25 Years of Mixxx DJ-Contest

content/news/XXXX-XX-XX-25_years_of_mixxx_dj_contest.md

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+title: 25 Years of Mixxx Intergalactic DJ Contest
+authors: Evelynne Veys
+status: draft
+tags: 25 years of Mixxx, Intergalactic DJ Contest
+comments: yes
+
+
+To celebrate the 25th anniversary of [Mixxx](https://mixxx.org) and its community, we want to organize an event where everyone can show how they use Mixxx, what tricks Mixxx makes possible, to demonstrate that Mixxx is designed to 'DJ your way' and how much fun we have with it.
+
+## Who?
+Everyone who loves music and DJing, whether you DJ for yourself, for friends and family or in public, whether you are a bedroom DJ, a tango DJ, a wedding DJ, a club DJ, or a Famous DJ playing on big events, whether you're a beginner or already experienced — everyone is invited to join.  
+Music is about emotions, DJing is about evoking emotions in others: with music you can make others happy, cheerful, enthusiastic or excited, but you can also make others melancholic, sad, or withdrawn.  
+
+Take the audience along, DJ your way and entertain us.
+
+## What?
+
+When playing some music styles, tricks and techniques can be complement and reinforce each other, whereas in other styles this is not the case.  
+Show us your style, show us how you experience music, share the vibe and let others experience music.  
+There is no jury in this competition judging based on technique, music choice, or ... In this contest, everything is up to the community; everyone is free to decide on which criteria they base their vote for you.  
+Every style is welcome, whether it is classical, R&B, metal... but we prefer music created with human creativity.  
+
+In 3 rounds (or 2 if there are no more than 25 candidates), our community chooses who will be the **'25 Years of Mixxx DJ Contest Laureats'**.
+* **Round 1** = up to 100 candidates (limited to 100 to keep it manageable).
+* **Round 2** = 25 candidates (skipped if fewer than 25 total participants in the first round)  
+* **Final** = 10 finalists
+
+##Prizetable
+
+[![DJ Contest Prize Table]({static}/images/news/djcontest_prizetable.png)]({static}/images/news/djcontest_prizetable.png)
+
+Prizes on the prizetable (alphabetical on brand)  
+* 2x [Adam Audio H 200 Headphones](https://www.adam-audio.com/en/headphones/h200/)  
+* 3x [Beyerdynamic DJ 300 PRO X headphones](https://global.beyerdynamic.com/p/dj-300-pro-x)  
+* 1x [Reloop Ready DJ Controller](https://www.reloop.com/reloop-ready)  
+* 10 x [Mixxx 25th anniversary T-Shirts (1 for each finalist)](https://shop.mixxx.org/)  
+* even more prizes will appear on the table during the contest  
+
+
+In addition to unlimited fame and honor, thanks to the valued support of manufacturers and vendors, we can also honor the laureates with fantastic prizes.  
+All prizes will be displayed on a prize table (similar to a table-quiz) throughout the contest.  
+As soon as the result of the final vote round is known, the laureates can to choose a prize from the prize table in the order of the final results: first the highest-ranked finalist, then the runner-up... and so on, as long as there are prizes on the table.
+If finalists finish tied, the points earned in the second and (if necessary) first rounds will be counted. If this does not lead to a clearer ranking, the order in which the candidates submitted their first video will be taken into account (numbering in the first round).  
+
+To vendors and manufacturers:  
+We apologize if our communication did not reach you or was lost. You can still add a prize / prizes to our prize table; please contact us at 25years@mixxx.org for this. We greatly appreciate your support.
+
+**Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, prizes are shipped from Germany; although everyone can participate, participants from certain countries may not be able to choose and receive a prize if no customs agreements exist between the participant's country and the European Union.**
+
+**You must use Mixxx. You can use any version, including your own custom build (e.g. Mixxx 2.5.4 with extra features).**
+
+
+## Round 1 – Open to everyone (maximum 100)
+
+* Prepare a set of **maximum 6 minutes** and practice it. (setvideos with a duration of maximum 6:10 are accepted)
+* Your set must contain **2 samples** that are clearly audible and recognizable **3 times**:
+    - "Mixxx", "Mix" ...
+    - "25" (in English)
+(You can use a sample, part of the vocals from a song (e.g. extracted to stems, a recording of yourself, etc.)
+
+**To entertain the audience and avoid monotonous trance, techno, or disco sets, participants must use <u>2 tracks</u> whose original release dates differ by <u>at least 25 years</u> and whose original BPM difference is <u>at least 25 BPM</u>. Both tracks must be audible and recognizable for at least 25 seconds.**
+
+**Example:** A techno track from 2015 with a BPM > 130 and a pop/disco/soul classic from before 1988 with a BPM < 105.
