Technophile James Zabiela continues the series with a demonstration of the beat roll effect on the DJM-800 mixer, which is a favourite for a lot of DJs.

One of the many beat effects on the DJM-800, the roll (and reverse roll) effect is particularly useful as it also acts as a sampler for creating non-destructive loops, as James reveals. He furthermore shows off a few of his signature JZ moves involving the roll and reverse roll.

These DJ gymnastics include how to edit the roll live, and how to assign the effect to different channels.

James finishes up this clip with even more manipulation and further improvisation as he illustrates how to combine the roll effect with the mixer’s colour effects (including crush, filter, harmonic and sweep).

How to DJ is produced by DJdownload.com and Ministry of Sound TV. All music supplied by ALiVE Recordings. Words: LRC