Sister SF Resident DJ Amber brings her DJing advice column, Cue & A, to the pages of SisterSF.com! Every month she'll be answering two questions sent in by different DJs from around the world.

Cue & A for January 2004:

QUESTION: Are a lot of DJ CDs done completely live or are a lot using a lot of computer editing and perfecting?

ANSWER: Nearly all DJ CDs are have some amount of computer editing and perfecting, known as post-production. Especially with the proliferation of easy to use and affordable audio editing software for the PC or Mac.

At the minimum, because the volume throughout a set can vary widely, many DJs correct the volume on the recorded mix to stay even throughout.

A definite benefit to the listener. In the most extreme cases, most commonly used by licensed mix CDs on major labels, recorded mixes are post-produced using every possible tool to craft the "perfect" mix from the recording. I've event heard of cases where each turntable is separately recorded, so that the two tracks can be perfectly overlayed in the studio.

QUESTION: How much should you stress on the production of a CD used only for the purpose of getting a gig?

ANSWER: If your mixes are clean, not perfect--but clean, and you've recorded at a good loud level throughout with a good EQ balance, you should be fine. My most important advice (and I cannot stress this enough!) is to not let your waiting for a flawless mix get in the way of recording and putting out a mix. I can count dozens of DJs who were determined to release only a flawless mix, only to wait so long that they never put anything out. Now, will that get you a gig?

Want to ask Amber a question? Email her your burning request at amber@sistersf.com. Amber can't reply to all the mail she receives. We also can't guarantee she'll answer your particular question in this column, but check back often just in case! And don't forget, if Amber tells you to do the DJing equivalent of sticking your hand in the fire, don't hold us liable!