What’s the Best DJ Mixer for Me? |
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A DJ is no DJ without their DJ mixer. This essential chunk of gear is what helps spit those fat beats, shape those tasty grooves and build hair-raising drops, and let’s face it, they also look awesome. In this purpose-made Guide, we answer all your frequently asked DJ-mixer-based questions to arm you with the knowledge you need to find the right mixer. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us! 1. What is a DJ Mixer?A DJ mixer is the tool that’s used to mix two different tracks together. This chunk of equipment sits between two or more turntables or media players, and receives a signal from both audio sources – both of which are playing a different track. The essential function of a mixer lies in adjusting the tone and volume of both tracks so that they blend together in a perfect mix. The result is then sent via the master output of the mixer to a set of speakers. DJ Mixers
2. What Kind of DJ Are You?Not every DJ will play sets in the same way. Every djaying style comes with its own demands. For example, a scratch DJ is more likely to need a mixer with just two channels and a crossfader with a short curve (for the fastest possible transitions). They’re also unlikely to need a long list of functions that they’ll never use. A club DJ, on the other hand, will probably want to make long, gradual transitions; to use a mass of different effects, and have control over more than just two channels. If you DJ using your laptop, make sure that the mixer you’re interested in has a USB port, and maybe even a mixer with assignable controls so it can adjust the functions of your DJ software. Party DJs will definitely demand a good number of inputs and outputs as well as a solidly constructed mixer, since they’ll never know what kind of gear they have to work with until they get there.
3. What Does a Mixer Look Like?DJ mixers usually have the same basic control layout. Channel faders, a cue button, three-band equalisation for low, middle and high frequencies, trim/gain controls, and an input selection button. The channel fader raises the volume of a track to bring it into the mix, and the cue button enables you to listen to a queued track so you can prepare it for the mix. The equalisation, or EQ, controls can weaken or strengthen specific frequencies; the trim/gain ensures that the volume balance between different tracks is even (without peaking into the red!), and the input selection button literally selects the connected audio source.
4. What Kind of Connections Does My DJ Mixer Need to Have?A media player or turntable is usually connected to the DJ mixer using an RCA cable. Most mixers will come fitted with a separate input for phono (RCA) and line signals, or a combo input with a switch that can be toggled depending on the gear you’re connecting. With some newer models, the audio source can be connected via a digital S/PDIF input or an Ethernet/UTP cable. Other inputs you’re likely to come across include a USB port for a playlist-loaded USB stick, a microphone input (this can be an XLR, a 6.3mm jack or sometimes a 3.5mm mini-jack), a headphone output (6.3mm jack or 3.5mm mini-jack), an input for AUX sources (RCA or 3.5mm mini-jack), and an input for an effect loop so that external effects can be hooked up. With the same idea in mind, some models even come with MIDI ports. Phono/RCA Cables
5. What Else Do I Need to Know?Always make sure that you’ll be able to connect up your turntables or media players without having to adjust them in any way. So, make sure you get the right kind of cables and that they’re the right length. The size of your mixer is also worth checking. A 10” or 12”, 19” (for rack mounting) wide mixer is standard. Some mixers can also be used as part of a DVS set-up without the need for an external audio interface.
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