Recommendations for a mid price range 4 channel mixer please and advice on setup?
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Recommendations for a mid price range 4 channel mixer please and advice on setup? Posted on: 21.03.2013 by Yukiko Spruell Hi, I have been learning to DJing for just shy of 12 months using a controller(Reloop TM2) which is lovely and all but I am now looking for a change of direction. I recently added a pair of turntables running timecode vinyl through an Audio 6 and TSP which is great fun but would now like to take this set up a stage furtherI was wondering how I would go about swapping the controller out for a 4 channel mixer and adding a pair of CDJs (probably Reloop RMP3s due to cost) and still run this through TSP. I will most likely want to use these as controllers rather than CDJs most of the time but also have the option to use CDs or USB drives if the mood takes me. Can anyone recommend a mid ranged mixer that will tick all the boxes without breaking the bank, please? And also talk me through how this would typically be set up in terms of physical connections ie CDJs usb into Laptop, audio outs into mixer, where the audio 6 would fit in etc. Thanks in advance and sorry for such a big ask | |
| Shawn Vanhaitsma 10.04.2013 |
Originally Posted by octostout
As for the OP, you have Reloop gear, id go for more Reloop gear. We know our local Spokesman ::cough mDC cough:: will lead you in the right way.. lol |
| Jeffrey Akinsanya 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Coldfuzion
some times less is more! |
| Alphonso Deitchman 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
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| Yukiko Spruell 10.04.2013 | Yes went through the DJM utility first before starting traktor and going through the input routing mix input etc. I will have another try toevening and I still dont get any joy I will post some screenshots |
| Alphonso Deitchman 10.04.2013 | Did you set your DJM Utility app, Traktor Input routing, and Mix Recorder source like the guide shows? Maybe post some screenshots of those options if you're having problems? |
| Yukiko Spruell 10.04.2013 | I tried following that set up Makar1 but without the rca from the record out into the channel I wasnt getting any input through the mix recorder. As stated I dont have any problems with 4 channel output through the master with my current set up just through the recorder. I will try it again and see if I was doing it wrong. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 10.04.2013 | You shouldn't have to lose any channels, as the CDJs run through HID which have no need for Traktor input channels. This leaves you with 2 inputs permanently available for routing your recording. Also you don't "loop back" anything when using the DJM 850. Follow this guide for recording in Traktor: http://www.native-instruments.com/kn...ioneer+DJM-900 |
| Yukiko Spruell 10.04.2013 | too late now Balakoth! my booth is now covered in Pioneer kit. Shame Reloop didnt have the new RMX80 4 channel mixer out sooner as it would have been in serious contention. Anyhow I am really happy with how things have worked out. The CDJ 900s in HID mode through Traktor are great, the DJM 850 is jaw droppingly good and to help with control of Traktor I have teamed that little lot up with a Zomo MC-1000. My turntables work a treat too. Next step is to try and use this kit without Traktor holding my hand. I must get some pictures up in the Show my Setup community . The only real gripe with this set up is I now need to consider an external recorder (possibly the Reloop tape) as internal recording in traktor means I loose a channel on the mixer due to looping the "record out" back into a channel on the mixer. You can still hear it in the master output just not in the recorded mix. |
| Shawn Vanhaitsma 10.04.2013 |
Originally Posted by octostout
As for the OP, you have Reloop gear, id go for more Reloop gear. We know our local Spokesman ::cough mDC cough:: will lead you in the right way.. lol |
| Yukiko Spruell 10.04.2013 | Ok thanks makar1 thats great advice, I will just box it up for "Justin Case" |
| Alphonso Deitchman 10.04.2013 | If you plan on gigging where there might be older CDJs like the 1000 Mk3 you'll still need the A6 to use Traktor. TSP2 is sold by itself (with timecode media) in the "Software and Timecode Kit" |
