Mixer - minimum requirements

[fabiofal]

What should they supposed to be? fxs or not? else?

ta,
fabio

[Pavel Plastikk]

I think the main thing for vinyl dj - mixer should has direct phono sound output.
I mean it should not have intern processor with output sound compression - like Pioneers have

[Ichi.One]

Fabio it depends how much money you wanna spend
i would say for home use, keep it simple, a basic layout
2 channels that can do phono/CD is enough

if it's your first mixer i think it could usefull to have a beatcounter on it,
not everybody will agree, but i think you can learn a lot from it.
not so much for beatmatching but just to see what bpm a song
is and how it speeds up etc...can be usefull

FX are boring, big fun while mixing with a J but boring
if you listen to the mix the next day...try to avoid them

i have a pioneer DJM300, i know it's not the best sounding mixer on the market but i like the layout, i find most expensive mixers too complex
and i've never used a rotarymixer donno if i want that (i use the trimvolume knob sometimes to fadeout) so let me know if anyone knows a basic 2 channel mixer with superbe sound & build quality because after 6years the pioneer is on his last legs

[fabiofal]

Thanks Pete ;) What about the basic Allen & Heath, ha ha ;) No, I mean it just for home, in case the sick idea to get me a 2nd deck should spring to mind! But the mixer should have the treble-mid-bass controls per channel at least, shouldn't it? And what about the pre-amp...? (what the fuck they are? ha ha)

[Ichi.One]

Thanks Pete ;) What about the basic Allen & Heath, ha ha ;) No, I mean it just for home, in case the sick idea to get me a 2nd deck should spring to mind! But the mixer should have the treble-mid-bass controls per channel at least, shouldn't it? And what about the pre-amp...? (what the fuck they are? ha ha)

most of them have treble-mid-bass controls per channel
(exept expensive rotary ones :rolleyes: )

the pre-amp means you can use a TT on the channel
like amps have a pre-amp part (or they used to have in my days)
so you can connect your TT
99% of the mixers have a phono input (no?)
of course it's a vital part to the sound quality...

[jambourgie]

Fabio, you are talking about a DJ mixer right?


I can also vouch for the pioneer. Agreed, the sound quality isn't the best but there's just something about them. I've had a DJM500 since it first came out and it's served me well. The effects are handy when used sparingly, and the BPM counter like Ichi says, is usefull for quickly checking the BPM of a song.

They're good value these days, loads of ins and outs etc.

[Pavel Plastikk]

I would recommend you to buy Technics - it's optimal for home use
I started with this one (http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/technics_dj/prod_intro_shex1200.asp)
On my own opinion & experience, it sounds much more better with vinyl records than Pioneer 300/400/500/600 - it is very important for recording your mixes

[Justin Chodzko]

I've got a pretty-much unused DJM500 that I'm thinking of selling.

[Ichi.One]

The technics SH-EX1200 is okay soundwise but it isn't "built to last" like they say on the website, the knobs came off after 2years :confused:
don't get me wrong Pavel, nothing against it, just my experience
the same happens after a few years on the pioneer.
it's hard to find a decent 2channel mixer that's really build to last
and isn't a hiphopmixer with big crossfader...

what about 2channel, no crossfader, rotary + faders !!!, very basic layout,
treble-mid-bass controls that really cut, headphone/monitor selector like on my DJM300, small and goodlooking (so no screaming logo/font on it) and build to last and with a basic beatcounter (can be extern)
Does this mixer exist ?

[Pavel Plastikk]

The technics SH-EX1200 is okay soundwise but it isn't "built to last" like they say on the website, the knobs came off after 2years :confused:
don't get me wrong Pavel, nothing against it, just my experience
the same happens after a few years on the pioneer.
it's hard to find a decent 2channel mixer that's really build to last
and isn't a hiphopmixer with big crossfader...


It depends on how to use it - will fit perfect to home/private parties only
However I can submit that this model of Technics was worked properly during 5 years from 1999 to 2004 in Zhivot Club in Kharkiv - we had no problems at all - was making only crossfader cleaning once a year
cheers :)

[fabiofal]

Well, thanks guys for all the info; so, yes: basic layout is the goal for me, nothing less, nothing more. I'll think of DJM300 or 500 if I'll get up of bed with that insane idea of getting me another deck... ;)

thanks for reading and answer,
fabio

[Ichi.One]

of course you gonna get a second TT,
why else do you hang around here ?
:p

[Little Beaver]

Tiny point, but quite a number of basic mixers don't have it, is make sure you can meter what you're cueing, not just the main output - helps you even out your levels.

