Choosing DJ Mixers

Contributed by d mac Filed Under: Buying DJ Equipment, Mixers

Choosing a Mixer

Your choice of mixer should depend on two factors; the type of music you are planning to play and how much money you're willing to spend. Mixers usually come in two types, battle and club. There are also hybrid mixers which are a combination of the two.

Battle Mixers

Battle Mixers are for those DJs who want become scratch artists or incorporate scratches
into their mixing. Battle mixers usually have a smooth, durable cross-fader with an adjustable fader curve. An adjustable fader curve is almost necessary to perform complex scratches. Battle mixers are used mostly by Hip Hop DJs.

Recommended DJ Equipment: Battle Mixers

Stanton SA-3 2-Channel Scratch Mixer - $200
Vestax PMC-05 Pro II 2 Channel DJ Scratch Mixer - $400
Rane TTM 56 Performance Mixer - $750

Club Mixers

Club Mixers can be used by hip hop DJs but are more suited for dance music. This is due to their multiple channels (inputs) as well as powerful EQs and sound effects. They are recommended for any DJs who do not do quick mix transitions or complex scratches.

Recommended DJ Equipment: Club Mixers

Numark CM100 Club Series DJ Mixer - $180
Stanton SMX-301 3-Channel DJ Mixer - $199
Vestax PCV-150 5-Channel DJ Mixer - $400
Stanton RM-100 4-Channel Stereo Pre-amp Mixer - $400
Pioneer DJM-3000 Pro DJ Mixer - $900
Vestax PMC-46 MKII 5 Channel House DJ Mixer - $1300

Hybrid Mixers

Hybrid mixers are great for those who want mix techno as well as hip hop. Hybrid mixers often have cross faders which are good for scratching as well as powerful EQs for mixing dance music. Often Hybrid Mixers have 3 channels, which should be enough for most DJs.

Recommended DJ Equipment: Hybrid Mixers