Pioneer DJM Noise Effect

The noise effect on the Pioneer DJM series mixers can be a versatile tool in your arsenal of tricks when DJ’ing. Whether its to add a bit of depth to a break down or to enhance a build up, used correctly the noise effect is a worthwhile addition to any DJ set. The noise effect generates a white noise sound which is essentially a mix of all the different frequencies at once from low to high. It's often likened to the white noise sound on an old TV set when you don't have a signal or channel being received. The effect controls then allow you to sculpt the sound using a filter dial, this action will create a sweeping effect which is often used to create 'whoosh' type sound effect. The great thing about the noise effect is that you can use it on any channel on the mixer, it doesn't have to be the channel your track is playing through. Try using a spare channel so that you have more control of the volume using the channel fader. Here are some tips to get you started. If you would like to learn more effect skills click here join our one-to-one DJ lessons!

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1. Using Noise in a Breakdown

Most forms of dance music incorporate a break down somewhere in the track. This is a section of music that normally is more sparse and devoid of the bass frequency. Often it's made by removing the drums and bassline and focusing on the melody, vocals and atmospheric sounds. As great as this is it can often lead to an unwanted dip in energy. The noise effect can be one of the best way to fill these low points and get your listeners excited for the drop. The drop is where the drums and bass come back!

For best results use the noise effect on a channel where you don’t have a track playing, this way you can control the level of the noise effect using the channel fader. Gradually increase the level of the noise as the breakdown progresses.

To add a little more depth you can team the noise with the reverb effect in the beat FX section of the mixer. This will help give the noise a little more presence and fill the space even more.

2. Using Noise for a Buildup

Using the noise effect in a build up can help create a little more tension, and more anticipation for the drop. You can use the noise in a similar way and have it activated on a channel where you don’t currently have a track playing. In addition to increasing the noise effect as the track builds up you can use the volume faded to cut the noise effect in and out to the beat of the track.

Alternatively you can apply the transform (trans) effect from the beat FX section to the channel that you have the noise assigned to.

Try starting at a 1 beat value with the transform and decrease the value as the drop approaches making the transform intervals faster.

3. Use the Noise effect to Scratch

The noise effect can be a cool way to add some scratching to you DJ set. Again we’re going to use the noise on a channel where we don’t  have any music playing but this time you’ll need to assign that channel to the crossfader.

Whist turning the control for the noise effect open and close the crossfader in time with the music to create a scratch style effect with the noise. You can really speed things up and try a transform style scratch.

Try applying the echo from the beat FX section to really add some more character.

4. Using the Noise effect with Echo

This combination can be used in various places throughout a track but it really works well when your track from one major change in phrase to the next. As you track approaches a change try applying the noise and the echo effect from the beat FX section at the same time.

Again you will want to be using the noise effect on a channel with no music just so you have full control. Experiment with the different echo values for varying results. This can be really effective when you have a track that takes a little while to get going.

These a re just a few of the ways that you can really utilise the noise effect. Give these a go and then see what cool ideas you can come up with by combining the noise with different beat FX.

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Looking for more DJ effect skills? Check out this blog on how to use the Echo effect. Click here.

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If you would like more help with your DJ skills make sure you check out our DJ courses both at DJ and our partner London Sound Academy.