Budget 4 Channel Mixer with DVS/Timecode Support - Dennon 1600/1700?
Hi there,
Newbie to the forum (Hi all!) I’ve been reading a few mixer comparison threads on here and thought I’d post my dilemma - in the hope that someone could throw a bit of advice my way.
I’ve recently got back into using turntables (I used to just use VDJ with an external mixer to mess around). I’m looking for a 4 channel mixer with an internal soundcard for DVS/Timecode support. I’ve been buying a fair bit of vinyl so I want the mixer to be stand alone with some decent effects with the ability to also use traktor/Serato and map functions to the mixer (I’ve never done this). I play techno.
I’ve not got a lot of cash, I’m looking at around the £500 quid mark unless I save more. I’ve seen the Allen & Heath DB2 at around this price and also the Dennon DX1600/1700. A pioneer is out of my price range at present for what I’d want (850/900 etc). I currently have a Xone 23. I don’t mind it but I just find it a bit lacking, effects wise and I don’t like the way the rotarys easily come off and the crossfader has far too much nothingness each side of the bite.
So… Do the Dennon’s still stack up and work with Traktor? I’ve got a 64bit windows lappy that I would be using. What is the fader like on the DB2? Is it generally a decent mixer? Any other suggestions what I could look at?
I believe the DJM750MK2 is getting support. I may have read wrong but it is a pioneer around the same price.
ADDED Scratch certification for DJM mixers
The following DJM mixers can now be used for DVS and automaticallyconfigures the input and output channels:
DVS works fine with the 1700 but keep in mind Denon no longer supports this mixer or the 1600. The internal sound card no longer works with the most recent OS for Mac. I’m not sure about windows. That said the 1700 is a beast of a mixer with nice but limited effects and great filters x2. Sound quality is superb too.
Cheers for the comments guys. I mainly wanted to make sure the latest updates for Traktor/Serato platforms were still working with the current drivers. I take it my issue here is that subsequent software updates may deem the mixer useless with DVS with it being discontinued and not supported…
I’m looking for 4 channels really so the 250/450 are out the equation. The others are a little out of my price range ATM, but I could always wait another month or two… Cheers for the info tho buddy…
Since both X1600 and X1700 got 64bit ASIO drivers for windows you can rest assure you will be able to use them in 64-bit Traktor as long as Win10 remains relevant. So a long time. MacOS is a different story, CoreAudio support is broken despite them being core audio compliant and will remain so it seems.
DJM-750 is a long way behind both of them in terms of sound and build quality (some of the stiffest faders I ever had the displeasure of working). But, Pioneer FX’s for some people remain a must have.
The effects are great to use for most mixing and are performance ready. No need to fiddle about the parameters too much and some effects are harder to use on other mixers or just dont exist. Like the roll effect on the djm line make it easy while traktor you pretty much need flux mode for it
Re: your cross-fader, and as an interim fix, Google “Credit Card Mod”. It’s a mechanical fix that allows you to remove the dead-space from each side of the cross fader to improve your cut-in time.
Let me translate that.
“most mixing” = EDM or similar
“performance ready” = lazy new DJ’s can quickly learn how to use it and apply
“no need to fiddle about the parameters too much” = it’s not like you want to sound unique
“some effects are harder to use on other mixers or just dont exist” = something that every other brand user can say also
Of course, I am kidding. Ease of use is definitely an important category and Pioneer made it their priority (combined with other features) while others ignored it. But I wouldn’t want manufacturers to stick to that path all the time.
Anyone used the DB2 i can pick that up for 500 quid and use that with Serato. Anyone had any experience with that? Build quality? The effects processors look quite enjoyable from what I’ve seen on youtube. However I’m thinking if I can pick this up for 500 quid compared to other A&HS is there a reason why it seems cheap?
I had my eye on a DN x1700 which has now gone, there’s a 1600 available though. Still a good buy?
I absolutely LOVE the DB2 and you will too. 500 is a super good deal for the mixer as well. Keep in mind that you will need to either subscribe to or purchase Serato DVS upgrade to use Serato with the DB2/4 mixers.
I may take a punt on that then, the effects engines seem great to play with. What’s the cut in on the crossfader like? I’ve got the xone 23 and there is a big waste of space either side of the fader. What are the rotarys like they seem to come off quite easily on the 23.
The knobs stay on pretty damn well. It was actually a pain in the butt to replace mine with chroma caps. The cut in is pretty long (at 2 mm), but the credit card mod does work on the fader. It is also innofader compatible.