DJ lesson 6: What does everything on your DJ mixer do?

Before we jump on to the art of beatmatching, let’s do a whistle-stop tour of the main buttons on your players, mixer or controller.

The first time you switch on your DJ kit, it’s easy to get lost in a flurry of flashing lights and confusing knobs. But don’t fear, because this is what all the elements on your mixer are and what they do.

Trim

The trim is the knob at the top of each channel, which controls the individual volume for that channel. If your next tune is too quiet (or loud) you can turn the trim knob up or down until it’s playing at equal volume. You’ll see some lights next to your trim. Ideally, you want each tune to be at the top of the green range, just touching red – so you don’t blow the speakers or anyone’s eardrum.

EQs

See the three knobs under the trim on each channel? These EQs help you enhance or remove different elements of your songs. They’re particularly useful when songs aren’t in key or you’re mixing different styles and tempos.

The top knob is high frequencies (the tssk, tssk, tssk) in your songs; the middle knob is your mids (often the vocals and melody); and the bottom knob is your low frequencies (the bassline and kick drum). Try playing your favourite track and see how moving the EQs affects the sound.

The usual position is 12 o’clock for each knob – drop it to zero (all the way to the left) to kill that frequency or push it a little past 12 to give that frequency more oomph. But bear in mind a producer has spent hours/days/grams getting the levels right so you don’t have to. You’ll often see kill switches next to each EQ, which make the job of cutting an entire frequency range quick and simple, but not as sexy as knob-twiddling.

PFL button

Above each fader there’s a button, sometimes called PFL (pre-fader listen). Select this to hear that channel through your headphones.

Faders and crossfader

Your crossfader determines which channel plays through the speakers. Each fader controls the volume of each channel. If both faders are up and your crossfader’s in the middle, then both channels will be played through the speakers.

Depending on your mixer, you may also have an FX unit and other knobs. Don’t worry about these when you’re a beginner. Concentrate on getting good at the basics before using FX.