Beginner’s Guide to the Beatport DJ Web App TUTORIAL
The Beatport DJ Web App brings song browsing and software DJing worlds together, allowing users to not only prepare and practice sets, but even perform them! On this course, you’ll learn the basics for using the app to confidently carry out DJ sets in the default sync mode, whatever your experience level.
Going right from the very beginning, senior tutor Rob Jones provides an overview of the app, from initial signing in to performing a simple mix using the player in compact mode. After a brief explanation of the auto mix feature, he then starts expanding on each area, looking at some fundamental aspects of the player and track timing, including master tempo. He then moves onto the mixer controls, comprehensive explaining the level controls and even dipping into Ableton Live to provide a quick lesson on EQ.
Later lessons include a rundown of the common structure of electronic music, and the way songs consist of a number of bars and beats. Theoretical knowledge is combined with various features in the software, to show the different ways that the technology can make the mixing process easier, not simply having to rely on your ears and memory but also the various meters and controls within the app. There’s also a brief intro to the included deck FX and how to use a MIDI control surface to operate the software.
The course ends with a detailed look at how to prepare for your first set, from different approaches to track browsing to compiling a suitable playlist. Following this is a 2-part module that goes through some of the fundamentals of mixing, including intro analysis, choosing the right time to mix, balancing levels, using EQ and filters, and lots more!
Course Breakdown
Module 1_1 – Getting Started
Rob provides a complete overview of the app, with an explanation about the main areas of the GUI and the basics for using them to locate, load and play tracks.
8.49
Module 1_2 – Automix
A quick look at the app’s automatic mixing feature.
3.01
Module 2_1 – Track Time & Tempo
An explanation of some of the fundamentals of the player when it comes to track times (remaining and total) and master tempo.
6.58
Module 2_2 – SYNC Mode
A brief mention of Sync mode, explaining what it does and how it can be turned on and off.
2.23
Module 3_1 – Mixer Controls – Level
The first of three lessons working through the mixer controls in the player, starting off looking at the level controls. There’s also a quick look at the master level controls too.
7.10
Module 3_2 – Mixer Controls – EQ
Rob provides a quick bonus lesson on EQ, looking at the Spectrum Analyser in Ableton Live to show the frequencies each dial acts on. He then moves back to the DJ App to carry out the same actions there.
5.41
Module 3_3 – Mixer Controls – Filter
A brief guide to how filters work, again demonstrating first with a Spectrum Analyser in Ableton Live, before switching back to the DJ App to show how it’s implemented there.
3.38
Module 4 – Track Position, Bars & Beats
A detailed look at the remaining controls used to find and play tracks from specific locations, including an explanation of bars and the typical structure of electronic music.
13.36
Module 5 – FX
Rob shows how to apply FX to tracks in each deck, with an intro to all of the available effects and a guide to using them in normal and latched modes.
10.37
Module 6 – Connecting a MIDI Controller
Some basics for using a control surface with the app, including a quick look at the mapping editor in the preferences.
3.37
Module 7 – Some Handy Settings
A couple of useful settings for working with the app, including load song security and EQ control reset.
3.25
Module 8 – How to prepare for your First Gig
Rob outlines the various considerations when it comes to preparing for your first DJ set, including song selection, browsing methods and playlist organisation.
10.29
Module 9 – Mixing Basics
Utilising the different techniques learned on the course, Rob teaches the fundamentals for performing a set, including song analysis, mix timing and duration, and lots more!
Part 1 – 15.36
Part 2 – 12.37
Module 10 – Outro
A brief outro, covering some of the subjects taught on the advanced level course.
0.45
