r e ix M J D a g in s o o h C to DJ Mixers - 4 Key Points
DJ Equipment can make or break a DJ. Without great equipment, a DJ can be limited. With so many choices out there, you may be wondering how to choose a DJ Mixer. Asking yourself four simple questions will narrow down your search for the perfect mixer.
g to spen n li il w u o y e r a h 1. How muc
d?
This can of course greatly narrow your search. DJ Mixers nowadays can start from $79 and go up to thousands of dollars. Keep in mind lower priced mixers may be lower quality, so it may be advantageous to save up for a higher priced mixer. Personally I would recommend putting aside at least $175 for a decent quality mixer.
re you usin a s m r o tf la p r o 2. What platform
g?
Are you using turntables, CD players, a laptop, an iPod or all of the above? Answering this question will help you choose how many channels you need on your mixer. A two-channel mixer has 2 phono and 2 line inputs. Phono inputs are for turntables and line inputs are for digital platforms. In this case you can connect 2 turntables and 2 CD players or a laptop or iPod with either turntables or CD players. The twochannel mixer will allow you to play any 2 inputs at one time, but not more than two. If you would like to play more than two inputs at one time, or if you'd prefer to have your other media on different channels, you'll need more channels on the mixer. Two and four channel mixers are widely available. Three and five channel mixers are less common.
laying p e b u o y l il w w o ying and h la p u o y re a ic s u 3. What type of m it?
In the world of mixers, you have ones that are more geared toward mixing (usually house and electronic) and ones that are geared towards scratching (usually hip hop). Hip hop DJs usually prefer 2 channel mixers with scratching capabilities. On the other hand electronic DJs are usually more focused on mixing and possibly effects. Which brings me to the next question...
king for? o lo u o y e r a s a tr x 4. What kind of e
Crossfader Options
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Hamster (crossfader option used for scratching) Crossfader shape and cut adjustments Magnetic crossfaders Assignable crossfader (to assign the channels to either side of the crossfader)
Effects
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Wide range of different effects Mic effects Sampling Loops Tap effects sync (a tap button that syncs your effects to the beat) Effects send for outboard effects
Other Features
• • • •
Midi Control iPod dock/input BPM counter USB
Click to edit the outline text format Multiple outputs− Second Outline Level Third Outline Level Record/Booth/Master − Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Full kills (to fully cut off low, mids, Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline or highs) Level Outline Level Advanced cueing Eighth features Ninth Outline Level
• • • • •
Rotary knobs instead of faders Mic talk-over
Sources: http://www.smartdj.com/DJ-Mixers.htm http://ezinearticles.com/?DJ-Mixers---4-Key-Points-to-Choosing-a-DJMixer&id=4489418