Quote (x]FoRsaKeN[x @ Feb 23 2010 11:30am)
If I knew what most of that did I would comment. Iso knowledge
Copied and pasted, was easier that way
The mixer is the device that fits in between your two decks and the amplification system; at the very lowest level of functionality, it allows you to crossfade between deck A and deck B.
Crossfading is the process of gradually raising the level (volume) of one deck and lowering the level of the other so that a smooth transition is made between two different tracks (at least in terms of volume – you’ll still need to time the transition properly so that the two records don’t clash and are properly beat matched).
Using Your Mixer’s Cue Function
Another feature you will need on your mixer is a headphone cue switch – this allows you to listen to deck B while deck A is still pumping out over the PA system. You’ll need this to set up your cue point for deck B, without having the entire venue hearing you scratch back and forth to find the right beat. Most DJ mixers will have some sort of rotary control which lets you cue mix in your headphones – that is, by rotating the dial you can set how much of the sound in the cans is coming from deck A and how much from deck B. If you set it to 50%, decks A and B will be coming into the headphones at the same volume – if you swing it to 100%, you’ll only be hearing deck B in there, and at 0% you’ll only hear deck A. Different DJs tend to prefer different balances for setting up their mixes – there are no strict rules here, whatever works for you is the way you should go, just as long as you can hear what you’re doing!