What ever happened to 3 Channel Mixers?
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  1. #1
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    Default What ever happened to 3 Channel Mixers?

    So after returning to DJ’n after 15 years and post the digital revolution, I currently run a 2 channel DVS set up. Looking at my first controller for playing out more convenient I wondered what happened to 3 channel mixers. This was always my default for mixing and using samples in the past, now the primary options are 2/4 controllers.

    What happened to 3 channel mixers?

  2. #2
    Tech Guru SlayForMoney's Avatar
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    With the development and popularity of controllers, manufacturers slashed their product ranges. Hell, it's difficult to find a quality 2ch mixer (with phono preamps, faders and features of same quality as bigger 4ch mixers).
    Denon X600 - 2x Denon SC-2000 - AKG K181DJ - NI Audio 2

  3. #3
    Tech Guru the_bastet's Avatar
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    Most mixers are digital now. The added cost of adding a 4th channel and selling a 12" mixer is easier than taking the chance on selling a 3 channel 10" battle mixer.
    - Equipment - 2X Technics 1200, 2X Audio Technica ATLP1240, 2X XDJ700, 2X XDJ1000 MK2, Denon DNX-1100, Mixars DUO, DJM750 MK2, NI Audio 10, NI Aduio 4, Serato SL3, 4X Shure M44-7, 2X Ortofon Pro S, 2X Numark Groove Tool, Maschine MK3, Samson Carbon 49, Roland SE-02, Novation Launchcontrol, TouchOSC, Nocation Peak, Arturia MiniBrute, Korg Volca Kick, MicroKorg (Classic), NI Komplete Audio 6

  4. #4
    Tech Guru Patch's Avatar
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    3, while being the magic number, is odd.

    No one likes odd numbers.
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  5. #5
    Tech Guru the_bastet's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by A$H View Post
    I always thought three channel mixers looked ugly as furrrrk.
    I loved em. With two turntables and a sampler/drum machine, they were an amazing tool to have. It freed up the send/return loop for FX processors.
    - Equipment - 2X Technics 1200, 2X Audio Technica ATLP1240, 2X XDJ700, 2X XDJ1000 MK2, Denon DNX-1100, Mixars DUO, DJM750 MK2, NI Audio 10, NI Aduio 4, Serato SL3, 4X Shure M44-7, 2X Ortofon Pro S, 2X Numark Groove Tool, Maschine MK3, Samson Carbon 49, Roland SE-02, Novation Launchcontrol, TouchOSC, Nocation Peak, Arturia MiniBrute, Korg Volca Kick, MicroKorg (Classic), NI Komplete Audio 6

  6. #6
    Tech Guru mostapha's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by the_bastet View Post
    I loved em. With two turntables and a sampler/drum machine, they were an amazing tool to have. It freed up the send/return loop for FX processors.
    That's how I worked for the first several years with a 3-ch vestax. I always kinda wanted to go to an Empath Rotary at some point.

    I do still think that going to 4 channels winds up just a little too busy a lot of the time and leads to sets that are only interesting for the DJ. But, apparently the world disagrees with me.

    You can always just ignore the extra channels.

    I mean...I've used a Rane 2016 for a long time now...there are several channels on it I just don't use. Kind of like how people generally ignored two thirds of their urei/bozak mixers in the disco days....only half once they started adding drum machines.

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