The Pioneer DJM-T1 mixer
The Pioneer DJM-T1 mixer Posted on: 25.05.2011 by Phil Ponte Hello everyone!I am new to this community , so excuse me, if I posted this theme on the wrong place. I have decided to buy my first mixer, and I fell in love with the pioneer latest DJM-T1 Traktor compatible mixer. Now I have been mixing for some time with DJ Traktor, so I believe that this is a perfect match for me. But however I have some questions: 1. Can I use this mixer with the latest Traktor DJ 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJQjaQ6rWpw)? 2. Can I use this mixer without the twin decks? I am limited with my money reserves, so I would like to buy mixer only first. Could there be any problems when mixing? I was believeing about it, and basically you don't need the twin decks for playing the music, because it is all on the hard drive. I am going to buy the decks later, that is for sure, but now I don't have the money. The problem when not using the two decks is the beatmatching. I have been using the sync button so far, but yes, I had some problems. Never the less, those were only small problems, and the were easly covered with effects. Could I perform using only the laptop with Traktor DJ 2 and the mixer DJM-T1, or do I must have the twin decks? I have been also believeing about the two different options: 1. The new Pioneer Traktor compatible controller, DDJ-T1. But there's a problem. I will have the controller probably only till I am able to buy the full set, that means, that later on, I would have to sell it. Not actually my style. 2. The 2xCDJ & DJM 350 set. A great thing, especially for the beginners. But the mixer isn't compatible with Traktor, and that means a lot less effects. Now, when I buy something, I intend to keep it for some time, that is why I would like to buy DJM-T1 mixer? Could I perform on gigs with ONLY the DJM-T1 and the Traktor software or not (that would last for a year probably, then I will definetly buy the twin decks)? Thanks for your help! Here is also the site to the new mixer: http://pioneerdj.com/index_f.html#/en/products/djmt1 | |
| Gloria Lemmel 26.05.2011 |
Originally Posted by Frank112916
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| Phil Ponte 26.05.2011 | No offense was taken I already have a cracked version of Traktor 2 (I will buy it in two months time), so I have already begun to ,,train'' with the manual. It isn't so hard, since it has ceratin similarities with the previous Traktor. I also watched the X1 controller guide and now I know for sure that this is the right thing. For the mixer I will probably go into the DN-X1600. With a little calculations, I have some money left to buy some nice headphones. You have helped me really much, so I thank you. I do believe that I would make a wrong decision, if I wouldn't come here, so thanks a lot. I will be active in this theme for futher questions and inform you about, what have I decided to buy when the time comes . |
| Dino Hapgood 26.05.2011 | Yep, you're right. I apologize. I've had a bad two days. |
| Gloria Lemmel 26.05.2011 | Jesus Christ Frank, chill out. The guy is posing an idea as a new member to the DJTT community. Show him some love and respect instead of shutting down every question he has. Being nice goes very far in the music industry. In terms of your question Nietz, the Pioneer DJM 400 is a 2 channel mixer by pioneer that will run you anywhere from $450 to $600. Compared to the other mixers that you have mentioned, it limits you by only giving you 2 channels to work with, much like the DJM-T1. In terms of your comment about the Pioneer layout, pretty much every mixer that you can get for over $500 will have the same basic layout. -Between 2-6 Channels -A 3 Band EQ for each Channel plus a filter/color knob -2-6 40-80mm volume faders -A crossfader curve switch to allow you to scratch or cleanly mix easier. -Line/Phono Switches -Some will have effects, some wont. That's about it. The only thing that the DJM-400 really has over the other 2 mixers listed is that it has analog effects, but that is really only because it doesn't support USB. This could be a problem if your money is a bit short because after getting the mixer and a way to control your decks, you would need to get a Traktor certified sound card (Audio 4 - Audio 10) if you ever want to use Turntables. Also, just as a sidenote to save you a bit of embarrassment, when referring to Traktor, there's no need to put the "DJ" in front of Traktor. All of us here will know that when you say Traktor, you don't mean a vehicle for use on a farm. If I were to give you a definitive mixer to purchase, I would go with the Denon X1600. It's fully USB Compatible, fully Traktor Certified, so you don't need a soundcard besides the one in the mixer. About the speakers, for home use, there's really no need for a setup above $500. I use M-Audio AV40s and AV30s in my room and they work completely fine. The Bass is a little lackluster, but I can get a Subwoofer if I really need the extra bass. Definitely continue reading up on everything you can. If you plan on upgrading like you said in your above post, download the Traktor 2 demo and manual from native instruments' site here: http://www.native-instruments.com/#/...o-2/?page=1975 If you have any more questions at all, feel free to ask them. I'm always open to answering them, and I will do my best to answer them correctly and thoroughly, and if I can't I'll at least point you in the right direction. |
