Hi, I'm deciding on what DJ setup I want to buy and more precisely, what mixer.

I'm still in high school and just starting out but I've been mixing in ableton live in my computer. I want to move on to real DJ'ing.

Which setup would be more ideal?

2 Pioneer CDJ 400s
Xone 32/42

or

2 Pioneer CDJ 400s
Pioneer DJM 700

or

Macbook
Xone 2d
Ableton live

Have to factor in the price of course, since my parents will be paying for these things. And also the quality/durability of these setups.

I'm leaning towards the CDJs with the Xone since everyone's been saying it is better than the DJM 700. The Macbook setup seems too expensive and I might as well learn to actually beatmatch and do DJ stuff. I'm just choosing between these three so no recommendations for other mixers.

Also, what's the difference between the Xone 42 and Xone 32?

Thanks.

ive got a xone 32 i dont use anymore and a djm 800

and i gotta say xone prob has the upper hand in terms of sound quality, i prefer the eq's on a xone, but it's not a huge difference, i love the pioneer coz im able todo a bit more with it in terms of effects and having midi so i can control ableton in the mix with my cdj's

so i guess it depends on exactly what you're looking for, i've never used a djm 700 or a 42, but they both look good

if i had to pick one id say xone:32

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Originally posted by DJ_Ballistic ive got a xone 32 i dont use anymore and a djm 800 and i gotta say xone prob has the upper hand in terms of sound quality, i prefer the eq's on a xone, but it's not a huge difference, i love the pioneer coz im able todo a bit more with it in terms of effects and having midi so i can control ableton in the mix with my cdj's so i guess it depends on exactly what you're looking for, i've never used a djm 700 or a 42, but they both look good if i had to pick one id say xone:32

BTW, I think there is a huge difference in the price between a xone 700 and a xone 32. Xone 32 and DJM 400 would be more comparable I think?

The Xone 32 has been around for a long time. Nice sounding mixer, though I personally don't like that the gains are in the back and I don't care for studio style faders.

The Xone 42 is new this year. It's significantly more money, but it's a whole heck of a lot of mixer. I actually like the effects loop (which the 32 doesn't have) better than what is on the Xone 92.

As for the DJM-700, I think it's grossly overpriced.

If you are only going to be using two decks... $1200 is a lot for a 4 channel mixer. I would suggest you check out the Ecler line of mixers. They are right up there with A+H and Rane. I particularly like the little Nuo 2.0:

http://www.eclerdjdivision.com/prod...p=2&sub=1&id=34

It's got 2 channels plus a third aux input channel, balanced outputs, a decent send/return, and it's built and sounds great. And you can pick it up for under $450. You could throw and effects unit next to it for cheap (like the little korg kaoss pad mini, it's cute).

The CDJ-400's are quite nice. My friend has a pair and I played on them a bit. Some of the features aren't quite as well though out as I would like...

1. You can't share a USB device between two or more decks.
2. Pioneers DJS software stinks (if you choose to use it).
3. If you use the CDJ-400's with Serato's native mode (in 1.8.2) you still have to use the SL-1 for your sound output, even though the CDJ's have soundcards in them (I don't care if I have to leave the SL1 connected for copy protection, but come on, let me use the soundcard on the deck).

Other than that, the platter is nice, the effects are a little cheesy but still fun, and they are built really well. Coming from the CDJ-1000's that I own, I would be happy with them.

I wouldn't go for the Xone 2D and ableton setup. Although it's a fine bit of kit, the 2D would probably better complement another controller (for mixing) rather than being your sole MIDI mixer (doesn't have quite enough knobs for EQ and such).

how the hell do you controll ableton through the DJM800 midi capability on the CDJs????

quote:

Originally posted by Marcus007 how the hell do you controll ableton through the DJM800 midi capability on the CDJs????

I won't. It's either DJM/Xone + 2 CDJs or Xone 2d + Mac laptop.

@Ryan: Thanks, I'll check it out. However, I checked the A&H website and it said that the 42 is only 50 pounds more expensive than the 32?

Last edited by TranceOwnsLol on Aug-08-2008 at 16:36

Check out htfr.com:

Xone 32: 415 pounds
Xone 42: 699 pounds

Quite a bit more money.

quote:

Originally posted by TranceOwnsLol I won't. It's either DJM/Xone + 2 CDJs or Xone 2d + Mac laptop. @Ryan: Thanks, I'll check it out. However, I checked the A&H website and it said that the 42 is only 50 pounds more expensive than the 32?

Xone 3D or Korg Zero 8 and a Macbook Pro. You can pick up Xone 3D's for pretty cheap now....

That's an economical choice

The 3D sucks. Had one, sold it... Soundcard in the thing is a piece of poo. If you want something like it, get the 4D.

Korg looks like a Christmas tree.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Simo Xone 3D or Korg Zero 8 and a Macbook Pro. You can pick up Xone 3D's for pretty cheap now....

I played a club gig where I closed then night (12:30-just after 2) in Chicago on a DJM and then proceeded to play another two hours at afters on a Xone 42 (first time I had ever played on one).

It was like going from a Ford Fiesta to Maserati.

I really, really liked the fact that there is an independently assignable filter on each channel of the 42, the EQ's are sound but because there are 3 instead of 4 I think the low end carried way, way less influence on the 42 than the 62/92, depending on how you like to mix that could be awesome or terrible. I didn't mind it.

In any event, highly recommend the 42. Really a nice introduction by A&H IMO.

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I like my 32 for its size, excellent sound quality, solid EQ/faders/filter and it's built tough.

It's def an entry level mixer but probably one of the best ones around in that respect.


The gains on the back are no big deal, you get used to it real quick and it actually feels more natural not looking at the position of the knob.

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Originally posted by ******** Seplling don't demonstrate intelligence and educatoin - knowing does.

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Originally posted by Clovis it actually feels more natural not looking at the position of the knob.

This doesn't surprise me in the least, as you nix with your eyes, not your ears.

Probably much to the entry level DJ's benefit, to be honest.

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