+
+### Important Dates – Round 1
+
+* **Video submission deadline:** September 30th, 18:00 CET
+* **Voting opens:** October 7th, 18:00 CET
+* **Voting closes:** October 18th, 18:00 CET
+* **5 votes per community member**
+
+
+## Round 2 – 25 candidates
+
+> This round will be skipped if there are fewer than 25 participants in the first round.  
+> Participants in the second round are the DJs whose videos are in the **top 25** of the votes after round 1.
+
+* Prepare a set of **maximum 8 minutes** and practice it. (videos with a duration of maximum 8:10 are accepted)
+* The specific samples and tracks required for round 2 will be announced at the start of the voting round for round 1.
+* Because the time between submitting your mix for round 2 is limited, we recommend that you prepare a set as soon as the voting round for round 1 begins.
+
+### Important Dates – Round 2
+
+* **Video submission deadline:** November 4th, 18:00 CET
+* **Voting opens:** November 11th, 18:00 CET
+* **Voting closes:** November 22nd, 18:00 CET
+* **3 votes per community member**
+
+
+## Round 3 – 10 finalists
+
+* Prepare a set of **maximum 10 minutes** and practice it. (videos with a duration of maximum 10:10 are accepted)
+* The specific samples and tracks required for the final will be announced at the start of the voting round for round 2.
+* Because the time between submitting your mix for the final is limited, we recommend that you prepare a set as soon as the voting round for round 2 begins.
+
+### Important Dates – Final
+
+* **Video submission deadline:** December 2nd, 18:00 CET
+* **Voting opens:** December 9th, 18:00 CET
+* **Voting closes:** December 20th, 18:00 CET
+* **1 vote per community member**
+
+> A tie for first, second, and third place is possible.  
+ If this is the case, we will take into account the results of round 2 and, if necessary, round 1 to determine the order in which the laureates can choose a prize. If this still results in a tie, we will look at the order in which the first video was submitted (date and time of receipt of the participation email).
+
+
+## How to Participate (procedure for all rounds)
+
+### 1. Make a video of your set
+
+* The **Mixxx GUI must be visible in full screen throughout the entire set**so that we can see (and monitor) your actions. See below for more information on creating videos that record your screen and audio.
+* You must perform **live** (no pre-recorded set).
+* Create your video preferable with 1080p HD and HQ Audio.
+* Mouse movements do not need to be visible (captured in the video).
+* Do **not** add subtitles, captions of titles to the video.
+* To ensure that the same video and audio compression is used for all participants' videos, we ask you to upload your video to **YouTube as a private video (unlisted, non-publicn)** (only visible to those with the link). Share the link with **no one other than Mixxx**. See below for more information on uploading a video to YouTube.
+* Example of the format we expect: Happy 25th Anniversary Mixxx (with an abundance of samples)
+
+@Video(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIK-3mwuYeU)
+
+### 2. Send an email to djcontest@mixxx.org containing:
+
+* Link to your video
+* Your first and last name (we only need the addresses of the finalists to send their chosen prize)
+* Your DJ name and age (indicate whether we may mention your age)
+* A name for your set and a description
+* The timestamps where the required samples are audible  
+    - in the example:
+        - 'Mix'- or 'Mixxx'-sample: 0:21, 1:57, 1:59, 2:15, 2:17, 2:28, 2:30, 2:34, 2:36, 2:37, 2:57, 3:04, 3:05, 3:16, 3:17, 3:48, 3:49, 4:00, 4:04, 5:20  
+        - '25'-sample: 0:31, 1:54, 1:56 (2x), 2:03, 2:12, 4:18 (2x), 4:20 (2x), 4:23  
+* The two tracks you used that differ by 25 years and 25 BPM
+    - in the example:
+        - The Beatles - Birthday (1968 / 139 Bpm)  
+        - 50 Cent - In Da Club (2003 / 90 Bpm)  
+* The version of Mixxx you use (e.g., Mixxx 2.5.3)
+    - in the example: 2.6 beta with some personal features
+* Your operating system and version (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04, Windows 10)
+    - in the example: Windows 10
+* The controller you use (if applicable)
+    - in the example: 2x Traktor Kontrol F1 (1 mapped to mixer faders, 1 for stems)  
+* A few lines about yourself: your DJ history, interests, style, and musical preferences. Complete the following text and copy it to your participation email:
+
+> (DJname), aka (firstname) (name) is a (age) years old DJ from (city), (country).  
+(She/he/they ...) started (years) ago DJing and describes (her/his/their ..) style as (style).  
