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Topic: Which 2 channel DJ Mixer to get?

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Hi,

First off, I really know nothing about the hardware.
Of course, I definitely want it to be very compatible with Virtual DJ.

Now, I was looking at some older mixers for second-hand, for instance, here: http://djbooth.net/dj-equipment/entry/Top-10-Best-Mixers

But the thing is, I don't know how well they will work with Virtual DJ.

And yes, I am aware of this page: http://www.virtualdj.com/products/hardware.html

Now, my budget, dunno, something like 350-400€. Perhaps I can stretch it a bit to 420€-430€ or something...

And how do I hook it up to my current gear? 'cause I really do know next to nothing about that either. What cables to get - which inputs/outputs etc?

I have an internal Asus Essence STX II (not the 7.1 Version).

And I also have a TASCAM UH-7000.
Connected to these 2 sound cards - first the ASUS card - I have 2 x Dynaudio BM5 mkIII via the RCA outs (without the sub). Second - TASCAM UH-7000 - I have TASCAM's XLR outputs to the XLR inputs of my sub, Dynaudio BM9S II, and the XLR outputs from my sub to the XLR inputs of my BM5 mkIII's.
(And just to add, the digital out of my TASCAM card is in use as well - Logitech Z5500 - for my TV)/

Now, I also have a headphone amp - Matrix M-Stage HPA-1 - with 2 outputs, first output connected to the Headphones out of my TASCAM, and the second output to the Headphones out of my ASUS card. My headphones are the AKG K701.

So, which mixer would be best?
Like I said, has to work very well with Virtual DJ, I want to use my sub obviously, my headphones... And what cables to get and how do I hook it all up?

Thanks!
 
Posted Wed 20 Apr 16 @ 7:36 am
I cant' modify the OP.

Just would like to say a 3-channel mixer is fine as well.
 
Do you want a analogue hardware mixer or a midi controller to controll VDJ?
 
I actually rather prefer the sliders etc to move when using my mixer.
 
Perhaps it would be easier if I simply put my other internal soundcard in my computer (Soundblaster), and connect that one and my ASUS card to a mixer, then buy a amplifier second-hand and connect it to the RCA ins of my 2 speakers, so basically leaving my entire TASCAM UH-7000 setup as it is, it will be mixing without the sub though.

I'm mentioning it because my brother who does have a bit of knowledge regarding this (although he's not that up-to-date when it comes to stuff like this) says it would be a bit difficult to set up otherwise.

So, would this be the best option?

Soundblaster & ASUS (both internal) to mixer, mixer to amplier, and amplifier to my speakers.

Or actually, I don't need a separate amp, right? 'Cause my Dyn's are active monitors.
 
I have an S9 and Rane 62 which are amazing mixers. Those 2 are a bit outside of your price range, but I also have an American Audio MXR 14 which isn't a bad little 4 channel mixer. It's MIDI and will control just about every aspect of VDJ plus it's mappable to your liking. Obviously it's no Pioneer or Rane, but for the price, you can't beat it considering you can find them really cheap.
 
Thank you for the American Audio suggestion.

Now, please, how do I hook it up to my current gear?
Can I do it in such a way that I can use my subwoofer for mixing AND it still being connected to my external TASCAM UH-7000 and simply use it to listen to music on my computer?

Here is the TASCMAM manual: http://tascam.com/content/downloads/products/823/e_uh-7000_om_va.pdf

But if you think it's best to use both my Soundblaster Audigy 4 and Asus Essence STX II without the sub I'll probably will.

http://www.americandj.eu/en/14-mxr.html

Is this a way to do it:

Connect the RCA outs of the ASUS card to the Ch1 'Midilog inputs' of the mixer, selecting Line.

And my Soundblaster audigy 4 has a green, black and orange output. So do I connect the green out to the Ch2 'Midilog inputs'?

And then the Master L & R RCA outs from the American Audio mixer to both my Dyn's via RCA.


Or, if there is a setup in which I can use my subwoofer for mixing AS WELL as for simply listening to music on the computer (whilst the sub still being connected to the TASCAM card) I'd be more than happy to hear it.

Thanks.

EDIT: Here's an image of the software of my TASCAM soundcard: https://macprovid.vo.llnwd.net/o43/hub/media/1130/9021/Fig_3_UH-7000_Software_Mixer_Panel.png

It's connected to my computer via USB.
 
Over 180, views, and none answered the question how do I set it all up. And only one person recommended a mixer.

I bet a lot of those who viewed know how to answer them but are just way too lazy to reply.


EDITED FOR LANGUAGE, PLEASE READ OUR FORUM RULES AMAHM
 
I can get a used Pioneer DDJ-ERGO for $240, would that be a great deal?

Or is the American Audio mixer mentioned before better? I can get this one from $240 to $330.

And please, will someone for the love of God help me with how to set it all up.

EDIT: Or this or something? Rane-TTM56-Pro-DJ-Mixer

EDIT 2: "you can find some nice used stuff for $400... don't waste your money on a brand new, low end mixer when you can get a used high-end mixer." <- Can anyone recommend some?

