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3-chan mixer for hip-hop/scratching and dance
[Cliffnotes/summary at bottom of page if it's too long for ya  ]
Hi,
I'm looking at getting a new mixer, with 3 channels, and as with most new purchases, I'm having trouble deciding. My budget is at most $1000AUD, but preferably a bit less like $800. I mainly spin hip hop now, but i'd don't want a scratch mixer since i'd like the 3rd channel, plus i still would like to mix dance a bit. Lately i've been learning to scratch so id like an adjustable crossfader curve to make crabs and flares easier.
Here are my options!
Vestax Mixers
As everyone on these boards says, the vestax pcv-275 seems like an awesome mixer for trance, however, they've been discontinued and would probably be hard to get a hold of. The other option is a vestax 180. Although they have the PCV faders which are meant to be relatively good (or at least were a few years ago), neither the 275 or 180 have an adjustable fader curve. The Vestax VMC-180 looks the goods, but I can't get it in Australia, and I'm not willing to ship overseas
Stanton Mixers
The SMX-401 and SMX-501's both have Penny & Giles faders (and fader curve adjustment), which are meant to be awesome (better than the PCV's i've read), but from reading numerous forums there seems to be a lot of bagging of the 401's - problems about the mixer components breaking in early days of use (didn't notice as much criticism, if any on the 501's though). The SMX-501 seems to fit my needs perfectly, being a cross between a scratch and club mixer, however being Stanton and all, plus from the goss on the 401 i'm not sure about its durability...
Numark Mixers
The numark DM-3000/1/2X models which are nicely priced, and have fader curve adjustment. The problem is, I think the faders suck, although I haven't looked into this in great detail yet. Also, they seem to be hard to get a hold of in Australia.
Then there's the Numark Matrix 3. It also has got fader curve adjustment (good) and has an 'Omega fader'. However, I am unsure as to the quality of this fader. Plus I ain't too keen on the design, it looks rank, and like a toy.
I've heard talk of a 3/4 chan version of the Numark DXM06, which would be bloody awesome (great effects, sound quality and fader). Anyone got any word on when this is due for release?
Maybe this could be an interim solution till a 3/4 channel DXM06 comes out, I could get the Numark DM3050 since it's DIRT-FREAKIN-CHEAP! Only $225 in Australia, is real basic and has 3 channels, and fader curve adjustment to. As to the quality of the fader, I'm not sure.
Ecler Mixers
The SMAC range is great I know, and I hear they can handle scratching and fader-hammering - the SMAC30 would be nice, but for me it is too expensive, and I'm not keen to exceed my budget since i just lashed $1400AUD the other month on cd decks.
CLIFFNOTES/SUMMARY
In summary, this is what I'm looking for:
a) a quality fader;
b) with fader curve adjustment; and
c) overall, the mixer must be durable
Ecler SMAC30 is out of my price range. Even though I'm hell keen onthe PCV-180, no fader adjustment seems to rule out the Vestax's. Numark Matrix 3, I ain't keen on. I'm unsure about the Numark DM3000X range's fader quality, and overall mixer durability. The mixer I'm leaning towards at the moment is the Stanton SMX-501, however I am unsure of the overall mixer durability. Last option is to purchase a cheap Numark DM3050, and wait for a 3/4 channel DXM06 to come out (however, it still may be too expensive!).
If anyone can confirm or correct any info I've collected regarding these mixer's quality, and their faders, or just comment constructively it'd be much appreciated . Sorry if this is too long-winded, but I always like to research thoroughly before making a big purchase, and writing it all out helps me decide and organise my thoughts!
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