DJ Mixers

Every DJ who uses a some sort of non Computer based Player whether that's a CD Deck, USB/SD Reader or Turntable needs a mixer. We stock 3 different types, and both usually have different sets of features. Below we split them up into the different sections and go through the general overviews of each;

1. Creative Mixers
2. 19" Rack Mountable Mixers
3. Mixing Desks

Before we jump into each here's a basic guide to what is found on 99% of the mixers we stock;

Gain Controls
Gains are used to alter the volume of that particular channel. Most songs are usually the same volume but if your using vinyl or mp3s the quality of each can differ leaving a difference in volume. The gains are also used more prominently in beat mixing to create more professional and fluent mixes.

EQ Bands
Bass, Mid and Treble are an essentially for the modern DJ. Again different songs may have more bass than the last, or less treble than the next, so you can change these with the EQ Controls. For the club DJ EQ Controls again are essential for making your mixes more fluent and ultimately more creative.

Faders
Almost all mixers have a vertical fader for each channel. These start from the bottom at zero volume and as you more it up will increase the volume. Very simple use, and used for a variety of purposes such as mixing, scratching or to quickly cut the volume from a song to possibly speak on the microphone etc. Creative mixers will also feature a cross-fader, 19inch and some mixing desks do as well. The cross-fader is a used in the same way as the channel faders but instead of increasing the volume with 1 channel and reducing it with another, the cross-fader does this for. Moving from left to right or right to left will bring 1 songs volume in from zero to full, and will reduce the other song from full to zero volume. Creative mixers usually feature a very robust cross-fader or optical fader with contact less points to enable DJs to scratch with the cross-fader.


So now those are out the way whats the difference between the 3.


Creative Mixers
As the name suggests these mixers give you the tools to be creative with your mixes. Price dependent the features are few or vast. The Pioneer family include a huge array of FX which will allow you unleash your talent and manipulate your music to the maximum. Entry level gear will not normally feature FX modules, but then again not everybody needs or wants them. If your looking for basic mixing don't buy the new DJM2000, and vice versa if you want to take your mixing to the next level, try and stretch your budget and get to know your gear. A couple of things to look out for maybe Curve control if you are a scratch DJ and need to change the sharpness or the cross-fader, or BPM counters if you are new to DJing and need a helping hand.

19" Rack Mountable Mixers
These mixers are specifically aimed at the mobile or installation market. They will fit into 19inch rack mountable cases and usually features more than 2 channels. We do sell some 2 channel 19inch mixers, but the majority are 4 or above to allow you to connect multiple sources such as CD players, Laptops, Microphones, and more. Our lower priced 19inch gear are usually standard mixers with no effects, if you are just looking for a simple application these are perfect for the rough ride on the road. If your a karaoke DJ you may want something with echo or reverb, possibly a USB connection or attachment for a BNC Lamp. We usually have something for everybody, if your struggling to find what you need we're always only a phone call away. For something a little different take a look at the new Kam KAP1200USB Mixer, which features USB and SD Card connections and feature's a pitch fader on the USB/SD channel to manipulate the speed just like a CD Deck.


Mixing Desks
A traditional on the road application, with or without a built in amplifier. Our Mixing desks normally have built in FX, at-least 6 channels and a minimum of 4 microphone inputs. For the professional working DJ who needs a large array of inputs the Mixing Desk is the only choice. Optional extras like DSP Effects, FX Send/Return, 6 band EQ's and even Video Mixing are all some of the common features we are asked for day in day out.


As always we say get to know your gear. Work out what you want to achieve, if your budget can accommodate your aspirations and if your a working DJ will it have a good ROI.