EDITED EBAY LINK AMAHM
 
RANE-TTM-56S-PROFESSIONAL-2-CHANNEL-DJ-MIXER-TTM56S
This seems pretty darn kick-ass, but I've read it doesn't have MIDI...

Damn, something like this would be great though.

EDIT:

Alright, how about this?:Rane-TTM-57SL-Performance-Mixer
http://dj.rane.com/support/knowledge-base/how-to-setup-rane-hardware-with-virtual-dj

This might be what I'm getting

And I guess it works: http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/94219/General_Discussion/Rane_TTM-57_SL_Mixer_Question.html
Yeah, that last mixer, I might put out a bid, seems kick-ass.

EDIT, Yeah, I just noticed the friggin' high import charges. Of course I can skip that and simply hope...

EDITED EBAY LINK AMAHM
 
RAME_be wrote :
Over 180, views, and none answered the question how do I set it all up. And only one person recommended a mixer.

I bet a lot of those who viewed know how to answer them but are just way too lazy to reply.



Making comments like that isn't going to get you replies any quicker.

Your setup is quite complex and maybe people don't have the time at the moment to look in to all the components and advise what's best. A lot of what you are currently using is not common DJ gear and most here are probably unfamiliar with those units.

I EDITED HIS POST, SO HAVE EDITED HIS QUOTE AMAHM
 
 
@ kradcliffe.

Alright then. :)

Like I said, I can skip the TASCAM UH-7000 and the sub if it's too difficult...

So basically, two internal soundcards remain: Soundblaster Audigy 4 and ASUS Essence STX II.

That's what it comes down to.

And just to add, the last link I gave shows the Rane has 2 XLR outs but not RCA.

I have 2 Vovox RCA cables and I can buy FXLR to MXLR to connect it to my Dynaudios. Something like this: om/itm/Genuine-2ps-Cardas-Gold-CGA-FXLR-FRCA-Female-XLR-to-Female-RCA-adaptor-

Already have 2 Cardas but instead of FXLR I have MXLR

EDITED EBAY LINK AMAHM
 
Alright, so, I think I'll stick to the mixers that have MIDI functions.
Looking at the hardware list and I'll try to get a second-hand DN-X1600, Evo4, Zero4, DJM-800 or something.
I'll check out some reviews.

I can get a used DN-X1600 for $440 for instance. And it's on the hardware list. Is this a good deal?
 
If (as you said earlier) you want "the sliders to move" - I assume you mean the on screen ones in VDJ - then you don't want a mixer at all. You need a controller.

The difference is that the controller just provides a way of using the software mixer built into VDJ - so the sound quality will depend on the audio interface you're using.

A real hardware mixer contains audio circuitry and is the part that does the mixing. The "pretend" mixer in VDJ does nothing, as VDJ would be set to external mixer mode, which sends each deck out on its own dedicated channel to the inputs of the hardware mixer.

Just to confuse matters, there are controllers which can act as external mixers, and external mixers which can act as controllers.

The cheapest option for you though is a simple controller.
 
Thanks for replying.

If a mixer description says this: In addition to its stellar digital mixing capabilities, the DN-X1600 DJ mixer provides an exclusive MIDI control user-interface area for functionality and ease-of-use for the rapidly growing PC DJ market.

That would be fine?

If it says 'midi control'.
 
That's a real hardware mixer - so you don't need the software mixer in VDJ. You simply set VDJ to "external mixer" and send each deck directly out to the Denon, using the hardware to mix. I see it does have a small MIDI control area which could be used to control some part of VDJ (such as effects).
 
Alright, so I guess...

Both of my internal soundcards, the ASUS Essence STX II and the Soundblaster Audigy 4 to my controller (Perhaps American Audio another person suggested), then my controller to my external TASCAM UH-7000, and the rest remains the same, my XLR outs to my sub and the SAT out to my bm5 mkIII's.

Now, I'm just wondering whether or not my controller needs a built-in soundcard?

Yes or no?
 
If you're going for a controller, then yes it's best to get one with built in audio because firstly it's just tidier. It's all integrated and you're not using up multiple USB ports and having wires everywhere.

Secondly a decent spec controller will have a multi-channel low latency audio interface with its own dedicated driver, which would usually offer better quality and performance than a normal consumer/domestic interface. You really want to avoid using several sound cards of different brands.
 
Ok, just curious.

Can I use a Rane Empath with Virtual DJ? It doesn't have MIDI capabilities, I know, so on-screen faders won't move etc, but I don't mind.
I can kinda get a great deal on a second-hand Empath and wonder if it's worth it.

And I want to use the software to start playing tracks, use its waveforms, effects etc, and simply use the empath for EQing and faders.
Will this work?
I checked Rane's webpage http://dj.rane.com/support/knowledge-base/how-to-setup-rane-hardware-with-virtual-dj and the Empath isn't in the list.

And PS, I can always, in the future or something, add some CDJs.
 


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