Advanced Mixing Techniques

[@oceanbronze8399]

Rob Swift is not only talented dj but even more talented teacher.

[@djrobswift]

Thanks a lot!

[@tribehead09]

Honestly I’ve been watching a few of his videos and his teaching skills are top notch!

[@presentlight2391]

I feel like I’m a part of your class without even being there!! Your teaching has helped me find rhythm and improve my mixing. Thank you.

[@scripturestalkdj1525]

THIS!!! I didn’t have turntables, found Rob by chance on these KZbin vids when I was trying to find out about the craft seriously during the pandemic, and his stuff STOOD OUT over every other vid that I came across. If you haven’t already, check out the other videos on his channel, Instagram, Facebook, etc. You won’t have to be told to subscribe.

[@crossover19801]

my God what an honor to learn from the legend himself!

[@djrobswift]

Respect 💪🏾

[@2005sunildua]

This is by far the best vinyl mixing tutorial on the internet. Rob Swift, you are an absolutely phenomenal teacher. Massive massive respect. I’d love to be in that class right now.

[@mm-2018]

This should be taught for at least a semester in real school music class.

[@djrobswift]

I agree!

[@djrichent97]

Most definitely

[@mariuszya]

sooo touched when she get it first go.. congrats!

[@DonnieJamesRio]

Thanks Rob Swift for these awesome videos. I am learning quite a bit from you and I plan to implement what I learn in my set tomorrow. I am not exactly ready for a crowd but people ask me to play shows so what the hell? I guess I'll spin some records for them. I gotta say, I bring the kill crate and use the sorcery of other amazing artists to wow the crowd as I learn more and more about my creativity behind the coffin and my connection to my higher self while playing. I got one weapon called "Cosmos" that you did with Cannibal Ox. It's a banger. Love it.

[@angelorobledo1536]

The live beat match with bust a move must have blown those kids minds. A true master at work.

[@davo7sky]

What a top guy, passing on the knowledge, a philosopher and DJ, thanks..

[@valeriocacciarelli4363]

super nice helpfull video , thanks Rob!!! really appreciate that

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Not a hiphop or scratch DJ, but I have a lot of really big vinyl DJ friends who play at major venues and none of them use the hold and release method for lining up a track. However, when I started out that's what I did naturally and it's nice to see that it's actually a valid technique. I found it easier to do that instead of rewinding back to the 1, which most of my friends do all the time.

[@MrABrandonCrews]

Thanks for the detailed explanations in this video. Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, I have taken an interest in Djing again after about 20 years. I have wanted to learn this craft after seeing Dj Quicksilva do a party for middle school in "94". I just happened to stumble across your videos on KZbin, and I am glad to find these videos. I am going to watch ALL OF THEM! Thank you for making these videos!

[@moHomefront]

old school DJing is the best way to learn!! Thank you good man!

[@djrobswift]

YEAH IT IS!

[@djevilj66]

Big ups! Much love, most respect to you Rob Swift! You're a great example of how a DJ should be towards the younger generation, not only by stressing the importance of mixing what your ears tell you but by showing a willingness to share the knowlege of how to mix which seems to have become a lost art.. When I started DJing back in 2000 I couldnt get a single bit of advise even if I held a DJ at gun point! ha!! That competitive attitude although slowly dying, is still alive and well in many scenes everywhere you go. So its thanks to people like you that DJing is making a huge comeback and also that turntables didnt die out with the digital age!! For that I have the most respect for you, Rob!! Big Ups, EviL J

[@danielcanaan4787]

Glad you pointed out about doing the fundamentals from basic listening to learning to adjust rather than focusing on using dj software these pupils will will excel with being more creative in becoming a dj.

[@djrobswift]

Respect!