| Yukiko Spruell 10.04.2013 | All sorted now Plumped for a DJM 850k mixer and a pair of CDJ 900s (DH picked up the bill, YAY birthdays ), running advanced HID in Traktor at the moment but just started playing with Rekordbox to try and get to grips with it and playing without the laptop. I doubt the CDJs will ever seen disks to be honest but the option is always there should I need it. Only problem I have now is an Audio 6 soundcard I dont use, any suggestions? Bookend, Door stop, paperweight or just keep it as backup? I would sell it but would need to sell my copy of TSP2 with it. Why oh why dont NI sell TSP2 on its own? |
| Jeffrey Akinsanya 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Coldfuzion
some times less is more! |
| Yukiko Spruell 22.03.2013 | Thanks Makar thats really useful. it does sound like the Z2 will do what I want. I pressume the Denon would not give me the same level of control over Traktor in terms of performance (remix decks etc) should I decide to go down this route in the future but would ultimatley be more flexable in terms of mixing 4 track decks at the same time. thansk to all who have offered advice |
| Alphonso Deitchman 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
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| Latoria Kavulich 21.03.2013 | If you bought the DNX1600 you would have 4 input channels + each channel can have audio running through it as well as midi control simultaneously. |
| Carlee Pickard 21.03.2013 | Can't clarify, however in my opinion honestly if you can get rid of the screen while DJ'ing, the experience changes radically. If you're looking to be able to play on anything at anytime, i'd go with an analog mixer and CDJs. Granted it'll be slightly more expensive but the overall enjoyment and the level of preparation for being able to walk up to any setup and spinning on anything you'd like is something you won't get unless you move away from strictly software. This is just my opinion from my experiences. I started on an S4 and now I use CDJ's and I can honestly say 15 minutes after I switched I fell in love with DJing again. It was so different. Not staring at a screen, believeing and feeling your music, not relying on different "tools" (such as big waveforms, and sync) to help mix. The one thing I miss is the screen display. Aside from that, I absolutely am stoked on life that I switched. |
| Yukiko Spruell 21.03.2013 | Makar1 I was hoping to use the cdj as transport for aguments sake say as A and B, the vinyls on C & D. My current Terminal Mx 2 allows the eqs to affect whichever input is selected on the mixer at the time. So I could have a track playng on A with the eqs set, switch to C, deck A continues at the set eqs and the eqs on that side of the mixer then effect the track on C. I get the feeling this isnt possible on the Z2, can some one clarify please? Is the only control on decks C/D the rotary volume? Looks like I may need to bite the bullet and go down the proper 4 channel mixer route |
| Alphonso Deitchman 21.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
Did you want 4 deck control or are you wanting to use the CDJs as transport for the same decks as the turntables? |
| Yukiko Spruell 21.03.2013 | Thanks makar1 , but from your comment it seams I couldn't use the CDs as purely cueing and transport controls through the USB ports on the z2 whilst running the dvs through the normal inputs |
| Alphonso Deitchman 21.03.2013 | For primarily Traktor use it makes much more sense to get a Traktor mixer like the X1600 or Z2 and avoid buying unnecessary gear that will clutter the setup. Getting a non-Traktor mixer will mean unplugging everything from the sound card during every switch between CDJs and turntables. The Z2 is great for turntable use and has easily switchable inputs, whereas the X1600 will let you fully use both the CDJs and turntables at the same time. Here's the picture you requested Crem: http://i.imgur.com/1dZFJI7.jpg |
| Yukiko Spruell 21.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by mdcdesign
An s4 doesn't give me anything I don't have other than a 4 channel mixer, I can run 2 timecode vinyls and 2 virtual decks through the terminal mix just fine. The CDs are basically just to act as big jog wheels with transport controls 90% of the time. But on the odd occasion I might fancy it I can use them as straight CDs through the mixer. Oh and he is a she btw |
| Doreen Schurle 21.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by MRG12EG
