A DJ mixer is a type of audio mixing console used by DJ’s to control and manipulate multiple audio signals. Some DJ’s use the mixer to make seamless transitions from one song to another when they are playing records at a dance club. Hip-hop DJs and turntablists use the DJ mixer to play record players like a musical instrument and create new sounds. DJs in the house music, electronic dance music and other dance-oriented genres use the mixer to make smooth transitions between different records as they are playing. The sources are typically record turntables, compact cassettes, CDJs, or DJ software on a laptop. DJ mixers allow the DJ to use headphones to preview the next song before playing it to the audience.