it makes dj listening lot of part and music without a waveform and rules ! Lets bring back vinyl on the dance floor 🤣
I Agree, Use it but don’t abuse it. A friend of mine who is a lot younger than myself came over my house and we were playing around with DVS & a controller. Everything was good until I started pulling out some music on vinyl. Every mix he tried using real vinyl sounded like a Train wreck. At that time my young friend found out that it takes real Dj skills to mix on vinyl. I love how easy new tech makes thing for DJs now but I strongly feel it doesn’t make them better DJs. In a way it’s insulting to DJs that spent many years learning the art of DJing. And boom! Here comes along little Junior and he’s a BadAss DJ! Or so he thinks. 😎
Would it not be better to only work tracks that run smoothly together? For instance those two albums might have been able to be played had there would be one or two in between them to create the change needed to blend properly. .. honestly just asking?
I agree. But I also think it's down to the way majority of the music is produced nowadays on computer e.g. Protools, VST and digital softwares.....plus alot of these music producers don't have a good background of playing an instrument, or playing live in a band.
I try to make my mixes perfect, but they never are and know one cares! I mix with a controller, but I try to beat match by ear, without looking at the BPM. Say no to Sync. 😀
Organic,thats what i thought,ive made some horrible mixes with vocals but actually it adds something,ive never had any love for cd or controllers with sync as you are pretty much just making a playlist.that said i think digital vinyl is fantastic if you can ignore the screen, Good to see you are still hard at it mate.
Thanx for the video DJ Ellaskins. Always putting out amazing educational videos. Yout so appreciated bro! Man, I couldn't agree with you more about what you said about mixing with strictly analog equipment, love your set up, by the way, awesomeness. Yea man, nobody wants to hear a robotic sounding seamless perfect sounding mix. Cause it sounds like it was pulled out of a robots ass!.... Lol.. At lesst when its human touched or manipulated, you'll hear record pipsy, or these things called " mistakes "!... Lol... And mistakes make it so much more human sounding, & also more down to earth soundjngy, as well. Plus, it also lets the audience know that their listening to a legit mix, not a syncopated mix, of pre-programmed mix..... 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💪👍🙏
Any advice on vinyl mixing using samples from records that aren't house/techno/electronic? Throwing in a pop/rock phrase or hook is obviously a common cool trick with a digital setup, wondering if it's too much of a headache while using vinyl. Not seen it done much but I have very little experience.
Im starting to mix with vinyls, i always wanted to do that, and i never understand why is so "wow" when you mix digitally, i mean a software match your bpm, you can do loops, transitions, etc.. Do you need skills of course, but not talent.
Have been watching alot of your channel recently due to self teaching how to mix with vinyl. When mixing uk hardcore with a driving 4 4 beat my beat matching ain't to bad. My question is and hopefully you can help is how do you count the beat to old skool ragga jungle? I watched one of your videos about beat matching drum and bass but I'm still struggling to count the beats. Any help you could give would be very muchly appreciated, thanks for all your help ✌️
I definetly agree with the sentiment that you shouldnt abuse new technology. However, it is naive to believe that every aspriring dj has the time and money to learn to play on vinyl. To some, it is just a hobby after all. Im saying this as someone who started out on controllers and just bought two audio technica lp 120 decks with a dvs system, nothing is more fun and rewarding than getting a mix on two pieces of vinyl right. Im addicted. However, I also realize how time consuming and expensive vinyl is and that most modern djs won't be able to get into it.
Question..... Why do you associate sync with controllers? The cdj's have sync too. I have used controllers for about 7 or 8 years and never used the sync features when DJing. 🤷🏾♂️
@@charliem303 that is not the same thing. Almost all of the electronic devices and software have bpm's for songs. But they are not always accurate and you have to do some work. Who cares if someone knows bpm anyway. Some old school vinyl dj's use to write bpm's on their record labels. 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
@@jayrags-soulfiesta4076 that's what i did then and now. knowing the beats doesn't mean you mastered anything. and everyone knows that music recorded by real musicians have lots of time differences beat wise, because they're human and no drum machines. at the end, and the beginning you gotta listen with your ears. not with your eyes, your mouth or your ass. buying equipment makes the industry more rich, but with buyin' vinyl records we support the artists a bit more.
