Recording your mixes is not only the logical next step for a DJ who has been creating some successful mixes, but it is also key to expanding your horizons as a DJ.
DJ Software Recording
Some DJ software allows you to record your mixes right through the program. As long as you are not routing your master audio out of your DJ software and through an external effects unit (and chances are you’re not) then this is the preferred method.
The only downside to this is you are using more computer resources so the chances of a crash could be higher. If you plan to record a live mix make sure you go through some thorough testing with your software. Do a recording while pushing the program to its limits and see if you can get it to crash. If you can’t then likely you’re going to be fine playing live. If you do crash your program it could be due to a slow computer or a buggy DJ software – time to upgrade!
DJ Mixer Recording
If your master audio runs out of your mixer then recording your mix will be done by using either an external recording device or a computer. You want to follow these steps to record your mix from your mixer:
- Identify the output on your DJ mixer and the output connection type. Often times a monitor channel on your mixer can be used as a recording line.
- Identify the input type on your computer/audio interface/recording device.
- Make sure you can get the audio from your mixer to your recording device. You might need to invest in some adapters or converters. For instance I use a simpler RCA to 1/8″ adapter to record on my laptop.
- Play a sample track and check your levels are where they will be when you will be mixing.
- Open your recording interface and be sure the audio levels are not clipping. Adjust the input volume accordingly.
- Mix and record!
Computer Recording Software
There are many options for recording software out there, both free and paid.
You want to make sure you have the needed audio inputs available. If your laptop or computer has a normal 1/8″ line in jack you can likely use an RCA to 1/8″ adapter and record a mix. The quality will likely be lower quality than using an external audio interface.
External Recording Hardware
If you don’t own a computer or simply don’t want to record your mix through your laptop or desktop then you have the option to get an external audio recording device. For less than $100 you can grab a handheld audio recorder like the Tascam DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder and record your mixes through the 1/8″ audio line in.
If you aren’t on a budget there are many other higher end recording options, but likely you will spend multiple hundreds of dollars and gain a wide range of features that you might not need.
Sharing Your Recordings
So you recorded your mix and now you want to share it with the world… how do you do this? Read our article on digital online sharing portals for DJ’s for more information.
