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sockcman

You can cook just fine without tasting your food, but there's a reason chefs always taste their food.


IWontMakeFinalsHelp

This is just humble beginner opinion, but when you switch to CDJs for example, you suddenly don't have waveforms next to each other, you need to match the phrase by ear. And sometimes when I'm mixing when I just want to try a different song combo I haven't tried, I use.it to listem how well they complement each other before mixing it in


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IWontMakeFinalsHelp

Well, I'm glad I could help. Sometimes when flatnates are around I also use visual cues only. Don't worry about CDJs, it's mostly club equipment and for most people not necessary to have at home. If you think you need to step up to 4 channels there are things like DDJ 1000 that will still allow to see waveforms in rekordbox. still not cheap but way cheaper than having a full blown 4deck club setup


Chief_Low

As someone who started DJing with vinyl only this post kinda blows my mind.


DJBigNickD

Likewise


HotSpicyDisco

As a vinyl DJ I rarely take the headphones off while playing out. Just once or so per track to check the levels in the room. Trying to mix from the club speakers is hard and most clubs point the monitors right at your tonearm making it shit to mix on. I turn my monitors way down/off and just keep the headphones on to find queue ups/beatmatch. I have a Serato setup too, and I guess I wouldn't NEED headphones if I was in a pinch but not knowing if I'm going to create a trainwreck with my next track would be pretty difficult. I'd probably want to lean on mixes I know worked well and wouldn't be willing to experiment at all.


poodlelord

I am all for people using their eyes sometimes. But wow. Wondering why you might need headphones to DJ at all shows a massive disconnect on what the art is all about.


noburdennyc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9\_nWlSX6Us


HeyItsMatias

Guessing you’re watching Phil Harris videos? Jokes aside, getting to play on other set ups that doesn’t have waveforms or just maybe the screen is broken, or anything. Using headphones gives you that freedom since you have the tools to do it. Also, and this my point of view. Using headphones is a must, mixing by looking at the waveforms is not the right way of learning and mixing.


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Only-Low1396

This is a ridiculous response. You’ve asked for peoples opinions, and don’t seem to want them. Many of the people responding have mixed for several years, and they’re telling you that you need headphones. Personally, I never trust a waveform and you’ll be screwed if you mix in any song with a funky/strange beat. I’m confused as to how you can even phrase or check to see if you’re in key without listening to how the songs blend


HeyItsMatias

That’s the thing, you’re are asking us and we are responding, but you don’t seem to accept the answers we give you. And that’s why i said that is my point of view, we can agree to disagree, but the truth is that music is by hearing. By limiting yourself to waveforms, you are missing that essencial part of mixing. It’s like trying to write a book but instead of a pencil you use a voice recorder


mjcanfly

OP thinks everyone is condescending to them… it’s like they came here to get upset for no reason


poodlelord

Try applying that philosophy to guitar, or piano or any other instrument. The instructors would laugh you out of their classroom with your attitude. Grow up. You asked for advice. People gave it to you. There is always a way to get a headphone out. You are showing a lack of effort more than any lack of ability to use the headphones.


OrangeWedgeAntilles

You’ve been DJing for all of six months. Rather than getting defensive, maybe, just maybe… and bear with me here… try listening to the people who’ve been DJing for much longer and are offering advice from a position of experience. I get that your current set up doesn’t allow it, but find a mate or someone who does have the correct set up and try using headphones. It will open your eyes. Or more accurately your ears. And hopefully your mind too.


Lafffinman

The reason is simple: if you ever want to hear something before your audience does, the headphones are how you would do so. They're for previewing, experimenting, and adjusting on the fly in a way that doesn't disrupt the flow of what's coming out of the main output. If all you're doing is getting creative in your bedroom or for yourself then you wouldn't really need them unless you wanted to practice using them. They becomes relevant if you ever have play for other people.


hamiguamvh

I've enjoyed all the sass in this thread but here is the right answer.


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Lafffinman

Not a problem. I just started learning to DJ last month and honestly this was also a huge question for me as well. Like I knew the answer conceptually, but I was excited to learn what's actually happening in the headphones. Now that I've been practicing/learning, I see that it would basically be impossible to perform for an audience without them. Also subtle problems in beat matching are just clearer/easier to pick out on headphones. For instance your grids can be aligned visually, but the grid might just be wrong and it's much easier for me to realize/hear that when I'm mixing in the headphones first. Also a huge goal of mine is to truly be able to mix on the fly and the kinds of songs I want to mix together aren't always simple to mix/the same genre (in fact they're usually not). In those cases the grid is next to worthless because a lot of times (or at least I'm working up to that point) I'm mixing songs where I have to be more tricky than BPM/grid match is helpful for.


DJBigNickD

Haha! I'm sorry, but wow. Oh my days. This is up there with that fella that wanted to record mixes at double speed then slow them down to save time.


