MIXING DUBSTEP: Crossfader or no crossfader?

[didi12345]

I've started dj-ing dubstep for about 7 months now and usually what I did was mixed through the EQ, without ever using the crossfader. Perhaps this is because I started out as a house dj and that is how I learned was the "professional" way to mix. Just tonight though I felt like trying out mixing dubstep with the crossfader and voila! it felt just so much easier. So what I'd like to ask you is, which do you prefer, crossfader or none? Are there are biases and opinions towards using crossfaders among you dj's (pro and non-pro alike)?? Shoot me every bit of info!

[FrankieMagic]

i've been djing for quite a while now (nowhere special, only in my room and at various house parties) and i've pretty much always used the crossfader.

i do use EQ though whilst mixing the tunes in (e.g. cutting the bass to avoid clashing) but I can't say i've ever mixed solely with EQ without using the crossfader!

[ammo]

i do use EQ though whilst mixing the tunes in (e.g. cutting the bass to avoid clashing) but I can't say i've ever mixed solely with EQ without using the crossfader!

same, altho i use the upfaders cos my mixers cross-fader has been knackered since around a month after buying it ~6 yrs ago

[yesnotheo]

bit o everything really, some tracks are better for cutting with the crossfader, whereas others its nicer to use the channel faders and eq

[HearingAIDS]

Sounds like some people have been using only half of their mixer and doing half of the work. Fear not, you are unfortunately not alone.

Faders are made to be jacked. All of them.

[hipnotikk]

been using the channel faders ever since someone recommended it to me. more control for me.

[Dark Reign]

been using the channel faders ever since someone recommended it to me. more control for me.

This. But the crossfader is good for really fast cuts. I use both

[djshiva]

Faders are made to be jacked. All of them.

YES!

I use upfaders for bringing in things and adjusting volume, and then both upfaders and crossfader for cuts.

EQs are also nifty for cutting out clashy basslines.

[-dubson-]

If it sounds good it doesnt matter.

[SinCity]

Check a set or the videos from the Sin CIty nights, most of the headlining DJ's use the channel sliders as it gives you more control, and it's the same as being in the studio, especially if your using a DJM800, Hatcha, N-Type and Chefal are the ones to watch.

[kozee]

I never use crossfader.

[lwiz]

<--- no x-fader

[bobby_dozen]

Anyone ever used one of them sexy rotary knob mixers? I'm buying/playing a lot more techno these days and always thought it was a bit of a gimmick but curious nonetheless...

[SinCity]

I used the Rotary set up in herbal when they had it there, very smooth mixes, but I don't think mixing dubstep is the one with them, it's more for the house / dance market.

[kwun-tings]

i try to use all of them!
but i've been Djing for about 6 months, i use the upfaders to bring in tracks with the bass and hi's turned lower. then when upfader is at the top, switch EQ's accordingly.

i only really use the crossfader when cutting cos its so much easier.
and about the rotary mixers, i've never used one but on my xone62 the sweep filters are fucking ace. can do so many creative mixes with it.
i mixed DnB for the first time ever ther other day, and found that mixing with these filters was very effective.. just something to think about i guess.

[DRTY]

I only use the channel faders, EQs and Kills. Crossfader stays bang in the middle.

Find it gives you more control, and for some reason I think it's possible to make cuts faster using the channel faders as opposed to a horizontal fader.

[skittlenik]

I only use the channel faders, EQs and Kills. Crossfader stays bang in the middle.

Find it gives you more control, and for some reason I think it's possible to make cuts faster using the channel faders as opposed to a horizontal fader.

This pretty much sums me up as well...The crossfader is on a curve...the channel faders aren't....simple stuff...

[wibblewobble]

upfaders. i just cant get my head around crossfader. seems so more natural to go up and down instead of left and right.

[kwun-tings]

I only use the channel faders, EQs and Kills. Crossfader stays bang in the middle.

Find it gives you more control, and for some reason I think it's possible to make cuts faster using the channel faders as opposed to a horizontal fader.

This pretty much sums me up as well...The crossfader is on a curve...the channel faders aren't....simple stuff...

most mixers you can change the crossfader so it isnt on a curve tho!

EDIT: Big up wibblewobble!
its Darkus.. could i steal your signature pic please?

[_boring]

i use the cross fader when i get into trouble such as bringin in the tune too loud, or bringing it in offbeat, that way you can still monitor your level and monitor the beat in ur phones