How to mix EDM
EDM is built around builds and drops. The classic moves happen there: swap to the next track's drop, stack two builds, or line up a double drop.
Typical tempo: Big room and festival EDM mostly 126–130 BPM; dubstep around 140 (70 in half-time).
Tips
- Mix in during the build-up, not the drop.
- A drop swap gives the crowd the new track's drop instead of the old one.
- Double drops need perfect phrasing. Practise them before the gig.
- Don't use two showstopper transitions back to back. Leave room for the next peak.
How to order the set
- Warm up with progressive and melodic tracks.
- Build into big room.
- Peak with festival anthems and double drops.
- Close with a melodic, emotional track.
Transitions to learn first
- Echo outLet A ring out on an echo, then drop B.
- Filter handoffWash A out with the filter while B comes in.
- Hard cut on the phraseSnap from A to B exactly on a new phrase.
Level up
- Breakdown swapSwap tracks while the beat is out and let B rebuild.
- Energy resetOne breath of silence, then start somewhere calmer.
- Build stackStack B's build on top of A's, then drop into B.
- Noise riserBuild tension with a white-noise riser, then drop B.
- Half-time switchDrop B so its beat sits at half (or double) A's speed.
- Reverb freezeFreeze A into a wash of reverb, then let B emerge.
- Hook teaseFlash B's hook over A, pull it away, then deliver it.
- Drop swapRide both builds, then give the crowd B's drop instead.
- Key-shift boostMove up the Camelot wheel for an instant lift.
Big moments
- Pitch diveDrag A's pitch down like a dying record, then cut to B.
- Stop on the oneStop A dead, hold the silence, slam B on the 1.
- Word stutterStutter a word from B over A's last bar, then let it rip.
- Fake dropBuild to A's drop, cut to silence, then drop B instead.
- Double dropLine up both drops and let them hit at the same time.
Practise with your own songs
Import your playlist and Cueball puts it in order, picks the right transition for every pair of songs, and shows you exactly which knobs to move.
Build a set for free