[fabiofal]

of course you gonna get a second TT,
why else do you hang around here ?
:p

ahhh, Pete... if that's my destiny... :cool:

Tiny point, but quite a number of basic mixers don't have it, is make sure you can meter what you're cueing, not just the main output - helps you even out your levels.

Good point, LB. What mixer do you use?

[Ichi.One]

Good point, LB. What mixer do you use?

that feature is indeed essential for smooth mixes...
the pioneer djm300 has it

[Pavel Plastikk]

btw, now I'm using this old bones>>

http://www.123dj.com/mixers/gemini/KL10PRO.gif

it has great sound quality :)

[Justin Chodzko]

it's hard to find a decent 2channel mixer that's really build to last


What about this Urei?

http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR150597

If I sell the Pioneer I might get one of them.

[Ichi.One]

What about this Urei?

http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR150597

If I sell the Pioneer I might get one of them.

anyone knows this 2channel Urei, never seen it in the shops ?

what about this : 3 channel rotary, a bit strange combination
http://www.turntablelab.com/dj_equipment/35/204/12388.html

[Pavel Plastikk]

what about this : 3 channel rotary, a bit strange combination
http://www.turntablelab.com/dj_equip...204/12388.html

at first sight I like it

[Ichi.One]

http://www.turntablelab.com/images/content/1/5/15437.jpg

strange looking machine.... 1049$ ....
available in europe for 1299 euro ?!
:confused:

[Pavel Plastikk]

is it been manufactured in USA?

[ghettokid]

by the way :

what speaks against a urei 1601 .???

i was playing on it the other day and the sound is very crisp ...

also the nobs have a really long way until absolute kill , maybe the space between the knobs is a bit narrow, but def. better then ecler, vestax etc....

all the faders can be switched on different tensities ( fast snap / slow snap etc )

you get xlr and chinch for booth and master ....


it seemed pretty tough and sounded really good ...


well and the best thing is the price : at htfr.co.uk its 199 pounds for the basic, 249 for the effectloaded one ( i would then rather use the effect send/return and a laptop or a space-echo to get proper effectroutes )


i mean come on, a basic mixer with a better sound then the pioneer thats for sure ....


otherwise i would def. turn to the rane before the pioneer oh and i also got my hands on the "strange rane rotary machine" its ace if your not playing in clubs ...you can handle really well, as with all the rotary, pure rane quality, but well what do you get out of your versatile rotary skills if you play on faders at all the clubs ???? ....

i think the pioneer is just way too easy to handle and you get fucked over playing in a club when ur too much used to a pioneer

( it sound awkward but dont make it too easy for yourself otherwise it will get harder in clubs ....like prins thomas and his lolipop-headphones...it makes perfect sense...ur in the party not in your headphones ...)

cheers g.

[Ichi.One]

Don't think Fabio is planning a career as club dj ;)

[ghettokid]

well anyway the sound is superb and its def. a mixer thats pretty fly if you learn how to handle it .....

has a notch filter too so you can "space out" ....


cheers g.

[fabiofal]

Don't think Fabio is planning a career as club dj ;)

No, not at all Pete; I ain't got much time for this kind of things (I tend to stay outdoor whenever I can, ha ha) just some basic stuff to spin some records while I'm barbe-cueing ;).
Anyway, thanks G., I've got to say that that Urei, beside its prestigious and well-known name, is so catching and a quite cheap one!

[Rotter3*]

I was thinking the same thing Fab... ;)

[ttauri]

that Urei, beside its prestigious and well-known name

It should be stated that it's "Urei" in name only--not made by the same company. Though Soundcraft (the company behind the revival of the Urei name) are a capable company with a history of fine products themselves.

Peece,
T. Tauri

[fabiofal]

It should be stated that it's "Urei" in name only--not made by the same company. Though Soundcraft (the company behind the revival of the Urei name) are a capable company with a history of fine products themselves.

Peece,
T. Tauri

didn't know that, thanks Tauri.

[ghettokid]

anyway i would recommend this mixer heaviely due to the fact that it is a nice sounding and for 200 pounds absolutely unbeatable bargain that non of its competitor can actually even get close to ...

cheers g.

soudcraft ??? isnt that what is stated on the supermax records ???

[fabiofal]

What about this Urei?

http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR150597

If I sell the Pioneer I might get one of them.


so, what about this urei? btw, looking at he rear panel, it seems to not have an output for recording... is it so or i could record my set with some trickery?

