Many different sound effects are used in a DJ set. Some DJs say that the success of their performances depends on the right sound effects at the right time. There are different types and every DJ should know them like the back of his or her hand.
Have you been wondering: what sound effects do DJs use? In this post, you will find the variety of sounds that are favorites when creating and mixing.
What is a sound effect in DJing?
Sound effects in DJing refer to the use of various audio effects, such as reverb, echo and delay, to enhance the sound of the music being played. DJs can use these effects to create a more dynamic and engaging sound experience for their audience.
They can also use sound effects to transition from one song to another or to give emphasis to certain parts of a song. These are usually added with a DJ controller or mixing software, and can be particularly useful in genres such as House & Techno.
Most Popular DJ sound effects
DJs use a variety of sound effects such as the following:
Reverb
Reverb is a sound effect that creates the illusion of being in a certain space. It is used in electronic music, but also in many other genres and styles.
The idea behind reverb is to make your music sound like it’s happening in a room, rather than coming out of speakers.
Also, it is a term that refers to the reflection of sound after it has hit a surface. For example, if you clap your hands, the sound bounces off the walls or ceiling and will come to you as an echo.
Delay
When talking about sound effects for DJs, delays are one of the most common. Delays allow you to add echo-like repetitions to your audio, which can help make it more interesting and create tension as you mix.
It is commonly used as an echo effect: a repeating sound that lags a few milliseconds behind the original signal.
You can use this technique to make things sound more or less prominent depending on how loud they are in relation to other instruments in the mix.
Distortion
Distortion is one of the most powerful effects in a DJ’s arsenal, and one that is definitely in vogue. This is because it allows you to modify the sound in a way that best suits a particular musical style.
It comes in many forms and can be added at any stage of the mixing process: from the turntable to the mixer to the speakers or headphones.
You can also use distortion to create completely new sounds, which is especially useful when you want to create your own music.
Equalization
Equalization is an important part of DJing. It allows you to shape the sound of your mix and is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.
EQ is short for “equalization,” which means that it adjusts the level of different frequencies in a track. It’s useful because it allows you to control how much of each frequency range is present in the music.
Equalization can also help bring out certain details in a mix that would otherwise be lost. If a song needs more treble, you can boost the EQ around 10 kHz; if it needs more bass, try boosting around 60 Hz.
Filters
Filters are audio effects that alter the frequency range of the music. They can be used to make parts of the mix sound lower or crisper, or they can be added to a song to bring out certain elements.
There are two main types of filters. High pass filters cut frequencies below a certain point (remove low frequencies), while low pass filters cut high frequencies above a certain point (remove high frequencies).
These types of filters are often used with equalizers to control specific frequencies in the mix, but you can also use them independently for creative purposes.
Where do DJs get sound effects?
There are several websites where you can find free and paid sound effects online, such as Freesound, SoundBible, FreeSFX, Artlist, Soundsnap and Zapsplat.
These websites offer a wide range of sound effects that you can use for your music projects. Be sure to check the license terms before using any sound effects, as some may require attribution or have other restrictions.
Most of the sound effects used by DJs play some role in creating a mood, as well as describing a certain way of playing music.
As with all artists, DJs have their own preferences when it comes to sound effects, and many come up with their own original use. It’s never really impossible to come up with new uses for many different DJ effects if you’re creative.
Are you ready to start rocking with these effects? Bring your DJ session to life on Wavezoo!