Clipping

Max gain for various mp3 files, short of target dB

What clipping looks like in foobar

Avoid clipping, that is, too much gain at broadcast. Stay away from the redline. If present sounds will be cut off at 0dB with compromise and buzz or fuzzy sound in speakers. MP3 gain at 95.0 dB is too much for many files. At red entries, modify gain to max. Take the gain back a bit for all and the rest will blend better,

Genres and Styles

A playlist


A screen of the music library

It is easier to create a consistently textured mix where each track flows nicely to the next if you carefully choose compatible genre and style from one track to the next. Precise organization of the track library by folders and playlists is essential, and iTunes is a reliable, flexible tool for accomplishing this. The naming and organizing by genre and style is best determined by each DJ, subject to refinement over time. Consult Wikipedia for definition of each genre and style as needed, for example Techno, and also consult Wikipedia as you think in terms of organizing your collection into a genealogical tree. An excellent graphic of how a tree might be organized is found in Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music located here.

Headphones

These are great for monitoring a stream, a lo-fi task. Spatial qualities of sound in a track mix heard only with speakers can be ignored since most listeners use headphones. Engineers set the volume as low as possible and listen closely for mistakes. The only difference at high volume is the mistakes sound even worse. In addition to the models listed in the articles, Bose AE2 seems to be fine.

Foobar 2000

When streaming, it seems best to listen server side and have a graphic monitor on the client side. This way you can tell there's a signal and if your peaks are staying under 0dB to avoid clipping.