Mixing tracks

Mixing is one of the core skills every DJ needs. A big part of it is selecting two tracks that sound good together. Beatmatching is the more technical side—lining up the beats of both tracks so they play in perfect sync. When done correctly, you can transition smoothly from one song to the next.

How to start mixing

1. Load your first track onto Deck 1 and press Play.
   Listen closely to get a feel for the tempo and beat pattern.

2. Load a second track onto Deck 2, but don't play it yet.

3. Check the waveform display above Deck 2 to make sure the track will start from the beginning.
   You'll see a red play marker—make sure it's set to the first beat.

4. When the first track reaches the start of a bar (a strong beat), press Play on Deck 2 to start the second track.

5. Move the crossfader toward the center to hear both tracks at once. If the beats don’t sound aligned, don’t worry. That’s normal when starting out.

6. Hover over the waveform or deck on Deck 2 and scroll gently left or right to nudge the track:

   • Scroll left to slow it down.
   • Scroll right to speed it up.

   If you're using a controller, gently nudge the jog wheel back or forward.

7. You can see if the beats are aligned by using the bar markers (yellow vertical lines in the waveform) to check if the beats are aligned.

As you practice, you’ll train your ears to hear when the beats are in sync. Over time, you’ll rely less on the visuals and more on your hearing.

tip

Beatmatching takes practice. Start with two tracks that have a similar vibe and BPM (within 2–5 BPM).

Using the sync button

If you want to skip manual beatmatching or quickly match tempos, click Sync on Deck 2. It automatically matches the BPM and aligns the beats with the track on Deck 1.

Sync is especially useful when you're mixing under pressure, exploring complex mixing techniques, or focusing on other creative elements.

You’ll learn more about sync later in the BPM and beat sync section.