Ok so in the past few weeks people have asked me about buying a mixer and other DJ gear. I'll just post my humble opinion for all to see.

When it comes to choosing a mixer, the most important thing is to buy one that suits your mixing and musical style. Obviously a hip hop DJ isn't going to invest in a Urei. And James Zabiela isn't going to use a rotary mixer either. Guys like Oakenfold, Digweed, and Danny Tenaglia might be more comfortable with rotary mixers. Rotary mixers are better for DJs that do long, musical mixes with house music that need precise volume controls. Guys that do tricks, quick mixes, and jump from track to track quickly need a mixer with sliders and a crossfader. My favorite rotary mixer would be the Rane 2016 with the EQ expansion unit. And my favorite standard mixer with sliders and a crossfader would be the Allen and Heath. And when I used to DJ hip hop way back when, I loved the Vestax PMC-05.

And remember, the mixer is the piece of equipment the DJ will have the most interaction with. Choose wisely.....And now comes a tricky little topic known as Pioneer equipment. Without question, the best CD player out there is the Pioneer, hands down. I own a pair and I can't play a gig without a set of them. Anyone serious about DJing should invest in a pair of CDJ 1000's or 800's. I think the 800's are a better bargain since they can do almost as much as the 1000's but around half the price. As for Pioneer mixers, here's the skinny.....Great features, TERRIBLE sound quality. I own a vestax rotary mixer, an Allen and Heath, and a Pioneer DJM-3000 and although it's fun to use, the DJM's sound quality is bordering on unacceptable. And the difference in sound quality is highly noticeable. It feels like a cheap piece of plastic, which it essentially it is. If you're going to invest in a mixer, go for broke and get something quality. Avoid brands like numark, gemini, and American DJ.....And if you're just starting out, I'd recommend getting CDJs instead of turntables. Don't get me wrong, I love vinyl more than anything. But for all practical purposes, you're better off using CDs. I never thought in a million years I'd ever say that!

I am considering an A & H mixer right now. I have a djm500 and it sounds like crap, but it is fun to play with. Right now im using an oddball redsound infader with triple cross faders. Its excellent for breakbeats (and its digital)

I'll look at the rane you mentioned too, i may want to add a rotary to my collection, but i have never played with one. I played with a vestax rotary back when i was spinning pragha khan and lords of acidd, but i liked the fader style more.. now im tired of it... from producing , i wish every dj mixer i used had a 10 band EQ for each channel :P


great advice, thanks

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Last edited by WiKKid sKiLLz on Mar-10-2006 at 08:25

should've put this in the DJ section

and first of all dont take another DJ's advice on equiptment unless its something where everyone agrees that its shite or its quality.

second go to a Sam Ash or Guitar Center or DJ specialty shop where they have the equiptment play around with it for a while before you commit to anything.

My preferences are:
CDJ-1000Mk3
Allen & Heath Xone:92 faders or rotary I could care less really
Technics are industry standard for a reason
I prefer the 1210 M5G

yeah for sure.. i went 100% digital last year and a half and i def think cdj 1000s or 800s is the way to go..digital download sites are poppin everywhere for 2-5 bux for a 320 kbps or .wav..lot more affordable then 12 bux a vinyl record. also i definitely agree on how pioneer mixers are shit in terms of quality..my djm 500 blew out few months ago and im stuck with my old old vestax from when i just started and man, that mixer is indestructable only prob is it has no volume meters, so mixing tracks at same volume is a guessing game which sux..definitely wanna save up for the xone 92 rotary even though the markup is insaneeee on em (1800 bux).

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if anyone wants a really nice sounding mixer at a more affordable price, definitely want to check out any of the Ecler line of mixers. mine is actually one of the older models smac-pro 30 but the sound is still great. i've even spilled water all over it before... haha.


one thing about dj download sites tho... they definitely get the releases a couple weeks late...