[@deejaymagma1852]

Rob swift am learning alot over here in Kenya man with ur tutorials am sure am gonna be a fully baked dj💪💪

[@julius_sert]

So much helpful and so much wisdom from this deep artwork. The kind of teaching is amazing thank you very much🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@LASHH9669]

Rob, as a music teacher and DJ I've learned so much from your teaching in this, you really are the best and have so much respect for the art form, past and present. The way you compare the Connor and Rob Swift Method and break it down into smaller chunks happening separately and at the same time to make it less overwhelming and allows students to put the pieces together is amazing. At first I wasn't sure about your focus on the pushing and tapping to do the 'micro adjustments' (shout out to Hannah again), but from the way you break it down I understand why you start with it because it's a very physical, logical way of engaging with the speed of the record. However, in my own learning experience (much shorter than your 34 years) I've found that 'pitch fader riding' wherever possible to do both the micro adjustments and fine tuning to the correct pitch, by going from fast broad movements at first to get the ballpark speed after dropping on the 1 (instead of pushing or tapping) before switching to smaller, slower movements on the pitch fader to allows me to beatmatch faster and more reliably. This might be because I learned with low torque, cheap turntables that don't respond as reliably to touching the platter or it might be a cultural thing between a more hip hop and more techno style of DJing (I do play a variety of style so I'm very much a hybrid), or maybe this is just an easier way for beginners to get their foot in the door with understanding the beatmatch. Would love to know your thoughts on these different techniques and what you find people respond best to when learning vs out in the world. Thank you, humbly.

[@DJ_Leo_M]

Watching you helped me getting better!! Thank you for making possible for people like me!

[@djrobswift]

Always!

[@tbraysfan2008]

Good segment Rob Swift. Dropping more knowledge to the new school students. It reminds me of when my best friend first got started back in our high school days. I showed him the steps even though he had 2 Radio Shack Optimus turntables with no pitch control. He used his fingers with 2 gardening gloves to slow and increase the speed of the record while mixing. The struggle.

[@paydn202]

i dont even DJ or touch a turntable im loving this video!

[@sadposr7642]

Rob is not only a talent dj and talented teacher but he fine as hell.

[@jjosecuriosidades]

Teacher dj rob swift is a great dj of the world championship. Thank you . Classroom show.

[@djrobswift]

Thanks for showin’ love 🙏🏾

[@thomasmilano9870]

Rob Swift! You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for these lesson videos.

[@DjNegi]

Thank you for sharing your gifts king.. a legend remembered in time more blessings to you and the crew…

[@mm-2018]

This is a key example of when knowing your music is important...

[@SOULBISCUITS]

beat mixing is no easy feat, once saw louie vega beat matching using the pitches only not touching platter or vinyl. On another Level, old school turntable wizards like your good self 🙏🏻

[@rob909e]

I will say this about "micro adjustments" whether that be by slowing the platter "pinching the spindle" or slowing by dragging the sides of the platter, or nudging it forward by hand, It works VERY WELL with lower BPM, un-syncopated beats- hip hop, rap, rnb. However, when mixing more complex, fast BPM, syncopated beats, like that of DnB, "nudging" any song, while playing out the speaker, will cause an audible pitch noise. Me? I use the pitch control to nudge because it sounds smoother than any hand nudging. When DJing, Rob Swift's method is ultimately what you want to be doing. To be able to do that well, you MUST know you're music, but even then, after years of practicing, you should be able to blind drop a one-drop tune on another without having to find the BPM before hand. It's all done after the drop, WHILE playing out the speakers, with your hand on the pitch control, moving it almost instantaneously, over correcting each way, up and down, until you're there. This all happens without the audience being able to tell. One thing I will say, just because two tunes can be beatmatched, doesn't mean they should. But that's for another lecture, I'm sure! Keep up the good work!

[@liquidpodcast]

100% right. High five Rob Robinson! :)

[@bostownmassive]

I agree, Pitch control manipulation would certainly be a good technique all around. I've seen plenty of DnB dj's "Jog, push pull pinch etc" if / when a mix drifts a little and it has been no issue. They clearly have a light touch and are well aware of the potential for pitch shifting. It would be cool to see a video so that we can hear the difference that physical vinyl/platter manipulation has on music with slower vs faster BPMs. At the end of the day, people will use whatever technique works best for them. I've seen some DJs who NEVER touch the platter/record and only adjust using the pitch control and some that use both.

