Parts of a DJ Mixer (Buttons, Functions, Knobs) Explained – ‘From 0 to DJ’ #2 ✅

In this chapter we are going to see an introduction of the main parts of a DJ Mixer, a controller, a DJ software or other devices related to a DJ’s equipment: buttons, knobs, elements and functions that integrate it.

Buttons, Controls and Knobs of Pioneer XDJ XZ Controller 

We will use images from the Virtual DJ software, but almost all buttons and elements will be easily identifiable on any other platform or device.

# Parts, Functions, Knobs and Buttons of a DJ Mixer or Controller

Buttons of a small Hercules controller

Let’s first take a look at the complete Virtual DJ interface. We will be able to identify some buttons and elements similar to those we have seen on the Pioneer controller and the Hercules controller. Although they sometimes have different locations. In any case, the basics are the same, with more or less options.

Buttons and Functions of Virtual DJ Software

1. JOG and DECK

Let’s start with the players in which we will load the tracks.

If we drag a track to any of the decks, we would have it ready to start playing, we would only need to press Play.

Right next to it we have the Pause and Stop, with its basic and intuitive use.

Deck and Jog in Virtual DJ

The jog emulates a turntable and on it we can move the song forward and backward. To do this we just have to click on it and move the mouse as we would move our hand on a real turntable or if we have a controller, move it directly with our hand.

In real DJ equipment the players would be independent devices that we would connect directly to the mixer. In the controllers, everything is integrated.

2. Partial Timeline

In the upper part there is a partial timeline that marks the times of the songs, it is called partial because it does not show the totality of the track, only the part in which the player is. Just in the middle there is a vertical line that delimits the exact point that is playing.

 Partial Timeline in Virtual DJ (Kick drums very appreciable)

3. CUE button and HOT CUE module

Next to Play and Pause we have the CUE button, a tool that will help us play and mix tracks. We will see how to use CUE Button in depth in chapter 7.

We also have HOT CUES in the Module, which have some differences from the CUE function above. These are used to create shortcuts to a specific point in the audio track or to mark a reference point. You can see them marked in the Total Timeline. We will see how HOT CUEs can be used in more detail in chapter 10.

CUE Button and HOT CUE Module in Virtual DJ

4. Total Timeline or Track Spectrum

Just above the jog, the total timeline gives the spectrum of the track from start to finish. The fuller parts correspond to the parts in which the track has more sound and is more intense; the thinner parts to when there is less sound. For example in most electronic music could indicate moments in which there is no bass drum or moments of “down” or “break”, which is interesting to know for mixing.

Virtual DJ deck’s Total Timeline

5. Loops Module

On one of the sides of the deck, we have the loops module.

It is used to create repetitions of a track fragment during playback. We can do them manually or automatically. You can see in chapter 11 how to make loops in both ways and how to use them during mixes.

To create them automatically, click on the number of beats in the loop and it will repeat over and over again that fragment of the track.

Loops module in Virtual DJ

6. Pitch Control

We have a vertical bar on the side of each plate. This bar regulates what is called Pitch, which is used to adjust the tempo of the track, expressed in BPM (beats per minute).

The BPM are the number of beats that elapse in a minute.

In other words, the Pitch regulates the speed at which we want the track to play.

In chapter 5 we will see in detail what we need to know about BPM and musical TEMPO.
In chapter 6 we will see all about PITCH control.

Pitch Control in Virtual DJ 

7. SYNC button

Sync is the most controversial button. What this function does is to sync the beats of one track to the other, automatically. Most controllers and DJ software have it, but not all.
In the past this feature didn’t exist and many old school deejays refuse to use it because they feel it detracts from the art of mixing. But there are different opinions, I also know of a renowned DJ who sees it as an opportunity to make much more complex mixes with more tracks.

We advise you to learn without using it, and once you have a certain level, do what you consider. If you learn using the SYNC button, you will develop less mixing skills.

Sync Button

8. CrossFader

The Crossfader is the horizontal bar located right in the center of the mixer.
Positioning it in one of the sides or in the center, it regulates and allows the sound output of one channel, the other or both, in a gradual way.

CrossFader control in Virtual DJ

9. Volume Control

Just above the Crossfader, we have the volumes of each channel. That is, the amount of sound that each deck will emit.

Volume Controls

10. Equalizers or EQ’s

On the side, or above each volume bar, we have three knobs, the equalizers.

Treble, mid and bass, knobs with which we can regulate the sound of each frequency range, independently on each channel.

“Treble, mid and bass”, corresponds to a division into three parts of the frequency range audible to humans.

Humans can appreciate from 20 Hz (the lowest) to 20,000 Hz or 20 KHz (the highest).
We will see all this in detail and how to use equalizers to make imperceptible mixes in chapter 8.

The 3 EQ Knobs in Virtual DJ

11. GAIN and MASTER

The Gain knobs correspond to the function of increasing the amount of sound of each channel. It is useful if there is any imbalance in the volume between the channels.

The Master knob or VOL. PRIN (in Virtual DJ), corresponds to the overall gain. This is the volume level that the software or the equipment will output, it is the final volume. The best thing to do is to set it to neutral or to the values that come as standard so that it does not distort.

 Gain and Master in Virtual DJ

With some exceptions, during mixes, we will adjust the volumes from the central bars that we have seen before and not from the gains.

12. SAMPLER

The Sampler is a function used to play recorded sounds during the sets.

Virtual DJ comes with some pre-recorded ones, but we can also introduce samples that we collect in our libraries, or we can even create some live ones.

Sampler in Virtual DJ

13. EFFECTS or FX Module

In the FX module we can load effects in the channels. We only have to select which effect we want and in which of the channels we want to activate that effect.

Effects selector in Virtual DJ

14. Browser or Explorer

The Browser is used to move through the folders of the computer and select the tracks we want to play. At the top, in the search, we can look for a specific track by typing any part of the file name. It is located at the bottom of Virtual DJ.

Browser in Virtual DJ

15. Playlists

We can create playlists, to prepare the sets and not have to be looking for track after track at the time of DJing. It is located on the right side of Virtual DJ.

Virtual DJ’s Playlists Explorer

16. Record

This is the function with which we can record our sets. We only have to click on RECORD and it will be recording. Then we will configure the format, the name of the file and the location where to record it.

The recommended format so that it does not have a big size and has a good quality, is MP3 and a minimum bitrate of 192 kbs.

Recording controls in Virtual DJ

Now it’s your turn 👇

You have just learned the main parts of a DJ Mixer. We hope you have learned and have been surprised by some element, it is amazing how much technology allows us to do.

In the next chapter we will see how to start mixing music.

If you have been surprised by something or there was something you always wanted to know what it was for, leave it in the comments.
Best regards and see you in the next one! 🙂