DRN Education - Mixshows & DJs
Mixshows and Radio Stations
The Dance Radio Network auditions mixshows for possible airplay. A mixshow is a continuous blend of music synchronized by the beats per minute (BPM). Matching the beats per minute from one song to the next was traditionally accomplished with turntables. Digital non-linear technology now allows a DJ to mix multiple songs with compact discs or directly within a computer system. Within the mixshow, a radio host should periodically talk to the listeners in between songs. There is no exchange of monies on behalf of the Dance Radio Network or mixshow provider.
- Give your mixshow personality. Keep it positive with our ‘feel good’ philosophy.
- Be a host to your listeners. Provide information on the music, artists, tour dates, etc. Remember your mixshow airs on a network across four time zones in the continental United States.
- Promote the city of your show (i.e. “Hi, this is DJ ___ coming to you from Las Vegas on the Dance Radio Network”).
- Let your listeners know they are hearing your mixshow on the Dance Radio Network. Do not mention other radio stations if your mixshow is exclusive to DRN.
- All tracks must be clean.
- Each mixshow or individual segment should be about 28 minutes.
- Be consistent in providing shows to the radio station or network.
DJs and Radio Stations
Only at certain parts of our broadcast day are the on-air radio DJs voice tracked. Voice tracking allows a radio station or network the illusion of having live talent.
To be an on-air host on the Dance Radio Network, simply submit a demo of our vocal skills for consideration. DEMO FORM
Our voice tracking talent can reside from anywhere in the country. We actually prefer having DJs represent the various cities of America.
DRN provides voice tracking DJs with a program log. This log indicates the songs to air and when to talk. For example:
17:03 - I Will Be Here / Tiesto with Sneaky Sound System
17:07 - TALK keycode M1707 save as mp3
17:07 - Day After Day [De-Grees edit] / Rikah
* Notice the file name M1707. M = Monday, 1707 = time of day (using the 24 hour clock 1707 is 5:07 PM)
Here are the easy steps to create a voice track using the above example.
Step #1 - Record your voice track. (i.e. "That's Tiesto with Sneaky Sound System and their 2009 hit 'I Will Be Here'. Up next on the Dance Radio Network, music from the Rikah 'Day After Day'.").
Be creative and informative with your voice track segments. Use sound effects, audio actualities, listener comments, etc. when possible.
Step #2 - Save the voice track. Each voice track has a unique file number. In the above example, the file should be saved as M1707.
Save all files as MP3 (the file extension should read .mp3). The MP3 should be recorded at a constant bit rate. Do not use variable bit rate. A satisfactory quality MP3 is 128kBit/s - 44.100kHz, Mono. A good quality MP3 is 192kBit/s - 44.100kHz, Stereo.
There should be no 'dead air' within the voice track. Each voice track should begin immediately with sound and end with sound... no silence within the audio track.
Step #3 - After recording the voice tracks for the session, simply upload the files to a designated folder on our FTP site. It's that easy!
Equipment
This is an easy and inexpensive studio at home or the office. Attach a quality microphone to your USB2 mixer connected to your computer and you're ready to go!
Below is a picture of a real home studio in a closet. This is all the basic gear necessary for a voice track or mixshow DJ. A DJ needs a microphone (one microphone per person speaking). Higher quality microphones produce a better sound. The microphone generally connects by XLR cable to a mixer. Most audio mixers will work just fine. Use the mixer to control the gain on the microphone(s). Click HERE for more details.
To record and edit the audio within your computer, a software program needs to be installed. There are many available software programs which will do the job. What matters is the final result. If you are on a budget, Audacity is freeware.
Each audio editor has a left and right channel. This is stereo.
* Notice the audio is visible in a waveform.
As with any software program, highlight the region to edit, cut, copy, or replace.
There are many functions to alter the sound.
Audio software can be used in radio for editing music, voice tracks, phone callers, sound effects, etc.
Layering background sound effects or music under the voice track can be done with a mix-paste command.
** You can also take your production to a whole new level with Auto-Tune
plug-ins for Pro Tools.
Musical Keyboard & Synthesizer
An optional choice for your audio production workstation is the addition of a musical keyboard. The Korg M50 creates wonders by adding custom background effects, beats, etc. If you are a remixer, a keyboard is essential.