DJ Mixer Buyers Guide – Countdown; Top 10 Pro DJ Mixers
The last article on DJ Controllers was hugely successful and widely read. Here is the link to the article just in case you missed it DJ Controller Buyer’s Guide. The comments, questions and further review was quite engaging and we would like to say thank you for being a part of the enlightenment.
The most important component of a DJ setup is the DJ Mixer, it really does not matter if you are using a controller which is an all-in-1 unit or a modular-based 1 or 2 decks and 1 DJ mixer. What really matters is that your master out is on your DJ mixer and all your transitions and cuts between tracks will be impossible without a DJ mixer.
As mentioned, in our numerous articles the competition between top equipment manufacturers has never been so fierce as it is today. See below our countdown of the top pro DJ mixers. Factors put into consideration in compiling this list includes – features, audio quality, software options, effects and popularity. Remember to share your thoughts in the comments section.
What out for Mixars Quattro dropping Q2 2017 though it was not included in the list, it is worthy of note.
Number 10 – Mixars Duo
Mixars Duo is a promising Serato DJ plug n play 2-channel DJ mixer. Mixars is a relatively new DJ equipment manufacturing company based in Italy. The Mixars Duo was released in 2016 and the product is a solution to some of the needs of Pro-DJs. The Mixars Duo has a similar layout with Traktor Kontrol Z2.
- 8 RGB backlit pads on board for triggering cue points and sampler
- USB hub also provides 2 extra USB connections to allow integration to other USB devices such as MIDI controllers.
- The Mixars Duo is a solid mixer with multiple in and out options.
- USB 2.0 Hub, integrated 24-bit/48kHz audio soundcard
- Custom map most mixer controls to other third-party audio softwares
- Great layout for scratch DJs with sufficient room around the fader section
Cons
- Lacks dual USB ports for seamless DJ handover
- Slightly loose volume faders
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 9 – Traktor Kontrol Z2
Native Instruments is in a league of its own. Their product line is most common amongst Producer DJs mainly due to the workflow and features of their products. Their products (both hardware and software) enhance live remix and production on the fly. The ability to tune the littlest detail of loops, samples, STEMs and remix decks is the reason why its a favourite amongst EDM, House, Techno and Producer DJs. The Traktor Kontrol Z2 is power packed and very affordable compared to the other mixers in this list.
- 2-channel plus hands-on control for two Remix Decks
- Multiple input and output options with powered USB hub.
- Premium 24 bit/48kHz soundcard
- Macro FX knobs for instant, one-knob effects control designed for expressive build-ups, break-downs, and more
- Pro XLR and RCA outputs, knobs, back-lit buttons, and Innofaders
- Four color-coded trigger buttons plus the loop encoder on either side
- Launch loops, samples, and cue points with eight color-coded trigger pads and fine-tune with the loop encoders
Cons
- Lacks dual USB ports for seamless DJ handover
- Faceplates wear off quickly
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 8 – Reloop RMX-90 DVS
The Reloop RMX-90 DVS was released early 2017. This mixer is packed with the expected features of a pro mixer.
- 4+1-channel DJ club mixer, 8 in/8 out DVS, 24-bit audio interface for Serato DJ
- Digital architecture with extensive adjustment possibilities
- Beat FX unit with 12 studio quality effects
- Two digital displays for visualization of parameter changes
- RMX innoFADER compatible
- Adjustable linefader and crossfader curves
- MIDI-compatible control elements
- Active USB hub for the connection of further USB devices
- High-retention USB 2.0 port, especially durable
- Fader-start via 3.5 mm control cable
- Kensington lock to secure the device
Cons
- Lacks multi-colour performance pads and midi control for library, loop, hot cues etc
- Lacks dual USB ports for seamless DJ handover
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 7 – Allen & Heath Xone: PX5
The Xone; PX5 was released late 2016 and it is a Traktor certified 4-channel+1 DJ mixer with high quality audio, FX and multiple in and out options.
- High quality internal sound card – 20 Channel 96kHz, 24bit USB
- Xcite FX suite, a new breed of FX specifically tailored for DJ performance
- Hybrid FX mode combines the internal and external send & return FX
- Integrated MIDI clock engine which can send start/stop messages to external equipment
- Innofader compatible
Cons
- Lacks multi-colour performance pads and midi control for library, loop, hot cues etc
- Lacks dual USB ports for seamless DJ handover
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 6 – Denon X1800 Prime
The Denon X1800 Prime is a professional club mixer released in 2017 by Denon along with a few other products coded named the Prime Series. Denon recently has launched an on-slaught to dominate the DJ booth with an avalanche of DJ products within the last 1 year. The Denon X1800 Prime is a serious challenger for dominance.
- 4-Channel Digital Mixer with (4) phono/line switchable channels
- BPM FX section with frequency controlled ‘Band-Isolation’
- Dual USB audio connections for software and audio devices.