[Rotter3*]

Don't worry Fab it has master & booth outs as both phono and xlr cables

[fabiofal]

Don't worry Fab it has master & booth outs as both phono and xlr cables

got it: you can use the SEND out as a record output (just read the manual, me stupid ;) )

[Rotter3*]

"Booth" would be a better option I think mate

[fabiofal]

"Booth" would be a better option I think mate

I trust you ;) btw, what's the difference between xlr balanced outputs and rca unbalanced ones, sean? could i connect the xlr ones to the home pa system with some sort of cables?

[Rotter3*]

XLR's were developed for studio use in situations where long cable runs are needed and the potential of electromagnetic interference is possible. They are designed to reduce noise.

I'm no expert but I've heard some people claim that they sound better.

Personally I think that if the cable run between your mixer and Amp is short then you will be ok with RCA. Plus I don't think many domestic stereo's have XLR inputs.

[fabiofal]

XLR's were developed for studio use in situations where long cable runs are needed and the potential of electromagnetic interference is possible. They are designed to reduce noise.

I'm no expert but I've heard some people claim that they sound better.

Personally I think that if the cable run between your mixer and Amp is short then you will be ok with RCA. Plus I don't think many domestic stereo's have XLR inputs.

thanks ;)

[Marius Circus]

The big drawback for me as far as the Urei goes, is that you'd have to buy it from HTFR to get it at the price stated here. A bunch of c*nts. I'd rather been seen dead than do business with them ever again.

/M

[fabiofal]

The big drawback for me as far as the Urei goes, is that you'd have to buy it from HTFR to get it at the price stated here. A bunch of c*nts. I'd rather been seen dead than do business with them ever again.

/M

really? it looks like a real bargain, for it costs about 580 euros here...

[Marius Circus]

It is a bargain. My problem isn't the price, it's that it's HTFR selling it, since they're idiots...

[House Bunny]

Interesting thread, think I need to bookmark it for future reference.

I keep on getting these mad ideas about getting a second turntable too.:)

[Little Beaver]

Mixer, minimum requirements?

Not to get electric shocks off the motherfucker (he said from recent grim experience)

[fabiofal]

Interesting thread, think I need to bookmark it for future reference.

I keep on getting these mad ideas about getting a second turntable too.:)

that's where I started from, bob... ;)

[fabiofal]

Mixer, minimum requirements?

Not to get electric shocks off the motherfucker (he said from recent grim experience)


I expect this to be not an extra-feature, ha ha ;)

[fabiofal]

yesterday got me a 1601 E; now i feel like marshall jefferson when got himself a 9 grand worth equipment and friends came to see the stuff, saying: "stupid motherfucker bought all this shit and don't even know how to play nothing" ha ha ha ;) just let me some time and i'll make you see 8)

[ozzy]

how did it pan out with this mixer ? any good ? and did you buy it from hard to find ?

im in the market for a new one and this looks like a beaut, but ive heard some horror stories about buying from HtoF.

[Ichi.One]

yesterday got me a 1601 E; now i feel like marshall jefferson when got himself a 9 grand worth equipment and friends came to see the stuff, saying: "stupid motherfucker bought all this shit and don't even know how to play nothing" ha ha ha ;) just let me some time and i'll make you see 8)

i'm one of those friends : "wtf he bought a 1601, what are you gonna do with it bwoy ? mixing a salad ? please don't say you've quit your daytime job,..... :rolleyes: "

[fabiofal]

how did it pan out with this mixer ? any good ? and did you buy it from hard to find ?

im in the market for a new one and this looks like a beaut, but ive heard some horror stories about buying from HtoF.

Ciao, Ozzy,
bought it from a local reseller; as far as i'm concerned, the mixer does it right (mind you, i'm definitely not an expert on the subject); maybe the fx section could be an extra of no value for some one, but it comes in hand when you need to spice your sound up, let alone the process system is based on a 96 khz/24 bit basis ;)

i'm one of those friends : "wtf he bought a 1601, what are you gonna do with it bwoy ? mixing a salad ? please don't say you've quit your daytime job,..... :rolleyes: "

couldn't quit my day time job, Pete: how could i surf djh, then? ha ha! don't be so severe in judging that machine, i know you're a pioneer fan, but world is made up of other things, too 8) ah, but you don't know the rest of the story about Marshall: after all that shit his friends threw at him, it took him only 2 days to make his very first track :-D

hugs,
fabio

[House Bunny]

Interesting thread, think I need to bookmark it for future reference.

I keep on getting these mad ideas about getting a second turntable too.:)

Good chance that I might be joining this insanity too this year having got provisional approval from my other half.

