Buyers Guides
Here's a list of the key features found on mixers, what they do, and why you do (or don't need them).
We've selected the Stanton SMX401 because it's got lot's of key features on it, while still being clearly laid out so you can see them.
these front panel inputs are where you connect your microphone - this mixer has 2 inputs, one "combi" connector, whcih accepts a jack or XLR connection, and a second jack only input.
The volume control for the microphone input - use it to adjust the level of your voice in the mix.
Adjusts the tone of the microphone. More expensive models have more than one giving you better control of the tonal adjustments.
Another bonus if it’s there – push this switch to send this channel to the mixers effects send outputs. For use with an external effects unit such as the Air FX or the Kaoss Pad II. Worth considering when you buy a new mixer, even though you don't use it right away, it's a good investment for the future.
Use this to select which channel you hear in your headphones - different mixers to this in different ways - usually mixers with more than 2 channels give you a button on each channel to push, rather than a little toggle switch - this a single switch is fine if it's only a 2 channel mixer.
Not strictly an essential, but becoming more and more popular, and very handy. Rather that having to tweak out a heavy bass line while your mixing, simply flick the bass kill on the outgoing song, and the mixer does it for you. Flick the mid range and it removes the bulk of the music, or the tops to remove vocals and hi-hats. It's not perfect, but can help make a heavy, over complicated mix sound tighter. Also means you can leave your EQ controls alone for tonal adjustments.
All mixers allow at least a deck and a CD player to be connected to each channel - you use this switch to select between them. REMEMBER - you can only connect decks to the phono inputs, and CD players to the line inputs - connecting it the other way could damage your equipment.
There are many myths in DJ circles as to what a gain control is actually for. It is (in it’s simplest terms) a level control for each record (or CD) – use it each time you put a new record on to set the level of that particular track. Working in conjunction with the LED lights on a mixer adjust the gain so that the display just reaches the top of the green – and doesn’t go into the red. (They didn’t put the red ones there because they ran out of green ones) When you put your next tune on do the same again for this track and you're done - Both tracks will now be at the same level, and you can push up your fader (or move your crossfader) safe in the knowledge that one won’t be louder than the other.
(tone controls – rotary kills) These are basically tone controls like the ones on your old radio, but double – one set for each deck. They are useful to adjust the tone of individual records, and also in mixing, when pulling out heavy frequencies on a mixer that doesn’t have kill switches.
This control pans the signal from the left to the right output channel - use it to move your mix from left to right.
Another bonus if it’s there – push this switch to send this channel to the mixers effects send outputs. For use with an external effects unit such as the Air FX or the Kaoss Pad II. Worth considering when you buy a new mixer, even though you don't use it right away, it's a good investment for the future.
Use this to select which channel you hear in your headphones - different mixers to this in different ways - usually mixers with more than 2 channels give you a button on each channel to push, rather than a little toggle becasue you'll need more than a single switch if there are more than 2 channels.
The main volume control for each channel - used to control the level of each signal in the mix.
This device allows you to mix from one channel to the other - in it's simplest form it's just the two level controls joined together, back to back, and allows you to operate the mixer one handed. VCA and Optical crossfaders are found on more expensive models (but the prices are coming down) – these crossfaders get around the problem of passing an audio signal through a crossfader (which with wear and tear gets dirty - and therefore noisy) by using either a separate voltage supply or even a light. It costs more to start with, but if you're a heavy crossfader user can can save money down the line rather than replacing lots of worn out ones. There are other variations on the "high end" crossfader, such as the digital ones from Vestax or the "Non Contact Crossfader" from Rane, both of which again offer slightly different ways of getting round the age old crossfader noise problem.
Level Meter - used in conjunction with the gain controls - this mixer uses two sets of levels - each channel has it's own input to display the signal on that channel, and a pair which display the master output from the mixer.
(main/output etc) - This is the master output from the mixer - the main level control for your feed to your amp or hi-fi. Also features a master pan control so you can adjust the output from the left to the right.
The send control sets the level that the selected channel is output to your external effects unit, and the return control takes the signal from the effects unit, and mixes this back into the mixers output.
Many mixers feature booth outputs, a separate output that's usually used by the DJ for his monitor speakers -it simply gives a separate level control for the monitors than the main output.
(headphone level) The volume control for your headphones
This knob allows you to pan what you hear in your headphones between the channel you're cueing and the output - great for making sure a mix is working before you push the fader up.
This mixer has 2 headphone sockets - one for headphones with a 6.3mm 1/4 inch jack, and one for smaller 3.5mm headphone plugs.
Punch Buttons - These are used in different ways by different manufacturers, but usually "drop" the closed side of the crossfader into the mix temporarily when you push the button. Usually used by scratch DJs.
Hamster Switch - Changes the way the crossfader operates - puts channel 2 on the left side, and channel one on the right - useful to a scratch DJ for various effects. Named after DJ Hamster who invented it.
Microphone ON/OFF switch + talk control - Turns the microphone on and off, and on some mixers feature talk over, which can be used to "duck" the music to allow you to talkover it.
Curve Controls - You use this to adjust the way a cross fader works. House/techno/trance DJ's like them long and smooth, whereas scratch DJ’s like them short and sharp – the choice is yours (because it’s much easier than fitting a different one !!)
On Board Effects - Rather than add a separate effects unit, several mixers are now available with built in effects, ranging from a couple of simple fixed effects – right through to mixers which have a complete Korg Kaoss pad built in!
BPM counters - Can be handy for beginners – a small display shows the beat of the playing record, but they are not totally accurate, and don’t really feature on professional mixers, so if you learn to rely on one, you’ll be stuck without one.
Remember - You'll find plenty more useful and practical advice on buying DJ equipment in Start - the DJ Store buyers guide, and in our help section too. And remember if you've got a question on a specific product - simply click the "ask us a question button" on each product page.
