Xone DB2 vs 4D - odd choice, help needed!
Xone DB2 vs 4D - odd choice, help needed! Posted on: 29.02.2012 by Gertie Boniface Hi all,I am considering buying one of these A&H products/combos as my new controller-mixer-soundcard setup for Traktor Pro 2. The prices are probably a little different from what may be available elswhere hence I really your thoughts: DB4 for $2,550 DB2 for $1,750 4D for $1,450 42+2D for $1,280 32+2D for $1,030 I'm most keen on either the DB2 or the 4D and this is how I see the differences for me: DB2: - The fx are HUGELY attractive - Is it a good MIDI controller? I will try to use it to browse and load tracks, and for all transport functions on all 4 decks. Possible? - Are the filters the same quality as those on the 4D? 4D: - I lose out on the DB2's fx, which I presume are far superior to using Traktor's internal fx (?) - Ample MIDI control and I can map everything including Traktor's internal fx DB4 is great but very pricey and not sure if the extra $700 is worthwhile for me, while the 42 and 32 combos with the 2D are very appealing for my wallet! I need to make up my mind soon. So any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! | |
| Gertie Boniface 26.03.2012 | So its been 3 weeks since I got the DB2 and its been a little frustrating, really only because I have not been able to get its MIDI controls to work. I reformatted my mac (twice) over the weekend and finally got the DB2's MIDI signals to be recognized, albeit not consistently. I had a word with my dealer who lent me a 4D to take home and compare (!) photo.jpg This side by side comparison has really put things in perspective. I love the scope of the controls the 4D affords and also like the filters better. The old gen feel of the mixer doesnt bother me much. Unsurprisingly, the effects of the DB2 still have a grip on me, even though I am finding it hard to use these effects well in my sets (guess thats a matter of practice). Anyways need to make up my mind again and come to peace. Just thought I'd share with you that even with the ability to test two devices side by side its difficult! |
| Romelia Stankard 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by ananth
I would just get a DB4 over a DB2 and K2s and add another midi controller later, but really two K2s would be completely unnecessary with a DB4 at least for traktor. 4D is getting phased out but is still a great mixer, I would actually like it a lot better if it was just the mixer and soundcard and didn't have the side panels since I wouldn't use them these days and as a scratch certified beast of an a&h mixer it is great. Before I sold mine I had X1s on either side and just didn't use the 4D midi anymore, mostly because the X1 buttons feel so much better and it is laid out great. |
| Gertie Boniface 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by Xonetacular
could i trouble you to share your thoughts on the effects? to be specific, 4D+Traktor internal effects vs. DB2 and its onboard effects? i have been telling myself the same thing about how investing in a 4D is basically investing in a breed being phased out. but a DB2 + 2 x K2s are going to run me over $2,400, which is almost $1,000 over the 4D and dangerously close to the price of a DB4.. thanks again for your help |
| Romelia Stankard 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by ananth
4D- awesome mixer and layout, full VU meters, and dual xone filters. The dual xone filters really stand out to me and the lack of any on the db2 is my biggest gripe, they could have at least added one like on the 42. That said it still looks great, I am just used to the dual xone filters and couldn't buy an a&h mixer without them. 4D is also scratch certified. The issue is you are stuck with the 4D/1D/2D/3D side MIDI panels which are kind of last generation. they are proven and work don't get me wrong, but are inferior to something like an X1 or K2 in my opinion for traktor- no LED backlight on buttons and the buttons and layout in general don't stack up against the X1 for traktor. That said, there are a ton of options to map the 4D and you can map everything. DB4 is incredible but I won't get into that one again here |
| Gertie Boniface 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by nobbycossie
if the DB2 can handle mixing, looping and effects, i only need its midi capabilities to control browsing and transport. still trying to figure out how to do that with the effects section on it. i do not know enough to figure out whether Traktor's internal effects are comparable to those on the DB2. if they are, then i'll go with the 4D. if they're notably inferior, then its the DB2 for sure. |
