Making DJ Mixes in Ableton // Free DJ Channel Preset // Varying BPM & Ducking Vocals

Making a stellar DJ mix shouldn't be locked to having CDJs and a mixer. In this video I'll show you how to make them in Ableton Live by stitching songs together- warping tracks, locking them to the grid, BPM automating, adjusting EQ, gain, filter, and adding effects between different genres of music. In this tutorial I've gone from 127 BPM House music to 127 BPM Drum & Bass.
I've also utilized a custom "DJ Mixer Channel Audio Effects Rack" that includes all the standard effects that would be on a DJ mixer, and features XFer Record's DJM Filter VST plugin to further emulate mixing on an actual mixer.
You can find the download for both in the links below:
Free DJ Channel Audio Effect Rack: scottbrio.com/
XFer Records DJM Filter VST: xferrecords.com/freeware
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💎 Need mixing and mastering? Send me your tunes! scottbrio.com/dance-diamond-m...
If you'd like to help support my channel, give me a like & subscribe, share this video, or consider checking out my studio gear affiliate links:
// Audio //
MOTU 16a: tinyurl.com/usx32rn3
Reason 11 Suite: tinyurl.com/34be0gah
Ableton Live 10 Suite: tinyurl.com/y3a3vak3
Golden Age Pre73 preamp: tinyurl.com/yy57btut
Rode NT-1A Condenser Microphone: tinyurl.com/yy7xtssj
Pioneer Pro DJ HRM-6 Headphones (best headphones EVER): tinyurl.com/y4gmv87o
Ableton Live Push 2 MIDI controller: tinyurl.com/y6juwv2x
Mackie Big Knob: tinyurl.com/yxexx95s
// Video //
Sony A7S mirrorless camera: tinyurl.com/y6nfyffd
Sony A6000 mirrorless camera: tinyurl.com/y3kuj8bt
Sony RX0 2: amzn.to/3HF3HVq
Sigma 24-105 lens: tinyurl.com/y2xofj4o
Rode VideoMicPro: tinyurl.com/y8q2vfhy
Neewer LED lights: tinyurl.com/y3znlypt
Neewer light reflector: tinyurl.com/y4ptnxkj
My music: 💫
Beatport: tinyurl.com/5h7x3pr3
Spotify: tinyurl.com/y32mkqjs
Instagram: / scottbrio
Website: www.scottbrio.com
#DJ #Mixes #AbletonLive

[@blockchang1401]

I've been playing vinyl for over 20 years now but it went boring really fast. Ableton just gives us unlimited creative possibilities in producing or mixing

[@kaosimian]

Good vid, thank you. To answer your thumbnail question, studio mixes are only cheating if you try to pass them off as live. If anything, they're an artform of their own, allowing you creative freedom beyond the traditional live dj set-up. As long as you're not making out like some kind of 6 deck wizard, then the main thing is "Does it sound good?" I think of a studio mix as a blurring of the lines between djing and production, the goal is to create something that will stand the test of time, and can be listened to in a car, or a living room, on headphones, or a preem home hi-fi rig. It's not about being in a club, and you want it to be perfect cos unlike in a club any errors or slips will not be forgotten right after they've happened. Sorry, rambled on a bit. Cheers again, take it easy.

[@bentarrowvods7572]

Well said

[@KUPHSER]

I started mixing in the 90s with vinyl, then moved to cdj, and now past 10 years ableton or cdj.. for me I don’t even care about anyone’s opinion.. if it sounds good it is good. The arguments about being skilled or cheating are stupid to me. If people dance to a good mix then that’s all that counts.

[@mkostya]

Great response

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

I remember doing a night at my local club and we invented Caged baby up to headline. That was the first time I had seen anyone using Ableton to dj, up until then it was vynal or final scratch. After the gig he came back to my house for a few drinks and a bit of banter, and while I got a minute with him I ask him why Ableton? His answer was:- this way I no that there is less that can go wrong and this will help me relax and enjoy what I am do which will help me perform to the best that I can.

[@robwilkerson10]

Amazing tutorial and tools. Well done. Learned a lot from this. Cheers!

