I need some info on mixers but not reviews

[Runt110]

Hello I need some info on mixers.I am going to be mixing house,hardtrance,hardcore stuff like that.What I need to know is what kind of mixer would be best for this.I know you probly can't use a scratch mixer for that.So if you think you can help me than post it. thank you .

[amphibious]

Anything with two channels and a crossfader will work.

[Headphones Dude]

Okay, since you're asking, here's what I can tell you. A Dj mixer will allow you to mix 2-4 turntables, and a mic(in case you got a rapper or girlfriend who loves to sing melodies while you spin). There is no such thing as a mixer that is only meant for a certain style of music. For instance, nobody will make a mixer that is meant for trance, or hip hop, or jungle, etc. However, there will be some mixers that will have features that are ideal for a certain style of music(a scratch mixer is perfect for hip hop/scratch mixing, but all the same, you could spin trance or house on it if you felt like it), but there isn't any rule on what to spin on what mixer. That's up to you, and what you enjoy mixing.

A basic rule of thumb in buying a dj mixer, is what are you willing to spend, how does it sound, and does it feel right when you use it. If you had big hands, you wouldn't want a mixer that has it's buttons too tightly together. If you were a short guy, you wouldn't want a mixer that's as huge as a desk, and you couldn't reach some of the buttons and faders, etc...

First off, spending wise. I think the most cheapest mixer you can find is a radio shack for $80, but it has very poor features, so don't even waste your money. Gemini and Newmark make all sorts of mixers, and they range from anywhere to $100-500. Some might throw in a cheap sampler (that will NOT save your samples when you turn the power off), have kill switches on the High, Mid and Low frequencies, etc. They most the time give you 2-4 channels. If you can't afford a Rhane or Pioneer or Roland, then try one out.

Stanton and Vestax mixers range from $150-800, but look and probably feel better built. They look very solid, and reliable. Probably sound better, but who'se to say? I've never tried one.

Pioneer and Rhanes and Roland are where the big bucks will give you the "pro" features. Pioneer and Roland start anywhere from $750-1400. They all have effects, are able to plug into effects, club soundsystems, etc. As somebody already pointed out to you, make sure you'd need those features, and know that they aren't great for scratching....

Rhane doesn't give you much in the way of features, but if you want THE best sound quality, then this is the mixer company for you. Unfortunately, you'll need a nice cash flow, because their mixers are NOT cheap. You definately get what you pay for if you want Rhane if sound is all that matters, but if you wanted effects added in, you'll just have to buy an additional sound effects rackmount system or Kaoss Pad...

Okay, sound. I can't think of any place that will let you really try out a mixer and tables, to actually hear the difference between models. Sure you can sit there and play with it, but no turntables/needles are ever hooked in. Unfortunately, buying your mixer is going to be blind faith(unless you're buying a Rhane). So if sound matters to you, buy a mixer from a place that will give you a 30 day return policy. Take it home, set it up, and if it sounds like shit, by all means, take it back and get your refund. However, you'll probably be happy with what you get.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Get a mixer that has headphone cueing. This is essential for ANY style of music, because if you can't hear the other channel you'll mix in, while the current one is playing, mistakes will be made. I know alot of the cheapest models probably don't have headphone monitoring, but anything that costs over $100-150 should.

Go to Guitar Center or Platinum records, and look at a mixer that appeals to you, and ask to touch it, and perhaps listen to it. If you have needles and a record or two handy, bring them. Who knows, they may let you test drive it. But don't expect them to have a deck with needles ready to try out.

Remember, you'll get what you pay for, and if your mixer doesn't sound or feel right to you, get another one that does.

[Headphones Dude]

Okay, since you're asking, here's what I can tell you. A Dj mixer will allow you to mix 2-4 turntables, and a mic(in case you got a rapper or girlfriend who loves to sing melodies while you spin). There is no such thing as a mixer that is only meant for a certain style of music. For instance, nobody will make a mixer that is meant for trance, or hip hop, or jungle, etc. However, there will be some mixers that will have features that are ideal for a certain style of music(a scratch mixer is perfect for hip hop/scratch mixing, but all the same, you could spin trance or house on it if you felt like it), but there isn't any rule on what to spin on what mixer. That's up to you, and what you enjoy mixing.

A basic rule of thumb in buying a dj mixer, is what are you willing to spend, how does it sound, and does it feel right when you use it. If you had big hands, you wouldn't want a mixer that has it's buttons too tightly together. If you were a short guy, you wouldn't want a mixer that's as huge as a desk, and you couldn't reach some of the buttons and faders, etc...

First off, spending wise. I think the most cheapest mixer you can find is a radio shack for $80, but it has very poor features, so don't even waste your money. Gemini and Newmark make all sorts of mixers, and they range from anywhere to $100-500. Some might throw in a cheap sampler (that will NOT save your samples when you turn the power off), have kill switches on the High, Mid and Low frequencies, etc. They most the time give you 2-4 channels. If you can't afford a Rhane or Pioneer or Roland, then try one out.

Stanton and Vestax mixers range from $150-800, but look and probably feel better built. They look very solid, and reliable. Probably sound better, but who'se to say? I've never tried one.

Pioneer and Rhanes and Roland are where the big bucks will give you the "pro" features. Pioneer and Roland start anywhere from $750-1400. They all have effects, are able to plug into effects, club soundsystems, etc. As somebody already pointed out to you, make sure you'd need those features, and know that they aren't great for scratching....

Rhane doesn't give you much in the way of features, but if you want THE best sound quality, then this is the mixer company for you. Unfortunately, you'll need a nice cash flow, because their mixers are NOT cheap. You definately get what you pay for if you want Rhane if sound is all that matters, but if you wanted effects added in, you'll just have to buy an additional sound effects rackmount system or Kaoss Pad...

Okay, sound. I can't think of any place that will let you really try out a mixer and tables, to actually hear the difference between models. Sure you can sit there and play with it, but no turntables/needles are ever hooked in. Unfortunately, buying your mixer is going to be blind faith(unless you're buying a Rhane). So if sound matters to you, buy a mixer from a place that will give you a 30 day return policy. Take it home, set it up, and if it sounds like shit, by all means, take it back and get your refund. However, you'll probably be happy with what you get.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Get a mixer that has headphone cueing. This is essential for ANY style of music, because if you can't hear the other channel you'll mix in, while the current one is playing, mistakes will be made. I know alot of the cheapest models probably don't have headphone monitoring, but anything that costs over $100-150 should.

Go to Guitar Center or Platinum records, and look at a mixer that appeals to you, and ask to touch it, and perhaps listen to it. If you have needles and a record or two handy, bring them. Who knows, they may let you test drive it. But don't expect them to have a deck with needles ready to try out.

Remember, you'll get what you pay for, and if your mixer doesn't sound or feel right to you, get another one that does.

[Runt110]

Hello thank you.andfor the record I'm not going to be doing hiphop orany of that I am abegginger and I need a mixer that wouldgiveme enuf ops to have fun but not tomany becauseI would probly getconfused and discuraged.so I am think of problya Vestex,or Numark.If any one has any adishanal info to input on this. Please do. thank you.