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Audio engineering · Recording

Harmonic mixing

What is harmonic mixing? A clear definition from the audio engineering and recording section of our glossary, with 15 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Harmonic mixing

Harmonic mixing or key mixing (also referred to as mixing in key) is a DJ technique of matching the musical key of tracks in a DJ mix to avoid dissonance and create harmonious mixes or mashups. Tracks may be matched if they are in the same key, if their keys are relative, or if their keys are in a subdominant or dominant relationship with one another.

The Camelot wheel is based on the circle of fifths and can be used for harmonic mixing.

Modern DJ software can use algorithms to determine a track's key. Other methods to determine key include the use of AI or looking up tracks in an online database.

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What is Harmonic mixing?

Harmonic mixing or key mixing (also referred to as mixing in key) is a DJ technique of matching the musical key of tracks in a DJ mix to avoid dissonance and create harmonious mixes or mashups.

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