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

Great Tutorial! Thanks for sharing, and, the presets.

[@neilhume7049]

That was extremely helpful and answered all the questions about 'what does this thing do'!

[@CRXTIANMUSIC]

Awesome video Scott! Thanks

[@vizualjockey4419]

LFG Scott! Love to see it! Video idea, I've got technic 1200's sitting around and I've been struggling to find a mixer that I can use with control vinyl. The catch is I'd prefer to use my iPad rather than a laptop to supply the music. Big sub!

[@ScottBrio]

Haha thanks dude! Just having fun over here getting creative. I love the iPad with DVS idea- that would be super convenient for gigs or for a home setup. It took a bit of digging but I actually found a video on how to do it. You'll just need a Native Instruments soundcard, an iPad camera connector, and whatever analog DJ mixer you want! kzbin.info/www/bejne/earPfHqug9OXipo

[@jdpainson]

Amazing video !!! Thank you !!!

[@LockiesHouse]

Nice demo ....thank you !

[@mrtonytechnics]

Great video!

[@sidnalshaw9192]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@freyafoxmusic]

Thank you thank you

[@mustachesupremacist9224]

Thank you

[@MarsigMusic]

I noticed you were redlining on the master when playing the DnB track. In order for master tracks not to clip I turn them down and the LUFS can get as low as -18 before not clipping anymore. Also some mastered tracks I have to turn down as much as -6 dB while others maybe only -2 dB. The DJ waveform has a lot of peaks and valleys due to this. Any suggestions for a clean, level mix that’s also loud?

[@ScottBrio]

Just adjust your Ableton Live track levels so that they don’t clip. Then put a limiter on your master channel and make sure each track isn’t hitting the limiter too hard. A little bit of limiting is fine, but not too much. That should ensure that you have a nice loud mix.

[@goodsbeats]

Great work Scott! I record my Dj set live and was looking for some inspiration to start editing my mix in Ableton to have more power on the sound design. 🫀

[@jonathanmontrose6102]

thought I would let you know that this rack does not work with Ableton live 10 suite. I have tried multiple times and it refuses to be added to any audio or midi track. It may be that you did this on a newer version than what I have, so I am just gonna build it myself. But, I wanted you to know this in case someone else has the same problem. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@sharunjk9773]

if you would perform your dj set live with this setup, how do u continue with adding new songs? Delete the last track and add the new one? and how do you warp the new song mid set without changing the tempo of the song playing 🤔 I am trying to DJ and play the keys at the same time so i thought why not DJ on Ableton. Thanks for the good work you helped me alot already!

[@ScottBrio]

This tutorial is to show you how to “DJ mix” songs in the studio, meaning not live. This is not a live performance process- it’s meant to replicate the “sound” of a live DJ performance so you can release DJ mixes without having to perform them live. Glad to have been of help! Good luck! 🤙🏼🙌🏼

[@CarlosCortez-oy3mf]

muy bueno.

[@kngtrdr_]

solid instruction,. really great suggestions!

[@nikolakatanic]

Thank you for your tutorial.. I have two issues, first my kicks sounds bad possibly due to key lock that I don't know how to turn off.. Similar like in DJ programs.. And second, I don't know how to fade lows, mids, and highs rather then cutting them only.. Help?

[@ScottBrio]

Kick sounds bad in Ableton? Make sure you're changing the BPM of Ableton BEFORE you warp the song. You have to do this for every new song that you put in your mix and want to mix between. Then you automate the master BPM in Ableton. As for fading lows, mids, and highs- use the EQ part of the DJ mixer plugin I made and create automation points with the EQ knobs. That way it'll fade gradually, just like you'd do with a DJ knob live in the mix.

[@nikolakatanic]

@@ScottBrio thanks.. After long repeating of your clip I've realized how properly to set everything. Though I still have issue with your plug-in. When I drag it in track I can use it (without LP/HP and RESO - they are grey because they don't work), and I don't see it installed after. I need always to drag it from folder, it's not visible in Ableton already. And I don't know the filter is not working. Other then that everything seems great and this video is awesome.

