OVERVIEW
This is your basic, most-cost efficient mixer. If you do not want to spend to much money on a mixer or want something that is just functional, this is a solid choice. You get all the necessary functions of a mixer, plus...
expand review 2 band eq for each channel, mic input, and easy headphone monitor via mini-fader. -mgmnt
OVERVIEW
This is your basic, most cost-efficient mixer with one deluxe digital feature. The DM950-USB features dual USB ports. With the USB input, you can mix songs played by your computer. With the USB output you can record your mixes into your computer...
expand review (recording software needed). All file formats are accepted and no drivers are needed. In terms of standard features, you get all the necessary functions of a mixer, plus 2 band eq for each channel, mic input, and easy headphone monitor via mini-fader. As well as being an inexpensive mixer solution, this is a the most inexpensive way to get your dj setup digital ready. -mgmnt
OVERVIEW
With the DJM-400, Pioneer has finally made a mid-range mixer that incorporates some of their famous on-board effects, in-demand features and the general style of the popular DJM-600 and 500 mixers. The DJM-400 is like a streamlined DJM-600 with two channels,...
expand review but it also has quite a few unique features including Pioneer's new in-loop sampler, kills on the 3 band equalizer and a completely digital 24bit/96Khz mixing bus.
FEATURES
In terms of basic mixer functions, the DJM-400 is geared towards mix DJs and is set up in standard fashion. There are 2 phono/line RCA inputs, 2 CD RCA inputs with fader start connection, 2 master RCA outputs, and 2 ¼" mic inputs. The crossfader feels similar to the one used in the DJM-500 and DJM-600, but it has been improved for both scratching and durability. The crossfader curve is adjustable with a three position switch, and while it doesn't feature the razor sharp cut that scratch djs demand these days, you can definitely scratch with it and the curve is much sharper than the 600 or 500. In comparison to previous Pioneer mixers, the eq's have been pumped up considerably and now offer a full kill on all three bands (the trim also goes down to kill). The 2 mic channels each have separate level controls with a mic master eq (lo/hi) and an on/off/talkover switch (talkover is activated when you speak into the mic, then all other sound is taken down 20db). The headphone cueing offers all the necessary options for monitoring: both channels and the master output can either be heard on their own, or in any combination (ie: when both channel 1 and master are on, you hear channel 1 in the left headphone and the master in the right).
The digital 24bit/96Khz mixing bus is the platform that sets the DJM-400 apart from other mixers in this price range. Not only does it process the sound cleanly and provide an excellent signal for users of digital equipment like Serato and Final Scratch, it also gives the DJM-400 enough power to do all the "intelligent" things like count BPMs, auto synch effects on-beat, run the sampler and more. The effects are the classic set of Delay, Echo, Flanger, Filter, and Phaser plus a couple new ones- Robot and Roll. They are assignable to channel 1, channel 2, mic, or master and are controlled with a depth knob, beat variables (1/1, 2/1, 4/1, etc) and 2 pitch control buttons (+/-). The effects are automatically synched up with your music when you engage the BPM counter.
The sampler is something we haven't seen before. Pioneer calls it the "in-loop sampler" and it allows you to automatically loop up 4 beats of a song for on the fly remixes and mashups. In other words, you can set it to record on a drum break or whatever you want, the sampler cleanly grabs 4 beats (note: beats, not bars), then loops them up and stores them in the bank buttons. The time is not variable- it will grab 4 beats whether the song in question is 150bpm or 30bpm- but through messing with your sample points and using the tap-in bpm counter you can actually get pretty creative and do more with it than you'd think. You can also use it to record beatless samples, noises, and acapellas but the playback will still be looped. Playback functions the same way as the effects: you can assign your sample/loop to any channel (ch.1, ch. 2, mic, or main) and control the tempo through the pitch buttons and the volume through the depth knob. There are 5 different banks to store loops, with a total of up to 12 seconds sampling time.
OUR OPINION
There's no question that the Pioneer DJM-400 offers an awful lot in a relatively small and inexpensive package. The sound quality will be great across the board, even the loops are run through the 24bit/96Khz mixing bus so there is no loss of quality or noticeable downgrade from the source. The effects are always fun, and with the right touch they can make your set that much better. And the in-loop sampler is something we could see being a really useful tool for many DJs. It's unfortunate that Pioneer didn't take it a step further and include the great crossfader that was used in their DJM-707 and 909 mixers, but for anybody who isn't heavily into scratching, this mixer offers plenty room to maneuver and quite a lot to play with. It also comes at a price point that will get you into the big boy club mixer world without having to spend $1000 or more. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Rane's answer to the multi-function dilemma. Their goal here was to create a club mixer flexible enough for any type of DJ, in any setting, without taking up a lot of space. After preliminary testing, Rane has achieved all those goals.
