Currently having a difficult time deciding between these two mixers, here’s what I’m tossing up:
DJM 900
Clean layout
Cheaper
Plays nice with CDJ2000s
Good feel / quality
Noise gen. + X-pad
Easy to use FX
Common to find in clubs
Traktor scratch (not a big deal personally)
FX send / return
DB4
Complex, but crazy FX
Matrix inputs
Software updates
Hit / Miss quality (many people reporting problems on the forums, otherwise it’s good)
VU meter ‘bleed’ (the leds light each other)
Supposedly better SQ (not sure about this, have a DJM250 already, it has the same DSP, sounds great to me)
Xone filters (how close are they to the 92 filters in Traktor?)
I know that most people would pick the DB4 for its FX, but almost all the media out for it features either techno or minimal, so I’m not sure how useful they would be for progressive / electro and trance. The 900 is fairly standard for house / trance in that regard.
I’ve mixed all kinds of genres on my DB4 and I wouldn’t say it’s only suited to minimal. The FX are very different to the pioneer, DJM FX have always been very brash and obvious in the mix whereas the Xone FX are much more subtle and in my opinion significantly higher quality. Check out the Mark EG videos on YouTube for a good summary. The filters are fabulous and filter EQ mode is really useful too.
I haven’t had any problems with mine, which is a UK one. I know there were a few teething problems to start with but once those units were replaced I haven’t heard of any more. There’s been no mention of what will be in the update, just that there will be one.
Since you’re talking about FX Send/Return, how about a Xone:92? It has all the good things of the DB4 and even a 4-band EQ. Just hook up a Audio 10 for 4 Traktor Decks 1 and FX Send/Return channel. Then you can use all your imagination on Ableton’s FX .
Well, I’ve done some research, watched MANY videos, annnnnnd my pick is:
The DB4
As much as I like the layout of the 900, I figure the FX are probably equal to what’s in Traktor, so it won’t make much of a difference. The only feature that I wish the DB4 had was a dedicated noise generator. The final decider was the prospect of an update at BPM.
(mix architekt, if you’re reading this, PLEASE ask A&H to add a bona-fide noise effect!)
As for the 92, despite it’s legend status, I really need to have an integrated soundcard. Also, the 92 + A10 combo costs the same here in Australia as a DB4…
it already has noise generation and i made a video about it using my cat to demonstrate how easy it is to use. bit bash on any channel switched to an analogue or digital input, crank it up and noise yourself silly. add any of the filters with high resonance for more chaos. engaging the riaa filters on the analogue inputs adds some tonal variation as well…
uhhh, headphone output will offer +/-5v control voltage feeds for adjusting personal ball sack tension with the LFO rate synced by the BPM engines. eventually we’ll get MS mode integrated into that, but normal spanner set beat intervals to start. using the mic input into ch1 with a bit of emt250 reverb, while sustaining any vocal activity with this mode engaged will create unique wobbles unimagined at this point in time.
all i hear is 92 92 92… over the db2&4? audio 10 vs the internal sound card? why not just access traktor effects w the midi w the db4? Or with k2 or x1? Love traktor effects. Esp in comparison to what pio offers. (no hate) just partial to the minimal setup.
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