[@liquidpodcast]

@@bostownmassive :) I'm one of those dj's who (when mix 12") trying to avoid touching the platter and trying to use the pitch only. While mixing Drum and Bass it is getting very hard sometimes.

[@barrywatts803]

Yeah some records just don't like each other. If got this one tune that's has a strange beat. It's dnb tune. Even when it lined up the beats fall out of sink.

[@peddarino994]

Like your positiv, respectful and motivating way to teach, like it and love learning from your extensive experience you share within you channel, thanks a lot, Javi

[@djrobswift]

Respect!

[@deaddreamer66]

I never knew that I was using the method of Rob Smith. And it is like it. The best technique!

[@filmystrain8782]

Thanks for this beautiful video. Love from India 🇮🇳♥️🥰

[@DougGibbs106]

Thank you Rob

[@LostCause187]

How cool it must be to have Rob Swift as your teacher🔥

[@weareacesendingnowbuckleup387]

Great job of presenting two different methods. Nice one.

[@nemonada3501]

You're my hero! You're sharing the knowledge without expectation of return which puts you in a category of your own. Huge respect!

[@KILLAGORILLA7000]

Absolutely incredible teacher!

[@djrobswift]

Respect!

[@HI_Certified]

Frickin' cool... Would love to take this class. Awesome job teaching Rob

[@djrobswift]

Thank you!

[@barrywatts803]

I like the way you teach, Rob. Giving lots of time to get that concept. If moved away from touching the record as some records slip move due to being lose on the spindul. Spinning the spindul with finger and thumb to speed up and platter to slow. More consistent feel to it. Love watching your tutorials. Great to see people learning the art of mixing 👍

[@40Acres_and_A_Mule]

Rheem killed it Great Job natural

[@Brightnessize]

I was going to sell my old Technics SL-DZ1210 digital turntables for Pioneers... what a dumb move that would’ve been... thank you Rob for not letting me doing it. Now I know why direct drive turntables are THE WAY to learn how to dj properly!

[@40Acres_and_A_Mule]

Yes time to get it right very good method of teaching that

[@djclovisa5463]

Thank you so much this is a very useful vid as I have following your vids .much love and respect from South Africa

[@djrobswift]

Maximum respect from Queens, NY.

[@Johnnyjawbone]

This is such a well planned out lesson. Completely practical. I can only really understand something if I can see it being done. Thanks.

[@hicakoro]

This class is amazing 😍👌 Hannah can be DJ Micro-Adjustment :D

[@djrobswift]

LOL! I love Hannah. She's funny.

[@confusedbi]

"let your ear guide you " - best advice you can get !

[@moHomefront]

woow, you are doing a reaally good thing by sharing your experiences and knowledges and teaching young people. and your teaching is very goood. i liked it

[@Gero863]

Best teacher ever!!!!!

[@massy1377]

Beautiful video, Rob Swift great talent and pure passion, you teach in an incredible way ... fantastic. 👍 Greetings from Italy.

[@aurora2319]

This channel is a jewel !

[@OgDj2024]

I need this class!

[@jrdassow07]

Nice Vid! Too bad these videos weren't around when I was starting out in the early 90s.... Even now, it's good information to review and "relearn"!

[@mariuszszot3384]

Really useful. Thanks Rob!

[@djrobswift]

RIGHT ON!

[@Run4Kova]

Wow that's so cool,

[@djrichent97]

I wish I could afford to take lessons from this guy awesome DJ/Teacher..#Salute #RobSwift

[@PHILLYOBIE]

Pleaser of meeting him... Nicest guy in the world.

[@ShadyAsh85]

I love these videos! Im just starting learning myself and these videos are a big help thanks!

[@bernardcuthbert2174]

Big Up Rob Swift.

