Mixer advice

[whynotay]

So last year i started to learn how to DJ. I bought myself a Kontrol S8 and was on my way. After 3 months i decided to get a pair of CDJ's and i love using them. Ive been using the S8 as a standalone mixer without it even connected to my laptop. Im thinking of selling or swapping the S8 as i really shouldn't of bought it to learn on and i don't use the remix deck features atall. I was looking for some advice on what mixer i can get for around the price of the S8 and maybe a couple of hundred £. I figure i should get around £775/825 for it.I don't want to purchase anything without some advice from people who've used the mixers and not just off a website shop. I have no preferences to manufacturers or models i just want something that will last for years and keep me happy. Any ideas people?

[SlayForMoney]

Well, any decent mixer from a top manufacturer (Pioneer, Denon, A&H,..). Considering S8 has channel filters you'll probably like something similar (DJM 800 and above range).

[olisharp]

Unless you’re sure you’ll stick with this mixer for the rest of your DJing days, make sure you get a popular model from a reputable brand so you can easily sell it on for a good price. Pioneer DJM 800 / 900 is best for this, and they’re really good mixers too! You should be able to pick up a good second hand one for within your budget. For more futureproofing get the 900 with built in soundcard.

If you fancy an analogue mixer, the A&H Xone 92 is hard to beat. Here though I’d spend the extra cash and get a new one – there’s more to go wrong if they’re not well looked after.

Don’t forget – if you buy cheap, you’ll buy twice! Either A&H or Pioneer 800 / 900 can be the only mixer you’ll ever need.

[whynotay]

Thanks for the reply. Putting the S8 on Ebay next week. With the money in going to get two Technics and an Xone 42. My friend is selling a djm 350 aswell. In your experience should I go for the 350 or the Xone 42?

[3heads]

42...

[whynotay]

Is it worth the extra £200?

[olisharp]

For me, the whole point of an A&H mixer is the filters. Plural. As in 2 filters - one for each side of the cross fader. The Xone 42 only has one filter so kind of misses the point. Unless you're getting a Xone 62 or 92, I'd just go with a Pioneer.

[Killing time]

if you're playing vinyl get the xone. it you want to use time code get the pio or Denon

[cerius]

I prefer the demon.. But the rane mixer is pretty sexy also...

[Stazbumpa]

If using DJ software: Denon x1600, it's also Traktor Scratch certified so no external sound card required.
If using vinyl more or less exclusively: Allen & Heath Xone 92, or thereabouts.

Pioneer make good kit I agree, but I find them overpriced and uninspiring, so I avoid them where possible. But that's just me, objectively speaking they are good mixers.