+What (DJname) loves about DJing is ...  
+(DJname) started using Mixxx (timedescription) and enjoys it especially because ...
+(DJname) titled this set as (settitle), and describes this set as (description).
+
+**Mixxx uses the collected information exclusively for the DJ competition; the collected personal information is not passed on or sold.**
+
+### 3. What we do with your submission
+
+* Download your video from YouTube
+* Add a *"25 Years of Mixxx"* intro and outro to your video
+* Add a description page and thumbnail with:
+    - a number (the order in which we receive the videos) for the voting
+    - Your DJ name (and age if permitted)
+    - We add the text you wrote about yourself as information overlay to your videp.
+* Check if the video meets the requirements. We highlight (subtitle) the moments where the required samples and tracks appear.
+* Check whether the videos contain offensive language (including unintended combinations of examples); if so, they will be excluded.
+* We will send you one response after your video has been reviewed: approved or rejected (with the reason). We will not comment on the reasons.
+* Upload the video to the **Mixxx YouTube channel**
+* Create a voting topic on our **Discourse forum** and open it for voting on the correct date and time.
+* The participants are shown in the order in which we received their email with the video link, with **DJ name, set name, and video link**.
+
+## Schedule Overview
+
+| Round | Contesting DJ's | Votes | Video deadline | Voting starts | Voting ends |
+|-------|-----------------|-------|----------------|---------------|-------------|
+| 1st   | up to 100       | 5     | September 30th | October 7th   | October 18th |
+|       |                 |       | (18:00 CET)    | (18:00 CET)   | (18:00 CET)  |
+|       |                 |       |                |               |             |
+| 2nd   | 25              | 3     | November 4th   | November 11th | November 22nd|
+|       |                 |       | (18:00 CET)    | (18:00 CET)   | (18:00 CET)  |
+|       |                 |       |                |               |             |
+| Final | 10              | 1     | December 2nd   | December 9th  | December 20th|
+|       |                 |       | (18:00 CET)    | (18:00 CET)   | (18:00 CET)  |
+
+
+## Rules & Agreements
+
+By participating in the *25 Years of Mixxx Intergalactic DJ Contest*, you agree to the following:
+
+* Your video is **original** and created by yourself; post-production is not permitted (adding effects or samples outside of Mixxx).
+* Your video is **specifically** made for this contest.
+* Your video will **not** be shared with anyone or any organization other than Mixxx.
+* Mixxx may use (parts of) your video for publicity, as an example, or for clarification. During and after the competition. In that case, we will always mention your DJ name.
+* Your DJ name and video will be displayed on our discussion forum for voting.
+* The names and videos of the finalists and laureates will be included in news articles on [the Mixxx website](https://mixxx.org) and other Mixxx communication channels (with mention of the prizes won).
+* **Voting and ranking are done exclusively by the community** — the community votes for its favorites. In the first round, they must vote for exactly 5 different participants, in the second round for exactly 3 different participants, and in the final, each community member may vote for only 1 finalist.
+* During the voting rounds, no one can see the interim results. The final result will appear automatically once voting has ended (on the indicated date and time). During voting, the number of community members who voted will be displayed.
+* There will be no communication regarding the voting.
+* Videos containing offensive language (including unintended sample combinations) will be excluded.
+* A number of judges will review the videos based on the requirements. If a video does not meet the requirements, it will **not** be selected without consultation. The judges will also check whether the video contains any post-production (adding effects or samples outside of Mixxx) and whether the videos contain any offensive or abusive language.
+* We hope that all DJs behave fairly: this is a competition based on **skill, musical knowledge, and intuition**, not a popularity contest.
+* The core members of Mixxx reserve the right to disqualify participants for misconduct.
+* If there are not enough participants, the second round may be skipped. In that case, the final will follow the first round on the scheduled dates with 10 finalists.
+* If multiple participants share the last qualification spot for the next round, **they all** advance to the next round.
+* If a candidate does not submit a video on time for round 2 or for the final (date and time of receipt of the email), they will be disqualified.
+* Mixxx in no way wants to encourage DJs to violate copyright; on the contrary: "support artists, buy their music!"
+
+## Tips
+
+### How to create videos that record your screen and audio.
+
+With [OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)](https://obsproject.com/) you can record screen and audio on Windows, macOS and Linux
+
+Some videos that clearly explain how to make a screen and audio recording with OBS:
+
+* Kevin Stratvert made [a tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoe9ZOzlfnQ).
+* XFaderz created a video on [How to PREPARE OBS for Recording Or Streaming Your DJ Set](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQp0oA1CyzM), only use the screencapture part.
