Buyers Guides We list many different mixers on DJ Store, and try hard to keep a balance between a comprehensive range, and total confusion!
Different mixers tend to be aimed at different markets - and so some mixers are for scratching, some for mixing, some for mobile DJ's etc etc - you don't have to stick to these hand and fast rules, and should use what makes you happy - after all, as long as a mixer can be used to mix two signals together - everything else is a bonus !!
All the DJ mixers we sell can be connected to at least 2 decks and 2 CD players, i.e. have 2 channels, but it's worth remembering that no matter how many actual inputs, the maximum number of sources you can mixer at any one time on a 2 channel mixer is 2. A mixer with an extra channel or two (ie three of four faders) may come in very handy later down the line, for example you want to add additional sources to your current set up.
Essential Stuff
Gain controls ’ there are many myths in DJ circles as to what a gain control is actually for. It is (in it’s simplest terms) the level control for each record (or CD) ’ use it each time you put a record on to set the level of that particular record. Working in conjunction with the LED lights on a mixer set the gain so that each deck 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) Then when you’ve do this, both records will be at the same level, and you can use your faders safe in the knowledge that one won’t be louder than the other.
EQ Controls (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.
Kill switches ’ not strictly a essential, but becoming more and more popular, and very handy. Rather that having to tweek out a heavy bass line while your mixing, simply flick the bass kill on the outgoing song, and the mixer does it for you. Means you can leave your eq controls alone for tonal adjustments.
Curve controls ’ For scratch DJs only(!) ’ you use this to adjust the way a crossfader works - mixers 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 !!) Normally side by side with a...
Hamster switch ’ another tool for the scratch DJ ’ a hamster switch (named after DJ Hamster who invented it) reverses the position of the channels across the crossfader.
Useful Stuff
Effects send and return ’ another bonus if it’s there ’ use this to connect an effects unit such as a Korg Kaoss effects pad, even if you haven’t got one now, you won’t need to upgrade the mixer when you do buy one.
VCA/Optical/Digital Crossfaders ’ only found on more expensive models ’ these crossfaders get around the problem of passing an audio signal thru 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 can save money down the line rather than replacing lots of worn out crossfaders.
Gimmicky Stuff
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 tend to feature on professional mixers, so if you learn to mix by relying on the BPM displayed, you're going to get stuck if you get a gig at a venue with a mixer that doesn't have one.
Cool Stuff
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.