There WAS a version of the RMX-40 which had full MIDI support but unfortunately it was discontinued a couple of years ago The IQ2+ MIDI fulfils that role now, but it's only 2-channel. Still, having a real (analog) 4 channel mixer is generally better than using internal mixing in Traktor, as it gives you the ability to mix in analog sources and practice playing WITHOUT Traktor, which it sounds like the OP wants to do - albeit only occasionally. Nothing to stop you from mixing externally using Traktor though, which is what I do with my Contours + RMX |
| Jeffrey Akinsanya 22.03.2013 | mdcdesign are you on reloops payroll RMX-40 - doesnt have midi input/out so i wouldn't pick that as it seems you want everything going through traktor. if you do want a basic 4 channel mixer non midi i'd hit the used market you can pick up some great old mixers! alternatively getting a mixer with midi will allow you to map them up in traktor |
| Doreen Schurle 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by jprime
With that said, if the venues he plays at DON'T have CDJs, then yeah, controllers would be better. Personally I'd go for a pair of Contours in that situation. |
| Breanne Penge 22.03.2013 | I'd nix the CD's altogether and go full on controller / turntables personally. if you want to play CDs, you're limited to CDJs, and the controls they come with. Plus...he did say he'd be using it controller style for the most part. My .02 |
| Doreen Schurle 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
You could always pick up a Contour (CE) just for controlling the FX, or a NI X1, or even the Zomo MC-1000 I recently reviewed in the Controller/Mods/Reviews section. If it was me getting your setup, I'd probably go for a pair of RMP-3 Alphas, an RMX-40 and a Zomo MC-1000 mounted above/behind the mixer. That way you've got a full 4 deck setup, CD/MP3 support, full control over FX on Traktor, as well as (with my mapping for the Zomo) quick and easy on-the-fly beatgrid adjustment and track selection EDIT: This is what the Zomo looks like mounted as described above. And it does match the RMX-40 perfectly |
| Jeffrey Akinsanya 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by jprime
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| Breanne Penge 22.03.2013 | Why not drop an S4 between your turntables? |
| Jeffrey Akinsanya 22.03.2013 | i dont fully understand what you want to do.. a z2 has "2 external real inputs" + "2 virtual inputs" |
| Yukiko Spruell 22.03.2013 | Hi MDC, i looked at the Reloop options earlier today but it seemed I would loose a lot of the traktor controls using these. Shame because I do like Reloop hence my looking at the RMP3s. If anyone has a z2 setup with 4 inputs (other than say f1,x1s) I would love to see some pictures please? I supose what I am asking is anyone using cdjs as controller decks only via the 2 usb hubs on the back of the mixer? |
| Doreen Schurle 22.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by Crem Brule
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| Yukiko Spruell 22.03.2013 | Cool, most of the time I will be using traktor, the stand alone side of the z2 and DJMT1 is really just a nice bonus. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 22.03.2013 | The Z2 and DJMT1 are great for Traktor use with 2 decks, and they can be easily switched between inputs so you can have your CDJs and turntables connected at the same time. Neither of them are that great for non-Traktor use though. |
| Yukiko Spruell 22.03.2013 | Cheers makar1 I had a quick look at the Denon DNX 1600 earlier, seems good for the money. Looking at some of the other option may mean having to stretch my budget a little. Would my desired set up be possible on a 2 + 2 mixer such as the Z2 or djm t1? do either of these have a way of switching to decks c/d is the same way my Terminal mix2 does? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 22.03.2013 | The Denon DNX 1600 or DJM 850 would let you use both your turntables and CDJs in Traktor simultaneously, which would not be possible using the Audio 6 (which you could then sell). Otherwise there's the Xone 42/92/DB2, DJM 700/800, Ecler Nuo4/EVO4 |
| Kathe Stump 21.03.2013 | This is the least-idiotic gear question this community
has probably ever seen. Thank you. If I were an expert on this I'd help in a second. |
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