| Phil Ponte 27.05.2011 | This is very useful, for example: http://www.native-instruments.com/?i...ntrolx1userlib |
| Phil Ponte 26.05.2011 | Lol... may I ask you why are you making a big deal out of mappings? All you need to do is to have a system and to adjust the controls as you like it. It is not the first time for me to do mappings, as I have been DJing for a year with the laptop with Traktor, where you also need to adjust hot keys, which is even HARDER than using a controller made especially for that purpose. Sure, you NEED to take a lot of time to adjust everything to your feel, but thats it. Really a big deal and besides there is tons of mapping tutorials and already done ones on the internet, if there would be any problems. And yes, I have already been playing on parties for about a year now, so pardon me if I sound like some has been taken off the street and placed behind the mixer. |
| Dino Hapgood 26.05.2011 |
Originally Posted by Neitz
How can you be "used" to pioneer mixers? you sound like you've never even played a single DJ gig before or Dj'd for any length of time... Honestly the learning curve to switch from one mixer to another might only make a difference for a WEEK at worst if you are used to using the pioneer layout. If you are a competent DJ you can play on just about anything and make it work for you. There is NO pioneer mixer in that price range that has out of the box compatibility w/ traktor scratch or traktor. From the questions you are asking, it seems as though you believe that you are going to start twisting some knobs and pressing buttons and start getting booked for "gigs" doing parties and clubs... Honestly the midi-mapping alone to get the mixer to work the way you want it to would probably make you quit DJing. |
| Phil Ponte 26.05.2011 | Oh, and for the mixer: Now we have to possible candidates: - Denon DN-X1600 - Behringer DDM400 Now, I would also like to ask you about the best Pioneer mixer in this range, because I am much more familiar with the Pioneer layout, than any others. My favourite choice would be the Pioneer, but I don't mind exploring different companies, it is just, that I am used to Pioneer, so that would help me a lot on the start. |
| Phil Ponte 26.05.2011 | Mate, you have really helped me a lot. I have posted questions on 3 different community
s, but I got the most help here. I have decided to go on with the X1 controller, which I have been observing for quiet a long time. I do intend to buy the setup after two months time, because I want to believe through it deeply. I am certain that DJ Traktor will be my Dj ground, that is for sure and I've made up my mind about the controller as well. Yes, and now for the mixer. Sadly I am pretty isolated from any DJ stores in over 70km of range , so trying out the different set ups is difficult. I am however going to contact the local DJs in the big clubs and ask them to give me some advice. About watching and reading - I am doing it from the last August and I also posses a DJ Traktor manual, which introduces you to all the hidden corners of this superior software. I am about to buy the new Traktor soon, because I have been working on DJ Traktor Studio 3 so far, so that I get used to the new options, etc. So the only thing now is to deside upon the mixer, believe it through and then, just like you said, have a lot, lot, lot of FUN! Oh, and one more thing: the speakers. I am looking for high quality speakers for external use mainly. I don't need studio speakers, I need poverful speakers, that I could use on my gigs. Any sugestions? |
| Gloria Lemmel 26.05.2011 | To answer your question, the X1 is made by Native Instruments, who also makes Traktor, so it will most likely be supported for quite some time. Just out of curiosity why is it that you don't want a controller? I just want to let you know that the standard 2 decks and a mixer setup is quite limited, and even if you got a mixer such as the DJM-T1, you would still be left short with functions. There's only so much you can fit in a mixer, so much more can be done with a controller. Allen & Heath Mixers are phenomenal, but they come at a fairly hefty price. I'd recommend the Denon X1600 as mentioned above multiple times, or a Behringer DDM400 and maybe MIDI Fighter Pros For effects and transport controls. If you really want Turntables, go with those. I'd recommend the Stanton STR8-150s. They're really phenomenal. Finally, I recommend that you read up LIKE HELL on these things. Literally spend a day reading reviews, reading software manuals, watching video explanations of software, all that you can to be fully prepared. A good place to start is The DJ Tech Tools Blog. Search Traktor, and start from there. Research anything you don't understand and get a full knowledge of this. An investment of roughly $2400 is leaning towards a mid range club setup. Be sure that you understand exactly what you're getting before you