What mixer?

[LaurenLeeds]

Hi everyone,

I have just got myself some lovley 1200s. I also have Traktor software (none of the hardware yet). And obviously some speakers etc etc.

Basically, my question is, what mixer would be good? Or could I get any and use something else to connect to Traktor? I don't really want anything with a jog wheel, and I don't really (can't) spend a lot of money.

I will be playing a lot of different stuff from house and techno, to drum and bass and electronica. I will also be using original vinyl, not just traktor/timecoded vinyl (making use of my oldskool house collection).
I'm not as bothered about having lots of techy stuff, just something to get me going. Please bear in mind, I'm not up on technical lingo, so fuller explanations might be the order of the day...sorry lol.

Thanks in advance.

x

[deco]

research behringer ddm4000 if you want a 4 channel mixer that can control knobs and faders on your screen (midi). its cheap and apparently a decent mixer (i've never used it personally). you'd need to have the NI Audio 8dj to get the control vinyl audio to that mixer. no soundcard included.

also, have a look at an Allen & Heath xone 22 for a good 2 channel mixer or wait and see how much the djm 250 from Pio is. apparently a new line of Xone's are coming so the old ones might drop in price to suit your budget.

its hard to recommend something without knowing how many channels you want. also, doing a little research about midi control and what you want your mixer to do would help.

[guiltyblade]

how many channels and how much? mixers can really vary.

[MrPopinjay]

What do you want from a mixer exactly? Different mixers have different advantages.

[keeb]

Personally I picked up a Mackie d.4 Pro a while ago secondhand (they've been discontinued). TSP Certified, Firewire soundcard, beautiful analog filters, and ability to attach external effects all for $4-500. A secondhand Xone:42 could be a solid choice as well. If you're just looking for something to tool around with in a bedroom, even a Behringer DDM4000 would do. The aforementioned mixers are four channel mixers. You need to answer some questions though to get a better idea.

1) As guiltyblade said, how many channels do you want? Four channels is nice, especially if you want to switch off with other DJs, but for your personal use you may very well only actually use 2.
2) What is your budget? Keep in mind you'll probably have to spend a minimum of about $300 for a decent quality mixer (one you're not going to replace in short order).
3) Do you want onboard effects, or do you want to use the Traktor effects or an external effects unit like the EFX 500 or 1000? If you're going to be using non-timecode, this is important because it's not easy/preferable to route your vinyl through Traktor just for effects, IMO.
4) Do you want filters on the mixer? Do you want them to be analogue (sounds better than digital, generally speaking) or do you not care?
5) Do you want an onboard soundcard/Traktor Scratch Certified mixer? You don't have a soundcard yet it sounds like and you're going to need one. Having an audio 4/6/8/10 will allow you more flexibility by being able to take the soundcard instead of the mixer to clubs, but having an internal soundcard makes setup at home a snap.

[LaurenLeeds]

Hey guys, that was a fast response!

Honestly, 4 channels is enough.

I'd prefer not to have to buy an external sound card if I can get away with it.

If I did get a sound card etc, could I have any mixer of my choosing?

I want to spend as little money as I can get away with.

I'm not bothered (yet) about having lots of knobs to do lots of things (effects etc)...I just want to play some tunes.

I want to be able to switch easilly from timecoded to vinyl, to original vinyl (is this done through the software?)

*Right, I'm thinking of buying t.scratch duo. It kinda sounds like what I'd need, pretty simplistic etc. Could I buy any mixer I wanted with the set up? http://www.native-instruments.com/#/...o-2/?page=1933


Thanks xxx

[MrPopinjay]

Why do you want 4 channels if you're going to be using scratch duo? It only has 2 deck control. I don't understand why everyone wants to buy 4 decks when they almost never use more than 2.

Scratch duo comes with a soundcard so you don't have to worry about buying one separately.

I'd get a better mixer without a soundcard rather than get one of the limited range of traktor certified mixers. They really are not cheap either.

As for playing vinyl and using a DVS at the same time you can either set the soundcard to send audio through or you can just use splitter cables. Either way it's super easy.

Personally for a good quality yet well priced mixer I'd get the A&H Xone:22 or the Ecler Nuo 2.0. The Nuo 2.0 has a nice third mini channel that would would really nicely with scratch duo's sample decks. Maybe that new pioneer 2 channel mixer, it looks nice but it's not out yet so it's not that safe a bet.

Finally any mixer at all will work with traktor scratch duo. You don't need a special certified one if you have a soundcard.

[paulalexsaltis]

In all honesty I would get an Ecler Evo 5, its a firewire mixer thats traktor scratch certified and you should be able to pick one up for between £500>£700. I had one and loved it, but swapped it for a S4 because Im emigrating and needed to reduce weight.

[MrPopinjay]

Not exactly a cost effective option though, OP did say they wanted to spend as little as possible.