I've been interested in DJing as a hobby for a while now, but unfortunately I'm going to have to go digital. I have a ATLP120 turntable that cost me $200 that I use for listening to my favorite albums, for me to buy another one plus a mixer plus headphones plus a crate of sweet house vinyl, I just can't do it. I either go digital and get started or I forever just watch DJ videos on UA-cam all the time lol
I am using 1200s for about 25 years now, recently thought about to get some XDJs for a digital setup, because of all the benefits you can get of mixing with this tools. My decks are still pretty working good, but they got some serious problems at the pitch and fucking "Gleichlaufschwankungen"....
Absolutely agree too many DJ’s today sound exact same with technology DJ Robotics the same mixes , pitch in the centre etc there is no off mixing or rawness ( mix recovery) it’s all too clean and yes i know you wont agree but Master tempo & harmonic mixing soundz boring also a pitch without these features has lot more vibe & edge mate with mixing faster tunes on vinyl.
Bit of a silly and biased video. The 'perfect' mix is something always aimed for. The term 'organic' is a reference to how the transitions are put together rather than the equipment. The bottom line is: if the mix sounds good what it is played on doesn't matter. I believe people that use the excuse of equipment and only using vinyl 'nostalgia' nonsense are those that struggle with the real art of djing.
Anyone using a computer or disk player's for that matter are not D.J.s. unless you have at least 2 or 3 1200s and a mixing board in front of your not a D.J. These wannabes would have no idea how to actually beat mix.
Thanks for the advice mate. I started watching your videos 2 years ago and thought stuff it I'm buying oldskool vinyl decks and learn . Best decision I've made everrrrr. I've up loaded some videos on here of my progress. Might be something you like. Just wanted to say thanks 🤓👍 💜vinyl = proper mixing
I completely agree with you about mixes being too “perfect “ these days. It sounds like there’s no heart, no human input no more. I only use 12” on my technics and I love it. I’ve no plans on going digital at all
Very true - you might like some of my mixes : )
I just started teaching myself back in January how to scratch/mix real hip hop & blend deep house via UA-cam. I’m a lil older and came up watching everyone work vinyl. I use a controller as it’s cost effective and I’m just starting but I’m a bit of a purist as I find it to be a violation to use the sync button and I never plan to.
@@JerzeejayliveThe Quantize, Snap and Flux mode features are also ones to turn off and stay away from if your going for the original vinyl style feel. As much as sync is a massive crutch those features are also imho. ✌️
The word your looking for is tension, that's what's missing in today's mixes, the tension in the beat matching, as it wonders and is brought back in line by the skillful touch of the DJ, never quite double beating but to the listening ear it sounds like something is happening, it's going somewhere, things are changing, it's a anxious moment and the whole sound is held aloft only by the mastery of the decks.
Beautifully said
Very well put
I’m really appreciating these vinyl presentations and demos. The more, the better.👍
Totally agree. Nothing like the energy of a vinyl DJ riding the groove in a club for instance. Doesn't always sound clean and clinical, but adds a bit of excitement and personality as well.
I remember DJs like Easygroove whose 'dirtiness' and 'rawness' in the mix is what attracted you to their sets.
