These are also helpful for any djs out there because a lot of the preamps and processors in most controllers and mixers aren’t the greatest and they don’t give you much headroom so having an external mixer means that you can run your mixer or controller in the green to have a clean output coming from your mixer or controller and that give you a lot of headroom to use the external mixer to boost the audio and make it sound clear and awesome! I use an external mixer and I don’t think I would ever use just my mixer again because my audio sounds amazing with using both
Personally, I think this is one of you best tips yet. Goes to show that you dont have to spend a large amount of money to get quality sound and results in your performance. and FLEXIBILITY comes into play in a MAJOR way here :)
Besides the uses mentioned, these are great for photographers or videographers to hook up to record good sound for their production. Musicians that never have the right connections but hired to play alongside you now have multiple connection options, multiple mic inputs for karaoke, compressor is also great for a choir or group of people that have different voices that sing from a single mic. No need to adjust the volume constantly if they have a high or low voice. Some even have a mute button for each channel. Highly recommend, Phil hit the nail in the head! As a mobile dj for weddings, bars, corporate events, casual parties…this is a must have.
A standalone mixer is an essential piece of DJ gear. If you DJ regularly your laptop or controller WILL inevitably crash during a set. As a backup I keep an iPad plugged into my mixer just in case. In fact, I've had a few instances during a packed dance floor where I was forced to quickly switch over to the iPad when my laptop froze. I was able to reboot while my iPad played music. Believe me. A mixer will save you from a lot of grief!
I just ordered a Depusheng DX8 - 8 Channel Bluetooth/USB mixer with Main, Booth, and CTRL room outputs (not sure of the extent of the USB function). I hesitated to purchase (not being familiar with the brand), but so far, i'm very impressed with this board! At about $115 on Amazon, it's hard to believe that you get what you get on this board. I needed it because I want to start my DJ podcast and need all my sound sources routed to one output source for immediate available recording. Your videos are awesome, and I've subbed you on this and my music channel (Zodiac Thump Music)! The information you've provided has been invaluable in prepping for my livetream!
I've got a Alesis. Had it for years, cost me about a 100 quid & I use it every time I DJ to make my S4 MKII sound better & also have a mix on my tablet or phone plugged I, just in case of equipment failure. Never had to though but it's great knowing it's there, just in case!
Behringer 8 input and a 12 input depending on what I am doing. Also been using this way for at least 25 years, great to get you out of trouble if the controller or laptop fails. You can have a spare laptop or tablet ready to go to another channel so no silence.
The gold in this video is about adding GOOD and more microphone inputs! This is good stuff! Thank you! (I have a Behringer Xenyx 4 channel mixer and a 12 mic pre Mackie for larger live band setups!)
Missed the live today but a great topic to discuss. I have a A&H Zedi10. Sounds great and the best part about it is that it has multitrack recording. So it's an amazing way to record clean audio and mic separately for post processing if needed. Cheers.
I have been a mobile DJ for 7 plus years. Never seen the point of having a “second live mixer” as just more to set up and pack away at the end of the night. Couple of years ago I bought a basic 6 channel Yamaha mixer to use to do a Karaoke night. Used it once to run extra mics then put it in the cupboard and forgot about it. While back I did a gig where a company did the front of house for me. They were running same speakers as me but I noticed the sound was way better I put 2&2 together as soon as I had a good look at their mixer set up and noticed they had adjusted the EQ. Went home pulled the live mix out of the cupboard. It gets used almost every gig now. Sounds better, I have way more head room. Plus loads more options. I plan on upgrading to an Allen & health soon
Yamaha MG06XU for the smallest but functional, also comes with good mic adjustments also and FX. But the Yamaha MG10 not the XU you can send isolated sound to the Auxiliary output.
Hey Phil! Thanks for all the tips but I would say that the smaller your controller, the more necessity for the external mixer. I run an SX-3 which has 3 mic inputs and the aux input as well. Not sure if I would want one more thing to plug in at a wedding. Just my humble opinion. Thanks again!
