Like any industry or passion, practitioners invent plenty of new terms to identify and categorize what they are doing; when it comes to DJing, it is no exception. For example, what is the difference between edit and remixes? Or what is a DJ bootleg? This page is meant to capture some of the dictionary in DJing vernacular.
Table of Contents
Mixing DJ Dictionary
Here are some common terms in the DJ’s vocabulary related to mixing – the fundamental art of DJing.
Batch Matching (Beat Mixing)
Definition
(noun) The process of blending two or more tracks together seamlessly, often involving adjustments to tempo, pitch, phases of beats (such as kick drums), and volume levels. Historically, beatmixing was often done by ear only but more technological advancements have enabled DJs to synchronize automatically.
Usage
I saw this DJ mixing vinyl yesterday, her beat matching was on point.
Related Terms
• Sync
Sync / Auto Sync
Definition
(noun) A feature in digital DJ equipment that automatically matches the tempo and phase of two tracks, simplifying the mixing process. It is controversial because it significantly reduces the difficulty of manual beatmatching, drawing criticism from some DJs and producers.
Usage
Using the sync feature, the DJ transitioned between tracks without manually beatmatching.
Related Terms
• Beatmixing
• Tempo
Beats per Minute (BPM)
Definition
The measurement of the tempo or speed of a piece of music, indicating how many beats occur in one minute.
(noun) A measurement of the tempo or speed of a piece of music, indicating how many beats occur in one minute. DJs use BPM to match tracks seamlessly during mixing.
Usage
You need to adjust the BPM of track 1 to match track 2 before you transition
Related Terms
• Tempo
• Beatmixing
If you are looking for more information on BPM and beats checkout L2DJ’s Essential Music Theory for DJs article.
DJ Effects / FX
Definition
(noun) Audio effects tailored for DJ mixing, such as reverb, delay, and filters. These effects enhance the sound of tracks or create smooth transitions during a performance.
Usage
Using an FX like reverb during the build up can add tension and excitement before the drop.
Related Terms
Tempo / Pitch
Definition
(noun) Tempo refers to the speed of a track, while pitch relates to how high or low a sound is. DJs adjust both tempo and pitch to match tracks during mixing.
Usage
The DJ slowed down the tempo and bent the pitch with the jog wheel to blend the tracks perfectly.
Related Terms
- BPM
Looping
Definition
(noun) Repeating a portion of a track continuously to extend a section or create a repeating pattern. With the growth of CDs and digital music, this feature became a stock addition to any digital DJ equipment like DJ controllers and CDJs
Usage
You can loop the outro to extend the blend, keeping the crowd in suspense.
Related Terms
Turntablism
Definition
(noun) The art of manipulating sounds and creating music using vinyl records and DJ turntables. Techniques include scratching, beat juggling, and cross-fader work.
Usage
The DJ showcased their turntablism skills with an impressive scratch routine.
Related Terms
- Scratching
- Cue Points
Scratching / DJ Scratching
Definition
(noun) A turntablism technique that involves manipulating a vinyl record on a turntable to produce rhythmic sounds and effects turning the turntable into a percussive instrument.
Usage
I heard the DJ scratching all night it was crazy
Related Terms
- Turntablism
Equalization / EQ
Definition
(noun) A tool, usually integrated into a DJ mixer, used to adjust the frequency balance of a track, typically with a 3-band EQ to control bass, midrange, and treble. DJs use EQ to emphasize or remove elements of a track during mixing.
Usage
You need to EQ out the bass before mixing into the next track
Harmonic Mixing
Definition
(noun) Mixing tracks that are in compatible keys or harmonically related, creating smoother transitions and enhancing overall sound quality. This technique is often used by live performers for a cohesive musical flow.
Usage
DJ Sasha was one of the forerunners to pioneer the technique of harmonic mixing
Related Terms
Cue Points / Hot Cues
Definition
(noun) Markers set by a DJ to indicate specific points in a track, allowing for precise timing during mixing. Historically, DJs used physical markers on vinyl records.
Usage
Many DJs use rekordbox to setup their cue points prior to their performance.
Related Terms
Producing DJ Dictionary
This section focuses on terms in the DJ dictionary related to production and creation of music.
Bootlegs
Definition
(noun) Unofficial remixes or creations of songs by DJs or producers, typically made for their own interest or use in DJ sets. Bootlegs are not authorized by the original artist or label.
Usage
Have you heard a copy of the Pound Boy’s Wish I Didn’t Miss You Bootleg? It’s sweet.
Related Terms
- “Booty”
Remix
Definition
(noun) An alternate version of a track created by editing or rearranging the original recording, often with added elements or different arrangements. Remixes are usually officially approved by a label and created by a different artist or producer, offering a fresh take on the original song.
Usage
“Frankie Knuckle’s classic intro remix of The Pressure brings a different energy to the dance floor.”
Mashups
Definition
(noun) In-the-moment creations that blend elements from two or more songs to create a new, unique composition. Mashups are often not officially released but may gain popularity if they receive a positive reaction.
Usage
I listened to him create the sickest Mashup of Eric Prdyz’s Call on Me & Pjanoo
Edits / DJ Edits
Definition
(noun) Modified versions of tracks with alterations to the structure, length, or arrangement to better suit a DJ’s set. Edits aim to preserve the original spirit of the track while adding new elements like a different drum groove or extended breaks.
