I know there are a few threads(1,000,000) on this but I can’t seem to pull the trigger on either one. I have a Xone 92 so either is an upgrade. Everyone says that the effects on the DB2 are more subtle but I don’t quite know if that is exactly what I want. Is there a HUGE difference in the effects of both machines? How are the effects on either machine vs Traktor? The layout doesn’t bother me, I will get used to it. Are the up faders on the DB2 as loose as the ones on the Xone 92? I seriously hate how loose they are on my 92.
What is keeping me from deciding:
I can get a B stock DB2 for $200-300 cheaper than a DJM-850
Subtle effects vs Brash effects
Fader feel
The DJM 850 is a better mixer overall (imo), with much better VU meters, and inputs/outputs, as well as the Traktor Scratch certified sound card.
But if you want those more subtle FX and filters (low resonance) the DB2 is a good alternative. It also has a Filter EQ mode which you might find interesting.
Neither are a definite “upgrade” from the Xone 92 with its 4 band EQ and analogue filters.
I may just wait longer and find a deal on an 850 or 900. The filter EQ mode doesn’t interest me. I am most interested in the effects. I don’t like using the traktor ones, they feel sort of clumsy to me. The 4 band EQ is nice for slow smooth mixing but I don’t think I will miss them much. Any input on the faders of the Pioneer? Anyone have any other comments on either?
The faders on the DJM have a decent amount of resistance; much more compared to the 92, but not so much that they’re ever hard to adjust. They also have a locking mechanism that stops the caps coming off unintentionally.
I have a DJM-850, and I’m cool, so you should copy me, and get a DJM-850.
'Cos then, you’ll be cool, too.
The faders are fine, and the locking caps are great. The cross-fader has a god aweful cut-in - but that’s not really an issue unless you are scratching, and it can easily be fixed without cost by doing the credit card mod. Or, if you’ve got the money, swapping the x-fader for an innofader.
I don’t know if I am mentally ready at this time to be THAT cool but I did order a DJM-850. I couldn’t go wrong with either honestly. Thank you all for the input on a question that other people beat to death.
I use a DB2 at my Friday residency and DJM850 at my Saturday residency. Although I have a preference for the Xone products in sound quality I find myself using more effects on the DJM850 … Faders, DJM850 have more resistance than DB2, but DB2 have more resistance than 92.
All in all though, what’s actually wrong with your 92? IMO it’s better than both of the mixers you’re considering, maybe think of adding an RMX1000 or 500 … And what are you using as a soundcard?
I bought the 92 to route effects through Abelton but I didn’t really like that too much. Probably because I never got it to work properly. I would rather have effects on the mixer. I use an Audio 10.
Does every post on the forums get approved by a Mod or is it just the new people?
I wound up buying a DJM-850. Figured that I would go with the industry standard and if I didn’t like it I could just sell it. I’m a gear whore and seem to buy/sell more than I should. Figure the 850 will last a while w/o me itching to sell it.
On a side note, I bought it cheap off ebay the other day and it went on sale somewhere else today for $100 cheaper. Typical.