[@ScottBrio]

@@nikolakatanic thank you for the kind words! You know, I may have a newer/older version of Ableton which may be making the Ableton device not work. I’ll see if I can make a video on how to make Ableton devices and include this plugin so you can recreate it yourself :)

[@Musical.Maze.1]

Hi... You got an S2400 Isla (I am expecting mine today or tomorrow). Please make a tutorial of how to mix LIVE, a drum machine house beat, to another track of a song which is within the DAW and/or a turntable. Example... the song on the turntable plays live and you want to mix the S2400 beat on top of that and vice versa. Pitch fader the S2400 doesn't have. Can you assign any fader of it to act as a pitch fader like the fader of an SL-1200? I don't think you can do that using the Encoder button... It would be nice to see using for this tutorial idea the S2400. Thanks for the videos.

[@ScottBrio]

This is an interesting idea- you’re right the S2400 doesn’t have a pitch fader but I think I may have an idea for a workaround. I’ll add that to my list of video ideas!

[@Musical.Maze.1]

@@ScottBrio Maybe if you know Mr. Holland you can tell him about it, because there are many djs who produce songs and play live with drum machines. That's a good idea for a future update and also 35 voices instead of 16 so we can load many different instruments as well. Many thanks for the videos and your replies!

[@Musical.Maze.1]

@@ScottBrio My idea clearly... An S2400 user to be able and choose any S2400 fader and assign it to act like an SL-1200 pitch fader, WITHOUT affecting or altering the chosen pre-programmed beat/song of the S2400 while the song is playing, so the user can mix the song perfectly with the song played on the turntable or Dj player/controller. Thank you!

[@Musical.Maze.1]

If the first song has 127 tempo and the next song is 135, can't you gradually increase the tempo from 127 to 130 and a few seconds later from 130 to 132 and then lower the tempo of the second song from 135 to 132 and make the transition very smooth that way and so on until the entire mixing session?

[@ScottBrio]

Yep! That’s the idea- just automate the BPM from song to song as needed :)

[@Musical.Maze.1]

@@ScottBrio Τhanks, that's what I was thinking to do with Digital Performer.

[@Derettferdigestelt]

🙏🏻

[@shayschreurs5887]

would you put the third track into a new track? or just go back and forth in the the two tracks?

[@djjustinocean]

Scott, is it possible to mix two tracks together in Ableton so that the original tracks are intact and mixed together but it is not a live recording? Like it's really two tracks and you are mixing in live time, just not recording audio, and when you move the knobs or fader Ableton draws the lines for the volume or gains to go up or down accordingly so that the mix between the two tracks is "blueprinted" but just not actually recorded. That way one could then export perfect audio first gen, not a second gen audio recording that has to go through a sound card. Like say, if you use Traktor and record your mixes. Does that make sense what I'm asking?

[@ScottBrio]

I think I know what you're asking. There’s something called Ms. Pinky + Max for Live. It’s a Max4Live plugin that lets you load songs into it like you would Traktor and “spin/mix” them live in Ableton. You can use a Traktor DJ controller or MIDI controller with it so you have jog wheels, then you can use my DJ Mixer plugin and MIDI map it to the EQ and filter knobs on your DJ controller. Assign the volume faders to the track gain faders in Ableton Live, and now you can hit record, spin music like Traktor, but have all your FX/volume/filter automation recorded for adjustment later if need be. Also, Ableton has a built-in crossfader function between tracks which is super handy too. It takes a bit of setup but it can be a great way to record live mixes with the ability to fix your mistakes later :)

[@sebbosebbo9794]

great. ..thx how to creat a dj delay that can controlled with midi devices how a dj Pioneer Mixer delay..... a max4l devices or special mapping technic...we struggle to build these typ of Mixer delay control with ableton L.11 . its hard realy a Mixer used 3 knobs and two Buttons..but with Live it feels with rack or not nearn ipossible to rebuild a dj Mixer control delay fx....hope anyone have a idea..thx

[@RMVibes]

i made Echo effect... check at my page

[@LonelySenpai666]

instead of manually cutting out the empty spaces on the mics audio wave, just add a gate and have the floor be slightly above those low dB "empty spaces" - it'll cut all those out automatically and in real time.

