xxii, 398 pages : 24 cm

Provides novices with the technical know-how to start and build a successful career as a DJ, featuring tips on the essential equipment, the basics of mixing and song structure, building a foolproof set, and creating a great demo

Includes index

pt. I. Introduction -- 1. Stepping up to the decks -- Catching DJ fever -- 2. Starting up with the bare bones -- Considering input devices -- Turntables -- CD decks -- MP3s and PCs -- Mixers -- Headphones -- Amplifiers -- Figuring out the furniture -- Ergonomics and stability -- Store-bought stands -- Killing vibration with bricks and air -- Locating your DJ setup -- 3. Shopping for equipment -- Budgeting -- Brand new -- Second-hand -- Making sure that your kit works -- 4. Retro chic or PC geek? Buying records, CDs and MP3s -- Sizing up -- Researching and buying your tunes -- Weighing up classic and current -- Protecting your records and CDs -- Storing -- Cleaning -- Repairing vinyl -- Fixing warped records and CDs -- Repairing scratched/cracked CDs -- Backing up digital libraries -- pt. II. Stocking up your DJ toolbox -- 5. Keeping up with the tech-revolution : format choices -- CDs vs vinyl -- Analogue or digital -- Functionality -- Hybrid turntables -- Digital DJing -- 6. Getting decked out with turntables -- Pitch control design -- Identifying key turntable features -- customising your sound with advanced turntable features -- Setting up turntables -- Servicing your turntables -- 7. Perfecting your decks : slipmats and needles -- Friction -- Needles and cartridges -- Counterweight settings -- 8. Spinning with CDs -- Requirements of the DJ's CD deck -- adjusting the pitch -- Smoothing out vibrations -- Working with cue -- Special features -- 9. Bits and PCs : digital DJing -- Designing your digital DJ setup -- Controlling the digits -- Adding hardware controllers -- Software -- Taking control -- Alternatives -- DJing with iPods and USB drives -- Mixing on the move -- 10. Stirring it up with mixers -- Mixer controls -- Seamless mix DJ -- Scratch DJ -- Effects DJ -- Rock/party/wedding DJ -- Servicing your mixer -- 11. Ear-splitting advice about not splitting your ears : headphones -- Earplugs -- 12. Letting your neighbors know that you're a DJ : amplifiers -- Suitable amplification -- Working with monitors -- Noise pollution : keeping an ear on volume levels -- 13. Plugging in, turning on : set-up and connections -- Getting familiar with connectors -- Plugging in the mixer -- Troubleshooting set-up and connections -- pt. III. The mix -- 14. Grasping the basics of mixing -- Beatmatching -- Pitch control -- Introducing your headphones -- 15. Picking up on the beat : song structure -- 16. Mixing like the pros -- Placement -- Mixing breakdowns -- Controlling the sound of the mix -- Using mixing tricks and gimmicks -- Mixing different styles of music -- 17. Scratching lyrical -- Setting up equipment the right way -- Preparing for the big push -- Scratching on CD, MP3 and computer -- Mastering the technique -- Juggling the beats -- pt. IV. Getting noticed and playing live -- 18. Building a foolproof set -- Choosing tunes to mix together -- Developing a style -- 19. Creating a great demo -- Preparing to record the demo -- Looking after sound processing -- Performing the demo -- Making a demo CD on computer -- Sending off the mix -- 20. Getting busy with it : working as a DJ -- Marketing yourself -- Joining an agency -- Networking your way to success -- Marketing yourself on the Internet -- 21. Facing the music : playing live -- Investigating the venue -- Preparing to perform -- Knowing what to expect -- Playing your music -- pt. V. The part of tens -- Ten resources for expanding your skills and fan base -- Ten answers to DJ questions you're too afraid to ask -- Ten great influences on me -- Ten DJing mistakes to avoid -- Ten items to take with you when DJing

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