Practical difference between 2 and 4-channel mixers?

**space monkey** · 06-03-2011, 03:24 AM

To put a finer point on the flexibility of 4 v. 2 is that you have more routing options for EFX units, signal sources (TT, CDJ, software or another computer). If the mixer is digital like the DNX1600/1700, Xone DB4 one can route audio bi-directionally, i.e. from laptop to mixer and back again allowing for some creative sound shaping. Depends on what you wish to do though i guess. I tend to think of mixers now-a-days as more of a spoke hub for audio than a way to pass signal from A to B. There are a number of videos for the 1700 and DB4 hi-lighting their ability to do unconventional routing.

**MrPopinjay** · 06-03-2011, 03:44 AM

I'd be interested in seeing that space monkey, care to share them?

**BigUns** · 06-03-2011, 05:32 AM

Even if your not using the 3rd or 4th deck to do loops etc, its nice just to have a free deck there to cue upcoming tracks on and get a feel for them etc

**space monkey** · 06-03-2011, 06:16 AM

For the DB4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZUTGHsAG7I

around the 30sec mark. Though it doesn't provide a specific example with sound the input matrix allows an instant routing path across 4 channels (not including the mic). So for instance, one could have DeckA in TP go into 2 channels each with an independent EFX, loop and filter processor. No mucking about in TP output settings or with RCA cables. I wonder what possibilities the Rec Out has if running an RCA to an input on the mixer...or if that could be routed via software settings on the DB4.

DNX1700 has an FX send that, from what I understand, can route to other channels as well as external units. Search for AGI Pro and DJ Mag videos on youtube for EFX overview.

Haven't played with either mixer yet but will be in the market this Summer...
Anyone need to buy a kidney?

**MrPopinjay** · 06-03-2011, 06:26 AM

Holy
fucking
shit.

I want one.

**photojojo** · 06-03-2011, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by MrPopinjay

Holy
fucking
shit.

I want one.

that DB4 is so powerful I don't think even the developers fully understand it.

**DJZILCH** · 06-03-2011, 08:08 AM

4 channel mixers are nice but not many people use all 4 decks, 3 would be sufficient, for 4 decks internal mixing with a midi controller + soundcard can sometimes be easier as you dont need to do much setting up when you play out (4 sets of RCA's to plug into the back of the mixer is a bit much haha)