Mixing Hip Hop in a Club Setting using VirtualDJ

This is a quick video on how to corssfade/blend hip hop songs in Virtual DJ. Covers some the basics - looping, cue points, blending , "crossfading" with the bass eq.
For Full length, mixsets and videos
go here:
www.house-mixes...

[@themaniacboy]

Virtual DJ is pretty easy to use when you know what everything is and this guy just simply knows the feeling when he needs to start and what to do to make the mix much nicer to listen :D

[@jeffiskoolerthanyou]

i watched this video a while back and i just realized how much its helped, when im mixing now it sounds so much better and its always fun to find songs that go good together. so thanks, make some more videos!

[@RADRaze2KX]

as simple as the methods are, this is actually a really good tutorial for people just starting that don't know of ANY mixing methods other than fade out song A, fade in song B... looping is a great way to change it up. Thanks for the tut - WTFumbles

[@MrSlimePDX]

Thank you for making this video. I've been trying to figure out mixing & mashing on VDJ & you made things much simpler to understand during these examples.

[@keeseagainsttheworld2106]

Been going threw tutorials for Months..Best one I've seen! Big thanks bro u got a follower with this one👍🏿

[@djmarcelca]

hot cues are a nickname for a cue point that is previouly set in a song and then with the push of a button you jump to that cue. This is really good for remixing and mash-ups. You'd play a song and mix in another song and be able to play around with the second or first song however you wish by jumping around the song with HOT CUES.

[@iceman977th]

Hey man. Thanks for putting this tutorial up again. I'm planning on getting the RMX for Christmas and plan to use it for Homecoming. Thanks again man!

[@djmarcelca]

Loop it - means an small section of the song playing over and over again. Used to be called Juggling with Turntables. In VDJ you can choose 4/8/16 beats loops

[@djmarcelca]

I learned to mix this way When I was using a PIONEER CMX 3000 Dual CDJ. I just continued it through when using a comp.

[@jwi330]

Thank you. I'm new to DJing with Virtual DJ, and this was fantastic.

[@goldenlion007]

much props on this vid dj I am an avid fan of virtual dj. I use it in my shows quiet faithfully. In fact i have turn my PCDJ buddies on to virtual dj. All the cd dj's hate cause the music we have they would have to carry a ass load of cd's around. Once again much props, and keep them tables turnin, the crowd churin, and them lights burnin. DJ Johnnie B

[@youngsta1988]

yea, i found that out. cuz it looked different but i was using the basic interface instead of the other one. thanks for the tutorial, u just helped me out cuz i like to mix hip hop songs n its easier with the advice.

[@djmarcelca]

I'm using an External DJ mixer; as well as a USB contoller. If you Just using the computer and keyboard, you'd have to go to config tab/soundcard setup. Set the soundcard to mains / headphone cue. You will need at least a 4.1 soundcard. After you have that set up you will be able to pre-listen to your tracks while playing.

[@djmarcelca]

Actually those little blocks are called CBG and are used by VDJ for the automated functions. Yes you can edit them - but it takes a very very long time and is it a very labour intensive process. It is much easier and quicker to learn to mix using your ears.

[@razzthemad]

Marcel good tut. But I have to let tell you about the "lil squares" that go with the beat deals with the track's phase. It may not be as important in hiphop, but in dance/house it's super important. If you notice that the big sqaure doesnt line up w the 1st beat (usually the 1st kick minus the intro), just manually fix it. Under the track u want to fix there is a BPM button. Right click it for the options. The slider under Phase will move the square under the beats. Just move it to match. Easy.

[@djmarcelca]

Thanks for the Props. To mix with large BPM gaps: If your song is 140 bpm, Mix the incoming song at 70bpm (exactly half speed) you can do some math in your head to adjust for songs slightly above or below exactly half speed. If your Song is at 140BPM and you want to mix in at 100BPM. You do this by slowing it gradually and playing with your audience. if your pitch range in wide enough. It takes practice. - a lot of practice.

[@shinyswag]

Bear in mind that every DJ should take into consideration the BPM range between two tracks for a flawless transition.From 0-10 BPM the mix will sound good with no pitch adjustments if you use the auto sync and keylock features.From 10-20 BPM you need to make slight pitch adjustments.From 20-30 BPM you need to reconsider your choice of songs because the crossfading will sound awkward unless you use the brake or backspin effect to stop the music.