| Gertie Boniface 29.02.2012 | Hi all, I am considering buying one of these A&H products/combos as my new controller-mixer-soundcard setup for Traktor Pro 2. The prices are probably a little different from what may be available elswhere hence I really your thoughts: DB4 for $2,550 DB2 for $1,750 4D for $1,450 42+2D for $1,280 32+2D for $1,030 I'm most keen on either the DB2 or the 4D and this is how I see the differences for me: DB2: - The fx are HUGELY attractive - Is it a good MIDI controller? I will try to use it to browse and load tracks, and for all transport functions on all 4 decks. Possible? - Are the filters the same quality as those on the 4D? 4D: - I lose out on the DB2's fx, which I presume are far superior to using Traktor's internal fx (?) - Ample MIDI control and I can map everything including Traktor's internal fx DB4 is great but very pricey and not sure if the extra $700 is worthwhile for me, while the 42 and 32 combos with the 2D are very appealing for my wallet! I need to make up my mind soon. So any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! |
| Regine Hulme 28.03.2012 | yes |
| Gertie Boniface 26.03.2012 | can the 4D be connected to control traktor and ableton at the same time? |
| Regine Hulme 26.03.2012 | it is because it is damaged. |
| Basil Forshee 27.03.2012 | Well, I'm sure that it depends on your borrowed Xone:4D. Like you said, it's pretty battered. When this baby is new, I'm sure you won't regret it. A&H equals quality! Can't argue with you on the Traktor FX compared to the DB-series FX. I've tested them myself and they really sound powerful, and much more powerful once you've mastered them. But I mostly use Delay and Reverb, so all that other stuff is a very nice gimmick, but not necessary. So you can choose the DB2 with the lack of filters or go something that I'm going to do. I'm going for the Xone 92 with an external soundcard (and this is also one for production, so no Traktor Audio soundcard, maybe a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40) and then adding a Delay engine, the Boss DD-7. With the 4D and DB2 you can choose for each channel how much feedback you want from the delay and it just sounds so g*ddamn sweet! Plus you can it to Ableton's FX for even greater purposes. But then again, the DB2 and DB4 are the most powerful all-in-one solutions. But the FX don't have some kind of Tape Delay, which I very like... |
| Gertie Boniface 27.03.2012 | there is a constant hiss once its powered on. and there are clicks and pops when the filter on the right is used, and when the headphone volume is raised even a little above 0. and also when the cue buttons are activated... the effects on traktor, as i have discovered in the last 3 weeks, are worthless compared to those on the DB2. perhaps ableton is better but i havent tested them out much. im actually leaning towards the 4D because i also plan to start using ableton a lot more for clips, etc. yup the filters are truly awesome. |
| Basil Forshee 26.03.2012 | Hissing and clicking noises when it's Powered On or when you activate the filter or something? I know for some 92's that they click when you activate the filter. Adding DB style effects to a 4D setup is possible, you can either purchase an external FX unit (like Korg Kaoss Pad) or route it to Traktor for FX or Ableton or something like that and then use the FX 1 or FX 2 above each channel to determine the Dry/Wet for each channel. So basically, it's more extensive than a DB2 minus the DB series FX. Also, you should take in consideration the Filters, that's one of the things holding me back for purchasing a DB2. |
| Gertie Boniface 26.03.2012 | also, there really is no way to add DB-style effects to a 4D setup is there? any external effects processor out there that can do this? thanks. |
| Gertie Boniface 26.03.2012 | nope its a pretty battered store display piece. few bits replaced, like the chunky filter knobs (from the DB4/2 as you can tell). not a bad touch but personally i prefer the standard ones. yea it sucks that there isnt an A&H analog mixer with an integrated soundcard. btw, the 4D makes all kinds of hissing and clicking noises. is that just coz its so battered or do all analog mixers go that route eventually? i've never been this indecisive in my life. just cant decide between analog+full midi control vs. digital+effects. i want it all! |