Definitely late to the party here but it's still worth considering! Pioneer converters and preamps are very low quality and a mixer also gives you a way to get some extra gain out of my controller without pushing it into distortion (past around 1 o clock on the master volume knob on a Pioneer starts to create distortion)
I have the Behringer Xenyx QX1622USB, It's been so useful, you can have so many configurations, I have a mic on there too for live performances but without interfering with the recording from my X1800 mixer to my PC. I can set up both my vinyl setup and my Denon media setup seperately if i wish, yet use them together too. I have my PC plugged into it so I can listen to music from my PC through my monitors, the options are endless!
hello, I'm from Belgium, and I am a big fan of your reviews and tutorials. Thanks for that. I have a question. My speakers are QSC K12.2 , and my mixer for now is a pioneer xdj R1. I will buy an ddj800 in a few weeks I think. But my question is, the high sound of the speakers are very loud and sharp. So I have to turn the eq of the high to a minimum level. Is it because of the poor soundcard in the R1, or will it be better to connect an external mixer indeed.... When I'm playing the music on a low level, it's better, but when I put the volume up, it's hurting the ears.... Sorry for my English... my native language is Flemish and French... but I hope you understand my question. Thanks for all this information... Nicolas
What up Phil! Diggin' the beard man, lookin' fresh! I have a Mackie 1202VLZ4 12 channel mixer that I just got, and a Pioneer DDJ-SX2 as well. Definitely trying this out for my home setup, and will most likely buy a smaller one for when I need to take my laptop/controller for gigs. Gonna get some analog boom on my future recorded mixes! Thanks for the tip! Also got a question, I have my mixer already hooked up to my audio interface, isn't it possible to just connect the speakers straight into one of the mixer inputs?
I have a Ddj 1000 and also use a Yamaha MG 10Xu between my ddj 1000 and speakers. In there I connect the controller, the jack from my laptop to use ambiente sound by Spotify before I play on gigs, and mic. Why do I have this mixer? Before this I had Behringer 1222fx and I sell to buy this one. The size is small, I buy a case very cheap, and less space in my Adj event table. The sound quality is very good comparing with my previous model, and I connect my laptop jack out directly to rca input without adapters and have a good quality and high volume. I try to use laptop connect to ddj 1000 4th channel but the sound is very low and loose much quality even get distortion. Most of the times I don't even equalize the sound and it is very good. In behringer I equalize a lot and it was hard to get it as I wanted. I have usb audio out if I want to do lives. The mic effects if you have musicians is very impressive for vocals and instruments. I sell my used behringer for 130 eur and buy this model it costs 210 euros. If you want to buy a good quality sound mixer don't go for behringer, spend a bit more and buy yamaha, and the difference isn't too much in price, but in sound quality is huge and you will just love it. If you want a different model than Yamaha, go for Soundcraft is also very good.
Hey Phil, another great video. One question, I consider to buy two RCF evox speakers for my DJ setup. As you probably know the RCF has a sub with a build-in mixer. The RCF evox mixJ8. This mixer has also the possibility to adjust the mixer with a remote app. What do you recommend, a standalone mixer or the build-in mixer. Kind regards DJ W’rH.
In regards to external audio interfaces - I got a uGreen one off Amazon for £15 quid last week and it's brilliant for streaming to Twitch / Facebook. Thought it would be crap and on a big PA system it probably would be but my live stream last week sounded really good.
I have also a secondary mixer 5 line 4 outputs 2 phonos for record decks , it beringer vx5000 has 2 out puts for mics But I had thought about buying a another one for club night, it’s certainly great idea 💡 just need to budget for 1, thanks for the great advice and I just started using landr to make my tracks that I create professional which I highly recommend to club standards
I have an Allen & Heath ZED-10FX live mixer and I’m just wondering if any of your courses covers how to use a live mixer to effectively EQ a room. As a DJ, I am not entirely clear on how to correct found sound issues in real time.
Appreciate the video. Just purchased the Complete DJ course and looking forward to diving in. VERY curious to know the model/name of the laptop stand in this video. 😊
Hey, great video. Can we also use a mixer to increase the output level from the controller? During house parties I observe my DDJ-400 is not able to push my LG speakers to max volume. Will adding a mixer in between help increase the volume output ?
As a technical note, most DJ controllers use RCA out at home stereo levels of -14db for 0VU. A commercial mixer with XLR balanced outputs output at +4db for 0VU out. I was trying to figure out the difference between a DJ mixer and a "Live Mixer". Found out a Live Mixer is about the same as analog headphones and headphones.
Never leave the house without my Soundcraft 8 channel backup mixer in my truck.....you never know. DJ's who refuse to keep one as an insurance policy for a gig is rolling the dice. I always have my iPad with 20,000 tracks to use Djay Pro on too. I do not often run an external mixer from my controller simply because most powered speakers have eq controls so I can get the sound I need with one less item in my chain. I do use a microphone compression device between mic and controller.
I would like to add a small information that might be helpful to typical DJs... most of these mixers are pre-amped for Mic and Instruments... not line level input. The gentleman that pointed that (during the video) that he had a better sound quality when he plugged his controller directly, couldn't have been more correct. The preamps on these mixers are not made for Line (music) levels. Some would have but at higher price range. Do your research before buying it's a key thing or you will end up being disappointed like I have on multiple occasions. Remember, music is sound... if it's not good, it's not worth it.
