Inside the Mind
of a Master
Sound System Operator
Dub Standards
What makes a DUB unforgettable?
Beyond the sound clash and bass weight lies a philosophy – a way of listening, feeling, and constructing vibration.
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Festus Coxsone, The Dub Organiser, reveals principles behind his
distinctive style.
Each one a building block. Each one a lesson in control, creativity, and cultural memory.
11 DUB PRINCIPLES
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1. Individuality
Every great selector brings something unique.
Dub is not imitation — it’s character
You can’t fake originality
2 Passion
Without feeling, there’s no frequency.
Every selection must carry emotion that resonates beyond the speaker box.
Dub is played from the heart
3. Technical Balance
Dub is equal parts art and acoustics.
Every element in the mix must sit just right
Treble, mids, bass — aligned like a scale
4. Emotional Timing
A skilled dub mixer knows exactly when to hold back — and when to let loose
The pause is as powerful
as the drop
5. Crowd Reading
Watch the crowd, feel the shift, and ride the rhythm with them
The audience is
your co-pilot
6. Exclusive Content
Custom dubplates, private mixes, unreleased tracks — real soundmen build their own arsenal
Your box should hold secrets
7. Frequency Control
Just like Kumina drumming, dub works through rhythm and resonance. Pressure moves people
Dub manipulates the body.
8. Minimalism
Don’t overcrowd the mix. A single echoed rimshot can change the energy of a whole room
Space speaks volumes
9. Mixing Desk Mastery
Every knob is a tool of expression. It’s not just about volume — it’s about voice.
The preamp is an instrument
10. Dub as Storytelling
Build your set with purpose. Let it unfold like chapters — roots, rise, release
Every session tells a tale
11. Subtlety
In dub, the unexpected moment — a drop in volume, a sliver of silence — can be the most powerful
Sometimes, the softest touch hits hardest