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Torq LE User Guide » Chapter 8

Channel Volume Faders

Besides going to the PFL, the audio leaving the EQ also goes to the Channel Volume fader. This is the primary

volume control for the channel (though it is subordinate to the crossfader) which works just like a volume fader on

a traditional mixer. You can match volumes of the two tracks using the Channel Volume faders. However, some DJs

prefer the technique of leaving the Channel Volume faders fully up—you then match the volumes of the songs using

the Gain knobs. The reason for this is that you’re then free to use the Channel Volume faders for other effects such

as volume fades, cuts, and stutter effects, similar to the scratch techniques used on the Crossfader. Whichever

approach you choose is entirely up to you.

Note: You can quickly return a Channel Volume fader to full volume by holding SHIFT and clicking on the fader.

Crossfader

After the audio leaves the individual mixer channels via the Channel Volume faders, the signals enter their respective

sides of the Crossfader. The Crossfader is the large horizontal fader just below the Mixer. As you will see, its name

is very appropriate as it allows you to fade between the two channels in a motion that goes side to side across

the mixer. When the Crossfader is in its middle location, you will hear both of the mixer channels. If you move the

Crossfader all the way to the left, you will only hear the channel for the left Deck. Similarly, if you move the Crossfader

all the way to the right, you will only hear the right Deck.

The Crossfader was invented to offer DJs an easy way to fade out of one song while fading in another while only

using one hand. Indeed, it still performs this task quite well. However, since its introduction, DJs have taken this

simple tool and transformed it into a virtual razor blade that allows them to perform lightning-fast cuts, scratches, and

a myriad of other techniques.

Note: Torq’s Crossfader has been designed to be very quick and responsive. However, if you are only using a

mouse to control Torq LE, you probably won’t be able to use the Crossfader for more than fading between songs.

If you want to use the Crossfader for cuts and scratching, we recommend you control the Crossfader using one of

the real Crossfaders found on M-Audio or SynchroScience MIDI controllers (such as X-Session Pro). The tactile

response of the Crossfader comprises part of the scratching technique.

< Crossfader Curve

Speaking of scratching, one of the improvements to crossfader design is an adjustable Crossfader Curve.

This refers to the rate at which the songs fade in and out as the crossfader is moved from one side to the

other.

At one extreme is the Equal Power Contour, which is good for slow fades between two songs. As you move

the fader from the edge toward the center, it will slowly fade in one song. However, as it is fading in this song,

it will also start fading out the other song. The end result is that the overall volume remains the same as you

fade, even when both songs are playing at the same time.

At the other extreme of the adjustable range is the Hard Cut. This shape causes a song to fade in to full

volume almost immediately after moving the fader inward from the edge. Similarly, the other song will not

begin to fade out until the crossfader is almost all the way at the other edge. Then, right before the crossfader

reaches the edge, the other song will fade down. This is the shape preferred by scratch DJs as they can cut

in a track to full volume with very little motion of their hand. When performed quickly, you don’t even hear the

volume fade up and down—it sounds as if the sound is being abruptly cut in and out.