Hi! In my room I use a pioneer ddj 400 with presonus eris 4.5 speakers. What I'm looking for is to improve the sound of my equipment, is it recommended to use a live mixer or are there better alternatives?
The thing to realise is that every part of the chain is going to have an effect on your sound, you could have a pro level controller with a great sounding mixer but poor speakers and the sound is going to be poor overall - I'd personally start with better speakers then upgrade my controller and go from there, a mixer isn't necessarily needed in this instance just keep the cable length short between your controller and the speakers
I was considering a mixer but I recently acquired the latest Native Instrument Komplete Audio 6 MK2 - How can I get the most out of this with my laptop, Technics SL1210 MK2's, Pioneer DM 40's Speakers, and DDJ 200?
I have the Mackie Pro FX8 V2. it was the third thing I purchased after my controler and headphones. It gives me a huge versatility plus is the perfect interface to live stream. (and cheaper now that all audio interfaces are so expensive due the pandemic)
You probably dont care at all but does any of you know a method to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my account password. I love any assistance you can offer me
@Nathan Cassius i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
I use the behringer 802usb with my streaming setup which is perfect to send audio to obs without using the headphone jack and having the extra channels allows me to have my irig2 connected to another phone to broadcast to certain platforms that’s not available while using restream.
Do you recommend a mixer for something like the Rev7? I haven't DJd out yet with mine and I'm not sure if I should just leave my external mixer at home since the rev7 mixer is really good.
I’m going to start running my ddj1000 srt through an 8 channel Mackie mixer vlz for better sound overall but especially the mics. Do I need to adjust the master on my 1000 or just tweak the Mackie’s levels as needed?
@@digitaldjtips do I set the mixer or the controller volumes first or does it not matter? And the Mackie mixer only has a gain on the 3 mic channels. It doesn’t have gain on input channels. Should I eturn for a mixer that does have gain on the channels like the RCF mixer?
Look at the Mackie ProFX--v3. Very forgiving mic inputs, effects, usb and sub outs. Amazingly cheap for what you get. Digital Audio Workstation software included.
Would a little behringer xenyx 302 mixer work purely for boosting the output signal of a ddj400 ? The volume from my speakers is quieter with ddj400 plugged in compared to if I plugged my phone into speakers.
Looking to purchase dj gears, nothing too fancy. I acquired the Hercules inpulse 500 - now I'm scratching my head wondering what else I need. I'm going to be a resident dj to a spot on a beach, big enough for 200 people. I'm pretty sure about the mixer I want to get, the Behringer XENYX 802 Premium 8-Input 2-Bus Mixer With Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs... but as far as amplifier, actual speakers, power stabilizers, I have no clue. Need help deciding the size / brand of speaker... I know I need a monitor speaker, but I dunno what kind. 12" ? 15"? What about the others.... I rather have four speakers with moderate bass than 2 speakers with a loud sub because of the size and shape of the venue. Question is, what's the watt- age on each speakers..... and the proper cables which ones are recommended here.
Speakers come with built-in amplifiers. Ask locally about any power stabiliser requirements - all electricity grids are different. Size/brand of speakers will depend upon what is available locally, but you'll ideally need 2000W RMS for a 200-person outdoor venue. You'll connect with XLR cables. You will need at least one sub in your speaker choice.
hey hows it going great vid and advice would love help if anyone can advice me? does this info apply more for dj's who are using controller? i normally use a djm900nxs when playing so id assume the sound card in these high end mixer can do fine with the Pa system ? any info would be great and if possilbe what would be more ideal seeing im only using my mixer for djing what channels would be best meaning how many channels is ideal i assume a small mixer will do
Yes this is aimed more at those using controllers though it's not entirely uncommon to run a DJ style mixer to a PA mixer as well for more channels to run things like microphones or a band in a venue that features both often
@@digitaldjtips for one your info and channel is the best out here for all things djing.. but in my case id be lookin at a mixer with more ins and outs (channels) right i was gonna get the mackie pro fx 6v3 but when i tested my mixer with the pa it sounded fine so i think ill be ok for now until i am doing shows with lives bands ect .. one final thing are the preamp's on most these mixers better for mics than the ones on my dj mixer like 900nxs ect
"one final thing are the preamp's on most these mixers better for mics than the ones on my dj mixer like 900nxs ect" no, it wouldn't be as simple as saying "most" - use your ears, if you're happy with it already and don't need any extra inputs this shouldn't be a priority for you
I have an sb3. Would be be great to to know which inputs and outputs to use. I need to use rca on Sb3 so do this need an rca to out to xlr input on the mixer or can I use rca input on the mixer . Then my speakers are rca. So do I need xlr out on the mixer to rca on the speakers?
