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Topic: Mixer? - Page: 1

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audioPRO InfinityMember since 2004
Im very new to djing and I am looking for a good mixer to buy to use in conjunction with my vdj. Are there any brands some of you more experienced dj's might suggest? Any brands you would suggest staying away from? Although the eq feature in vdj is nice i dont really get the feel for the low, mid, and high variation that i want to get.

Any advice would be great!! Thanks guys!
 
Posted Sat 27 Nov 04 @ 8:57 pm
What is your budget? Is it for pro use or home dj use?
 
Posted Sat 27 Nov 04 @ 9:14 pm
audioPRO InfinityMember since 2004
Well, i dont want anything too overly crazy. Just something to get me started and to learn on. So it will most definently be home use. My budget......... well, i wouldnt think a beginner mixer would be all that expensive, but just for the sake of argument, lets say 300 dollars. Something i can hook up to my vdj and get the feel of fading high, mid, and lows, and cross fading as well.
 
Posted Sun 28 Nov 04 @ 12:34 pm
audio, here are 282 mixers to choose from:

http://www.pssl.com/asearchresults.tpl?UID=2004070212472196&waGroup1datarq=mixers&str_Categorydatarq=ALL

Since you are on a budget, go with this mixer (it's the third mixer on the second page):

BEHRINGER VMX100 2 CHANNEL DJ MIXER Item#:VMX-100

The BPM counters can help you with beat mixing, which is good for only $69. However, if you can pay $10 more, get this mixer (it's the last mixer on the first page):

BEHRINGER DX626 DJ MIXER W/BPM COUNTER Item#:DX-626

The extra channel is worth paying $10 more. You can hook up another DJ device or you can have an extra channel to use in case one channel malfunctions—this actually happened to me before, but I switched to another channel and kept mixing.

I have purchased a lot of gear from this place. Here's some more reasons to shop there:

http://www.pssl.com/gns.tpl?uid=2004070212472196 (please see the 45 day return policy)

OO

b.t.w. I would like to see VDJ sale its products through this company. Many American DJ's purchase from this place.
 
Posted Sun 28 Nov 04 @ 4:06 pm
I overlooked this comment:

audio: "...i wouldnt think a beginner mixer would be all that expensive, but just for the sake of argument, lets say 300 dollars."

Since $300 is your price range, you can get a very good mixer. Select a few and post your choices. I'm sure there are DJ's here who can comment on your selections.

OO
 
Posted Sun 28 Nov 04 @ 4:30 pm
 
Posted Sun 28 Nov 04 @ 6:36 pm
audioPRO InfinityMember since 2004
 
Posted Mon 29 Nov 04 @ 5:02 am
audio:

You have to go with what you feel comfortable with. However, when you compare the features below:

Numark DM1050

http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=35479&UID=2004070212472196#PI

2-channel mixer with 2 line inputs and 2 phono inputs
3-band rotary EQ and gain on each channel
1/4" mic input with EQ and gain
2 stereo line-level phono outputs
Replaceable crossfader
Size: 9.11´´ x 11.10´´ x 3.6´´. Wt. 5.8 lbs.

Additional features from here:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/search/detail/base_pid/637002/sourceid=qIZwQaqo50WyAltbiito/befree_site_id=0039541642

Master and record outputs
Master and PFL metering
Slider-style cueing

Behringer DX626

http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=34634&UID=2004070212472196#PI

Three dual input stereo channels with gain and 3-band kill EQ (-32dB)
Intelligent dual auto-BPM counter
Super-smooth dual-rail "Ultraglide" crossfader with up to 500,000 life cycles
One channel additionally switchable to studio-grade ULN microphone input
Manual talkover function
PFL function with master/PFL mix option
Peak-hold level meter with dedicated PFL bargraph
Master, booth and tape outputs
BNC gooseneck lamp socket
Size: 10"w x 12"d x 3.6"h. Wt. 5.25 lbs.

Additional features from here:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=dj/search/detail/base_id/104122

Gold-plated cinch sockets for excellent audio quality
Super-rugged construction

The Behringer DX626 gives you more for your money—just something to think about…However, if you feel that the Numark is better, then go with it. One of the most important things about DJing is feeling confident that your equipment will perform to your expectations.

OO
 
Posted Mon 29 Nov 04 @ 7:58 am
Audio: “Arggh......... see, this is the problem i run into, i just dont know what brands are good and what brands are crap.”

Most “reputable” dealers don’t sell “crap” because they will loose their reputation. Furthermore, they have a good return policy and offer warranties...something to consider.

OO
 
Posted Mon 29 Nov 04 @ 9:05 am
audioPRO InfinityMember since 2004
I think i'll go with the 626. Just seems like there is more "bang for my buck" in that product when compared to the numark. I'd eventually like to hook some vinyl tables to it and try my hand at vinyl spinning.
 
Posted Mon 29 Nov 04 @ 10:00 am
There has been some arguments about the quality of Behringer mixers. Numark has a solid reputation quality-wise. You might get more "bang for your buck" with Behringer but for less time...
 
