Upgrading to a 4-channel mixer… what is good to buy?
So I’ve had my Kontrol S2 for a while and its a lot of fun. But I want to move towards a modular setup with 4 channel mixing so I can add in a remix deck for deep house loops and one shots. I’ve got a plan for effects and remix deck controllers (two X1’s, MF Twister, and MF 3D) but I need a mixer. I’ve taken an interest in Allen & Heath.
I’m particularly talking about the Xone series - 43, 92, K2, and the 42. The problem is the technology. I would love to mix on a 42 but I’m concerned that its almost pointless buying something that old. Would it be okay to invest in this mixer? I mean this would be for use in my home but ultimately I’d like to mix for parties and at clubs so I could just take my other controllers but I would still like a nice mixer. The other options are the 43, 92, and K2.
I like the K2, it’s cheapest and would provide the basic mixing capabilities and its a nice mixer/controller. I don’t like the studio faders though but tough shit i guess lol. The 43 and 43C are nice too but I would need to buy a soundcard with the 43 but that’s okay. The 92 is very nice, and also very expensive… I kinda just threw it in there but it’s not a very realistic possibility. Max budget would be near $1000
i have xone 42 i buy it about year ago and its a excellent mixer! 92 its even better but also… more expensive i depends of your budget if you have budget for 92 go for it
what you want to look for in a mixer is one that has 4 channels … xone, rane, pioneer… pick your poison they are all good…
just don’t buy behringer lol.
and as it pertains to the xone 42… Analog never goes out of style
Mixers are one piece of DJ gear that have gone through minimal changes in the last 15+years. A DJM-600 is as usable as any newer mixer in a modern setup. So no, technology is not the problem. Many prefer the old analog mixers if for nothing then for the specific warm sound they produce (even if they describe it wrong as “better sound”).
If you’re unsure if you will make any money with DJ’ing by doing gigs don’t invest too much money on top models, a 42 will do you just fine for start.
A 42 sounds like its the perfect solution because it’s cheapest but also designed like the mixers I’ve seen in a lot of clubs. As far as a sound card, what should I get? I’m a little confused on exactly how many channels I’ll need inputs for… Here’s my desired setup
2 Kontrol X1’s
Midi Fighter Twister
Midi Fighter 3D
Xone 42
I’m a fan of analogue mixers with separate audio interfaces as it keeps you flexible, but does mean more wires. The 42 will keep you happy for a long time, but there are plenty of other options out there, like the Reloop RMX-80 (which I reviewed and liked, comparable to the 43).
I just saw that two Z1’s wont work but I found another nice solution. It is the Pioneer DJM-750, I don’t need a soundcard. I think I could upgrade to a soundcard if I needed to anyway but any place that I’d play at wouldn’t need to be that loud anyway so I’m good!
In my opinion the best option is to buy mixer from Pioneer. You can purchase old one, which costs much less than new ones. The best option is DJM 800 which has midi out.
I would choose Xone:92 (42) with external soundcard. This solution is already tested by many djs for years. It gives you flexibility for further setup building, reliability and proven professional quality. It’s quite expensive at all but you’ll get what you pay for. Timeless classic.
92 its even better but also… more expensive i depends of your budget if you have budget for 92 go for it 
… xone, rane, pioneer… pick your poison they are all good…
