Recommendations for a mid price range 4 channel mixer please and advice on setup?
Hi, I have been learning to DJing for just shy of 12 months using a controller(Reloop TM2) which is lovely and all but I am now looking for a change of direction. I recently added a pair of turntables running timecode vinyl through an Audio 6 and TSP which is great fun but would now like to take this set up a stage further
I was wondering how I would go about swapping the controller out for a 4 channel mixer and adding a pair of CDJs (probably Reloop RMP3s due to cost) and still run this through TSP. I will most likely want to use these as controllers rather than CDJs most of the time but also have the option to use CDs or USB drives if the mood takes me.
Can anyone recommend a mid ranged mixer that will tick all the boxes without breaking the bank, please? And also talk me through how this would typically be set up in terms of physical connections ie CDJs usb into Laptop, audio outs into mixer, where the audio 6 would fit in etc.
The Denon DNX 1600 or DJM 850 would let you use both your turntables and CDJs in Traktor simultaneously, which would not be possible using the Audio 6 (which you could then sell).
Otherwise there’s the Xone 42/92/DB2, DJM 700/800, Ecler Nuo4/EVO4
Cheers makar1 I had a quick look at the Denon DNX 1600 earlier, seems good for the money. Looking at some of the other option may mean having to stretch my budget a little.
Would my desired set up be possible on a 2 + 2 mixer such as the Z2 or djm t1? do either of these have a way of switching to decks c/d is the same way my Terminal mix2 does?
The Z2 and DJMT1 are great for Traktor use with 2 decks, and they can be easily switched between inputs so you can have your CDJs and turntables connected at the same time.
Neither of them are that great for non-Traktor use though.
If you’re going with Reloop CDJs, have you considered the RMX-40 or IQ2+ mixers? I’ve got an RMX-40 USB (which cost £240) but have been lusting after an IQ2+ MIDI for a while now
EDIT: With either of those two, you don’t even need to use the Audio 6 if you’re using MIDI control, as you can use the RMX/IQ2’s built-in soundcards for audio output
Hi MDC, i looked at the Reloop options earlier today but it seemed I would loose a lot of the traktor controls using these. Shame because I do like Reloop hence my looking at the RMP3s.
If anyone has a z2 setup with 4 inputs (other than say f1,x1s) I would love to see some pictures please? I supose what I am asking is anyone using cdjs as controller decks only via the 2 usb hubs on the back of the mixer?
Well the IQ2 is FULLY mappable to Traktor, so you could map it however you wanted. I assume the features you’ll be missing are primarily the FX units, in which case NO mixer is really going to give you the same level of control.
You could always pick up a Contour (CE) just for controlling the FX, or a NI X1, or even the Zomo MC-1000 I recently reviewed in the Controller/Mods/Reviews section.
If it was me getting your setup, I’d probably go for a pair of RMP-3 Alphas, an RMX-40 and a Zomo MC-1000 mounted above/behind the mixer. That way you’ve got a full 4 deck setup, CD/MP3 support, full control over FX on Traktor, as well as (with my mapping for the Zomo) quick and easy on-the-fly beatgrid adjustment and track selection
EDIT: This is what the Zomo looks like mounted as described above.
Well with the Audio 6 he’s already well set-up for timecode support… if the reason he’s going CDJs is to use 1000mk3s or 800s when he’s playing out with timecode, it makes sense to get a set at home to get familiar with; the RMP-3s would serve that purpose perfectly. I’d still add the Zomo though, just for proper Traktor control. Plus it’s easy enough to toss in a backpack with your laptop and Audio 6 for when you get to the venue
With that said, if the venues he plays at DON’T have CDJs, then yeah, controllers would be better. Personally I’d go for a pair of Contours in that situation.
There WAS a version of the RMX-40 which had full MIDI support but unfortunately it was discontinued a couple of years ago The IQ2+ MIDI fulfils that role now, but it’s only 2-channel. Still, having a real (analog) 4 channel mixer is generally better than using internal mixing in Traktor, as it gives you the ability to mix in analog sources and practice playing WITHOUT Traktor, which it sounds like the OP wants to do - albeit only occasionally. Nothing to stop you from mixing externally using Traktor though, which is what I do with my Contours + RMX
Nail on the head Mcd. It’s about being able to turn my hand to any set up regardless of what or where it’s installed.
An s4 doesn’t give me anything I don’t have other than a 4 channel mixer, I can run 2 timecode vinyls and 2 virtual decks through the terminal mix just fine. The CDs are basically just to act as big jog wheels with transport controls 90% of the time. But on the odd occasion I might fancy it I can use them as straight CDs through the mixer.
For primarily Traktor use it makes much more sense to get a Traktor mixer like the X1600 or Z2 and avoid buying unnecessary gear that will clutter the setup. Getting a non-Traktor mixer will mean unplugging everything from the sound card during every switch between CDJs and turntables.
The Z2 is great for turntable use and has easily switchable inputs, whereas the X1600 will let you fully use both the CDJs and turntables at the same time.
Thanks makar1 , but from your comment it seams I couldn’t use the CDs as purely cueing and transport controls through the USB ports on the z2 whilst running the dvs through the normal inputs
The IQ2+ MIDI fulfils that role now, but it’s only 2-channel. Still, having a real (analog) 4 channel mixer is generally better than using internal mixing in Traktor, as it gives you the ability to mix in analog sources and practice playing WITHOUT Traktor, which it sounds like the OP wants to do - albeit only occasionally. Nothing to stop you from mixing externally using Traktor though, which is what I do with my Contours + RMX 
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