Love your point of views on mixing tracks. The human element lots of people forget that
hi - i’ve enjoyed your videos the last 12 months. 1210s have saved me through lockdown 👍🏻 stay safe for round 3
Been a fan since a year now! Big thanks mate
Spot on dude!!Not a fan of these new gen Dj's who are using controllers.I get it why is it so popular, the price and it's all in one, but these people will always miss out on the essence of learning how to dj and the joy of vinyl!!!Even there is a difference between a controller and cdj's.Have a friend who always went for the laptop/controller version, and when I give him my setup he couldn't even start mixing....Was constantly missing the help of the computer and info on tracks.Does'nt know how to use his ears the most important at all!Recently changed his complete setup to the latest pioneer mixer and cdj and now he understands it more,but those big screens still help a lot so hey can't win them all!
Any Dope can uses Cdjs or lates pioneers Decks now vinyl different situation all together
Awesome video. I mix mainly on XDJ's at moment - mixing the tunes can be so easy that you'd have to be pretty un-inspired to not try some different cuts and blends! Some of my favourite DJ's sets have really suffered when they made the switch from vinyl to CDJ - don't abuse the loop function. I'd also say avoid running your tracks through a musical key identifier - it stops you from just trying tracks out... quite often your ears will know which tracks work and which don't!
I like blending when it works, but sometimes chuckin' it in with older tracks was also artful.
I think this could be The best video on UA-cam.
That Is the school I came up from, using Singles, Cutting them together on Springy decks, so much as touched to hard, Would bounce all over the place. I would do a voice over to blur a crossover. Or I would wait for a Drum Round near the end of the playing record, then try and Match It to the drum round at the start of the incoming record. It certainly was a lot of fun, as for the Singles I still have them all 100,000 plus. And I still do those mixes with them, but on SL1210mk2's the only way to go. Thanks for the Demo, Johnathan and keep them coming In these dark times. stay safe.
J you have hit the nail on the head right there mate.....real talk! I completely agree with you, seamless mixing sounds like it's been software compiled, where as human mixing with it going off slightly, bringing it back in, what I like to call "battling the mix" sounds so much better to me as you can hear the originality, the passion & heart of the DJ that is performing that mix which can't be repeated! Now thats a good mix, sounds raw & much much better. These days anyone & everyone can be a dj, but the old skool way is unfortunately dwindling out, making way for these constant boring seamless mixes!
That must explain why I was never into DJing much at all until I started fiendishly buying rap records and decided to get a mixer. Vinyl made me fall in love with DJing and rediscover my creativity again!
totally agree. The human element to mixes is what brings them to life.
Great vid! This is how spinning was done in the mid 70's. You might have a little pitch wheel on a belt drive pioneer deck, or even no pitch wheel at all! You had to bring that track in quickly AND keep the beat!
Its good to pratice off the cuff mixing. Not planned at all.
Just watched the video from a few years ago and then this one from yesterday all about this same topic which I whole heartedly agree with 👍
Vinyl DJ here and i couldn't agree more my friend..
This is so true. We’re humans. We like imperfections
Great video 👍 can't remember last time I mix with vinyl 😒
What a great video. I actually love long mixes, I'm a big techno man, and long mixing in techno works so well. But, in the songs you are mixing here, it's perfect. And I can see how much of a good DJ you are here. I do disagree with your message in the sense of what genres you mix. I love the huge perfect mixing of 4 digital decks. It's what I love. But it really depends on your genre, and I have absolute respect for what you did here with t these songs. Let's take DnB, which also doesn't work with really long 4 decks mixing because it's DnB. But some music does really work with it. Horses for courses.
Completely spot on my man !!
Technology now shouldnt mean the DJ has far less to do but it should give him more time to be far more creative in his mixes.
Having said that personally I now mix only on turntables and a basic 2 channel mixer as I think simplicity as far as what you use is were the enjoyment is for me.
For any aspiring DJ to be different and individual they must not be afraid to be creative .
I sometimes think about how much more music I would have access to if I went digital but limitations inspire creativity too.
I agree on the "non-human DJ mixing" there. Mistakes sound good to my ears
Hi from New Zealand.
Cheers mate, love your videos.
I love the 'organicness' in a mix. You're spot on.
