I am in a position now to buy a mixer and there are several questions I have about certain "features" of mixers in general, as well as the frequency of their occurence (within various makes and models), and I hope you guys can help out. I will then ask about certain specific mixers and how they compare with regards to the material covered.

Let me just say straight out, so that you can keep it in mind, that the particular mixers in question are:
- Vestax PCV-175
- Vestax PCV-275
- Stanton RM-3S
- Behringer VMX-300
- Any decent midrange Numark mixer (can't name any but I know they're around)

Of course, there are many, many more mixers that are a lot better than most of those listed above (i.e. Pioneer DJM-500/600, any A&H mixer, etc.), but I'm on a budget and cannot afford those high-end mixers just yet.

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OK, first off, "volume matching" or "sound matching." Is there any way to match the volume of two channels, one being played and the other cued up, if there are no individual volume levels/meters on each channel, or if there isn't a split master/cue level/meter? Is this feature "critical" on a mixer, and do most clubs/raves have mixers that include this? I.e. it's not a good idea to get used to a certain feature that isn't really widespread. I'm not saying this particular one is or isn't - I'm actually asking about that.

Second. Mixing within headphones. Do most mixers provide a knob that adjusts the mix volume between master and cue channels? I.e. you turn the knob entirely to the left and hear just the master. You turn it entirely to the right and hear just the cue. In between there is a mix of both, depending upon where you move the knob. Or do people usually cue up two channels, one being the master and the other the cue, then just beatmatch that way? I guess what I would like to ask is what is the standard "method" of beatmatching within headphones on a mixer.

That's all for now, I might post some more questions afterwards. I'd like to know whether the mixers listed above have these features, especially the RM-3S (as I currently have my eyes on this mixer due to its relatively low price). Would the jump up in price to the PCV-275 be worth the wait? Thanks for all the help!

I have the PCV 275, and i love it.

one thing i should let you know about this mixer. it has volume levels for the cue, and the master.

but, it's fucked up the way it works. the master depends on how loud you have the overal master volume control set. so, it isn't reliable, it lies. if you want to turn down the volume sent to the amp, then the master level goes down. maybe that's how all mixers work, but i think it's kinda dumb.

it should be bouncing at the 0db mark, but at that mark it's really quiet. so i just let it bounce at +8db or so. there is no distortion until well above there, and at about 8db, it's as loud as the signal from my CD player..

but the cue, is where you really need to look. this indicates the volume of the track with the cue switch on, before the crossfader or master volume.

so, you press the cue button on track1, see it's at 0db, then press the cue button on track2, and see it's at 0db, and you know they are volume matched.

if you put both on, it should stay at 0, or be slightly above, in which case, you know you need to drop the bass a little on one of the tracks to keep it at 0.

does that help?

about the other mixers.. the vestax175 doesn't allow you to hear EQ changes in the headphones, i think that sucks.

and the stanton rm3s, i have heard the crossfader bleeds really quickly.

the numark, i think numark is a lower level of quality, hence why i bought the vestax.

phew.. hope that helped.
(like you said though, pioneer or allen and heath kicks all these mixers ass, but you prolly don't want to spend that much)

get the 275!

Thank you so much for the information regarding the PCV-275, I really appreciate it!

I understand how the meters are a little strange, but with the solution you've described I don't think I should have a problem. As for beatmatching, how do you handle it with the PCV-275? I should note that I usually find that although it's easy to beatmatch within headphones under relatively quiet conditions (i.e. my bedroom), when the music is loud, for example in a club, it gets hard to mix inside headphones. Unless you raise the volume to ear-damaging levels, which I wish to avoid. Do you find it's easier to beatmatch within headphones using the PCV-275, or with one ear on, one off? (as per the usual method) Oh and how are the EQ's on the 275?

Again thanks for your help!

As for the PCV-175 I remember reading up on that and it does indeed suck. I might as well shoot for the 275 if I'm already considering the 175.

But as far as the RM-3S goes, I don't really care about the crossfader all that much since I usually mix with the channel levels (I don't think that's the proper term).