[@p.higgins4651]

I use a similar method. I've been a tablist since 1988. My method is a circular sweeping method of pushing a finger onto the center point of the record (or further out, dependent upon how much faster or slower you need to go with the finesse of a smart mind to finger connection) as to adjust the BPM while I manipulate the pitch control to match with or against the primary beat. The circular motion was easier to accomplish than that of the push pull method for me. Thanks for your intel Rob Swift! War Games was an epic piece of art brother. I'd love to conversate with you about it. I'm considering doing my own rendition.

[@harlemvega5208]

Eloy, Arizona in the classroom 😝😝

[@dakotatodd3430]

Phoenix

[@crazycuts6891]

On the Rapper's Delight track, the tempo goes a bit faster, when the main beat drops. So when mixing that track, DJs has to have good listening skills, in order to mix tracks that don't have steady tempos.

[@djbigsmooth470]

Yep... you are on it... starts at 109 bpm and the main beat is around 111 bpm. I knew that was going to get him. Older songs and live bands can be tough to blend.

[@crazycuts6891]

@@djbigsmooth470you're definitely on point with the bpm. So DJs should hone their listening skills whenever they're playing the non-electronic music genres. The issue is that, DJs are saturated with the time-coded systems, are too far gone into relying on various effects, and backspinning midway through their mixes, to cover up their mistakes within the mix. So in my opinion, the party atmosphere, is in the mix that's accompanied with the music, not the other way around. And for those who do the quick mixing for about 2 seconds thing, aren't either focusing, don't know, or just simply not caring about mixing. They're just slamming tracks to focus on the music, in thinking that, the music makes the party. And even the so called "EDM" artists are guilty of falling into that category as well which is foolish. They're standing behind whatever systems that they're playing they're music on, and just raise their hands only to accomplish that they just track-dropping. I get it, they're artists, not DJs, so also in my opinion, the DJs should be separated from the artists. No hate or, no disrespect to those that do those exact things that I've mentioned before but, those that's in the celeb DJ status, should focus more on the DJing aspect, and not perpetrating a fraud, and getting mega dollars, for raising their hands and, complaining about being "burned out". And if that's the case then, they should just stop, step aside and, let those who are REALLY into the craft of DJing, fill in, and get those mega dollars and lifestyle, of those celebrity "producer/artist", that act like DJs.

[@ibrandboy]

Mast

[@dolphinbuc]

For you seasoned DJs out there...does the equipment your using also determine how quickly you can match beats? Like are some turntables more difficult to scratch on than others?

[@robdon7521]

Man your so fkng amazing !! Love from India!!!

[@Jackwagon]

He’s a very good teacher! Not a skill many have.

[@djrobswift]

Thank you!

[@chrisgould101]

Listened to x executioners as a kid, never did I think rob was an educated guy or a teacher! His role essentially gives him an anonymous identity in music. Think I found that pretty interesting, I like graffiti quite alot. Judging by his tidy handstyles on the whiteboard here, im guessing he might too! Thanks for giving back the craft y'all mastered to the kids bro salute 1up

[@mralembremen]

cool people in the class

[@djrobswift]

Super cool!

[@danflynn9075]

Haha 15.00 the blonde haired girl checking out grey hoodies ass when he starts grooving

[@chuchomora]

I usually skip and fast foward the video cause its boring.. lol but damn what a great class! good job to that girl! i can tell shes gonna be a great dj.. what kind of music is she into?

[@Chopwell2ndGenSUC]

Hey mr.Swift do you have books id like to take classes

[@jasonhardy142]

Rob Swift is a great teacher, I'd pay for tuition from this legend but I live across the other side of the pond.☹️

[@nicholassabai7284]

I've seen videos of him instructing students via a Zoom/Skype kind of thing

[@TheUnknowKING]

Excellent Kung fu Teacher

[@lustforlow-end6022]

I’ve never used dvs, still using vinyl. I’ve noticed that on a lot of KZbin videos, you can hear the Serato tone under the music. It’s very noticeable in this video in particular. Is it just in videos or can you also hear it in when you’re actually DJing live?