And the big difference its not a machine syncing but us !! And it makes dj listening lot of part and music without a waveform and rules ! Lets bring back vinyl on the dance floor 🤣
Yes, keep it real, with the wheels of steel
I’m wondering what camera u using for this video!! It looks so cool
This one is true, this is real!!!
Super nice
Which mixer are you using?
Spot on my dude
CAn you do a video on how to mix Electro and Breaks?
you are the best!!!!!!!
Good luck for the lockdown (From France)
you're the men! ;)
I've got no time for Sync 'Dj's
I Agree, Use it but don’t abuse it.
A friend of mine who is a lot younger than myself came over my house and we were playing around with DVS & a controller. Everything was good until I started pulling out some music on vinyl. Every mix he tried using real vinyl sounded like a Train wreck.
At that time my young friend found out that it takes real Dj skills to mix on vinyl.
I love how easy new tech makes thing for DJs now but I strongly feel it doesn’t make them better DJs.
In a way it’s insulting to DJs that spent many years learning the art of DJing. And boom! Here comes along little Junior and he’s a BadAss DJ! Or so he thinks. 😎
Would it not be better to only work tracks that run smoothly together? For instance those two albums might have been able to be played had there would be one or two in between them to create the change needed to blend properly. .. honestly just asking?
Nice .
I agree. But I also think it's down to the way majority of the music is produced nowadays on computer e.g. Protools, VST and digital softwares.....plus alot of these music producers don't have a good background of playing an instrument, or playing live in a band.
What made you want rid of the PDX’s from your early early vids ?
My sets are the definition of organic. I'm all over the freaking place lol
lol
I try to make my mixes perfect, but they never are and know one cares!
I mix with a controller, but I try to beat match by ear, without looking at the BPM.
Say no to Sync. 😀
Learning on laptop and controller and I try to apply all your lessons. I have only used the sync button once and it confused me.
Holy grail
Organic,thats what i thought,ive made some horrible mixes with vocals but actually it adds something,ive never had any love for cd or controllers with sync as you are pretty much just making a playlist.that said i think digital vinyl is fantastic if you can ignore the screen,
Good to see you are still hard at it mate.
🙏🏻 amen
My mixing is so organic it's only good for putting on the roses lol!
Thanx for the video DJ Ellaskins. Always putting out amazing educational videos. Yout so appreciated bro! Man, I couldn't agree with you more about what you said about mixing with strictly analog equipment, love your set up, by the way, awesomeness. Yea man, nobody wants to hear a robotic sounding seamless perfect sounding mix. Cause it sounds like it was pulled out of a robots ass!.... Lol.. At lesst when its human touched or manipulated, you'll hear record pipsy, or these things called " mistakes "!... Lol... And mistakes make it so much more human sounding, & also more down to earth soundjngy, as well. Plus, it also lets the audience know that their listening to a legit mix, not a syncopated mix, of pre-programmed mix..... 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💪👍🙏
Thanks, you’ve reassured me also - sometimes I beat myself up over the mistakes so it’s nice to know it’s ok with some folks.
Any advice on vinyl mixing using samples from records that aren't house/techno/electronic? Throwing in a pop/rock phrase or hook is obviously a common cool trick with a digital setup, wondering if it's too much of a headache while using vinyl. Not seen it done much but I have very little experience.
Im starting to mix with vinyls, i always wanted to do that, and i never understand why is so "wow" when you mix digitally, i mean a software match your bpm, you can do loops, transitions, etc.. Do you need skills of course, but not talent.