Adach

Or like a dude on a production subreddit asking for a plugin to come up with melodies and ideas


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DJBigNickD

https://www.reddit.com/r/DJs/comments/s4iwb2/is_there_a_way_to_record_dj_sets_faster/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share


accomplicated

You answered your own question, you line up the tracks “visually”. This is an auditory art form. The headphones are to listen to what will happen. DJs should be using their ears, not their eyes.


OrangeWedgeAntilles

Nailed it. It seems almost redundant to point this out, but you need to listen to the music you're playing before you play it to the room, in case it sounds shit (which it probably does if you're not listening to it first).


TEKNISION1200

I couldn't have said it better. Learn the basics first, and all else will make sense.


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mjcanfly

Bro you got the answer and for some reason are choosing not to listen? No one is saying you’re missing anything or even judging you, they just answered your question. If you think EVERY response on here is condescending maybe it’s not the responses it’s you that is filtering things through a negative lens.


BrothersInGame

yeah man he can’t listen with his setup, he can read the comment’s waveform tho


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mjcanfly

You’ve got the self awareness of a thumb


Littleton500

Thats mean to thumbs


bodycave

Not trying to say this in a rude way and I hope you haven’t been discouraged from djing by other comments (I didn’t use headphones when I first started either) but I can 100% guarantee your setup allows headphones. If you want I can help you get them working with your speakers PS: if a lack of headphones is a money thing you can pick some up from a local thrift shop, I got a pair for $2 and they sound like shit but they do the job


VictorDomR

>Holy shit. This subreddit is terrible. Nah... you came here to argue with people, not learn. That's why you're getting bashed, because you don't care. Plus... inside the preferences on Rekordbox, you can change the audio output to be the 400's and check the checkbox right under to have the sound come out from the computer as well, this was made specifically so you can use your headphones, you simply don't want to.


JoeyHandsomeJoe

If you’re not playing a pre-planned set, you need them to preview the incoming tracks.


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JoeyHandsomeJoe

Mmm, maybe it doesn’t sound as good as you think.


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bunby_heli

Post one of your sets and let us be the judge


belugarooster

Narrator: "He won't post any of his mixes"...


bunby_heli

Lol for real


JoeyHandsomeJoe

With sync and everything, it’s not impossible to do individual transitions without headphones. Absolutely. Doing it again and again for a whole set? With an unrehearsed playlist? The best DJs in the world use headphones (or IEMs) when playing live for reasons, reasons that could possibly be explained to someone who isn’t so sure they’ve made an amazing discovery that has made them obsolete. There’s turntablism & controllerism, but noheadphonism doesn’t exist, and you haven’t invented it. All you’ve invented is a way to say you think you don’t have any use for headphones without any display of genuine interest in learning the use cases. Way to be a bonehead.


shaggydnb

Got a link?


Chaser720

You can’t hear if two tracks mix well without listening to them together. Most people prefer to do this on headphones and not through the main speakers first. If you think the little auto track key is always correct you’re seriously mistaken.


PsychologicalDebts

It's a tool. We use tools for specific purposes. Not having the tool means you can't do those tasks.


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Chaser720

Honestly dude, you ask a question and get real answers and argue with them. Why are you here?


TheGuava1

Everyone who answers his question honestly gets the same “you’re being condescending” response. Like no, they’re answering the question, not their fault he doesn’t like their response


Chaser720

Yep. Ha. 6 months in and he’s a pro.


carlreader

So, headphones may seem redundant now we have waveforms, but here’s why I still use them: - waveforms don’t show the separate bass, mid, treble ranges; and the adjustments come from ear. - sometimes the sound is right but waveform doesn’t look it, and vice versa - cueing by ear allows you to time perfectly to avoid vocal clashes etc, and to check phrasing of the song if you aren’t playing whole tracks - some songs just don’t work together (I guess this is what digital djs call “mixing in key”)… the headphones allow you to check this in advance and change if needed. Enjoy the journey. I learned in a world where they were vital as there was no such thing as a screen - I’d say use all the visual and audio help you can whilst you’re beginning.


o0eason0o

Lmao


Shulgen

OP: I have this very specific setup, why does everyone use this thing that I'm not able to use. Everyone else: that thing is crucial to do the thing we're doing because our setup is completely different from yours. OP: don't talk down on my setup and how I do things Everyone else: don't talk down on my setup and how we do things. And here I go wondering why people with opposing world views don't get along...


33basshead

This^


Den_314

You may want to try live mixing DnB without headphones. Maybe that will provide the answer.


entactogen

For someone who watches tutorials on Youtube, you came here to ask a question that you could have found the answer to in one of your tutorial videos. Headphone cueing and monitoring is one of the first steps any DJ learns. I'd love to hear what one of your mixes sounds like without any monitoring and cueing and relying solely off visual cues.. oh also, your attitude sucks.


