Looking for specific details from Denon DN X1600 users.

[dj415]

Hey all,

Currently getting serious about purchasing a serious 4 channel mixer, primarily for use with Traktor. Looking for something with a 4 channel interface and lasting build quality, and while I've been saving up for an 850, the Denon DN X1600 has been catching my eye. Solid build, good soundcard, matrix input, solid effects from what I've heard, and since I spend as much or more time building mappings than mixing, the midi implementations seems like it'd scratch that itch for me. Only problem is that I almost certainly won't have a chance to lay hands on one before buying, so I just have a couple questions for anyone who's used a 1600 before.

1. Are the encoders in the midi section click encoders or smooth encoders?
2. What does the Parameters knob in the FX section actually do? From reviews and demos, it looks like it functions as a low/hi filter, but sometimes controls fx parameters?
3. Does the mixer accept MIDI clock in? Specifically, can I slave the FX engine to an external clock from Traktor or Ableton?
4. First part to break?
5. Should I aim for the 1700 instead? Aim for Pioneer or A&H?
6. Anything else that I should know. Warnings, hidden secrets, comparisons?

Thanks in advance!

[Jester]

Howdy

Those encoders are endless click encoders.
The parameters knob modulates the FX, the On/Off button changes this to a filter (you need the 2000 firmware update)
Yes you can use the MIDI clock
If you need 2 FX engines, go for the 1700, otherwise, the 1600 is totally badass
Best value for money/featured mixer i have ever used

Hope this helps.

[DJDoubleYou]

Since jester already answered most of your questions, fist part to break: The DNX-1600 will not break no but on a more serious note, this thing is built like a tank, I love it, only the FX section is not so good IMO and i would love to have some dedicated filters per channel. I would rate it 9/10.

[Jester]

Did you get your check from denon yet mate lol

Also stand by to see how it looks in a decent flightcase, just got mine setup in the Odyssey laptop version, will take some snaps tomorrow.

[SlayForMoney]

1. endless click encoders with a push (so you can map on/off behavior with the push)

3. If you want quantized mixer FX's to Traktor MIDI clock BPM, just create generic midi device in Traktor Preferences (midi ports All in/out). BPM on the mixer varies between +/- 0.1 BPM with my old Traktor 1.2.7 but not often, changes maaaybe every 15sec. Good enough for every effect on the mixer without the need to pay attention to it.

4. As with any mixer - faders.

5. X1700 has better line faders (unbelievably smooth Alps K-type), better sound quality (separate power supply for digital/analog parts of the mixer, HQ phono preamps and all of that stuff that makes the difference when connected to good club PA), dual FX, lights around EQ changes according to the mode you set them in...
On the other hand, X1600 has a better MIDI implementation (midi buttons and encoders).

6. Denon mixers/controller can be a PITA to map the midi out commands from Traktor for LED.

[DJDoubleYou]

Did you get your check from denon yet mate lol

Also stand by to see how it looks in a decent flightcase, just got mine setup in the Odyssey laptop version, will take some snaps tomorrow.

Haha they ///don't sell them anymore/// but I freaking love that thing man, my judgement may be clouded cause i got it for 420E new condition and was coming from an S4

Edit:
My bad they still sell them

[oddworld_audio]

The guys have covered all the questions but I'll add another "me too" to the Happy DNX-1600 users list. The only issue I've had on mine is that one of the faders was not screwed down correctly. It was an easy 5 minute fix.

[DJDoubleYou]

The guys have covered all the questions but I'll add another "me too" to the Happy DNX-1600 users list. The only issue I've had on mine is that one of the faders was not screwed down correctly. It was an easy 5 minute fix.

Yhea if I really have to be critical, besides the FX section that sucks the encoders feel a tiny bit flimsy, I would have liked a more intense click

[SlayForMoney]

the FX section that sucks

???
mighty strong words

The FX have the standard implementation (on/off button, dry/wet + parameter/filter knob) so I see nothing that "sucks" hardware wise. FX sound decent (even the flanger).
You may not like the number or selection of them but these are, I could say, "club standard" FX that are present on almost any other manufacturer's mixer (sometimes under a different name). Unlike some competitors, Denon has a fully usable send/return loop so you can use any other external FX unit (EFX, RMX, Korg,..) if you desire more.

FX are a tricky business I would say. Sometimes the effect that I find totally unusable (remember the DJM-909's fader synth?) proves to be the most awesome one in somebody elses hands...

[DJDoubleYou]

???
mighty strong words

The FX have the standard implementation (on/off button, dry/wet + parameter/filter knob) so I see nothing that "sucks" hardware wise. FX sound decent (even the flanger).
You may not like the number or selection of them but these are, I could say, "club standard" FX that are present on almost any other manufacturer's mixer (sometimes under a different name). Unlike some competitors, Denon has a fully usable send/return loop so you can use any other external FX unit (EFX, RMX, Korg,..) if you desire more.

FX are a tricky business I would say. Sometimes the effect that I find totally unusable (remember the DJM-909's fader synth?) proves to be the most awesome one in somebody elses hands...

Yhea you are right but the tempo detection often messes it up in my case and I do think the layout is generally not that intuitive, maybe it's just because in comparison to Traktors effects it's not that versatile