Although not exclusive to the genre, DJ mixers are used essentially with electronic music. If you love techno, hip-hop, house, or EDM, harmonious mixing is key to the DJ’s set.
In simple terms, mixers help DJs prepare tracks and blend them together. They also allow you to use equalizers, filters, loops, or other effects to make that perfect mix.
So, let’s look at some of the best mixers on the market right now.
Q: How Much Is a Good DJ Mixer?
DJ mixers can cost from as little as $30 for a basic, no-frills machine to more than a couple of thousand dollars. How much you pay will depend on your current DJing level.
Although there are a plethora of professional features on this mixer, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed. As long as you have some knowledge of battle mixers, you will enhance your skills step by step and eventually push them to the limit on the prime piece of equipment.
One excellent feature is the 4.3-inch touchscreen that diverts your attention away from the laptop and onto your adoring dance floor. You can keep an uninterrupted rhythm going with the convenient track navigation feature and access to the core menu settings. You can also monitor the moving waveforms and control the FX.
However, the most crucial feature for any battle mixer is the crossfaders. Rane’s ultra-light contactless Mag Four technology is present in the line faders and the crossfader. On top of this, there are virtually unlimited fader customization options, one of which is the hardware tension knob that allows you to set your personal resistance level.
Additionally, the colorful performance pads and sturdy aluminum paddles control various features when connected to DJ software. Serato DJ is the most commonly used with Rane equipment, but lovers of Virtual DJ and Traktor can also get in on the action.
DJs using 2-channel mixers can easily step up to this 4-channel one. You can mix with turntables or, if you prefer, connect it to your laptop or PC via a USB connection and mix or sample from your music-playing software. This connection additionally enables you to record mixes onto your computer to analyze later.
This mixer pretty much does what it says on the tin; there is no steep learning curve, and you can basically plug and play. Each channel features a 3-band equalizer and LED metering to monitor audio levels. You can allocate any channel to either side of the crossfader, enabling you to jump harmoniously between four tracks to create masterful mixes.
The sound quality is good, and each channel has a 2-band equalizer to experiment with high and low sound adjustments during your mixes. It has a dedicated cue function that lets you preview your mixes, so you can make sure beats and basslines aren’t clashing.
It also features a crossfader reverse switch and adjustable curves, giving you a platform to venture into scratching if you have any turntablist aspirations.
It is exceptionally lightweight and transportable, weighing in at just over a pound. So, taking it to your friend’s house for a bedroom mix session is straightforward.
On top of that, it is highly affordable. For those considering the pleasures of DJing for the first time, it definitely won’t have broken the bank should you decide spinning the wheels of steel isn’t for you.
It markets itself as a “2 + 2 mixer.” It has two extra channels on top of its regular two. These two additional channels are called remix decks and allow you to load samples, loops, basslines, or any other audio sample for you to use at will. You can even load whole tracks if you feel the need. A quick press of the sync button will perfectly align your sample with whatever else you are playing.
You can download remix sets from the Native Instruments website to fill up all those empty cells on the remix deck. You will find that it opens up a Pandora’s box of opportunities for the advanced DJ and will keep your listeners enthralled.
On top of this, its excellent sound and outstanding build quality make it one of the most loved DJ mixers ever.
Allen & Heath is synonymous with quality standards and is a fantastic brand choice for any level of DJ. The XONE:23 is a great entry-level choice thanks to its quality and relatively budget price. However, it’s also a fantastic choice for experienced DJs that want to cut out the extras and focus on the fundamentals of mixing tunes.
It is a 2-channel, 3-band equalizer mixer with outstandingly loud and crystal clear sound. You can also add two more inputs for a total of four, which you can control with input level buttons.
Although comparatively small with a 7.5-inch base, the faceplate design adds another two inches. Despite its size, it is sturdy, tough, and heavy. This mixer can take some abuse.
However, battle DJs may want to consider certain features. For one, the line faders are a little apart. Therefore, it’s challenging to operate them single-handedly. They also have no curves or reverses. However, you can turn it into a battle mixer by customizing it with the Mini Innofader. This update will make it a better scratching choice.
Another design feature experienced DJs may take a little time to adjust to is the equalizer on the outside. Additionally, the filters work differently because individual channels do not have dedicated controls.
All in all, it is an excellent choice for techno and house DJs, while a bit of customization is required to make it a good choice for battle DJs.
The mixer has four channels, each one supporting two devices. That means a whopping possibility of eight inputs simultaneously connected. And, on top of that, the Behringer DDM4000 boasts many features, including beat-synchronized samplers, four multi-FX sections, two BPM counters, a digital crossfader, and a MIDI.
It is a 4-channel mixer with a fifth channel designated for the microphone input. This channel features a gain, equalizers, talk functions, and FX. Altogether, that is quite a lot of outstanding features for such an affordable mixer.
You can eliminate elements of your tracks with the kill switches. This feature is a great way to ensure seamless mixing and prevent basslines and melodies from clashing. Using this feature in cahoots with the beat-synchronized samplers is a creative way to perform live remixes and thrill your audience or listeners. Battle DJs will be happy with the curve controls on the faders and excellent crossfader features.
This mixer can also store all these different features for up to eight separate users. Excellent for bedroom DJs that share the mixer with friends or even for regular events where DJs share the mixer.
Like its siblings, it is a 2-channel mixer with a 3-band equalizer and eight large performance pads on each. It also features an improved Magvel Fader Pro crossfader for more assured scratching.
The build quality may not be up to the same standard as the S9 or S11, with the overall feel being a little less robust. However, the pads, buttons, and knobs are as sturdy and comfortable as expected from a Pioneer mixer.
However, the S7’s main selling point is that, although still in the premium-price range, it is cheaper than the S9 or S11. Additionally, the sound quality is a little better, and it does have some new and exciting features.
Loop MIDI is one new feature absent from previous iterations. With this feature, you can send tempo-synchronized MIDI messages to Serato DJ or rekordbox. Another, though not a selling point for scratch DJs, is Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to stream from mobile devices. On top of this, some of the best features from the S11 remain, noticeably the Combo Pad mode and Scratch Bank.
If you are an entry-level DJ, you probably only need basic features such as two channels, a crossfader, and a graphic equalizer. The more advanced you become, the more features you will probably enjoy on a mixer.
Samplers, MIDIs, and crossfader customizations for scratching are probably best used when you are ready for it.
Q: What’s the Difference Between a DJ Mixer and a Controller?
A DJ mixer is a piece of hardware to which you can input turntables, CDJs, etc. You don’t require any software or computer to use it. They offer better overall quality and give DJs more control over their musical output and system expansion.
A controller is an all-in-one unit that you connect to a laptop and use with DJ software. They are lightweight and, therefore, more portable.
