Dj tips 16

Start with an empty folder or playlist for
your DJ music, and add to it with care –
Don’t just use all your music as your “DJ
collection”. Choose the songs you want to
DJ with carefully, and however you organise
your tunes (folders, iTunes, directly in your
DJ software…), keep those tunes separate.
This allows you to get to know the music
you want to DJ with properly (an essential
for mixing), and also to ensure the quality
of it (stick to 256 or 320 AAC/MP3 files as
a minimum, and avoid illegal rips and
downloads if you care at all about sound
quality, or indeed the wider DJ culture
you’re now a part of)

Dj tips 15

Optimise your laptop for digital DJing –
Most laptops will work just fine with most
DJ software and hardware, if you follow a
few simple rules. Make sure you’ve got 20%
hard disk space free, turn off WiFi, Bluetooth
and all unnecessary programs and apps,
use outlet electricity, and turn off
screensavers and notifications

Dj tips 12

Set your DJ area up correctly – Have your
controller about the height of a kitchen work
surface if you’re going to stand, or a desk if
you’re going to sit. An ironing board makes
a great makeshift DJ stand! Or, use the box
your controller came in to get it to the right
height. Your back will thank you. And
whatever speakers you’re using, make sure
they’re near to your controller and pointing
at you. Good audio makes learning to mix
so much easier