1) Keeping...
expand review to the 10" format, Rane has made the most versatile mixer in this range. If you've used a conventional, wide format club mixer, then you will understand why this is such an advancement.
2) Works with any sound system, club and home, anywhere in the world. A universal, 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz internal power supply allows using the mixer anywhere in the world without adapters; XLR, TRS or RCA connections eliminates mismatching plugs; and there are even 2 headphone jacks to accommodate 1/8" and 1/4" plugs.
3) Sound. We stand by that Rane's have the best sound. And to ensure this quality Rane has included 2 key features:
1. Auto Gain feature automatically adjusts sound when switching sources. The sound will never be too quiet or clipped.
2. Full cut, accelerated slope EQs, the best available.
3. New Penny & Giles faders. All 4 faders are the P&G, quickly becoming the industry high-end standard.
4. Extras. The Empath features many innovations not found on other mixers:
a. Assignable CD triggers work with any CD player.
b. Two band headphone EQ.
c. Effects processors assignable to all 3 channels plus mic.
d. Four function Level meters read stereo cue, stereo master mix, split cue, or main output.
Verdict: Pluses
Sound quality, Rane construction, multiple features, simplicity of use. This is definitely the easiest, most intuitive 3 channel mixer we've tested. Although we have not tried this in a club system situation, based on Rane's track record, we can conclude that it is top of the line.
Verdict: Minuses
No true weaknesses. Price is high, but reasonable for a full featured club mixer. Battle DJs might find the face to be to cluttered. -mgmnt
Rane's answer to the multi-function dilemma. Their goal here was to create a club mixer flexible enough for any type of DJ, in any setting, without taking up a lot of space. After preliminary testing, Rane has achieved all those goals.
1) Keeping...
expand review to the 10" format, Rane has made the most versatile mixer in this range. If you've used a conventional, wide format club mixer, then you will understand why this is such an advancement.
2) Works with any sound system, club and home, anywhere in the world. A universal, 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz internal power supply allows using the mixer anywhere in the world without adapters; XLR, TRS or RCA connections eliminates mismatching plugs; and there are even 2 headphone jacks to accommodate 1/8" and 1/4" plugs.
3) Sound. We stand by that Rane's have the best sound. And to ensure this quality Rane has included 4 key features:
1. Auto Gain feature automatically adjusts sound when switching sources. The sound will never be too quiet or clipped.
2. Full cut, accelerated slope EQs, the best available.
3. New Penny & Giles faders. All 4 faders are the P&G, quickly becoming the industry high-end standard.
4. Extras. The Empath features many innovations not found on other mixers:
• Assignable CD triggers work with any CD player.
• Two band headphone EQ.
• Effects processors assignable to all 3 channels plus mic.
• Four function Level meters read stereo cue, stereo master mix, split cue, or main output.
Verdict: Pluses
Sound quality, Rane construction, multiple features, simplicity of use. This is definitely the easiest, most intuitive 3 channel mixer we've tested. Although we have not tried this in a club system situation, based on Rane's track record, we can conclude that it is top of the line.
Verdict: Minuses
No true weaknesses. Price is high, but reasonable for a full featured club mixer. Battle DJs might find the face to be to cluttered.
OVERVIEW
After preliminary testing, it appears that Rane has released another inventive, extremely high quality mixer on to the market. Innovations abound and they've finally fixed some of the problems which other high-end mixers have had. Firstly, the 56 adds a powerful mid-eq...
expand review (the primary advantage the 07 used to have over the 54) Fader wise, the 56 uses non-contact magnetic faders for both crossfader and both upfaders, which they claim are impervious to dust, moisture, smoke, temperature and aging. Since it has no contacts, the performance should unaffected by use, meaning it shouldn't bleed or crackle'ever. Like all new faders that have come out in recent years, the feel is different and will take some getting used to, but the sharpness and precision of the faders did make our skratches sound cleaner. Recommended.
