DJM-900 NX2 vs Allen & Heath PX5 vs DB4 using Traktor Scratch Pro

DJ Gear & Hardware Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear
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DJM-900 NX2 vs Allen & Heath PX5 vs DB4 using Traktor Scratch Pro

I hope this thread hasn’t already been gone over, but I did a search and didn’t find this exact question.

First, I’ve noticed Ean Golden using the DB4 quite a bit with Traktor, and I’m wondering how he successfully does this without full Traktor support. When I look at a list of Traktor supported options, I see the DJM-900 and I see the Allen & Heath PX5.

So I have two questions:

  1. I’ve been an Allen & Heath lover for years, but is the PX5 really a more solid option than the latest DJM-900 NX2???

  2. How the hell is Ean running Traktor through that DB4, and does anyone recommend this is a viable option? (I’ve noticed that he demos more often with the Pioneer in his later videos).

Thanks in advance! All input appreciated.

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  1. Yes, but it’s about personal taste. I can’t stand the Pioneer mixers, personally. I reviewed the PX5 for DJWORX and really liked it. It’s got a few nice tricks up its sleeve.

  2. You can run Traktor through any audio interface, you just don’t get DVS unless it’s certified.

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Thanks man… I love the review you did for the PX5. I’ll have to keep researching — this is a lot more complicated than picking out an all-in-one controller. I’m still swayed by the Xone 92. The DB4 looks maybe too geeky for me. Rane 64 looks impressive. Rane MP2015 is blowing my mind. Is there a standout that’s your favorite?

I know what you mean about Pioneer mixers — I never liked them, although I had hoped perhaps with the nxs2 that maybe they had finally won the haters over. I’ll have to test drive it to know…

Thanks again.

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After demo-ing the PX5, DB4, and DB2, I ended up getting the DB2. It feels really comfortable and does everything I need it to. While I may not have Traktor Scratch compatibility (officially wink wink), I rarely use the turntables in conjunction with controllers anymore. I am happy using SeratoDJ or Rekordbox for timecode.

That said, I have mine paired with four D2’s and absolutely love it.

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I say to get the mixer you like and figure out the rest.

You can always add an audio interface. And if you’re not using timecode, you’ve got a LOT to choose from.

As far as the standouts…The 2 mixers I really like that are relatively standard production are the Rane mp2015 and the play differently model 1.

Neither is enough to sway me from my mp2016s, though. It’s the mixer I always wanted, and I bought one right before they were discontinued. And unfortunately the 2015 adds things I don’t care about, doesn’t include one thing I kind of wish it had, and removes things I either use or want to use.

sent from a device with a keyboard that hates me, using a system of tubes rather than a highway full of dumptrucks