Ableton Live is a mixing program designed to be used as an instrument during live performances. It can used for composing, recording, arranging, mixing and mastering. Find out how to create the perfect mix in this DJ transitions Ableton edition.
Beat matching
When mixing two songs of the same tempo, beat matching is an important technique to master. If the kick, snare, clap or other percussion instruments are perfectly in sync, the DJ can crossfade easily between tracks.
To beat match in Ableton, first set a desired tempo. Then, drag the first track into arrangement view, turn off any warping and enable the metronome. Play it. If the sound of the metronome is in sync, the first track is beat matched. If not, enable warping and manually set markers on downbeats throughout the song. Play the song again. This time it should be in sync.
Follow this exact same process with the second track. Once the two songs are beat matched, it’s possible to adjust both drum beats so that they’re in sync.
Harmonic mixing
Harmonic mixing is a continuous mix between two prerecorded tracks that are either in the same key, or in relative keys.
The Camelot wheel is a tool that displays which keys are compatible to others. Using this technique guarantees that the melody, bass line, leads and pads will all be in key.
In order to mix well, the Camelot wheel can be used to determine what key a song needs to be in. If the first track is in C major, it can be mixed into C major, F major, G major or A minor.
The ‘Mixed in Key’ software in Ableton automatically scans a song and determines what key the track is in.
Automations
The automations control the transition process. The type of transitions can vary, depending on the crossfading’s attack, decay and release.
The basic transition is the automation of volume level of each track. When the first tune fades out, the intro for the upcoming track fades in. In Ableton, fades are controlled by selecting them on track devices and setting the curve manually.
Another, more advanced technique is the filtering of specific frequencies using built-in equalizers in Ableton. It’s a bit more complex, because parameters can vary based on the characteristics of particular track.
This technique is amazing for when there are two bass lines playing at the same time and the transition sounds dull. Automations make it possible to hide one of them, while still slowly fading in the harmonically perfect vocal chops on mid-frequencies in the same track.
Effects
Effects can be used to bring in some extra flow during the crossfade. There are a lot of options, including cymbals, hats, swooshes and white noise. The effects can be imported into Ableton by dragging and dropping them into the mix.
The post How To Perfect DJ Transitions Ableton Edition appeared first on DJ Master Course.