| Basil Forshee 26.03.2012 | That 4D's didn't came fresh out the box, I guess? Do you like the chunky filter knob that's been put there? Well, for an all-in-one solution, you should totally go for the 4D. Such a shame A&H don't come up with a 4D minus the 2x 1D panels... |
| Gertie Boniface 26.03.2012 | So its been 3 weeks since I got the DB2 and its been a little frustrating, really only because I have not been able to get its MIDI controls to work. I reformatted my mac (twice) over the weekend and finally got the DB2's MIDI signals to be recognized, albeit not consistently. I had a word with my dealer who lent me a 4D to take home and compare (!) photo.jpg This side by side comparison has really put things in perspective. I love the scope of the controls the 4D affords and also like the filters better. The old gen feel of the mixer doesnt bother me much. Unsurprisingly, the effects of the DB2 still have a grip on me, even though I am finding it hard to use these effects well in my sets (guess thats a matter of practice). Anyways need to make up my mind again and come to peace. Just thought I'd share with you that even with the ability to test two devices side by side its difficult! |
| Romelia Stankard 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by ananth
I would just get a DB4 over a DB2 and K2s and add another midi controller later, but really two K2s would be completely unnecessary with a DB4 at least for traktor. 4D is getting phased out but is still a great mixer, I would actually like it a lot better if it was just the mixer and soundcard and didn't have the side panels since I wouldn't use them these days and as a scratch certified beast of an a&h mixer it is great. Before I sold mine I had X1s on either side and just didn't use the 4D midi anymore, mostly because the X1 buttons feel so much better and it is laid out great. |
| Gertie Boniface 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by Xonetacular
could i trouble you to share your thoughts on the effects? to be specific, 4D+Traktor internal effects vs. DB2 and its onboard effects? i have been telling myself the same thing about how investing in a 4D is basically investing in a breed being phased out. but a DB2 + 2 x K2s are going to run me over $2,400, which is almost $1,000 over the 4D and dangerously close to the price of a DB4.. thanks again for your help |
| Romelia Stankard 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by ananth
4D- awesome mixer and layout, full VU meters, and dual xone filters. The dual xone filters really stand out to me and the lack of any on the db2 is my biggest gripe, they could have at least added one like on the 42. That said it still looks great, I am just used to the dual xone filters and couldn't buy an a&h mixer without them. 4D is also scratch certified. The issue is you are stuck with the 4D/1D/2D/3D side MIDI panels which are kind of last generation. they are proven and work don't get me wrong, but are inferior to something like an X1 or K2 in my opinion for traktor- no LED backlight on buttons and the buttons and layout in general don't stack up against the X1 for traktor. That said, there are a ton of options to map the 4D and you can map everything. DB4 is incredible but I won't get into that one again here |
| Gertie Boniface 01.03.2012 |
Originally Posted by nobbycossie
if the DB2 can handle mixing, looping and effects, i only need its midi capabilities to control browsing and transport. still trying to figure out how to do that with the effects section on it. i do not know enough to figure out whether Traktor's internal effects are comparable to those on the DB2. if they are, then i'll go with the 4D. if they're notably inferior, then its the DB2 for sure. |
| Ruthanne Heiman 01.03.2012 | the 4d is one of the best sounding mixers i have ever owned. as a stand alone mixer with Tpro2 i definitely played some of my most creative mixes. it just so easy to customize. i miss it The db4 has really small midi buttons that don't look very playable that concerns me during a live set. that said i use a djm-900 which is very similar to the db4 minus a few features |
| Marybeth Vengoechea 01.03.2012 | Personally I would go for a 2nd hand 4d if price is an issue as you appear to want to map your mixer for internal control within traktor. You could even go for a 2nd hand 3d then have enough change to put a midifighter or launchpad on the side for a truely creative setup. Hope this helps. |
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