4/7/02: Since testing this mixer out for the last month, we have switched over our store and office mixer to this model. In our opinion, the best skratch mixer currently available. Vestax users will need to get used to the feel, but it will eventually win them over. The crossfader feel and curve is the best we've encountered and the sound is heads above the other 2 channel mixers. The best choice. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW:
With the TTM-57, Rane has raised the bar for 2 channel mixers once again. This mixer is built on the platform of their TTM-56 (already the gold standard for 2 channel mixers), and features the Serato Live program built-in. The immediate effect...
expand review is that you no longer need the Serato hub, but you can also control the Serato program directly from the mixer and they've included tons of new features as well.
FEATURES
Obviously, the main draw here is having an all-in-one digital/analog mixing system. The TTM-57 not only comes with the Serato software for your computer, but it also features the Serato interface built right into the mixer. So all you need to do is plug the TTM-57 directly into your computer without the hassle of an external hub + wires. The TTM-57 also features on board controls for the Serato program which basically allow you to control everything within the software from your mixer, so you'll barely need to touch the computer. In a new move, the TTM-57 has on board effects (filter and delay) with six possible insert points, assignable to pre- or post-channel faders for both programs. It also features recording capability (record your mix directly onto your laptop), and many more useful tweaks to the Serato / TTM-56 systems. Full features will be explored once this mixer is in stock.
OUR OPINION
This is an extremely impressive mixer, and another great step in the Rane line. The TTM-56 was already our favorite 2 channel mixer, and Serato the preferred digital dj'ing solution for most djs, so the combination of the two is nothing short of revolutionary. As with all Rane products, you can be ensured of the highest quality across the board- durability, parts, sound quality, user friendliness, customer service and everything else. Highly recommended. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The new upgraded version of this popular Vestax mixer. The VMC series combines features and low price to offer some of the best values in the mixer market. And with most manufacturers increasing the size of their new models, the VMC series...
expand review is one of the few offering more compact designs. The VMC-004XL is the 4 channel version and presents an excellent value at its price range.
FEATURES
This version of VMC-004XL improves on the previous model with XLR outputs and better EQ features. The professional level XLR outputs will help you maximize the improved sound quality on this mixer, and give you a reliable output for all your recording / dj'ing needs. You also get two additional RCA outputs (with separate master volume control) for additional options. The EQs have also been improved, going from completely off (kill) to +4dB on each channel. Another key feature is that in addition to the Master LED meter, each channel has its own meter for checking individual output (and looking real cool). The crossfader is an ALPS fader (upgradeable to the CF-PCV) with a curve control switch on the front panel for "soft" or "sharp" crossfading. There are two microphone inputs, both of which are assignable to channel one or channel two (with full use of the trim, 3 band EQ, channel fader, etc). It also has a master/cue mix knob so you can practice in the headphones.
OPINION
The VMC-004XL is a tight package for all styles of djs and experience levels. Besides the compact size and useful features, the greatest strength of this mixer is the design. Everything is clearly laid out, and operating the 4 channels is quite easy with a rotary select for cueing and easy channel assigning. This is an excellent choice for a home or small bar setup, and the four channels give you room to grow without taking up to much space. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
The VMC-004XLu adds USB connectivity and a sleek black finish to the Vestax's bestselling (but now discontinued) compact 4 channel mixer. It also features an upgradeable crossfader, durable and compact design, and XLR outs for pro level connectiviy making it an excellent...
expand review value at its price range.
FEATURES
The addition of a USB port is the main new feature for the 004 model. The USB port is a great since you can bypass the need for an interface and record vinyl or mixes directly into your computer (recording software needed). It features 4 channels, 8 RCA inputs, 2 mic inputs, 3 band Isolator EQ per channel (With LEDs for each channel), and an adjustable ALPS crossfader (soft or sharp crossfade modes) which can be upgraded to the popular CF-PCV crossfader found in more expensive Vestax models. There are also XLR outs which allow you to send a higher quality signal to any piece of equipment as well as 2 master RCA outs which can be used as "record" outs as well.
OPINION
The VMC-004XLu is a tight package for all styles of DJs and experience levels. Besides the compact size, the greatest strength of the VMC-004 is the design. Everything is clearly laid out and operating the 4 channels is quite easy with a rotary select for cueing and easy channel assigning. And now with the addition of a USB port, the value is just incredible. This is an excellent choice for a home setup, and the four channels give you room to grow without taking up to much space. -the mgmnt
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