- Dedicated Sweep and BPM FX Knobs — high-quality effects for each channel with a single knob turn
- Expressive EQ – choose Classic or Isolation modes and an Adjustable Filter Resonance Control
- ‘Engine Connect’ protocol for beatgrid locked FX
- Expressive Denon DJ ‘Flex-Fader’, Crossfader
- Connect MIDI based effects and instruments
- 24-bit/96kHz digital output for uncompromised audio quality
- Crisp OLED screen for precise menu based adjustments
- (4) Digital inputs for high-resolution audio mixing
- LAN Hub for up to four players or accessories
Cons
- Lacks multi-colour performance pads and midi control for library, loop, hot cues etc
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 5 – Allen & Heath Xone: DB4
The Xone; DB4 is a 4-channel professional DJ mixer with advanced features. This mixer is compatible with Serato DJ, Traktor and Ableton Live and equipped with Link for syncing multiple devices and 4 stereo sends and 4 stereo returns.
- Quad core FX and DSP engine with individual channel FX
- Pro-X-fader option built with 100% conductive plastic tracks and a wider stem for extended fader life
- X:Link via RJ45 connector for sharing data between compatible devices, saving USB ports on your computer
- Built in looper can grab section of a track in loop of 1/16 beat to 4 bars, the mixer will always record the full 4 bars so the loop can be expanded and shrunk at will
- A built-in, high quality (24-bit / 96kHz), multi-channel, fully patchable USB2 soundcard allows replay and recording from audio software for 4 stereo sends and 4 stereo returns
- Customized mixer parameters can be saved and recalled at will via USB on another DB4
- Midi compatible with DAW via internal midi clock
Cons
- Quite complex, it would take some time to master its functionalities
- Lacks multi-colour performance pads and midi control for library, loop, hot cues etc
- Lacks dual USB ports for seamless DJ handover
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 4 – Pioneer DJM-900NXS2
This versatile DJ mixer is compatible with Pioneer’s RekordBox, Serato DJ, Traktor, Virtual DJ and RMX1000 for iPad. A monstrous studio quality 96 kHz/64-bit digital signal processing with pre-amp.
- Dual USB for seamless DJ transitions and sound-card has 4 ins and 5 outs
- 14 different types of Beat Fx with high resolution OLED screen
- Frequency FX, you can add FX to highs, mids or lows independently
- Independent send and return for hybrid FX
- Advanced connectivity via Pro-link, connect up to 4 devices
- Robust Magvel crossfader for smoother mixing
- Multiple quality connection options
Cons
- Lacks multi-colour performance pads and midi control for library, loop, hot cues etc
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 3 – Rane Sixty-Two
Rane is a leading manufacturer of DJ equipment. Their products are the best quality in the market and will serve the user endlessly. Rane products dominate the DJ booth in various clubs across the globe. The Rane Sixty-Two is a professional 2 channel DJ mixer and midi controller.
- Direct control of over 40 Serato DJ or Scratch Live software controls with internal 20 channel sound-card
- Each of the two USB ports supports six stereo record and four stereo playback channels
- Software controls for Library, Loops, Cues and SP6 sample player
- FlexFx Loop with six internal effects, analog loop and USB Insert
- Two DJs can share the mixer, each running different software, for seamless set changes.
- 32-bit floating point audio processing sampled at 48 kHz.
- Mic/line input on XLR/TRS jack with gain trim, two-band EQ, Flex FX assign and On/Over controls.
- Internal Effects Engine with Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Echo, Robot and Reverb effects.
- External analog inserts for analog effects processor and USB Insert for software effects.
- USB Aux Input for SP-6 sample playback with HP/LP Filter, Headphone Cue, and Flex FX assign.
- Magnetic crossfader and channel faders with reverse and contour controls.
- Drivers are multi-client, meaning they allow multiple applications on a computer to share the device at the same time.
Cons
- The midi controls and pads are quite small and might be a problem if you have big hands.
Check the Price on Amazon or place an order
Number 2 – Pioneer DJM-S9
This is our ultimate king of the DJ booth. This mixer is not only widely used and popular, it is also versatile, loaded and exceeds expectation. These are the reasons why all the top DJs endorse this mixer.
- Magvel Fader Pro Crossfader with several parameter and enhanced mic input
- 2 built in sound-cards for seamless DJ handover with high quality audio
- 16 multi-colour performance pads for hot cues, roll, slicer, sampler and more
- Customizable FX buttons and filter FX knob
- FX style levers for rapidly switch FX on and off.
- Midi controller – browse, view, prepare, load, instant doubles and many more functions
- Spacious layout around the faders for the battle DJ
Cons
- Cannot select 2 different functions on both sides (decks) of the performance pads. That is, you cannot select hot cues on Deck A and slicer on Deck B.
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
Number 1 – Rane Sixty-Four
The Rane Sixty-Four is presently highest grade of Rane’s mixers that are still being manufactured apart from the MP series (Rotary). The Rane Sixty-Eight has been discontinued. The Rane Sixty-Four has all the features of the Rane Sixty-Two with 2 extra channels and more features.
- Internal 22 channel sound-card with dual USB port for seamless DJ handover
- Software Controls for Library, Loops, Cues, SP6 Sample Player, Sync and Slip
- Proprietary Rane magnetic fader, high quality audio with multiple in and out.
- FlexFX Loop with Six Internal Effects, Analog Loop and USB Insert
- Includes ultra-low latency core audio and Casio drivers
- Drivers are multi-client, meaning they allow multiple applications on a computer to share the device at the same time
Cons
- Lacks internal MIDI bridge, magnetic line faders and fully-featured input matrix
- The midi controls and pads are quite small and might be a problem if you have big hands
Check the price on Amazon or place an order
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