2-Channel vs 4-Channel Mixer for DVS + Recommendation
Hello all,
I bought an S4 about two weeks ago to replace my Ecler Nuo 2.0 mixer to use with Traktor. This is my first time I am using Traktor, but I am not entirely comfortable with using the S4 as a mixer because I see it as more of a controller (which it is) and doesn’t have the feel of a high-quality mixer.
Due to the fact that I have just started out with Traktor, I am looking for either a two-channel or four-channel mixer to replace the S4. At the moment I only have the need for a two-channel mixer as I have two decks which I will use with timecode, but as I familiarize myself with Traktor and discover more about the software, I may or may not have a need for four channels in the future.
I have since returned the S4 to the store and have narrowed my options to the following, but seeking advice:
A&H Xone: 4D
Pioneer DJM-T1
Pioneer DJM-909 (with Traktor Scratch A6)
A&H Xone:92 (with Traktor Scratch A6)
A&H Xone: DB2 (with Traktor Scratch A6)
This will be my home set-up and I don’t require the equipment to be portable. Both the Xone:4D and DJM-T1 are Traktor Scratch certified. From now on I will only be using Traktor at home, which is why the DJM-T1 seems to be ideal, but I feel that I may be limited in the future due to its two channels.
I play mainly house music, and I don’t need the four channels just yet as I am just familiarizing myself with Traktor.
Dude I cannot say enough good things about my djm t1. It is just a quality piece of gear and the sound is amazing. The integration with
traktor is unbelievable. They are almost impossible to find used, I guess everyone loves em so much!!
I’ve played with it in the store and I’m thinking about picking one up this weekend. I live in Shanghai at the moment and all the equipment is marked up more than what I would pay in the States, so all the mixers I mentioned are more or less in the same price range +/- $300.
I’ve read all the reviews and after seeing it first hand, there is no doubt that the DJM-T1 is a beast, but if I expand my set-up later I don’t want to have to shell out another $1000+ for a new mixer. I’ve seen the DJM-T1 vs Z2 thread and after comparing both I like the feel of the T1 better than the Z2. Just wondering if I should get a Xone with four channels instead.
If you’re going two channel, Z2 or T1… I love my Z2, and I’m sure the T1 is perdy darn nice itself. I just like a few little things about the Z2 more so I went with it (Lit cue buttons, Deck C/D volume control, to me, just a sleeker layout, mind you, less buttons). If you’re mainly in tune with 2-channel mixing I’d say grab one of those, then try out implementing remix decks into your set with decks C&D.
man i cant say enough good things about that ecler you ditched, i used to have one - pleasant sounding eq, a nice send/return, and those nice fat knobs you could twist with one finger firm on top.
i ditched mine too, for a ddjsx, which while i enjoy as both a controller and a mixer - as a mixer it doesnt feel as good or sound as pleasant as the ecler. the eq curve on the ecler is just real pleasant, if i was going to buy another mixer id buy the ecler 4.0
Yeah man, fully agree with you, Ecler makes top quality products.
The reason I sold is that I made the decision to go fully digital, but one thing that I can never see myself replace is the feel of a high-quality mixer for a controller. The S4 was great for what it was, and definitely one of the best controllers on the market.
Since I’ve decided to go fully digital, I want a mixer that is made for Traktor which, as I see it, limits me to either an A&H Xone:4D, Pioneer DJM-T1, or NI Z2. If I had to choose between the Z2 and the T1, I would pick the T1, but as I’m just familiarizing myself with Traktor, I don’t know the true potential of the software.
I’ve never really used more than two channels in the past, I have maybe used 3-channels at most for convenience sake, but that’s it. Since Traktor is a 4-channel DJ software, I’m wondering if 2-channels would limit me in the future.
have you considered the x1 in combination with a mixer? personally i prefer serato, and may switch back once i give their ipad app a go, but the x1 with a couple of TTs and a mixer is pretty solid - prefer that over any of traktor mixers or all in ones.
but just wanted to add that it is perfectly easy to use 2 turntables in 4 deck mode in traktor. i use a quneo to switch which deck my turntables are controlling. i typically use 3 decks for tracks, and 1 remix deck that i use to cue up samples to scratch.
another consideration is if you have a 4 channel mixer that has midi capability or a good soundcard in built, then you can use that as an interface/controller for your DAW. I’m personally hoping to sidegrade to the dn x1600, as my budget is much, much smaller than yours
Dude I can’t say enough good things about the Denon DN X1600, beast of a mixer IMO, solid effects, solid MIDI (almost the entire thing is mappable to something) and of course it’s Traktor Scratch certified. What more could you ask for in a mixer???
If you did want a good 2 channel Traktor mixer I’d recommend the DJM T1, Denon also makes a two channel DN X600 but I’m not sure if it is Traktor Scratch certified or not. It’s basically the 1600’s smaller brother…
Yeah, saw those. The Denon mixers aren’t available where I live and if I had to order one, it would take about two months to get it here, so at the moment they’re out of the running unfortunately.
Looking at the X1, I would have the option to add one later if I went with a two-channel mixer. I think at this point it really comes down to whether I really need all four decks in Traktor. It sounds like I don’t.
I’ve never played with Serato, but if I ever get the chance and see that it’s for me, I would definitely start saving for a Rane 62. I’ve seen some stuff on YouTube with Serato and a 62 and that thing is a monster.
The S4 is a fantastic controller, don’t get me wrong, just wasn’t for me. After reading the “2 Channel vs 4 Channel Mixer” debates that are found on many DJ forums, I’m leaning towards a 2-channel mixer because I’ll only use the mixer at home. Once I figure out Traktor, which will take a while, I may feel the need to upgrade to a 4-channel. I think an X1 with the DJM-T1 and two TTs would be awesome.
Thanks for the suggestion. As I mentioned above, I’d have to order a Denon mixer which would have a long lead time. Even then, if I’m using Traktor it makes more sense to have a Traktor mixer as I won’t ever use the mixer without Traktor.
The DJM-T1 includes most of the X1 controls already so you shouldn’t need both for 2 deck mixing.
You might also want to consider getting an X1+ Scratch A6 package along with a simpler mixer like a DJM250 if you want to play elsewhere, as the X1 and A6 will let you easily interface to any mixer.
Yeah, you’re right, just realized that the DJM-T1 has controls built-in similar to those on the X1. Do you think it’s worth getting a mixer made specifically for Traktor? I like the idea of having everything tightly integrated, but it does come with a price and for a few hundred dollars more I can pick up a Xone.
I’m only going to be using the DJM-T1 at home so I think two channels is enough. I really regret selling that Ecler 2.0 now, I guess I could buy one again and integrate it with an X1 + Scratch A6.
having lugged my Z2 mixer to a gig twice I bought a cheap secondhand A6 and will map my maschine controller as an X1. If you’re gonna play out a lot I would buy a mixer plus external card, its no fun carting around +1.5k worth of gear just for djing.
having said that, if you want a a 2 channel mixer that has 4 channels if you need I would look into a Z2, seeing it is marketed as a 2+2 mixer. and someone correct me if I’m wrong but I believe you can send decks C and D through the main out of an audio 6 into an aux channel or similar if your 2channel mixer has that.
Well, the mixer is never going to leave the bedroom to be honest. Although a 4-channel is always nice to have, I question the need to have one at home, especially if I only use two decks.
Looks like I’m going to pick up the DJM-T1 tomorrow. I’ll take a look once again at the Xone:4D and the XoneB2 as well while I’m at the store, but I think the DJM-T1 will be more than enough.
B2 as well while I’m at the store, but I think the DJM-T1 will be more than enough.