Posted Mon 29 Nov 04 @ 11:26 am
Audio:

If you would like to hear and see a virtual sample of the Behringer DX626, go here and click on the Virtual Gear tab:

http://www.behringer.com/dx626/index.cfm?lang=ENG

You can also find out additional information about the DX626. There are different views of the mixer that you can choose from and you can download the manual.

Another thing for you to consider is the fact that Behringer has mixers that cost over a $1,000. This should indicate to you that this company makes good quality products. The company has taken some of the technology in its expensive mixers and put it into affordable ones. This is a common business practice. Behringer is not going spend a lot of money to make inexpensive parts for each mixer. However, it also is not going to make a $79.99 mixer for a $1,000. Consequently, remember that you are only paying $79.99—you can’t expect a lot for that price.

Here are some expensive Behringer mixers.

EURODESK 24 CH X 8 BUS MIXING CONSOLE $1,679.99

http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=16980&UID=2004070212472196

BEHRINGER DDX3216 DIGITAL MIXER S-O $1,319.99

http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=23842&UID=2004070212472196

Hope this info helps you.

OO
 
Posted Mon 29 Nov 04 @ 6:18 pm
The best mixers in my opinion are made by Rane. They are expensive though. Which mixer brand is best really goes by geographical area. In Europe, DJ's would prefer a different mixer than in the states. I would stay away from Behringer though, just my opinion. It's just that I have heard many horror stories. They are VERY low priced though, so it's up to you really.

At the top of my list are:

Rane
Allen and Heath
Pioneer
Tascam
Denon



To pick a mixer you really need to decide how many inputs you will need, how many mics you will use, are you going to scratch with it (very important in choosing). You should really go to a store and check out the ones there, then decide for yourself. Good luck.


Killabee44
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 3:30 am
A very good list of mixers Killabee44. However, I doubt if audio will find a mixer in your list for under a $100. For $79.99, the Behringer should do the job. If he were to spend more money, I would recommend a different mixer.

OO
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 4:03 am
those stanton mixers are decent.

go with one of those.
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 4:07 am
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 4:31 am
if your asking me what i have. it is a vestax PMC 05 pro 2. the faders are just starting to wear out at 2 years of heavy use. now, i need to go buy replacements.

you want the mids for EQing, so go with the vestax PMC 07 pro.

the PMC 05 pro 2 is what alot of the well known scrath DJs have used for quite some time.
the rane TTM 56 is what you want to work up to.
if you scratch that is

 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 4:41 am
tiestoHome userMember since 2004
emm bueno quiciera nuevos software
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 5:39 am
audioPRO InfinityMember since 2004
This is exactly why i made this post. So far i've read about several different mixer brands and I am still nowhere closer to figuring out which one to buy. It just seems hit or miss, one persons treasure can be another persons trash. Thanks for the info though guys.
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 4:38 pm
Don’t get discouraged audio. Remember that you did post “any advice would be great!!” We can only give you advice from our perspective—you have to make the final discussion. However, let’s go over some questions you need to answer:

What is your budget? You posted $300.

What will you use the mixer for? You posted, “Just something to get me started and to learn on. So it will most definently be home use.”

How many channels do you need? I recommend at lest 3 because you might want to connect another DJ device to your setup. However, you can use signal splitters to convert a
two-channel mixer into a four-channel mixer.

Will you do mostly scratching or beat mixing? If you prefer to do a lot of scratching, then cross fader durability, smoothness, availability (is it easy and affordable to get another one), and reversibility (can you reverse the channels with the cross fader) are very important considerations. If you will do mostly beat mixing then auto-BPM counters and db display may be important considerations.

What type of headphone cueing do you want? Assignable split headphone cueing allows you to assign a channel to either side of your headphones. Example: when I beat mix, I prefer to have the song that I’m bringing into the mix playing in the left side of my headphones. I always listen to the song that’s currently playing in the right side of my headphones. As you can see, this feature gives you more cueing options, which is very important for beat mixing.

What kind music will you be playing? Some mixers have features that are preferable for certain types of music.

Do you plan on developing your mic skills? Having a mixer with different mic controls may be an important consideration.

Do you want Kill switches on your mixer? This is a useful feature to have for different types of mixing and music.

Do you need effects and a sampler on your mixer? No! VDJ has all this and more…

What size do you want your mixer? If you plan on doing a lot of scratching with time coded vinyl, then you want a narrow mixer. If you eventually plan on becoming a mobile DJ, then you may prefer a rack mountable mixer.

Since most mixers come with EQ, this is not an issue. Furthermore, there are other questions you may want to consider before making a purchase. As you ask yourself more questions, you make it easier to select a mixer by narrowing your choices.

If you want a mixer for under a $100, then the Behringer DX626 has many of the above features. However, if you want to spend more money ($300) for a better mixer then go with Vestax—you can find a good one in that price range. I think most DJ’s would agree on the Vestax. Here are some choices:

http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=15184&UID=2004070212472196
http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=38440&UID=2004070212472196

For more info on Vestax mixers, go here: http://www.vestax.com

OO
 
Posted Tue 30 Nov 04 @ 6:22 pm
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