[@LASHH9669]

If the speakers are playing anything above conversation volume then no it's often hard to hear the control tone

[@Darrf]

I love the fact that you named this Method after one of your students who came up with an elegant solution for mixing. Credit where credit is due. Did you by any chance keep in touch with this Connor ? You know what he is up to these days ? Great lesson as always. Stay save.

[@UKFISGODLIKE]

I'm confused when I drop the new track on the one, do I also drop a kick or snare, what I count, or just the first strong sound, so also a base sometime?

[@jamesortiz5040]

Hello Rob Swift I am a young upcoming DJ and I was wondering is there any way i can join your class or even take some lessons please let me know thank you i appreciate you .

[@babylonbwoy5715]

It's alway a pleasure to watch you with your student. I would like to know a little bit more, where is it ? s that a part of the school program ? How old are they ? They all want to become DJ's ? Interesting expérience.

[@djrobswift]

This is a class offered at The New School University in NYC. The class is for music majors.

[@gilbertojones6788]

That is the TRUE old school of mixing vs the "Digital way which is watch your BPM and cheat a little using "Sync".... I think when you come from mixing on turn tables, the digital way is much easier yet you loose the true art spinning on turn tables. Reminds me of Photography, when you go from film where you have to manually photograph hoping that your shutter speed your asa and choice of film all comes together again, vs digital where you look at a screen and choose how your photo will come out in an instant. Coming from "old School" will make you a better photographer or a better DJ.

[@jelllyprty1207]

literally crying & screaming for her @ 24:50!!!!!!!!!!!

[@giannio3128]

Hey rob, how do you beatmatch like this while mixing 2 songs with lyrics?? You will always run outta time right? The instrumental part / intro is too short

[@djrobswift]

Experience helps you with that.

[@portcreditswag]

rob can u do a -techno doubles in 4/4 time, instead of 6/8 times, I want to see some lessons with like, HOMEWORK, DAFT PUNK, THEY HAVE BREAKS 6/8 AND HOUSE/TECHNO 4/4.

[@tankerock]

The Rob Swift way is the best way.

[@samlatope4532]

Tell the students, when you know your Vinyl you can pull tracks out the record box and instantly know what speed that pitch controller needs to be at...give or take a few tweeks..

[@urtfools]

Can you do a masterclass?

[@maxs6587]

🤩🤘

[@sheldricdunlap1676]

What's the name of the first instrumental he played? Anyone

[@montybailey2427]

Sounds like me I started at in 1970! The difference I stop then started now I love Rob's style of teaching!

[@40Acres_and_A_Mule]

when does the thumb fore-finger and platter drag as u adjust the cue come in class

[@dj_mrx4546]

Rob how do I join your class

[@string22]

@11:15 But after the nudge forward speeds the record up it then slows down again, so progress is undone?

[@s0ulssh4x0r4]

You would nudge the record for the initial adjustment to get it in sync and the adjust the pitch to either speed up or slow down the platter permanently in accordance with your nudge adjustments

[@stevegilkes8982]

Is there an advantage to pushing the record in steps, instead of keeping your finger on it near the label with a steady slightly faster or slower rotation?

[@Baudolino6135]

I imagine a slightly longer road to carpal tunnel

[@lustforlow-end6022]

I’ve never used Serato/Traktor... I can hear the “noisemap” tone under the song. Is this always how it is with DVS? Surely that would get very annoying!

[@internationaldjfresht]

nah dvs is clean

[@Leoperese82]

GRANDMASTER ROB SWIFT JUST BECOMES WATER LIKE UNCLE BRUCE SAID TO.