[@ScottBrio]

You are correct. I still like to do both however because I’m a perfectionist lol

[@seleemsameh483]

i cant seem to figure out how to add the presets any help?

[@fredamn76]

Does this work with Ableton live intro?

[@evanwilster]

I downloaded the fx for the pioneer hp lp filter and ur 3 band eq one but the filter won't work. any idea. I have I new Mac book with Monterey on it

[@ScottBrio]

Hmmm no unfortunately not. I made it on PC but it should be the same. Make sure you downloaded the Xfer DJM filter plugin. If you already have it and it's not working, try deleting it from the rack and re-adding it, then saving the rack again.

[@evanwilster]

@@ScottBriono worries all the sudden the plug in appeared. must have been a weird little computer glitch. epic thanks!!' I always hated the Ableton filter when doing!

[@deejayworlhed738]

Am here looking for a vst that can scratch with so I can use in my daw

[@ScottBrio]

Check out Ms Pinky for Ableton Live! tinyurl.com/3c9dn3yz

[@freyafoxmusic]

is there a way to recreate the echo out effect ftom the djm when u echo on beat and hit pause on the deck?

[@ScottBrio]

Sure! Just automate the delay wet/dry and cut the audio clip or song where you want to stop it. That should replicate adding delay to a CDJ and stopping the track to let it echo out.

[@freyafoxmusic]

@@ScottBrio thank you! Also I have the djm filter but it doesn’t load in with your macro what am I doing wrong?

[@ScottBrio]

@@freyafoxmusic Ah interesting- that's probably because it's in a different plugin location than on my computer. Just delete the DJM filter from my macro, re-add it on your computer in the same place, then hit the little save icon on the macro. That should make it load in with everything else :)

[@freyafoxmusic]

@@ScottBrio that worked !

[@ScottBrio]

@@freyafoxmusic Yay! I had a feeling that was it. Now go make some dope DJ mixes in Ableton! 😆

[@Aevo635]

Bro the Acapella collection link is not working

[@ScottBrio]

I just checked it and it's working for me. Try again and make sure you have a proper download client installed ;)

[@marcosrotllan]

Ive seen lot of djs playing only with ableton

[@ScottBrio]

Same. I think this plugin would be useful for them!

[@lienchase2301]

Can't find the "DJ Mixer Channel Audio Effects Rack"

[@ScottBrio]

Did you download it from my website? You’ve got to open it in Ableton and then click the little ‘save’ button on the plugin to save it to your Ableton library.

[@lienchase2301]

@@ScottBrio No, I can’t find the link on your website. What is the name of the package and page to download pls? Thanks

[@ScottBrio]

@@lienchase2301 Ah sorry, there was an issue with my site but it's fixed now. I just tested the link in the description and downloaded the file. Sorry for the confusion! scottbrio.com/store/

[@lienchase2301]

@@ScottBrio Cheers Scotty. I appreciate it. Just downloaded the link and search in ableton, it displays message “Only audio effects can be placed in this kind of track” when I clicked or dragged to the track. Did I miss out on something? Cheers

[@ScottBrio]

@@lienchase2301 No prob! I have Ableton Live 11. Make sure you've got that. I just tried dragging it onto both MIDI and Audio tracks and it worked for me, so I'm not sure honestly, sorry!

[@djashley]

I say if you think with enough practice you be able to do it analog

[@sylgar45]

I wish I could hear the transitions rather than the bloody metronome

[@djdoncruse1952]

Hey Scott My name is Dj Don Cruse! could you send me some contact info! I have some questions about finding the right software for my Dj mixes.

[@mixit247]

You get discouraged when you try to mix a couple songs twice? time sure have changed this new generations.

[@ScottBrio]

Not really the point of the video lol

[@darrelljohnston562]

Turn off the metronome form the love of God 😂

[@user-rd7bg7uj4k]

A transaction like that is just nonsense. You wanna be professional? Just stop the first song , speak and start the new one. It makes no sense doing all that process whatsoever.

[@svgrv]

Thank you