Make a Mix of 2 Songs
The process of mixing two or more songs, sometimes referred to as a "mash-up," allows DJs, audio engineers and digital music hobbyists to creatively combine different compositions into a single cohesive piece of work. But you do not need extensive musical training to create these unique mixes at home. Even an amateur home producer can create impressive two-song mixes using simple commercial-grade software and music MP3s.
Instructions
1. Select two MP3 files for the songs that you would like to mix.
2. Select an audio editing program for your project. Popular examples include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio and Cubase. If you do not own an audio editing program, you can find a free program online such as Audacity, Power Sound Editor or Wavosaur.
3. Figure out the tempo (speed) of each song, indicated by the number of beats per minute (bpm). In most cases, your two songs will play at different speeds, so you will need to change the speed of one song to match the other in order to create a smooth mix. You can calculate tempo in a number of ways. For example, count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply the result by four. You can also look at bpm databases online for tempo information.
4. Adjust your songs so that the tempos match. If one song has a tempo of 130 bpm, and your other song has a tempo of 145 bpm, choose which of those tempos you would like to use for your mix and edit the song that does not already match that tempo. Just open your song using your audio editing program and adjust the tempo slider to slow down or speed up the song until it closely matches your destination speed. In some programs, like Logic and GarageBand, your "Tempo" setting will appear right on your main browser beneath the audio tracks, but in other programs you will need to access it from the menu bar under "Effects," "Options" or "Adjustments."
5. Adjust the pitch of one song so that it matches the other. In many cases, your two songs will not be in the same key, which makes it difficult to create a smooth, cohesive mix. To fix this problem, open one song in your audio editor and adjust your "Pitch" slider one note at a time until the pitch matches the key of your other song. In other words, move the slider one tick forward, then play back your other song to see if the melodies harmonize together. If not, move the slider a second time and try again. Repeat this process as many times as necessary.
6. Create a new project for your mix using your audio editing software.
7. Add your edited song files to your project by dragging them directly onto the browser.
8. Remove the parts of the songs that you do not wish to use for your mix. Use your "Cut" tool to click the starting point and ending point of an unwanted region, then click the section to highlight it and press "Delete."
9. Divide the remaining portions of your song files into sections using your "Cut" tool. For example, create dividing lines separating verse sections from chorus sections so that you can rearrange those sections to your liking.
10. Use your mouse to rearrange the divided sections, interspersing the two songs like a shuffled deck of cards. Experiment with different arrangements until the mix works for you.
11. Save your work.