+
+#### A Short Manual to record a Mixxx DJ Session with OBS Studio  
+
+##### Video Source
+
+> Launch OBS Studio and either use the default scene or create a new one by clicking the + under the "Scenes" box.  
+Add a video source: Click the + under the "Sources" box, select "Display Capture" to record your entire computer screen, set Mixxx in full screen mode.
+
+##### Audio source & routing  
+
+##### Windows: Using e.g. a virtual cable
+> Depending on the sound API (e.g. Asio) you are using in Mixxx you may need to use a Virtual Audio Cable e.g. [VB-Cable](https://vb-audio.com/Cable/index.htm) to record the highest quality without latency or aches.  
+Configure Mixxx: Open Mixxx's preferences, go to the "Sound Hardware" tab, and set the "Master" output to the virtual cable (e.g., "CABLE Input").  
+Configure OBS: In OBS, go to Settings -> Audio. Set the "Desktop Audio" device to the same virtual cable (e.g., "CABLE Output"). This lets OBS "hear" the Mixxx output.  
+Monitor in OBS: To hear what you're recording, you can enable audio monitoring in OBS's Advanced Audio Properties, but be careful of audio feedback loops.
+
+##### Linux: Using JACK or PipeWire
+> On Linux, JACK or PipeWire offer the most robust and flexible solution for audio routing.  
+Start JACK before opening Mixxx and OBS.  
+Configure Mixxx: In Mixxx's audio preferences, set the "Master" output to "JACK."  
+Add a JACK Source in OBS: In your OBS scene, click the + in the Sources box and select "JACK Input Client".  
+Route Audio: Use a JACK patchbay tool like QJackCtl or Patchage. Connect Mixxx's audio output ports to the "OBS Studio" input ports you just created . Connect OBS's monitor outputs to your speakers to hear the mix.
+
+##### macOS: Using BlackHole
+> For macOS, the approach is similar to Windows, using a virtual audio driver. [BlackHole](https://existential.audio/blackhole/) is a modern, open-source option. The principle is the same: route Mixxx's output to BlackHole, and set that as OBS's "Desktop Audio" device.  
+
+##### Final Configuration and Recording
+> Before you record, fine-tune a few settings:  
+Run the Auto-Configuration Wizard: OBS has a built-in wizard (Tools -> Auto-Configuration Wizard) to optimize settings for recording or streaming, which is a good starting point.  
+Start Recording: Once everything is set up, click "Start Recording" in the Controls panel. Play your set in Mixxx.  
+Stop Recording: Click "Stop Recording" when you're finished. Your video file will be saved to the location specified in Settings -> Output.
+
+
+### How to upload a video to YouTube.
+
+A video that clearly explains how to upload your recorded Mixxx DJ session.  
+* Kevin Stratvert made [a tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtF2AgFSLAw)
+
+#### A short manual for uploading your recorded Mixxx DJ session to YouTube as unlisted.  
+##### Access the Upload Page
+> Sign in to your YouTube account.  
+In the top right corner, click the "Create" button (the video camera icon with a plus sign) and select "Upload videos" from the dropdown menu .
+
+##### Select Your Video File
+>You will now be on the upload screen.  
+Here you can:  
+    - Drag and drop your video file directly into the window .
+    - Or click the "Select File" button to browse and choose your recording from your computer .
+The upload will begin as soon as you've selected your file.
+
+##### Enter Video Details
+> While your video is uploading and processing, you can fill in the details on the left-hand side of the screen:  
+    - Title: Give your DJ set a clear name (e.g., "My Mixxx DJ Set for the Intergalactic DJ Contest, 2026").
+    - Not needed:  Description
+    - Not needed: Thumbnail
+    - Not needed: Playlist
+Proceed through the screens by clicking "Next" in the bottom right corner, providing basic info like whether the video is "Made for Kids" -> select "No, it's not made for kids" for a DJ mix.
+
+##### Set Your Privacy to Private or Unlisted  
+> The final screen is the "Visibility" or "Privacy" section. This is where you control who can see your video.  
+Choose Unlisted.  
+What it means: Anyone who has the direct link to the video can watch it. The video will not appear in YouTube search results, on your channel's Videos tab, or in recommendations.  
+
+##### Publish Your Video  
+> Once you've selected your privacy setting, click the "Save" or "Publish" button in the bottom right corner . YouTube will finish processing your video.
+
+##### Getting the Link to Share (for Unlisted Videos)  
+> After publishing, you can copy the shareable link directly from the upload completion screen.  
+Alternatively, you can find the link later from your YouTube Studio -> Content page. Hover over the video, click the three dots (or the visibility icon), and select the option to copy the link .
+This is the link you need to send to Mixxx.