crossfader
KROSS-fay-der
/ˈkrɒsˌfeɪdər/
A sliding control on a mixing console that allows a DJ to transition smoothly between two audio sources by fading one out while fading the other in.
Unlike standard vertical channel faders, a crossfader operates horizontally and controls the balance of two channels simultaneously.
The story behind the word. The crossfader was popularized in the 1970s by hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash, who customized his own mixers with a single horizontal slider to make instantaneous cuts between turntables, changing the course of modern music.
Word relationships
- fader: A fader controls the volume of a single audio channel, whereas a crossfader controls the relative balance between two channels.
Commonly confused with
- potentiometer: A potentiometer is any rotary or sliding variable resistor, whereas a crossfader is a specific type of sliding potentiometer configured for audio blending.
Word family
- crossfade (verb): To fade one sound source out while simultaneously fading another in.
Collocations
- sharp crossfader curve
- slide the crossfader
- crossfader cut
Example sentences
- "Grandmaster Flash revolutionized DJing by using the crossfader to cut quickly between two identical drum breaks." An analysis of hip-hop scratch techniques.
- "The mixer features a loose, adjustable crossfader that is perfect for rapid scratching and quick cuts." A technical review of a new DJ mixer.
Memory hook
Picture a crossroad where two roads fade into each other; the crossfader is the vehicle moving between them. Cross from track A to track B with the fader.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a simple volume knob or a single-channel fader that does not affect a second audio source.
Fun facts
- Scratch DJs often modify their crossfaders with contact cleaner or replace them with optical sensors to reduce physical friction to near zero.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.