Effects are one of a DJ’s most powerful tools—and also one of the most misused. When used in the right doses, they make a transition seamless or create a standout moment. When overused, they tire the ear and result in a messy sound. Here are the basics of the three essential types of effects: reverb, delay, and stem effects.
How Does an Effect Work?
In Serato DJ Pro, just like on Pioneer DJ mixers, an effect is almost always controlled by three parameters:
- Leveling (dry/wet or level/depth): the ratio of the processed sound to the original sound.
- Time (beats): the duration of the effect, synchronized to the song's tempo (half a beat, one beat, two beats…).
- The channel: whether the effect is applied to the track or to the master.
The golden rule: An effect should be prepared before it’s heard. Select and adjust it while the level is set to zero, then turn it up at the right moment.
Reverb: Creating Space
Reverb simulates the natural echo of a room. It adds depth and volume to the sound.
When to Use It
- At the end of a sung phrase, to soften a break.
- During a break, to create some space before the beat comes back.
- At the end of a track: a reverb that builds as you lower the volume creates an elegant fade-out.
The Trap
Too much reverb, for too long, makes the sound distant and muddy. In Latin music, where the percussion needs to remain crisp, use it only briefly.
Delay (echo): repeating in time with the beat
The delay repeats the sound at regular intervals, synchronized to the tempo. It's the most useful effect for transitions.
When to Use It
- Echo Out: Apply the echo effect to the last phrase of a track, cut the track, and let the echoes fade out as the next track starts. This is the perfect solution when transitioning between two styles with incompatible tempos, such as bachata and reggaeton.
- Voice echo: Repeating a loud word or a “hey” from the singer creates a moment of tension before a drop.
Set the time correctly
A delay of one beat or half a measure sounds rhythmic and natural. A delay that isn't synced to the tempo sounds like a mistake.
Effects on stems: the new generation
With Serato Stems, built into Serato DJ Pro, you can isolate the vocals, melody, bass, and drums from a track. This makes effects much more precise:
- Echo on the vocals only: the vocals fade out as an echo while the instrumental track continues uninterrupted.
- The echo is heard only over the instrumental track: the instrumental fades out, and the vocals remain alone for a few moments.
- The "braker" effect on the instrumental track: the instrumental slows down until it stops, vinyl-style, while the vocals remain unchanged.
- The drum echo: the drum fades out, leaving only the melody.
On compatible Pioneer DJ controllers and tables, the mixer’s effects (Sound Color FX and Beat FX) can also be combined with stems to apply them to only a portion of the track. For more advanced usage ideas, read “Using Effects and Stems in a Multi-Genre Set.”
The Five Rules for Using Effects Effectively
- An effect must have a reason: transition, tension, surprise. Never just out of habit.
- Synchronize everything to the tempo: make sure the track's BPM has been analyzed correctly.
- Adjust the intensity gradually: build up the effect smoothly and fade it out cleanly.
- One effect at a time: stacking reverb, delay, and filters all at once can quickly result in a muddled sound.
- Keep an eye on the volume: some effects increase the volume. Keep an eye on your VU meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which effect should I learn first?
The echo out. It's the most useful effect for everyday use, especially for a DJ who mixes styles with different tempos.
Is it the software or the table?
Both work. The effects on the mixer are often faster to access during live sets, while those in Serato DJ Pro offer more options and effects for stems.
Perfect for listening to in the evening
See these effects in action at my upcoming events, or relive them through photos.