[@djmarcelca]

1) Not usually. Most times it's go with the flow. 2) try to pick songs that have similar BPM's songs that too wide a gap usually cause strange things to happen. 3) you only have to pre listen a feew seconds of the song to find a good loop point. after a while you'll sort of know where songs have loop-able points in them. Record companies like formula based music.

[@djmarcelca]

For creating a mix CD or production work - Yes Mixmeister is the way to go. For Actually Dj'ing This is a good method

[@djmarcelca]

for pro edition: Use a 5.1 sound card and set in config for 2 channel esternal mixer - and plug your soundcard into a mixer. For home use: use a 5.1 card - front speakers to main outs, rear speaers for head phones

[@djmarcelca]

DAC2 REMOTE Controller. This is an Old PCDJ controller that has a extended mapper avail to Pro Edition Users. Works very well.

[@djmarcelca]

Not a problem. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@djmarcelca]

Yes there are several Pre-mapped for VDJ. Get the Pro version and the mappers are pre-loaded.

[@bog1e]

I get the concept and I'll be practicing this on my NS7's. Keep up the good work.

[@junamoor]

The instrument played in Jay z Ft Panjabi MC tune is called a Thumbi, small sitar like instrument with one string. Its most popular in Punjabi, Bhangra music.

[@djmarcelca]

you set them up prior to mixing. Just move the song to where you want the cue point and set the cue with the hotcue buttons on the skin. To jump to them - just press either the hotcue button again.

[@djmarcelca]

I learned on Dual deck Dj CDJ's (pioneer cmx 3000) I Learned to use loops by ear and beatmix them together on those. Just moved the technique over to a computer

[@djmarcelca]

No worries - Gotta start somewhere. Cut the bass - On your individual channels on most decent DJ mixers have a 3 range EQ, High/Mid/bass. Cut the bas by simply turning the bass EQ KNob down untill that set of frequencies are removed. As your Crossfader is in the middle (mixing both songs) then rotate the bass down on song A and leave it alone on song B. then swap the bass - turn down song b turn up song A (bass Crossfade) then compleat your crossfade.

[@djruco]

Really nice. I miss playing w/Virtual DJ, but right now they finally put it to work w/NS7, so stay tuned DJ Ruco is coming back w/Virtual DJ... I can't do videos w/Serato Itch. That's why I need to go back to VDJ. Nice tutorial like always. Later!!! DJ Ruco

[@mcgoo721]

it's the same process, really. pick out whatever segments you like, beat match it, fade it/mix it how you want. Once you learn how to beat match and mix between the decks smoothly, you can apply it to any type of music with your own style.

[@matt16103]

@ShockingSkillz if you want to record the audio , route through ableton live and record audio that way doing it this way means that you can also use a vast array of vst audio mashers etc, baring in mind that this can only be done with the pro version of virtual dj

[@djmarcelca]

I've been told a few times - Cool sounding instrument.

[@djmarcelca]

Turntables - get them from any DJ Supply store. Software is 399.00 To plug it into a Projector/Tv you need a video card with dual display.

[@djmarcelca]

This is the benefit to using computers. All I had to do with the JayZ song was load it into the second player. (Just like a CDJ) You Monitor the non playing track with headphones and a DJ Mixer. Use a 4.1 soundcard and a DJ mixer. The Front channel goes to deck 1 and the rear speakers go to deck 2. Head phones and playback are done normally with the DJ Mixer.

[@djmarcelca]

It doesn;t Matter what type of mixer your use. It's the soundcard. Get a 5.1 sourround card and you can select 3 channel mixer in soundcard setup and split deck on to the front speakers, deck2 to the rear speakers and samples/preview to the sub/center. There are Midi mixers out there but right now they are very very expensive

[@RevelCris]

haha its good every now n again to look back to the basics and like shown here is use loops to cue in. good stuff learned something like u said not good not bad just another way to do it

[@rexboogie]

Thanks dude I learned a lot. I have a party next week, I will be better thank to you. Im playing with the loop also.

[@SkinnyKitchen]

the only way to cut out the vocals or cut out the beat is to get separate versions (like on a single), but you can always use eq to cut 3khz to strip out most of the vocal, but then you also lose the 3khz part of the beat. there's an eftect on some programs and samplers called c-cancel which cuts out the high/low/mid of your choice. its on the sp303 but im not sure which other devices also have it.

[@djmarcelca]

There's always TIMECODED vinyl. I learned on a Dual CDJ (Pioneer CMX 3000) So that is what I am most comfortable with.

