Rane Empath/EFX-1000 or DJM-800

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
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Rane Empath/EFX-1000 or DJM-800

I’m not made of diamonds, and I recently sold my Denon Dn-X1500S, so now I’m on the hunt for my next mixer. I was pretty set on getting an used DJM-800, but now I’m thinking of getting a Rane Empath plus EFX-1000 (found great prices on all of these). DJM-800, to me, is pretty versatile, but I’ve heard amazing things about the sound quality of Rane products.

I mix trance and some electro house. Let me know what you guys think of either setup.

Thanks!

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You will absolutely never be able to tell sound quality difference between these mixers unless MAYBE you’re playing on a million-dollar funktion-one system… And even then I sincerely doubt it.

Differences in audio quality in top-tier mixers is one of the most overhyped concepts in gear. It’s negligible.

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Yeah. Just get the 800. The EFX 1000 is a bastard to master in all honesty.

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I’m going to go for the 800 then. Thanks for the advice!

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Used to have the 800, and the effects I found were pretty useless. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but they, like most Pioneer fx, aren’t exactly subtle. Everyone will know exactly when you are using them.

Might be worth getting a slightly lesser mixer, and a better fx unit, like the RMX1000.

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xs2man: what would you consider a slightly lesser mixer? I want an updated sound compared to what I had. Maybe a DJM-700? I like effects, but I’m more driven on getting a high sound quality mixer and effects as an option.

Thanks!

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The Pio effects are kind of their own beast. I wouldn’t say they’re bad, but they aren’t very intuitive. You really have to learn to use them.

Seriously though, are you really going to bring an RMX 1000 to every gig and hook it up for a set? Never get used to relying on gear that you won’t always have live. The RMX-1000 is for if you’re big enough to put it on your rider and have it set up for you.

If you’re using Traktor, which it sounds like he is, just get a modular controller and use Traktor’s effects.

No, really dude… The Sound quality difference between the Denon Dn-X1500S and whatever you buy is going to be basically negligible unless you’re playing on a PA high-end enough that the promoters wouldn’t let you use your own mixer on anyways. If you’re buying a new mixer, it should be for any reason other than that. If you’re thinking your audio quality is bad, check the other factors, because i guarantee it’s not the mixer.

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I’m using a pair of CDJ-2000s. The sound seems cleaner on a 800 on up. I have not had any other experience on another mixer besides the Denon. I’m leaning towards the 800 to essentially get used to a “basic” setup.

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Hmm… Yeah I promise that’s a placebo thing… Audio quality ranges only VERY slightly in most mixers.

Maybe it’s the bitrate of the files you’re playing?

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I run 320kbps or WAV minimum. It could’ve been a placebo thing haha. Yet, I am mixerless so I gotta get something soon :slight_smile:

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Get a mixer with the features you want. Any recent mixers from the top brands will have decent sound quality.

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Actually, yeah…that’s what I love about the RMX. It’s just about the size of a Kontrol X1, so it’s easily transportable, so all you need is it, a couple of cables for send/return, and a couple of USB sticks and you’re set. Don’t know why it would require you to be big enough to have it on a rider.

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I thought about grabbing a DJM-700 and an used RMX-1000. That machine looks FINE!

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Ridiculous. The RMX could easily be taken with you as a portable fx unit, as said later, it is no less portable than a X1 or similar. There is no need whatsoever for you not to have it available wherever you play. Great if you can get it on a rider, but easy to take and set-up yourself.

That’s what I would do. If your wanting to get used to the Pioneer workflow. Although the DJM 750 will probably be around the same price, and have a nice little soundcard there too.

Alternativley, it looks like the xone 42/62 come it at the same price as the DJM 700 (in the states, Guitar centre), and will have a nice, warm, analogue sound. Slightly different workflow than DJM mixers, but DJM mixers are pretty easy to get the hang of. 5 mins and your off.

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Truthfully the djm800 does have a slightly metallic sound… If you can stretch to a djm750 or 850 the new pios with the soundcards built in really have better SQ IMO :slight_smile:

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djm 800 has been one of the most used mixers ever for a reason. Sure people know the effects that come out of it because they are used everywhere! To this day most clubs still have this mixer. And the effects work fairly well if you don’t have a heavy hand with them.

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I’d like to make a point that the Empath sounds way better than the 800 and it is noticeable. Especiallyyyy with vinyl

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We don’t have that argument here any more. There were too many people who knew what they were talking about, and the vinyl “audiophiles” just got their asses kicked.

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Even giving that argument away without truly reading into it, sound quality wise empath > 800. Any day of the week

EDIT: I’m assuming you’re talking about the digital v. analog bullshit arguments, if so I was referring to vinyl on the 800 compared to vinyl on the empath.

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I had an 800 and am a pio fanboy pretty much… Vinyl did sound not lovely on my 800… Serious though if you can get a new soundcard pio mixer (750/850/900) I believe you’re getting closer to lossless sound quality from the source… I’m no expert though but it makes sense… The new tech in those mixers is crisp :slight_smile: