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Mixer Advice
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| StarSoprano426 |
Firstly, I know there is an area of tranceaddict in the DJ Booth forum where I could have asked this. I want to ask my question here because I'd rather get advice from people I know. The easiest way for me to reach out to all our local djs and friends is for me to ask here in our New York forum.
I'm looking into purchasing my 1st mixer, awwww! I've narrowed it down to 3. Before I make such an important investment, I'd like to get ya'lls opinions. I'm also open to suggestions of one that's not on my list.
The 3 I'm interested in are:
Pioneer DJM-400 -- $525
http://www.djdeals.com/pioneerDJM400.htm
Allen & Heath XONE:32 -- $399
http://www.djdeals.com/allenheathXONE32.htm
Ecler Nuo 3.0 -- $479
http://www.djdeals.com/eclerNUO3.0.htm
What do you guys think of these? The Pioneer is 2 channel and the other 2 have 3 channels. 3 channels would come into play if I were to connect a laptop to one of them, so I've been told. However I've been told that the Pioneer one has better effects. I don't know what effects are nor how to use them, lol. But I'd rather spend a little more now and get a quality product that will have everything I need for when I do know how to use them.
Thanks for the help. |
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| zizack |
Congrats on getting into the game!
Really, all 3 mixers are going to do the job for you. I guess its going to come down to your interest in FX.
I've owned a DJM before, and I've owned 2 Xones (62 and 92).
The Ecler looks like a solid mixer, albeit one without many bells or whistles (not a bad thing). Ecler makes very solid mixers though, so you really can't go wrong with that one.
I personally love Allen and Heath mixers. The sound quality output is amazing. While they don't technically have a built-in effects unit, they do come with great filters. The filters on the Xones are great for accentuating build ups, and can be a cool way to add some depth to mixes.
While I've never played on the DJM 400, I have played on almost every other model. From the picture I am looking at, it seems to have a similar layout and functionality to the higher-end models. Personally...while the FX unit can be fun, if you're just starting out, its really not something you need to be that concerned with. I had a lot of friends who ran out and got DJMs while learning to DJ, and spent more time tweeking FX parameters than actually learning how to DJ. So, in the beginning, it can be a distraction, IMO.
A big selling point for the DJM though, is that most clubs have the 800 version installed in their booths. So, when you finally start to DJ out in clubs, you will be very familiar with the basic setup and layout. Thats always a good thing.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Hope it helped. Good luck with the purchase! |
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| DJ Eco |
I'm a bad guy to ask for technical aspects of DJ stuff (I see myself as more of a producer haha)...
But, I'd say go the DJM route... It's more or less the standard, so you're training yourself to be able to show up at a club and be able to play nice and simply with the same gear you have at home... Playing on a Xone or other mixers for long periods of time will only ensure that your first club gig is spent nervously adjusting, and it'll just feel different than what you're used to, which is bad...
Like I said, I think Zack's review is more in-depth haha... |
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| Excess |
the djm400 and the xone are both excellent mixers. ive actually thought about ridding myself of the djm400 and picking up a xone32. really a toss up for me. the djm400 is a quality mixer, and like marcello said, you'll be able to hop on a pioneer setup without having to worry about figuring things out.
the xone does have great sound quality however... and i just love playing on a&h equipment |
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| BradMiller |
Even more quick and dirty - I bleed Pioneer blood so I 3rd the DJM! :)
When it comes to playing out, familiarity with equipment is key. |
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| djkatmaus |
Zizack pretty much summed it up. Pioneer is for the most part club standard. Although you have picked three good ones. Making the decision is really tough. Only downfall with the 400, no third channel. Always nice to have a spare channel for whatever. But really that's it. Truthfully you can go without the effects. Especially if your considering going to a DVS someday.
Best advice, try to find a local music store and see if they have all or some of these models on the showroom floor and give them a try.
A big plus for me would be the Ecler mixer. Balanced XLR outputs. |
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| terrytutone |
If youre set on picking one of these three i would go with the xone just because it offers more options in terms of outputs. You'll notice that it has booth and master outputs. It also has the pre-master record output and an aux out.
The Pioneer only has two stereo outputs.
For me, thats a big deal breaker.
The A&H also offers the option of fading the headphones between cue and master and i think that can come in handy from time to time.
As for the argument about familiarity; i dont think it should affect your decision much. Especially since pioneers are pretty easy to figure out and there are still a lot of xone installations out there. And after a while figuring out a new mixer will become pretty easy for you. They are pretty much all the same. |
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| palm |
| the XONE32 is best!!!!!! but i thought it costed 299 now? thats what i payd for it in december atleast. best buy i ever did. |
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| PivotTechno |
I own a Xone:32, have had it for a couple of years and I'd recommend it to anyone. Solid piece of gear and the crossfader for the VCF filters is a brilliant piece of design. Nevermind what people say about the gains being on the back panel - it's not a concern and you quickly get used to it. As I've mentioned in other threads, the only thing to do is upgrade to a Penny&Giles cf when the stock fader eventually wears down - you won't regret it.
Having said all that, if possible, your best bet would be to go to a couple of stores in your hood that carries the units you're considering and get some hands-on demo time with them. |
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| palm |
| oh I had an ecler nuo 3 and pioneer djm500. allen and heath crush both of them. |
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| StarSoprano426 |
Thanks for all the advice guys :) I now have much more information than I did yesterday. I still don't know which one I want, lol.
I'm going to head over to the store this afternoon and take a look at these in person. Good idea. |
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| miamitranceman |
I've owned a DJM 400 and currently own an Ecler Evo 5. (Obviously totally different ranges).
The only downside to the 400 is the lack of booth out/balanced outputs.
I love my Ecler. Sound quality is excellent. You can always add effects later. |
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