Hey all you DJs/Mcs/Mixmasters!

I am a newbie here so treat me nicely! My name is DJ Springer, and I am a beginner DJ , and am loving it! It was so stoked when I finally got beat mixing down pat, which was hard, with work and uni! ANYWAYS enough with an introduction.....


I was just wondering, does anyone out there in the land of DJs United know how to create a megamix using a pc? What I mean by megamix (just in case people use a different term in the UK/other parts of the world) is a song that is usually 5 minutes or longer, that is created from mixing samples of many other songs together, to achieve a high energy track. Like, the best examples that I could give you are the first tracks of "Skitz Mix", and "Wild" Compilations.


All I know, is that the basic structure of a megamix is to begin with an intro. And then mix samples of many different songs into a bass loop that continues throughout the song. How do I do this???

Someone help!!!

THanks,
DJ Springer

There are a few methods to try - software packages like Fruityloops will allow to 'drop' samples into a type of 'sequencer' - Bass, Drums, Percussion and medley, etc.

Soundforge, Software Audio Workshop, Cool Edid Pro2, etc, are great for 'sample' creation, editing and production, if you need to add or create samples for your sequencer program.

Sonic and fruity will also work with Midi files - in essence, you can create a bass-line or lead with a 'keyboard', save it as a midi file, drop it into the program and assign a 'sample' to your creation.
Or in other words, todays s/w packages will accept midi and audio files within the same program!
This is a handy little feature if you need to produce a 'score' or sheet music for your created track - should you make it big in the future, and require a 'hard-copy' of your master-piece.

Dj mix packages are also very good for 'recording' your mix tracks to an output file - which can be later edited or 'cut and pasted to pieces' in one of the above mentioned packages.

Stand-alone sample discs can be purchased (like 18000 samples per disc) or you can download samples from the net.

There are far too many packages to name that will get you going and recording - so a good start my be to purchase a music mag or DJ mag, and read the reviews of the software first.
Then, if you are pretty sure of what you're going to purchase - ask if a member on here has the software - and what they think of it!!!

Any mix you create will be unique and different - so I will decline on how to tell you 'how to do it' - else, it wouldn't be unique, eh?!

One little tip - loops are great, but don't over-loop! It will sound boring!
Listen to any 'top tune' or classic track, 'break down' the structure (arrangement) into their musical families - vocals, strings, bass, drums, percussion.....etc
Listen to volume changes and fades - then think of how the chorus, intro and out-tro are put together, etc.

Once you have a good general idea of music structure - it will help you produce a better 'mix'.
Last Tip - The better your soundcard - the better your 'production'.

Regards