What Is A DJ Mixer And How Do They Work?

what is dj mixer

Introduction : What is a DJ Mixer?

A DJ mixer is a unique type of audio tool mixing console used by DJs to control and manipulate a variety of multiple audio signals. The sources are of typically record turntables, compact cassettes, DJ software on a laptop. DJ mixers also allow the DJ to use headphones to preview the next song before playing it to the audience.

DJ mixers are usually very much smaller than other mixing consoles used in sound reinforcement system(SSS) and sound recording systems. Whereas a typical nightclub mixer only has 24 inputs and a famous professional recording studio's huge mixer may have 48, 72 or even 96 inputs, a typical DJ mixer may have only 2-4  four inputs. The key feature that distinguish a DJ mixer from other types of larger audio mixers is the ability of redirecting the sounds of a non- playing source to the headphones, so that the DJ can find the desired part of the song or track and the presence of the crossfader, which allows an easier transition between two sources (or, for hip hop music, turntablists, enables them to do scratching, effects).

Mixer Features

To take an educated approach to choose a DJ mixer, you need to first learn about the important features to consider. Here they are:

The number of channels. Determine how many sound sources you can mix once. The required minimum of two channels, one for each of your decks.

The number of inputs. A mixer may have two channels but has four inputs. How is that possible? Simple: Each channel has a switch that tells it which of the channel's two inputs to grab the signal from. Thus even with a two -channel mixer, you can easy to have a CD deck and a turntable on either side of the mixer and switch between those as if  needed. (But you still won't be able to mix more than two decks at once.)

Mic input lets you, duh, hook up a good quality microphone to the mixer. Looks Fun, but not essential for learning how to DJ.

Channel EQs. A group of knobs that let you adjust the level of the channel's frequency bands. For example, a three-band EQ has three knobs and lets you adjust the highs, mids, and lows. Make sure that your mixer has separate three-band EQs for each channel for smooth mixing.

Level meters. A level meter is that LED strip that bounces back and forth to the track's beat and shows you its volume. A level meter for the mixer's main output is a must; separate meters for each of the channels is better.

Gain controls are always used for setting the overall level of the mixer's channels if you want to have separate Gain knobs for each of the channels.

Mixer outputs. Typical mixer outputs are included in the master output, recording output, monitor output, and a headphone jack. The bare minimum – Master Out and the headphone jack – are present in all mixers.

BPM counters, FX, sampler. A BPM counter automatically detects the tempo of the track playing through a given channel, which is occasionally helpful for beatmatching. Mid and high-range mixers also allow you to transform the sound with many effects and often have a built-in sampler. All of these features are not essential for a beginner DJ.

A Few Models to Consider

American Audio Q-D5 MKII

Now that you know what the important mixer features are, you are much more likely to make an informed decision when shopping for one. To give you an example of what to expect for your money, let's go over a few models in different price ranges.

Good news: a decent DJ mixer that meets all the minimum requirements listed above can be purchased for less than $200. One model to consider is American Audio Q-D5 MKII – an entry level scratch mixer that boasts an optical crossfader and XLR outputs. It's also said to be pretty durable. For an alternative to the Q-D5, take a look at two-channel Vestax mixers from the VMC series such as the VMC-002XLu.

A little bit higher up ($300-$500) are entry-level mixers from Allen & Heath (Xone:22 and Xone:02), Ecler Nuo 2.0 and Vestax mixers from the PMC range. More money will buy you a more durable, better sounding device of up to 4 channels with quality faders, per-channel level meters and some other goodies.

Ecler Nuo 2.0

If you have more than $600 to spend on a mixer, take a look at Rane, Allen & Heath, Urei, Ecler, and Pioneer. Those higher-end mixers are built from quality components, often have an FX unit, a built-in sampler, and offer three or more channels for you to play. Rane mixers are great for scratchers, Pioneer offers a ton of features combined with their trademark reliability (avoid the old DJM-600 and the overpriced DJM-400 though), and Allen & Heath, Urei and Ecler are generally said to be the better sounding ones.

You get what you pay for, and boy can you pay a lot: one of the most expensive mixers out there, Pioneer DJM-2000, will cost you the monstrous $2,500. But let me go back to my earlier point here: A beginner DJ can safely opt-in for a much cheaper solution.

Conclusion With the above consideration, now you'll be completely ready to buy a mixer of your choice regarding your economy and other usage factors. It's important to know the features you're going upon to is available or not. So now go ahead and get a mixer that makes your DJ setup boost.

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