I couldn’t agree more with you! I just don’t enjoy listening to mixes done on controllers
Have been watching alot of your channel recently due to self teaching how to mix with vinyl. When mixing uk hardcore with a driving 4 4 beat my beat matching ain't to bad. My question is and hopefully you can help is how do you count the beat to old skool ragga jungle? I watched one of your videos about beat matching drum and bass but I'm still struggling to count the beats. Any help you could give would be very muchly appreciated, thanks for all your help ✌️
I definetly agree with the sentiment that you shouldnt abuse new technology. However, it is naive to believe that every aspriring dj has the time and money to learn to play on vinyl. To some, it is just a hobby after all. Im saying this as someone who started out on controllers and just bought two audio technica lp 120 decks with a dvs system, nothing is more fun and rewarding than getting a mix on two pieces of vinyl right. Im addicted. However, I also realize how time consuming and expensive vinyl is and that most modern djs won't be able to get into it.
Totally agree! Love your videos 👍
All 100% true :-)
Good shit💯
Question..... Why do you associate sync with controllers? The cdj's have sync too. I have used controllers for about 7 or 8 years and never used the sync features when DJing. 🤷🏾♂️
Do you use the electronic bpm reading though ? Because that’s essentially the same thing
@@charliem303 that is not the same thing. Almost all of the electronic devices and software have bpm's for songs. But they are not always accurate and you have to do some work. Who cares if someone knows bpm anyway. Some old school vinyl dj's use to write bpm's on their record labels. 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
@@jayrags-soulfiesta4076 that's what i did then and now.
knowing the beats doesn't mean you mastered anything.
and everyone knows that music recorded by real musicians have lots of time differences beat wise, because they're human and no drum machines.
at the end, and the beginning you gotta listen with your ears.
not with your eyes, your mouth or your ass. buying equipment makes the industry more rich, but with buyin' vinyl records we support the artists a bit more.
I've been interested in DJing as a hobby for a while now, but unfortunately I'm going to have to go digital. I have a ATLP120 turntable that cost me $200 that I use for listening to my favorite albums, for me to buy another one plus a mixer plus headphones plus a crate of sweet house vinyl, I just can't do it. I either go digital and get started or I forever just watch DJ videos on UA-cam all the time lol
Keep trying mate! It took me about a year and a half to get good at beatmatching vinyl and its so worth the time it takes!
I am using 1200s for about 25 years now, recently thought about to get some XDJs for a digital setup, because of all the benefits you can get of mixing with this tools. My decks are still pretty working good, but they got some serious problems at the pitch and fucking "Gleichlaufschwankungen"....
dont get xdj's get denon's cheaper and 100 times better.
"Too clean = plastic tree". What about powdered water?
Absolutely agree too many DJ’s today sound exact same with technology DJ Robotics the same mixes , pitch in the centre etc there is no off mixing or rawness ( mix recovery) it’s all too clean and yes i know you wont agree but Master tempo & harmonic mixing soundz boring also a pitch without these features has lot more vibe & edge mate with mixing faster tunes on vinyl.
Please check out my all vinyl live sets!! You are a big inspiration mate - cheers
Lots and lots of human error in my mixes :^)
Bit of a silly and biased video. The 'perfect' mix is something always aimed for. The term 'organic' is a reference to how the transitions are put together rather than the equipment. The bottom line is: if the mix sounds good what it is played on doesn't matter. I believe people that use the excuse of equipment and only using vinyl 'nostalgia' nonsense are those that struggle with the real art of djing.
Technology has ruined the DJ scene, I love vinyl turntables, lap tops & controllers, not for me
Plastic mixing very true
Anyone using a computer or disk player's for that matter are not D.J.s. unless you have at least 2 or 3 1200s and a mixing board in front of your not a D.J. These wannabes would have no idea how to actually beat mix.
ffffresh
Organic. What a load of bull mate. Just mash up the styles. Break the rules. There's is none.strictly Vinyl!!!
Thanks for the advice mate. I started watching your videos 2 years ago and thought stuff it I'm buying oldskool vinyl decks and learn . Best decision I've made everrrrr. I've up loaded some videos on here of my progress. Might be something you like. Just wanted to say thanks 🤓👍 💜vinyl = proper mixing