ok...i have some numark piece of crap thing just to get started of to learn how to mix/scratch and what-not...im wondering how to make a mixtape cd...im totally lost on how that would work with records...also, how can i copyright stuff, like music and lyrics...any other tips are welcomed...thanks

Hmm this sounds like a DjSBD sort of question and he's working tonight (its 10pm here in the UK!). Most of the people on here are Mobile D.J's doing your average Wedding, family birthdays etc rather than Mix D.J's or music producers . There are a few D.J's here who work in clubs or who also scratch etc, so they will probably answer your question better than me

Copyright is a difficult area (and expensive), if you are just messing around mixing in your bedroom for instance, or sharing them with a few friends then I wouldn't worry to much about it yet. However, if you are thinking about selling them on Ebay, or making money from selling a recording of your mixes, then this would be classed as commercial and obviously you would need to be very careful.

For now, if all you want to do is to record your mixes to play them back, or use for demo purposes then I wouldn't worry about the copyright issue just yet.

If you are using turntables to mix / scratch, then you are obviously going to need some sort of set up. Ideally two direct drive turntables (don't use beltdrive for scratching), some form of mixer with a crossfader (ideally user replaceable!) and either an amplifier and speakers or a hi-fi system that has an Auxilary or Mini Disc input so you can connect your mixer to it!. Good quality slipmats and headphones are also required.

That's about as far as my advice goes, hopefully somebody else can advise you on the actual mixing and scratching

thanks...i have belt drive tables...i didnt know the difference till i looked on different forums and sites...its just a starter thing that cost me $300 (american) for 2 mixers and a mixer that has a fader...in a few months im gonna upgrade, but im just using this as a starting point...thanks for the advice...i got headphones...speakers im not gonna get till later...copy writting i guess ill worry about in 6 months or so

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ok...i have some numark piece of crap thing just to get started of to learn how to mix/scratch and what-not...im wondering how to make a mixtape cd...im totally lost on how that would work with records...also, how can i copyright stuff, like music and lyrics...any other tips are welcomed...thanks

Hi, I record my mixes on a recordable minidisc player, no longer tapes as my m8's don't have big bulky tape player's, but using a second output to my mixer (record output) I am able to mix tunes that record's on the minidisc and I can hear it through my monitor speakers at the same time. If I want to put my mixes onto a cd then I plug my minidisc player into my computer (via mic input) record into mp3 and burn it onto cd.

To make tapes you have to have a aux connection on your hi-fi, this allows you to plug in another sound source (eg cd player or record deck). But in your case you would have a lead (both end's like the output of your turntables,one red, one black) from your mixer to your hi-fi and record on tape via your hi-fi tape deck.

For scratching direct drive tt's are a must. They are quicker at starting up and have a much stronger motor (which is handy for longer mixes as they stay in sync for longer than belts,without touching the vinyl). Also use slippery slip mats, this reduces friction on the vinyl, ask your local store for the best mats, they will probably point you to hip hop mats.

any more questions post below (hope its clear enough for you to understand this,as it is 5am-LOL)

thanks man...i was gonna buy a new computer for recording because somene told me thats what i needed...but id rather spend 120 on a minidisc rather than a thousand for a comp...youre the man...lol...i think belt drives are ok for learning the basics though, right? i mean, i bought dj qberts dvd to learn to scratch and it should be arriving on monday...it shows how to do the basic scratches...im not gonna do mixes till i learn how to do that...so i think its fine for now

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think belt drives are ok for learning the basics though, right?

Yeah, belts are fine for learning basics, but directs are for more advanced DJ's, and as soon as you have a play with em, then you can really feel the difference in power.

Also as your starting to mix, your constanly speeding up and slowing down the record with your finger's right? Well once you get sum directs there will be no need for it, thats what I found when I changed over.

If your starting to mix now, try two copies of the same record then try and get them in correctly.

When you've mastered that try another record.

Any other advice needed, post below

well, im gonna start out by learning the basic scratches.,..mixing is a whole other thing ive gotta learn...and i dont understand what you mean by get them in correctly

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mixing is a whole other thing ive gotta learn...and i dont understand what you mean by get them in correctly

Getting them in-means to have both record's in the mix, with the same tempo (speed)

Beats are in group's of 4 (1,2,3,4 =1 bar) then they are grouped in either 8's, 16's and 32's.

I'll send you some website's for you to look at,

thanks man...im reading the site now

QUOTE (DOUBLE-U @ Jul 5 2003, 05:15 AM)

...i think belt drives are ok for learning the basics though, right? i mean, i bought dj qberts dvd to learn to scratch and it should be arriving on monday

IM SORRY TO SAY BUT IF YOU ARE ONLY INTENDING TO SCRATCH EVEN AS A NOVICE BELT DRIVE DECKS ARE NO GOOD WHAT SO EVER!! AND IN MY OPINION YOU SHOULD AT LEAST LEARN HOIW TO MIX TO RECORDS TOGETHER FIRST BEFORE YOU LEARN TO SCRATCH, EVEN IF YOU WANT TO BE A TURTABLIST!!

thanks...i'll see what i can do