Tips for Choosing DJ Mixers

DJ mixers are the key component of any DJ setup. Without it there is no reason to DJ. This is where all the magic takes place.

I put together a synopsis of the best mixers for Battle DJs, Club DJs, and Mobil DJs in their sections of this web site respectively.

There you will find even more information on specific DJ equipment for each type of DJ. This is where you can read more on advanced DJing techniques. But for now I'll start with the Battle DJs since they are the most exciting in my eye.

As with turntables there are certain features to consider when you are selecting a mixer.

Make sure you have a 3 band equalizer to control the highs, mids and lows and easy to read LEDs.

Make sure the mixer has enough inputs to control at least three devices such as 2 turntables and a CD player all at once. This is not necessary but it is helpful.

Make sure that the headphone jack can monitor the turntables separately as to get a good mix.

Finally, make sure there is a mic input and outputs for the amp and for recording your set.

DJ Mixers for Battle DJs

I was talking to my Friend DJ Dyce who is a Battle DJ and has won countless DJ battles. He was telling me about a few Battle DJ mixers he has used in the past and ones he would recommend for beginners and experts.

PCV-002U Pro Scratch

His first choice and the most economical one is the Vestax PCV-002U Pro Scratch. It's simple, easy to use and effective. I did a search on this one and it runs about $179. But unfortunately it has been discontinued.

My first mixer by Gemini was $149 about 10 years ago and the only difference is that mine had an 8 second sampler on it minus the EQ. So the pricing has not jumped too much for the beginner DJ. Here is another mixer he recommends. The Rane TTM56.

Rane TTM 56 Performance Mixer

Vestax PCV-002U Pro Scratch Mixer

This mixer by Vestax has all the things a beginner DJ needs in order to practice different battle techniques and at a fair price. DJ Dyce has more recommendations in the Battle DJs section of this web site.

Read my reviews on Gemini DJ gear. Click this link.

Denon DN-X300 Professional 2-Channel DJ Mixer

DJ Mixers for Club DJs

Club DJs need a bit more in their mixer because they actually have to put on a musical show so to speak. This requires excellent beat mixing skills and DJ equipment know how.

I started out doing college parties and moved into production from there. Now I mostly do studio DJ work. But I still practice just to keep sharp.

Vestax PCV175 Euro Techno/Trance Mixer

My personal recommendation for Club DJs is the Vestax PCV175 Euro Techno/Trance Mixer (I guess I'm partial to Vestax. Can you tell?) It has high endurance faders, effects send controls, EQs for each of the 3 channels and PFL functions. This DJ mixer on average is $299.

But this model has been discontinued by Vestax also. So here is my alternative choice from Pioneer. It is the Pioneer DJM 500.

Pioneer DJM-500 Pro DJ Mixer

There is a special review on Final Scratch as well by Josh Wink for all of you digital DJs in the DJ Software section of this web site.

DJ Mixers for Mobile DJs

Mobile DJs sometimes use up to 5 separate inputs for their sets depending on the application. There is special karaoke DJ equipment but we will focus on the more popular type of Mobile DJ that does weddings and the like.

Numark DM1200 Mixer

One popular mixer among Mobile DJs is the Numark DM1200 which runs about $199 which is a great price. It's usually up to $100 dollars more.

Numark DM1200 DJ Mixer

It has all the essentials with extra inputs for additional gear hookup for those last minute request. The ones where they requested a turntable set but someone brings a CD to you asking if you can play the bride and grooms other favorite song. You quickly hook up your backup CD player into the extra inputs and BAM! You unknowingly got yourself 2 or 3 extra gigs by word of mouth.

It also has a nice six-band EQ, bright LEDs and is easy top use and hookup to your DJ gear.

Look at these DJ PA Systems for Mobile DJs