[@djmarcelca]

you require an ASIO soundcard with 2 stereo In and 2 Stereo out. You also need a timecode CD for the CDJ's. You can get the timecode and burn your own cd's at virtualdj dot com. You can program the Midi from VDJ to use the Midi section of your mixer. I don't know how, I'm not experienced with Midi at all. After all that you can start the process. Look in the website forums - lots of tutorials for setting this kind of thing up.

[@djmarcelca]

beat matching has been explained a couple of times. - read all comments for this vid. I might make another vid about tis as it seems to be the most common question. Although it'd be a short vid.

[@djmarcelca]

best time: when ever you want - as long as it sounds good. Preferably with no vocals - or with only one song with vocals. Rasie or lower volume - depends on the songs. you'll have to prelisten with either the software or a mixer.

[@djmarcelca]

Mix within keys as much as possible. It sounds smoother, and more pleasant

[@djmarcelca]

Pro edition: better midi controller support. Better sound card options, to allow for spliting a sound card to channels on a mixer. Webcast streaming. full timecode support. Video output to extended desktops instead of just a window.(dual mode) Access to extended mappers and plugins on VDJ website. PLus more that I'm sure I'm forgetting

[@captainbenjamin12]

Nice work, I've never used loops but I think I will now. Time to go play with Virtual XD

[@tomstickland]

I downloaded VDJ two days ago and found it very intuitive. The auto bpm doesn't work perfectly, nor does the visual display for beats. Which is good, because there's no substitute for it sounding right.

[@djmarcelca]

You're welcome. Have fun.

[@djmarcelca]

The steel and RMX are the same controller with the exception of the soundcard. Either can be used. My preference is the RMX.

[@TheMacaShow_]

That drop it like its hot remix is sick!

[@djmarcelca]

@007DJLatinoMix Yes you can use the SERATO soundcard and Timecoed CDs. However USB MIDI controllers are more reliable and Easier to set up.

[@CSSC0der]

Bloody good mat, just got the software needed the hand to be honest

[@djmarcelca]

Instrumentals and A Capella's are purchased from record pools. Or the record company. you have to buy them.

[@djmarcelca]

to kill bass in the software: use the internal mixer skin and either grab the bass controll with your mouse and turn it up or down or press the little kill button beside the bass control.

[@djmarcelca]

I use the Pitch sliders on my DAC2 controller to adjust the song tempo and beatmatch.

[@JayMusic]

nice job m8 but how do u "beat match?" to get the tempo's matching?

[@djmarcelca]

I used Virtual DJ and just recorded the Second monitor feed with a Video Capture card and the software that came with it

[@djmarcelca]

check out at 3:00 until about 4:45 Loop an intrumental section of the song you want to mix into. Then Load THE SAME song in the other deck and mix the vocal shoutouts into the beat.

[@FleetTech97]

Thanks man, make some more this was real helpfull for a newbie like me.

[@missle25]

Nice, thanks for the feed back. Very nicely put together video! Nice and smooth. Gonna have to hit you up for some 1 on 1 lessons one day! :-)

[@Onlyrenne]

Great work! I just started to use this program. This helps alot!

[@djmarcelca]

@afglbc7 Rackmount controllers - Numark DMC2 or Denon HC-4500. Table tops, Numark V7 or Denon sc200

[@djmarcelca]

In the Internal software mixer yes it kills The Bass with that button - just click on it. I use an external mixer - and I turn the Bass down with the Eq Knob

[@tomstickland]

Yes, I've read the help files now and sussed it out. I've got to get a decent sound card because on my default sound driver it can be glitchy and making odds noises when sliders are being moved around.

[@djmarcelca]

I actually never use the sync button - But it's there for those who want it. I use the scrolling waveform, and my ear.

[@sikduckie]

great tut! props to you man. just 2 questions though, you increase the speed of the songs to sync, but keep the key/pitch in place yea? well does the crowd mind a song with a different speed from what theyr used to? and if the intro/outro has vocals in it, how would you go round it to get a nice loop without it sounding strange? thanks :)

[@djmarcelca]

In the newest version (v7.X) you can save loops as well as cue points.

[@taopaipai]

nice use of vdj, just playing wit it using a mouse and it seems strange as i feel 1 handed, great to see that it can be more :) thanks

[@rectify2003]

Brilliant transition @ 6:30

[@djmarcelca]

You can record audio. New Version 5.1 was just released - can record video. I havn't figured that part out yet. Still playing.