If anyone has any experience with the RM-3S, could they explain it as JohnSmith has explained the PCV-275? I.e. how well can you volume match using it, as well as beatmatching.

Thanks!

beatmatching with the 275 is the same as with all mixers, unless you use the split cue function, where the cued channel is comming out mono on the Left ear, and the current track mono on the Right. that gets a little bit confusing and hard, but its still a feature that some people might like.

Personally, I feel the eq's on it are great, they cut what they need to, and they can also boost the frequencies nicely. And the kill switched are just plain beautiful.

highly recommended mixer.. it out-preforms and feels alot better than many other mixers I have used.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Chrono beatmatching with the 275 is the same as with all mixers, unless you use the split cue function, where the cued channel is comming out mono on the Left ear, and the current track mono on the Right. that gets a little bit confusing and hard, but its still a feature that some people might like. Personally, I feel the eq's on it are great, they cut what they need to, and they can also boost the frequencies nicely. And the kill switched are just plain beautiful. highly recommended mixer.. it out-preforms and feels alot better than many other mixers I have used.

That sounds great! Thanks for the info. The split cue function sounds very appealing to me, that's exactly how I used to mix using Traktor, back when I didn't have turntables.

Anyway I'm really tempted to just save up a bit more for the PCV-275. What is it like in terms of durability, etc.? I mean, should I be worried if I'm buying it second-hand? I definitely don't want to pay for a new one - can you say $$$???

The EQs are OK +\- 16db on the highs and lows, and +/- 12db on the mids. really that's not much, but it's easily enough.

I find that that unlike some mixers you don't need to turn up the bass and treble to make the sound full, it sounds great with all the knobs at 12oclock, and maybe just a bit of bass if you like to shake the walls.

i wish they went a little lower though, for cutting out. and the width of the bass frequency is a little much, it tends to take out the whole song, and not just the kick drum.

but, it's ok, certainly usuable.

and of course there are the kill switches, which like he said are beautiful, i love em.

reliability? well, i have had mine 2 weeks so i can't say. but i did buy it used from someone on this forum, and it's GREAT, everything works and feels very solid.

the sound quality is sweet.

i would definitely get it over the stanton, it's way more reliable, and sounds better too.

GET ONE! join me and chrono. it's the best 3 channel, mid range price mixer out there for trance, trust me i did a lot of research.

go with the 275.

The RM3S might have features but it doesnt have much quality. the crossfader has a loose feel, and it will start to bleed quickly...

even worse, is the cut on the EQ's.. very little effect till the bottom of the dial, then a sharp cut that seems to drastic...

maybe im just spoiled now, but the RM3S is a toy. hehe

The VMX300 looks nice but is unproven... ask anyone here, the 275 is a good box.

-mer

Thank you guys for helping me figure out this whole mixer dilemma, I will go with the PCV-275. Have heard too many bad things about the RM-3, especially in regards to the build and sound quality, that its relatively low price isn't worth it.

Well now all I have to do is save up a bit more for the Vestax.

probably out of your price range, but have you looked at the allen & heath xone:32? IMHO it's the most bang for the buck and id say hands-down its the best 3-channel mixer out there... high build quality, sonic perfection, VCF effects.. *drool*

peas,
-mer

If I had the cash I would definitely go with the A&H xone:32, it just kicks so much ass.

Too bad it's so expensive. So right now I'll stick with the PCV-275.

OR what I can do is just get an RM-3S for much less money than a 275, then save up for an A&H or another quality mixer. Hmm...

Though right now I'm still shooting for the Vestax.

I'm also a PCV-275 owner, and I love it. It's not the best mixer in the world, but for the price you can't beat it. Good quality build and sound.

I have to agree with JohnSmith about the master meters though. You would think they would match the cue meter, but they don't.

Ditto everything else said here. Kills are very nice. EQ's could be better, but are sufficient.

I would say go with the 275 if you can afford it and you don't plan on upgrading for a while. If you buy the cheap mixer, you'll be stuck with it until you can afford another...

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Well. my friend bought the Xone 32, and he told me that the gain is on the upper side of the mixer, which is a really pain in da ass as he says....

i say go with the PCV - 275
its an awsome mixer