[@liquidpodcast]

Rob try to teach beatmatch with drum and bass tracks :P 174 bpm and over

[@bostownmassive]

It really shouldn't be any different. The fundamentals are the same no matter what the BPMs of the music. It's more challenging to line things up when beats are not quantized to the "1" on a song ( heavily swung beats, - "bumpy 4 x 4") or when the track doesn't start on a "1". If you can count, you can learn how to beat match manually without using "technology". You definitely need to have the physical dexterity and that's the real skill along with good ears to hear what track is drifting and how to recover from that drift. Beat matching DnB is technically a bit more straight forward since the genre itself is centered around a particular BPM . Not the case for Hip Hop, R&B , Pop, which all has different BPMs . At least with DnB ( UK Garage, Breaks, Footwork, Sub-low etc etc and on and on) the genre has a particular tempo, so starting with pitch at 0 shouldn't put you that far off. You still have to work at it though. I like that he mentions NOT relying on the visual of the technology. Watching this makes me want to take the class. :)

[@liquidpodcast]

​@@bostownmassive Dear Jamal Kirk. Thank You for Your answer. I really appreciate Your effort for writing a comment :) I agree and disagree with Your reply. Let me explain my side of understanding to it. I agree that it is way harder to, so called, "beatmatch" sounds that are not quantizied to the '1". Songs that starts with 1/2 of a phrase from the 1st tact are the perfect example of that. Even if You "beatmatch" perfectly from the first sound, the drop will be missed and the harmony of the song will be disrupted. Agree that mixing vinyl (any of the same genre) with pitch set to around "0" will meet tracks, somehow, "beatmatched" very close. I disagree that mixing drum and bass will be the same as mixing rap music (hip-hop is a subculture to me, so I'm not going to call rap music an hip-hop music). You see rap music is with tempo from 80 to 115 bpm which corresponds to, somewhat, "andante" or "moderato" tempo for the BASIC tempo markers. Drum and Bass music is in between 160 to 180 bpm which corresponds to "presto" tempo marker. If You ask any professional musician (that plays in philharmonic) which tempo is more difficult to play - You'll, most likely, get an answer that anything above moderato tempo is requiring more effort to "catch-up" (keep the harmony). Same thing applies to dj's. This method of "beatmatching" that Rob Swift have shown us in His video will not work for Drum and Bass. I mean the slowing down side of it. If You "beatmatch" drum and bass that require slowing down the beat - You will distrupt the sound very very quick. That is because it's tempo is way faster than rap music tempo. It takes around 11 seconds to hear one full tact (8 bars) of a drum and bass song, in rap music it is about twice of that. So slowing down using Rob's techique will not work (listeners will hear an disruption in tempo very quick). Speeding up to "beatmatch" might work better if made fast. (in the first 2-4 bars) Music is harmony, harmony is maths (counting the bars), maths is the rhythm. Rhythm plus melody is music :) Rob Swift is making a TREMENDOUS work to teach the students of how to not to mix music (using software to beatmatch). I love the dedication! I wish I could attend to His class someday. If every school, high school, university have had a mentor like Rob in mixing we would flown to Mars decades ago! :)

[@bostownmassive]

@@liquidpodcast The response was much appreciated. On the terminology 'Hip Hop" vs "Rap" Perhaps I'm just so old that I still use the original terms. :) I think for some of us Senior Citizens who were around during the earliest days of Hip Hop ( NYC circa late 70's - through 1980s era - Cold Crush Bros, Furious Five, Master Don and the Death Committee, L Brothers, Bros Disco/Funky 4 +1 etc etc) , the term "Rapper: didn't exist ( or atleast I never heard it used until the first "rap" records came on the Radio " King Tim III & Rapper's Delight). Before then, we went to "jams" and listened to "Hip Hop", the person on the stage (he or she) was an MC and they were "rhyming or MCing" ( later changed to "rapping" ) I still default to those terms unfortunately. I desperately need to get with the times .

[@liquidpodcast]

@@bostownmassive High five to You :)

[@mariuszszot3384]

It's not different at all and saves a lot of time especially mixing jungle with dnb

[@LordChastened]

Connor method!

[@leifbergado6125]

Can i do this with a ddj400?

[@juandavidgomez5757]

👍🏾

[@JBlNN]

girl in the black skirt totally checking him out lol

[@antonyb8739]

1:20 track id please?

[@bmwthedj]

Rob Swift & Desus might be the same person lol

[@Stardust483]

lucky guys...