[@djmarcelca]

Glad you liked it.

[@djmarcelca]

Glad you liked the Vid.

[@pimppappi702]

i had that trouble were i let the music finish and didnt know how to add another song, still have a lil trouble but damn ur good at it

[@djmarcelca]

use a 4.1 soundcard. Config to front speakers - main out, rear speakers to headphones out. - in soundcard setup menu.

[@djmarcelca]

Make sure YOu guys check out the other Video's I have on here - Espcially the Slideshow

[@djmarcelca]

Version is the latest 5.0rev7 skin is called FULL - it's part of the program

[@djmarcelca]

Use a 3 channel mixer and a 5.1 soundcard. Config to use a 3 channel mixer and place the samples in the 3rd channel

[@djmarcelca]

Stanton or American Audio or Vestex mixer depending on the system. No Turntables. I use a DAC-2 dual CD player style USB controller

[@djmarcelca]

@KREAMTEAM100 To use turntables you need a Soundcard similar to the SERATO sound card. 4 input and 4 output. You also need to get a hold of TIMECODE vinyls. Either VDJ or SERATO or NUMARK vinyls will work. Then you need to hook everything up. Watch DJ SOCROSS videos on hooking up timecodes. It's kinda creepy but it does a good job. and Seting up CDJ's are the exact same as hooking up turntables

[@KamigSRK]

i just used this to chop & screw a song too! i want to get into a career of being a dj. i just said "i want to make my own chopped & screwed songs" but then i became intrested in DJing

[@tennisstud6788]

cool! thanks, and love the mic your using, i gotta get myself one of those.

[@jef3189]

Hey a few questions for a starter--do you set your playlist or pick your songs before hand to make sure that all the songs have a similar BPM?...Sometimes when mixing two songs I find that one, in order to be synced requires being sped up or slowed down to a tempo that is ridiculously noticeable...how do you deal with that and transition? The concept seems easy but my last question is--how do you find the right loops to keep that Beat going while your live? Do you need to know every song u play?

[@KongoSa]

thank you for the tuto I'm a beginner on VDJ Pro 7.2, but I'm French and I still don't understand how you make the introduction of Outta Control last so long with this good fluidity?

[@miguelito0o]

cool tutorial...rly helped me using the program, but i'm having some problem with the loop button

[@funkmex]

Hey did you ever mix old school hip hop, like EPMD or Eric B and Rakim? I'm not an expert on dj'n but I find old school hip hop to blend real nice together. Great work btw!

[@seronies]

Dude, thanks for your help man. Well done.

[@djmarcelca]

There are manual BPM editors build into the software. But it takes a while to figure them out.

[@djmarcelca]

@1991gunit That's what the ION is designed for. Home use.

[@FernZepeda]

Great tutorial bro. I loved the video, thanks!

[@Gremmis]

Hey DJ Marcel firstly nice video man and secondly i have a question when mixing two songs together would you say it's better to keep the beat of the song already playing or cut that and use the beat of the song that i'm intodrucing.

[@djmarcelca]

VDJ is just the next Generation of DJ equipment. Like the CDJ when it came out. It makes life easy, but hardly makes an instant DJ. But to each they're own. VDJ/SERATO/PCDJ/Hardware set-ups it's all the same

[@samuelnova]

you have changed the gameeeee, big poppa.. dayumm :) what about a tracklistttt ma brothaaa

[@theorulez]

Very good video and thanks for the info :3.. I'm currently trying to get into vdj just to play around as a hobby ^^. Thanks

[@djmarcelca]

Glad you found it useful.

[@Harman488]

dude this is good, i just started usin virtual dj today, and i suckkk at it. How long did it take for u to get good at it?

[@djmarcelca]

Download the mapper from VDJ. Copy and paste the DAC.dll into the control device file folder in the VDJ driectory. Then Enable it in VDJ's effects/external tools section. Oh yes - read the instructions (readme file) it explains everything to you.

[@popkarma491]

@missle25 I use the hercules I love it. its a good beginner tool. or if you just want to be extremely portable

[@djmarcelca]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the Props

[@CP956]

yeah, u can, i use VDJ 5 for all of my mixes on my channel

[@protocl]

good video... i have a question.. how could pinpoint my start point on the other player without having it recorded? should i use the

[@djmarcelca]

I like the Default video skin - I do lots of video mixing so it's my prefered Skin.