1. to Choosing a DJ Mixer
DJ Mixers - 4 Key Points

2. DJ Equipment can make or break a DJ. Without great
equipment, a DJ can be limited. With so many
choices out there, you may be wondering how to
choose a DJ Mixer. Asking yourself four simple
questions will narrow down your search for the
perfect mixer.

3. to spen
h are you willing
1. How muc
d?
This can of course greatly narrow your search. DJ Mixers
nowadays can start from $79 and go up to thousands of
dollars. Keep in mind lower priced mixers may be lower quality,
so it may be advantageous to save up for a higher priced mixer.
Personally I would recommend putting aside at least $175 for a
decent quality mixer.

4. you usin
or platforms are
2. What platform
g?
Are you using turntables, CD players, a laptop, an iPod or all of the above? Answering
this question will help you choose how many channels you need on your mixer. A
two-channel mixer has 2 phono and 2 line inputs. Phono inputs are for turntables
and line inputs are for digital platforms. In this case you can connect 2 turntables
and 2 CD players or a laptop or iPod with either turntables or CD players. The twochannel mixer will allow you to play any 2 inputs at one time, but not more than two.
If you would like to play more than two inputs at one time, or if you'd prefer to have your
other media on different channels, you'll need more channels on the mixer. Two and
four channel mixers are widely available. Three and five channel mixers are less
common.

5. ying
ow will you be pla
ing and h
usic are you play
3. What type of m
it?
In the world of mixers, you have ones that are more geared toward
mixing (usually house and electronic) and ones that are geared
towards scratching (usually hip hop). Hip hop DJs usually
prefer 2 channel mixers with scratching capabilities. On the
other hand electronic DJs are usually more focused on mixing
and possibly effects. Which brings me to the next question...

6. ing for?
tras are you look
x
4. What kind of e
Crossfader Options
•
•
•
•
Hamster (crossfader option used for scratching)
Crossfader shape and cut adjustments
Magnetic crossfaders
Assignable crossfader (to assign the channels to either side of
the crossfader)

7. Effects
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wide range of different effects
Mic effects
Sampling
Loops
Tap effects sync (a tap button that syncs your effects to the beat)
Effects send for outboard effects

8. Other Features
•
•
•
•
Midi Control
iPod dock/input
BPM counter
USB
Click to edit the outline text format
Multiple outputs- Level
−
Second Outline

Third Outline Level
Record/Booth/Master
− Fourth Outline Level

Fifth Outline Level
Full kills (to fully cut off low, mids,
Sixth Outline Level

Seventh Outline
or highs)
Level

Advanced cueing Eighth Outline Level
features

Ninth Outline Level
•
•
•
•
•
Rotary knobs instead of faders
Mic talk-over

9. Sources:
http://www.smartdj.com/DJ-Mixers.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?DJ-Mixers---4-Key-Points-to-Choosing-a-DJMixer&id=4489418

10. Sources:
http://www.smartdj.com/DJ-Mixers.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?DJ-Mixers---4-Key-Points-to-Choosing-a-DJMixer&id=4489418