Mixing two songs is a fun way to create original sounds. Whether you're practicing your DJ skills, or just enjoying new beats, mixing songs brings old beats back to life. Anyone can create new sounds by mixing and matching songs using free online applications and free programs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Find a Show
Step 1. Find a free mixing program
Do a web search for song mixing programs. Check the functionality of each program to make sure you can mix the songs the way you want. There are many platforms that make mixing songs user-friendly:
- Mixx: free mixing program for DJs.
- Acoustica Mixcraft - 14-day free trial available for download.
- ACID Pro - Sony's professional music program with free trial available.
- Mix Pad Multitrack Mixer - Allows users to record their own music or import tracks.
Step 2. Download and install the program you want
After selecting one of the many available options, download and install the program you want to use.
Follow the program's installation instructions
Step 3. Open the program on the computer
When the installation is complete, you can immediately start mixing songs. Some of the demo versions of the programs are only accessible for a limited time after downloading. Start mixing songs immediately to get the most out of the free trial period.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the songs to mix
Step 1. Consider the type of music you are going to create
It is possible to mix the songs for different purposes. You should think about what you are going to mix them for when you select the songs you are going to combine.
- Choose music with different rhythms for dance music mixes.
- Look for songs that have similar instrumentation for back-to-back mixes where one song mixes with the other.
- Try mixing an instrumental song with a song that has lyrics to create unique sounds.
Step 2. Listen to the songs individually
Familiarize yourself with the tempo and musicality of the songs you are mixing. Make a note of any particular part of the song that you want to highlight when mixing the songs.
Step 3. Play both songs at the same time
Listen to the sound of the songs at the same time to make sure they are combined correctly.
- Make a note of the tempo of each song to determine whether you need to speed up or slow down the beat.
- Consider the key to each song to make sure they are consonants.
- Listen to complementary parts where both songs can be played together.
Step 4. Switch between both songs
In a good music mix the sound flows from one song to the next. Toggle the start and end of the two songs to hear how one sounds after the other.
You can save time when you start mixing songs by listening to the songs' natural transitions between paragraphs, chorus, and in-between. Take note of when these transitions occur
Part 3 of 3: Mix the songs
Step 1. Choose an MP3 file of a song as a starting point
Import the song into the mixing program. Depending on the program you choose, you will have to start a new project or file to start mixing.
Follow the program's instructions to import the original track
Step 2. Set the tempo of the song
You can adjust the speed of your songs by changing the "Beats Per Minute" or BPM (Beats Per Minute) settings in most programs. Speed up or slow down the song in case you are mixing it with another song that has a different tempo.
- Look in the program for the "Rhythm Map" or "Set Project Tempo" options.
- Use the program's metronome settings to determine the song's BPM by setting the metronome at the same time as the song.
Step 3. Import the second song
Add another audio track to the project and import the song you want to mix with the first one.
- Add instrumental tracks to combine with a vocal original.
- Combine multiple songs to create unique mixes.
- Create your own mixes by combining two songs.
Step 4. Match the tempo of each song
Use the BPM setting tools to change the tempo of the second song to match the first.
Step 5. Tune or combine the tones of both songs
Listen carefully to each song and set the pitch to be higher or lower depending on the sound of the song. Make sure the tones blend together or the songs won't sound good together.
Look for the program options to "Change Password" or "Adjust Tone."
Step 6. Combine the drum beat on both songs
Make sure the songs play in the same rhythm by listening to the beat of the drums and adjusting the songs so that they go together.
Step 7. Adjust the volume levels of both songs with the program
You can make one song merge with the other, or let both songs play simultaneously. Make the mix your own by inputting and extracting each song from the mix.
Step 8. Save the project
Some programs will allow you to export the finished song as a new MP3 file. Take a look at the program you use to discover its available saving options.
Advice
- Play around with the program to determine what sounds best.
- Put the drum hits together to make sure the songs blend together.