One question, will I need to use my old usb phono pre-amp to connect the 'out' from the mixer to the lap-top?

[Count Cookula]

That's not going to work for you I'm afraid, you'll either have to go in through the laptop's line input or get a USB or Firewire interface. Once you get the mixer that'll have the phono preamp on each channel and then the mixer'll be outputting at line level, so the Phono/USB box you've got will be redundant for that set up.

*Edit. I guess it depends what type of USB/Phono box it is you've got, maybe it can still be integrated, what's your set up HB?

[House Bunny]

*Edit. I guess it depends what type of USB/Phono box it is you've got, maybe it can still be integrated, what's your set up HB?

Have used the Art Accessories USB Phono Plus for the last couple of years with my desktop. It's a bit like an external soundcard. The phono plugs from radio cassette player (or turntable) plug into the back then there's a nice long USB cable that allows me to connect to the PC that uses Audio Cleaning software. Downstairs I use a Numark USB turntable with its own USB cable that plugs into (my wifes) laptop, using audacity to record and edit the music. The TT is in turn connected to a Cambridge Audio amp. Come to think of it there's a picture of it on Ichi.One's site (Lean On Me).

[Ichi.One]

couldn't quit my day time job, Pete: how could i surf djh, then? ha ha! don't be so severe in judging that machine, i know you're a pioneer fan, but world is made up of other things, too 8) ah, but you don't know the rest of the story about Marshall: after all that shit his friends threw at him, it took him only 2 days to make his very first track :-D

hugs,
fabio


Yes and he had to play the piano bits at half speed because he wasn't capable of doing it at 120 bpm :-D

ps no pioneer fan, just lazy when it comes to choosing equipment
the only thing i know from experience: if you want good solid stuff try Rodec

[Count Cookula]

It's got a Line/Phono switch so you'll still be able to use it, just send one pair of your mixer's outs to your Cambridge and one pair to the USB box and out via USB to your laptop. That's assuming your mixer has more than one set of outputs, most have 2 sets of Master outputs but you can use a booth out if it doesn't. Your best off sending it to the 2 separate places rather than trying to monitor back what's going into the lappy because there'll be some latency (delay while the computer processes the signal and spits it back out) which would make it difficult to mix with.

[Ichi.One]

Good chance that I might be joining this insanity too this year having got provisional approval from my other half.

One question, will I need to use my old usb phono pre-amp to connect the 'out' from the mixer to the lap-top?

i want a photo of that new setup when it arrives :p

Fabio how about you sending me a photo of that mixingkitchen of yours?

[Mr H]

It's got a Line/Phono switch so you'll still be able to use it, just send one pair of your mixer's outs to your Cambridge and one pair to the USB box and out via USB to your laptop. That's assuming your mixer has more than one set of outputs, most have 2 sets of Master outputs but you can use a booth out if it doesn't. Your best off sending it to the 2 separate places rather than trying to monitor back what's going into the lappy because there'll be some latency (delay while the computer processes the signal and spits it back out) which would make it difficult to mix with.

Thanks, that's set my mind at rest, think I know what I need to do when the time arrives.

i want a photo of that new setup when it arrives :p

Might be a while yet, while I was off guard in the glory of what might be, Mrs bought a new washing machine a second hand living room suite and persuaded me to join the local gym.:roll:


Ooops just realised it was my other alter ego that asked the question, that'll confuse a few.

[fabiofal]

i want a photo of that new setup when it arrives :p

Fabio how about you sending me a photo of that mixingkitchen of yours?

taken some pics last week, Pete, but the room where my wheels of steel are is so narrow that's quite impossible to take a photo, as it's very difficult to get a decent angle of view (i'm just a shit photographer, you know). I'll see if i can get better results...

[Mr H]

Good chance that I might be joining this insanity too this year having got provisional approval from my other half.

One question, will I need to use my old usb phono pre-amp to connect the 'out' from the mixer to the lap-top?

This might provide a solution for me.

http://www.jpleisure.co.uk/item407.htm

[Martin Red]

I've got to say that that Urei, beside its prestigious and well-known name, is so catching and a quite cheap one!
That's what I've got, solid build, good sound and nice and cheap at £199.

The only thing it's missing is an On/Off switch :)

[Dancing Girl]

I also have a Pioneer DJM300 - sounds fine to me for bedroom use, and was pretty cheap.

[fabiofal]

That's what I've got, solid build, good sound and nice and cheap at £199.

The only thing it's missing is an On/Off switch :)

yes... :rolleyes: but i've connected the plug in a multiple socket provided with a on-off switch ;)