@@digitaldjtips thanks. Have seen a cable with 2 rca to 1 single xlr or where it has 2 rca to 2 xlr. Which one would I need from the controller to the mixer? . Thanks
Most likely just the one for running the controller to the mixer, if you were running the controller straight to speakers you'd want the cable with 2 x XLR
Can an USB Audio-Interface - mostly used for music production, like e.g. Focusrite Scarlett series and similar - with sufficients inputs, be used to play/dj with two devices (i.e. a laptop and an iPad) and a mic? Also, does anybody know of a good supercompact/portable two channel stereo dj mixer that can be usb bus / powerbank powered?
I plugged the XLR coming out my xdj-rx3 to channels 3/4 on my yamaha mg10xu mixer and it was peaking and distorting so what is the best way to connect or is there a correct way to unbalanced or should I press the HPF button on the 3/4 don't know can someone help please ? Thanks .
But it run with Windows 10?!?!? Because Serato said me that I can’t listen audio when I connect my Pioneer DDJ-SB3 to my laptop......I’ve to connect the SB3 to a speaker.......but if I want to made a live session or I want to make a mix connecting the SB3 to a speaker I can’t connect the mixer to my laptop because is an Asus and don’t have any input audio sources (except for USB). What can I do?!?!?
It is actually possible to get the Serato audio into the laptop, when you have speakers plugged in. You'll need to use an audio aggregator app, like this one: jackaudio.org/faq/jack_on_windows.html
My name is DJ Lee battles I would like to have your book to read I wish you had it in CD some people out there can't read that well why don't you put it on this so they understand
Hey, Nice that you give free info..... and not trying to be a jerk or sound like I KNOW.... it all,,,,,,, But how can ALL these people that are into this whole DJ THING, Not already know this?! In the Information Age, of All Times to Not Know?! It's like knowing how to scratch, but not understanding the timing of said scratch Like being a MASTER on vinyl {Technics Turntables}, but start playing around on CD Turntables and NOT having Clue one about what to do with them. Is everyone just so centered on becoming a great DJ, that Nothing else matters...... Cause It Does Matter!! Please People, Learn, Not just the Art of, but the Hook-up of..... and the sound of; Understand how sound systems are put together. You don't have to master any of these qualities, but it sure helps to know a few things when something goes wrong. Most Importantly {IMO}, Know where all this came from!! Even towards the end of the Disco Era, DJ's were "Starting" to not just play a record. In Fact, DMC, Where Thee, BEST DJ's Show off their Mastery of the Craft.... DMC stands for Disco Mix Club!! I'm Not saying "Learn ALL Aspects of B-Boy" [B-girl incl.]; What I am saying is Just Know------Ledge. Cool Man. That's My 17 Cents worth..... I believe My Knowledge to be worth MORE than the Average 2 Cents. LMGDMFAO @..... me, myself and I. L8er vader.
Quite simply Kevin there was a time when you (and us) didn't know a thing about DJing, you don't know unless someone tells you - yes the information is out there but it's hard to find what you don't know you're looking for
@@digitaldjtips Hmmmm, I see what you are getting at and Maybe, Just Maybe, it falls on the one who taught them. Some, being self-taught like myself, will not look at ALL Aspects. That is why I switched gears from bewilderment to giving the knowledge that I have given All the people (A Whole 7, actually 6, people.) I taught. If you did NOT see (It Started at "Please People,".) that switch, quite simply, If you aren't picking up what I am throwing down, then let me know and I will delete ALL..... or since it's your channel, I'm sure you can delete. No Vinyl off my collection. No Biggie. L8er vader. P.S. Just so you don't jump the gun, please understand, that not one dime came my way for Showing those few what to do and how it came about. Hell Man, maybe the generation gap plays a hand in this game.... dk, dc. I just do what I do and Smile about it, because if I'm not smiling, then I did something Wrong. LMAO. Peace for the Beast.
We give 7 different reasons you might find it useful in this video and the accompanying article, if you don't find them compelling there is no need to buy one :)
A £50 mixer will have terrible eq, it will also have the potential of adding noise. It also won't give you the amount of precision you'd need to eq a room (how is a broad shelf eq going to help with a peak or trough at a particular frequency, say at 150hz for example?) You would be better off buying a parametric or 30 band eq for that. Suggesting that you can correct room acoustics with a three band bell or shelf eq is....erm....
I think the most important reason to slave a DJ controller to a legit mixer is to boost the output drive going into your house/club sound system. Everything else is gravy.