Beatmixing CDJ tutorial
There probably isn't a great deal needed on this as the theory doesn't change just the equipment you are using to perform the mix. TTs and CDJs have start/stop buttons, both have pitch sliders and neither the CDJ nor the turntable will do the beat matching exercise for you. You still need to get the speeds together and manually mix them. We will assume a tune is already playing through the external channel (speakers on hifi etc.). Again the pioneer CDJ1000MKII is used as the example but it will be very similar for most models and manufacturers.
Step 1 Ensure fader is pushed closed ont he CDJ side. If CDJ is to your left as you face the decks and presumably is on Channel 1 make sure fader is pushed all the way over to Channel 2 and to the deck that's playing the external/live tune. The last thing you want is the fader to be over a bit and leaking sound of your preparation to the audience.
Step 2 Input you CD if it isn't already in the player and select the track you want to use as your next tune.
Step 3 Set your headphones on the mixer to monitor Channel 1.
Step 4 If autocue is OFF and the turntable is set to Vinyl the CDJ will handle like a normal deck. Find the starting point you require and hold it on the platter just as you would a turntable, rubbing the sample back and forth whilst pressing down slightly to apply the brake. Release when ready and the tune will play as a TT would. No need hit PLAY or anything. Set your pitches as a normal beatmix. Re-cue when ready and release it the mix manually. Go to Step 7.
If autocue is ON and CDJ is set to Vinyl it will find the start of the sample of the tune. If it picks the wrong point press and hold CUE. Either using the jog wheel or manually using the platter wind the record to the correct point whilst pressing down. When correct press CUE again. See step 5.
If set to CD Mode rather than vinyl its slightly different.
Press play and press it a second time to set it to enter Stutter mode. Manually find Cue point using jog wheel. When its correct press CUE. The horrid noise you had coming through the headphones will now go away once you're re-cued it correctly. Go to step 6.
Step 5
When done and if the above point has left you with a cued record, to simulate the mix and when you want to start monitoring the mix, press and hold the CUE button. It will stay playing in the headphones for as long as you are pressing it. As you release it will drop back to the beginning ready to go again. Very good if you are new as if it all goes wrong you are set to go again straight away with out having to fiddle re-cue a record to the stylus, skipping needles on warped records etc. which wastes valuable time you could be using for further monitoring. When cue button it is not possible to overcompensate and make the CDJ stop by pressing on the platter. It will slow down a lot but not stop (on the Pioneer CDK Mk II this is the case, it may vary for other manufacturers' models)
Step 6
Press and hold the CUE button and monitor, adjusting the pitches as you go. Use the jog wheel to add necessary Poke and Drag. When you are happy the speeds of the two are running together let go of the CUE button. This will return it to the beginning ready for the live mix.
Step 7
When you are prepared press play to release in to the mix. Use fader/upfaders or whatever you like in your transition finishing with fader on Channel 1 only. Bobs your Fathers brother.
Step 8
Mix done, repeat. That is of course If you are flash and have two CDJs. Otherwise its back to that trusty turntable.
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