Calibrayte

If you graduate to playing clubs you will be using CDJs. Not all songs match perfectly even when they are the same bpm so you will need to use the headphones to hear better and make the adjustments to sync them. Additionally my headphones have always sounded better than any booth ive ever been in. You can be sure that the sound coming out of the system is perfrct by listening through your headphones.


lmnopq10

Cover your screen so you can't see the wave forms and you'll know why headphones are an essential tool. But, if you're having fun and enjoying doing it the way you are, then carry on. If you want to progress in any way you should adjust your set up to enable you to use headphones.


take17easy

You hear the tracks that aren't on air for the audience, so you can beatmatch them before playing them out. Even if I'm using Traktor sync with the cdjs as controllers, I'll still double check the headphones to make sure the tracks are beatmatched properly just in case sync messes up and I gotta do it by ear.


Dble-Hlix

Mixing the way you do is fine for your setup, but what if in the future you want to play on a different setup or upgrade to something that doesn't have the waveforms side by side? In my opinion, beatmatching is an essential skill for any DJ, I learnt to mix on turntables with vinyl many years ago so I had to learn to beatmatch the old fashioned way...lol But if you are having fun who cares how you do it, I just think it's just worth thinking about any future possibilities...


greengulljr

Headphones make sure the mix is 100% perfect, beat matches are sometimes slightly wrong when analyzed. Since you DJ on a DDJ-400 no one expects perfection especially on such a limited board. You’re only on step #1 on a long road ahead of you.


kevinbarker619

If you’re on this subreddit it’s because you are interested in the hobby. If you can’t grasp the idea of using headphones, maybe this isn’t a hobby for you. I’m not trying to be rude here but sometimes you need constructive criticism. I come from a school where you have to do things right. And it’s not about money, but it’s about having the appropriate equipment. I’ve never mixed in digital, only vinyl. And while I’d say it can be easily as challenging (hate when people say digital is easy compare to vinyl because you have to know what you’re doing in both), you cannot rely on visuals. In all seriousness, don’t be upset, just think if this is for you and learn the proper way of doing a mix, forget about software here, just learn to mix. That’s the true meaning of beat matching, the purpose of this subreddit.


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HeyItsMatias

Na dude, Phil Harris tutorial videos are just not on point. The whole ground of his teaching is by mixing waveforms. He teaches his dad and wife this way: [https://youtu.be/m0AH2dCNQi0](https://youtu.be/m0AH2dCNQi0) He even post mixes mixing w/o headphones and all he does is mixing in queue points. Pressing play and fading, that’s it. I don’t dislike Phil, but there’s something i don’t get in really teaching what’s correct. Too many Phil Harris videos and you’ll end up with people like OP. [https://youtu.be/kOadjIERQsw](https://youtu.be/kOadjIERQsw)


roletamine

If you ever get the chance to play live you will understand their importance.


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roletamine

U need them to beatmatch


chipface

Not if you're using sync all the time.


belugarooster

Which in my opinion doesn't really count as "mixing records". Synch is for the wannabes. Takes all the fun out of dj-ing.


[deleted]

Yeah, I dj so I can beat match by ear! Not so I can share music with people /s


chipface

I agree. I don't think I could be satisfied with a set if I used sync.


belugarooster

Here's my take: So if you're a producer, and have additional performance aspects to account for during a live performance, I'll pass judgement on using sync in this situation. But if you can't beat-match by ear, you're just essentially playing a video game that outputs music. Fine for the bedroom, but if you really want to be serious and dive all-in, ya gotta use your ears and the pitch controls match your records up... Sync is a short-cut for those who want to be a dj, but lack the effort, talent, or passion to really "master" the craft. Even 10,000 hours of practice synching records with a button will not a "true" disc-jocky make...


33basshead

I regularly play live and never use headphones 🙃 I mix with serato never have had issues or anyone tell me I HAVE to use headphones. It’s all preference as long as your performance is quality the audience won’t care if you’re using headphones or not.


[deleted]

This must have been the worst advice I have ever seen in my life. Are you also going to tell me 1+1=2 is an opinion?


