Which DJ Mixer Should I Buy As A Beginner
A DJ mixer allows you to control the sound levels of multiple inputs. It then outputs the “mixed” sound as an audio signal to your speakers. Most mixers have a range of other features, but they are non-essential, like effects units.
When do you need a mixer?
If you are going for the All-In-One or Controller setup then you don’t need a mixer. Controllers always come with a built-in mixer, which is one of the reasons they are so great. But if you are going for standalone decks, like CDJs or Vinyl Turntables, you will need a standalone mixer.
Analogue vs Digital
There are two main types of mixers, analogue and digital (with a couple of hybrids thrown into the mix (pun intended) just to confuse you). Analogue and digital refers to how the sound signal is processed internally in the mixer. Both styles of mixer input and output an analogue signal.
A digital mixer takes an analogue input and converts it to a digital signal. By doing this, you do away with cumbersome analogue circuitry. This digital signal can then be run through an onboard processor and manipulated endlessly, giving the user far more control over the sound. This control comes in the forms of effects, like Roll, Echo, Reverb and Spiral.
An analogue mixer maintains the incoming analogue signal and simply blends multiple signals together before outputting an analogue signal to the speakers. People call the sound warm or natural due to this lack of conversion. Analogue will always be the audiophile and purists choice of mixer.
So, the question is, do you want the best audio quality money can buy (analogue) or do you want more control and effects to colour your mixes (digital)?
Channels
The other defining feature of a mixer is the number of channels or inputs you can route into the mixer. Most of the beginner models will have 2 channels, meaning you can plug in 2 decks. While the pro gear always has 4 channels. A 2 channel mixer is fine to get you started and is more than enough to take you up to a semi pro level. If you want a mixer to cover you forever and grow into, I would strongly suggest a 4 channel mixer.
Brands
The big DJ brands in the mixer world are Pioneer, Allen & Heath, Rane, Play Differently and Native Instruments (Traktor). Though this is narrowed down even further, to Pioneer and Allen & Heath, for 90% of the DJs out there. So which should you choose and why?
Pioneer
The absolute and undeniable club standard mixer in the world today (important if your aim is to play in clubs). The DJM series is about as legendary as Andy C, Carl Cox and Fat Boy Slim combined. They are known for their onboard effects panels, audio and build quality, reliability, innovation and simple layout. They have a wide range of mixers, from entry-level to pro. They are the most common mixer you will see on the second-hand market, and they maintain their value really well.
You really can’t go wrong with Pioneer. For a beginner, I either recommend a new DJM 250MK2 or a second hand DJM 800 or 900 if you can afford it. If you go the 800/900, it is unlikely you will ever need to upgrade.
Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath is the ‘purist’ DJ mixer of choice. The Xone 92 and Xone 96 are the most common mixers you see outside the Pioneer range. But what sets Allen & Heath well ahead of Pioneer is their warm sound quality and buttery smooth filters and EQs. It’s tough to go from an Allen & Heath to anything else once you’ve played on one.
For a beginner, I recommend either a new Xone 23 or a second hand 92 or 96 if your budget allows. You won’t outgrow either of the latter.
Rane
Rane mixers tend to be for more niche areas of DJing. For example, people that love rotary mixers (all dials rather than up and down faders) absolutely swear by Rane. They are classy, look awesome and sound great. Because of this, you pay through the nose for one. The Rane 72 is an outstanding battle/scratch mixer that integrates well with Serato.
I wouldn’t recommend one of these for a beginner unless you find a second-hand bargain or are planning on being a scratch DJ.
Native Instruments
While this is a great mixer and can work in both standalone mode or Traktor integrated mode, they are really designed with the Traktor user in mind. They are also limited to 2 channels (and really, they are expensive for a 2 channel mixer).
I would only recommend the Z2 if you already know the Traktor software and you’ve made the decision to go that way already. You can usually find one of these units on the second-hand market for a reasonable price.
Numark
Here is your value for money option. For a fifth of the price of Pioneer or Allen & Heath, you get a 4 channel mixer with a long history of making DJ mixers. What you are sacrificing here is functionality like effects and filters.
I would recommend the Numark M6 USB or M101 for any beginners on a very tight budget and don’t know whether DJing is for them.
DJ Mixer Conclusion
If you are really struggling to make a decision I would strongly suggest going for a Pioneer mixer. You absolutely can’t go wrong with one, the effects are so much fun to play with, they resell well and there is an abundance of them around.