Definition
I went digging on soundcloud yesterday and a bunch of sweet house edits of favourite tracks.
Re-Edit
Definition
(noun) A modification to an existing edit, often focusing on fine-tuning specific elements. Re-edits might emphasize particular aspects of the composition, such as shakers or conga, and are popular in genres like disco and nu-disco.
Usage
Dr. Packer is a disco re-edit artist, able to preserve the original groove but create a modern appeal
Industry DJ Dictionary
CDJs
Definition
(noun) Specialized multimedia players designed for DJs to play CDs or other digital audio files from a USB flash drive. The first CDJ, the CDJ-500, released by Pioneer DJ, featured a jog wheel and a +/- 10% tempo slider. If you’re interested in reading a great history on Pioneer CDJs checkout the History of Pioneer CDJ.
Usage
Do you know how to mix on CDJs? They are the club standard.
Back-to-back (B2B)
Definition
(noun) When two DJs perform together, taking turns playing tracks in a continuous set without breaks. Historically, DJs stood back to back in tiny booths, one queuing up the next track while the other dug for records in their vinyl crate.
Usage
Watching DJ Sneak B2B with Demuir changed my life!
Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
Definition
(noun) A category of electronic music characterized by synthesized sounds, driving beats, and danceable rhythms. EDM is a commercially polished and oriented recasting of original rave, house, and DJ culture. Apart from underground dance music culture, EDM which is seen as a “clean recasting” of dance music (Amazon Affiliate Link) in the commercial eye.
Usage
I invited a few friends who like EDM to come to the party
Underground Dance Music
Definition
(noun) A category of electronic music that retains the raw, unpolished, and often experimental elements of early rave, disco, and house music. It is characterized by its emphasis on creativity, authenticity, and a rejection of commercialism, often produced and played in smaller, more intimate venues.
Usage
My friends prefer a lot of EDM style music, I’m more into the underground scene at the moment,
Digging
Definition
Digging (also known as crate digging) is the practice of searching through crates of vinyl records, often in second-hand stores, flea markets, or record shops, to find rare, obscure, or unique tracks. Historically, this term originates from the physical act of rummaging through stacks of vinyl records, but in modern times, it also encompasses the search for digital tracks online. Digging is a crucial part of a DJ’s craft, as it involves discovering hidden gems that can set their sets apart and create a distinctive musical identity.
Usage
• I spent the entire weekend digging through crates at the local record store and found some amazing 70s funk tracks.
• Digital digging on Bandcamp can uncover some incredible underground releases.
Related Terms
• Crate Digging: The original term referring to physically searching through crates of vinyl records.
Drop
Definition
(noun) The climax or most intense part of a dance music track, characterized by a sudden increase in energy and bass. Drops are popular in mainstream EDM tracks. One of the most characteristic examples of a “drop” is Big Room tracks such as Martin Garrix’s “Animals.”
Usage
We were all in agony waiting for the tension to dissipate from the drop
DJ Controller
Definition
(noun) Hardware used by DJs to play digital audio files usually with their computer. The hardware features jog wheels, faders, and knobs for mixing. DJ controllers require a laptop with software to operate and are not modular like CDJs or DJ mixers. Examples of DJ controllers include Pioneer DDJ-400, Pioneer DDJ-FLX4, Pioneer XDJ-XZ, and more.
Usage
Many DJs start off with a Pioneer DDJ 400 DJ controller as they begin their DJ journey.
Vinyl / Vinyl Records / Wax
Definition
(noun) Analog records used by DJs for playing music on turntables like the Technics 1200 MK2. Vinyl records were the original medium for DJs and are becoming increasingly popular again despite digital options.
Usage
Classic DJ mixes played on wax blow digital ones out of the water
Promoter
Definition
(noun) A person or company responsible for arranging and publicizing events, such as concerts or festivals, handling booking performers, marketing, and ticket sales. Promoters often work closely with DJs to secure gigs and are compensated based on ticket sales and sometimes alcohol / food depending on their deals with the venue.
Usage
I reached out to this promoter in the local scene and he booked me
Festival
Definition
(noun) Multi-day events featuring various musical acts, including producers and DJs, attracting large crowds to celebrate music and community, often in outdoor settings. Large outdoor festivals such as Tomorrowland, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), and Ultra have given significant tailwind and rise to the DJ and producer as the modern pop/rockstar.
Usage
I went to Ultra Miami, it was a wicked festival
Collaborations / Collabs
Definitions
(noun) Musical projects where two or more artists work together to create new songs, albums, or performances, combining their talents and styles for unique and innovative music.
Usage
The project was a collab between DJ Whats My Name & Danny F
Related Terms
- Co-Producer
- Ghost producer
Record Pool
Definition
Record Pool is a service or organization that provides DJs with access to a large collection of promotional music tracks, often before they are available to the general public. These pools are typically subscription-based and are designed to help DJs stay current with the latest releases across various genres. Record pools originally emerged to distribute vinyl records, but today they predominantly offer digital downloads. Membership in a record pool allows DJs to consistently update their music libraries with high-quality tracks, remixes, and exclusive edits.
Usage
Joining a record pool has significantly expanded my access to new music and exclusive remixes.
Related Terms
• Promo Service: Another term for a record pool, emphasizing the promotional aspect.
• Digital Record Pool: Modern version of record pools, providing digital tracks for download.
• Exclusive Edits: Unique versions of tracks that are often available only through record pools.