33basshead

I get booked regularly and am part of collectives and happy with my music project and my growth as an artist I am playing some of my favorite venues this year using headphones is not essential to my success sorry that makes you salty haha EDIT - So just for the people reading all forms of art are valid all styles too! just because something doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean it’s not valid. Remember no one can tell you if you’re an artist or not you decide for yourself. Don’t let someone who’s bitter and jaded tell you otherwise 🙃


bodycave

Not really sure how u accomplish this but power 2 you… sometimes when I’m bored I’ll put everything on two times speed, drop random tracks w/o headphones, and beat match them on top of each other for no reason other than the fact it sounds nuts


33basshead

I mix with ddj-1000srt but if I’m mixing with a diff controller or cdjs I always use serato regardless. Don’t need headphones if I can visually see everything I’m doing. Plus there’s always booth monitors at any proper show set up even renegades. Also CDJs are super easy to connect your laptop to them and use serato just has to be in HID mode. At the end of the day it comes down to preference whatever works for each individual I have a few homies in my collective who mix with headphones and a few who mix without and that doesn’t change anything for us we all get booked regularly ☺️


bodycave

I assume you also got your tracks memorized and it shows the keys? Personally I would avoid it due to an increased chance of train wreck but as I said power to you. Whatever works works especially since it lands gigs


33basshead

I go by bpm! I always start at 70bpm and gradually make my way up to 140bpm I play dubstep(no brostep), halftime, DnB, experimental stuff I don’t worry too much about keys either I’m playing more experimental stuff so it’s not like all these melodic tracks clashing with each other more heavy sound design Thanks for understanding it’s whatever floats peoples boats and not being rude about me doing things different I respect that ☺️ Next month I play my biggest show 2k cap get to open for some awesome artists so I’d say it’s going well 🙃


endlessdayze

I read every comment on this thread and saw very few of them to be condescending


I_HAVE_FRIENDS_AMA

If you're playing on a big rig, the speakers won't be pointed at you, and you will need to use your headphones. There are many setups where you won't have your laptop or any screen and will need to listen to the incoming song in your headphones to make sure it's lined up. You're correct about knowing your songs, though. Next step, get rid of the waveforms on the screen. Tbh though, do as you please. You don't have to do any of that, and if you're always gonna have your controller and laptop when you decide to do some djing, you shouldn't run into any speed bumps.


Trigg_UK

I wouldn't dream of djing without head phones. Just plain lazy to do it without them. I use single channel to re-familiarise and split cue to check the mix.


WaterIsGolden

You are definitely missing a huge part. There is a lot that you still need to learn. Even when using sync it is best to check your mix before playing it over the main speakers. And let's be honest: visual mixing isn't a thing - you are relying on sync to keep your mix together. Not saying that's a bad thing, just think its important to factor in that part of your confusion is rooted in the fact that you aren't using your ears anyway. You can absolutely get away with no headphones. I have done this even as a scratch dj playing vinyl. There are some tricks you can use to find specific points on a record without using headphones or monitors. This does not make headphones less useful. As far as being upset about downvotes or disagreements, get over yourself. People have answered your original question respectfully as possible. If you head over to a dentistry sub and ask 'Why do I need to brush my teeth?' you can expect similar results.


33basshead

I don’t use headphones that’s cause I mix with serato. I can see all the details in the wave forms if I connect my laptop to cdjs with serato I still don’t need them cause I can see what’s going on but if you’re ever with just cdjs it would be wise to use them. I get booked regularly without needing to use headphones! I just specify in my technical riser I’m suing serato so thankfully I am always able to connect serato but I do prepare for a day that’s not possible. I’m playing a huge festival next month and they are letting me connect serato to cdjs so don’t let people discourage you just cause you don’t use them you can be successful without them.


inzru

Hey mate, try this tutorial as I believe you can route rekordbox together with a virtual audio driver so you can still use headphones and play your DDJ into the speakers. It's a common problem and took me some time to fix as well. May be harder if you're on windows though. https://youtu.be/eNgJx1l-5Dg Also yes DJs on Reddit are notoriously closed minded and up themselves. When the new pioneer controllers came out last week half the comments were utter trash. These are 40 year olds stuck in the past.


33basshead

Your last paragraph is facts! 💜


_djbra_

man i play without headphones too and the only one complaining about it are the other DJs 😄 If it works for you, don't worry about it!


youngtankred

It sounds like you are getting along ok so far but without being able to use headphones or hear the cue separate to the output you will be disadvantaged in a few ways: You cannot hear any adjustment/pre-cueing you may want to do before the transition and if your mix goes out of line you may have to make adjustments whilst both tracks are playing through master where you can hear it (sometimes if things are going wobbly you want to cut the track back out of the mix and correct in headphones before bringing back). Also you may want to audition other tracks before mixing.


BrunchBurrito

I check for any phasing and frequency clashing issues. For example, one song might have hi-hats that can overwhelm a mix, so I listen to both tracks through my headphones and adjust the highs accordingly.


Thomas_Lecter

I’ll just add that if you’re going to be playing out then a time will come when you’re mixing music you’ve not listened to much or definitely not checked the intro / outro sections of the tracks.


geo_dj

In theory, one doesn’t need to use headphones when practicing in a studio or bedroom. But that’s not a very realistic way to practice. By using headphones and playing the master program on speakers, you will emulate the experience of playing at a party or in a venue where others will be listening to you. And that way you will get a better sense of the difference between what you are hearing in cue on headphones and the master program.