One of the initial things newbie DJs have to be aware of is the Crossfader vs Channel Fader methodologies. Both are essential skills that will allow a DJ to create outstanding sets and track integrations that will potentially rock the crowd. Learning how to fade tracks in and out of each other seamlessly is not rocket science, but you have to put some effort into understanding the difference between the crossfader and the channel fader, or line fader as it is also often called. A DJ must learn how each of them works individually and what are the pros and cons of both methods.
It’s hard to say for sure which type of fader is better. It really does come down to the style and preferences of each DJ, especially if you are a more technical DJ such as James Hype or DJ EZ.
Some prefer to use the crossfader for traditional transitions, whilst others remain devout to the channel fader for higher precision and more control over the tracks they mix.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the crossfader is easier to use and it is recommended to newbie DJs in their first attempts of fading a track. Then as they start to feel more comfortable with this type of fading, they can step up their game with the channel fader blending.
Read on to learn the differences between crossfader and channel fader and the pros and cons of each of them.
Crossfader vs Channel Fader
If you are new to DJing, you might be wondering what is the difference between a crossfader and the channel faders (also known as volume slider or line fading or up fading). Before you learn the difference between them, you have to understand how a DJ controller works. Modern controllers are made up of two channels out of which audio comes. The DJ can load one track on each channel then mix them together.
Now that we’ve made that super clear, let’s dive into the differences between the two types of fading.
Crossfading relies on a horizontal slider that controls the volume from each channel. If the slider is in the middle position, each channel will generate the same volume output. Simply put, the two songs will play equally loud. Now if you move the slider to the right or to the left, the volume of one song will fade while the volume of another song will increase by as many times as the first song’s sound is decreasing. Since the controller does it all automatically, crossfading is a bit more natural when it comes to novice DJs.
The channel fader is a bit more complicated to deal with because it requires more accuracy from the DJ. There is no one slider for two channels. Rather each channel has its own slider. You have to manipulate the output from each channel at the same time to get the needed result. You have to find the balance between the songs on your own. That makes channel fading more complex and a little more tricky for newbies.
If you want to build a successful career in DJing, you have to be able to use both types of fading. After all, each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
Below we discuss the pros and cons of crossfader and channel fader.
Crossfader upsides
1. Easier to fade tracks
The crossfader is easier to work with given its slider that unifies both audio channels. Moving the slider left or right is far simpler compared to manipulating two volume sliders at the same time. This is the main reason entry-level DJs are encouraged to use this type of fading. Moreover, this allows them to dedicate their time to learning other DJing basics and finish the course much faster. Once you start to use the crossfader with confidence, you can switch to the channel fader. It’s harder to use, but if you have a good crossfader basis, you will master it really fast.
2. The best choice for quick cuts
Are you a fan of quick cuts? if yes, you are better off integrating them into your tracks using the crossfader. While you can do it with a channel fader as well, you will just spend more effort and time on it. By moving the slider quickly to the right then bringing it back in a split second, you can create abrupt cuts with ease. The lightning-fast transition will prevent the songs from overlapping for long. In this way, there will be the impression that the leading song has been abruptly shut down, replaced for another song for a fraction of a second, then brought back. With a channel fader, it’s hard to achieve such a fast transition.
3. Perfect for scratch DJs
The crossfader is definitely the best choice for scratch DJs who have one hand permanently busy on the platter scratching. They can then use their other hand to move the crossfader slider. If you use a channel fader, you might need both hands to control the output of two channels at the same time. But saying that, practice makes all these skills far smoother and easier to carry out.
Crossfader downside
Less versatile
While it’s easier to use, crossfader offers fewer track fading opportunities. Given that the slider does most of the volume mixing on its own, you have less control over the process. You can’t increase the sound of a song and decrease the volume of another by the desired amount. The slider keeps a pre-set balance between the volume of two channels that can’t be changed at DJ’s will. You might not find this a big issue if you are an amateur DJ. But as soon as you gain in popularity, you will want to become proficient at line fading as well because it gives more opportunities for experimenting with tracks and pulling off dope sets.
Linefader upsides
1. More control over the volume
A channel fader gives you much more control over the volume. The two songs are not unified into one volume system. You can handle each channel manually and decide how much to increase or fade their sound. As a result, you can experiment more and create different track variations. This is the very reason the channel fader approach is preferred by experienced DJs who always look to surprise the crowd with something new. Beginners don’t need this feature. They will get more confused and learn track fading much slower if they use a channel fader.
2. Linefader is present on most of controllers
If you plan on DJing in clubs someday, mastering channel fader is a must for that. The point here is that most clubs have their own DJing equipment and in many cases, you will find the crossfader to be faulty.
Being a much easier way to fade tracks, it is used more often. As a result, it tends to break down pretty fast. Moreover, some controllers don’t even have crossfaders. They have only channel fader. Keep in mind, though, that there might be a club where the channel fader is broken down and the crossfader works. You got to be prepared for both scenarios and be proficient at both devices.
3. Allows for gradual transitions
Channel faders are great for gradual transitions. To perform one, set the first song at full volume, then gradually integrate the second song. Let the latter gain momentum and once you are satisfied with its volume, start to reduce the volume of the leading song. The transition will be smooth and lack gaps. A gap happens when the first song has almost faded away while the second song hasn’t been incorporated yet. Such a situation is typical of crossfaders where it’s impossible to keep a song at full volume while bringing in the second track. As soon as one song starts to come up, the second track starts to fade out at the same pace.
Linefader downside
Is harder to master
While it provides more precision with the volume and more space for experimenting, the line fader is more difficult to handle than a crossfader. As we have already explained, you have to control each channel output manually. Unfortunately, amateur DJs may find it hard to stay in control of both channels concomitantly. You have to practice a lot until you finally come to grips with this skill. However, as soon as you learn channel fading, you will get your hands untied in altering the tracks to your own taste.
Crossfader vs Channel Fader: The Verdict
It really does come down to a couple of core factors. #1: Personal preference. Which method is more natural to the way and level that you are currently DJing at. #2: Music genre and style. Some music genres and styles of mixing will be far better suited to one style or the other. For example, House and Techno will favor channel fading whilst scratch DJs will focus far more on crossfader skills.
Our takeaway advice, Don’t rush things, play around with your sound, get comfortable with your style and the rest will fall into place. That’s a promise.
Happy blending!