get it, because if it comes, and you have no clue how to use it, you'll be missing out on a lot of features and your mixing will not be up to par. If there's a place near you where you can test out some of this higher end DJing gear , please go there and talk to the people that work there about a good beginner setup. Let them know that you're willing to dish out the extra money, but really only if it suits what you want to do. Have them write down their suggestoins, come back here, post the potential setups and we'll help you with the final decision. Spending that much on a first mixer is kind of ridiculous, and this is coming from a guy who says to spend more earlier, but not necessarily this early. You're just starting and dropping 1.6 G's on a mixer for software that you're half comfortable with doesn't seem smart. Just know that you're truly lucky that as you're starting you have a community like DJTT to help you along with these things. Many of us on here know the industry and companies very well, which to stick with, which to avoid. We can provide some pretty solid help. Had this community existed 3-4 years ago back before I first got Serato and Some Technics 1200s, I would have known not to go that route, and rather to save my money and invest in a more practical setup. Sorry for writing you a novel, but I don't want you to fall into the same trap that I did and that many others do. Leave the DJM-T1 for after your first successful gig. Get to know DJ culture, get to know Electronic Music, get to know all that you can to be well prepared. I know that I'm only 17, but I have a lot of insight into these things. I've been through quite a bit in my relatively short 4-year career as a DJ. Now for the most important point...HAVE A SHIT TON OF FUN! This choice is a great one, and the feeling of having hundreds of people dancing like fools to your music is phenomenal. No words can truly describe that feeling. Best of all, no matter what you do with this path as a DJ, you'll come out smarter, more logical and a whole lot more technologically savvy. |
| Kandy Ahdoot 25.05.2011 | its sounds like you have alot to learn before you should be even believeing about dropping that kind of cash. |
| Phil Ponte 25.05.2011 | Sounds great, but what about the Allen & Heath mixers? I heard that they go together really well with the Traktor X1 controller. And one more thing: can the X1 controller be used on the latest Traktor 2? |
| Birgit Gondal 25.05.2011 | well for that kind of money you can get a HELL of a lot of gear . Dubfire plays out with 2 X1's and a DJM-800 i believe, which runs about that amount of cash second hand. I personally for your situation would get an x1 and Behringer DDM4000, but if you're looking for CDJ's get 2 used 800's and a DDM4000, which is an excellent mixer and perfectly able for home use and for use for houseparties etc, and will get you used to the whole 'club mixer' thing. in the realm of CDJ's Pioneer tend to rule the roost, but i would consider getting a controller to add on! |
| Phil Ponte 25.05.2011 | Yes, you have really got me believeing, because Pioneer truly is great, but overpaid over its name. But yet still, I don't believe that I will go into the controller world, because I will definetly have a mixer + 2decks + DJ Traktor set. So, I am also interested in another great mixer series, the Xone series from Allen & Heath. Now, would you happen to know, which mixer is compatible with the latest Traktor DJ 2? I believe that mixers from Xone series can be used independently only with your Traktor software, without the two decks. Let me ask you guys for opinion: Which set of 2 decks and a mixer with full Traktor DJ 2 connectivity would be the best for the money that I have (1700 euros max, the best would it be around 1300 euros)? Oh, and I already have a nice Sennhaiser headphones, so that really isn't an issue. |
| Leeanna Ayla 25.05.2011 | If you want to spend that much get the Denon DNX1600 and Traktor Scratch Pro and you'll still have $300 left over. Then you've got a top quality mixer that's just as good as the Pioneer mixer and has two channel faders for sample decks. You get get the whole set up with that much money if you went with something the the DDM4000 instead of on a single $1600 mixer. |
| Venetta Cawyer 26.05.2011 | I don't get it. For home use a MIDI device like the Kontrol S1 would be way better and believe it or not, same goes for club use. Here are two scenario's you can choose from You want to set up your DJM-T1, set up your laptop, connect those two via USB, also get power for the two, get in a fight with the current DJ over who's taking which CDJ, after murdering him and getting rid of his corpse, connect the CDJ's to your DJM-T1, OH WAIT! Between all the stress and the murdering you forgot to connect the DJM-T1 to the club mixer but you'll realize that soon enough as your pressing play on the hijacked CDJ. And then the whole club, including the manager, starts crying and not much later everyone will drown in those tears. OR have a nice drink, go up to the currently playing DJ, ask him where you can best set up your gear, get him a drink too because you got plenty of time (remember, no murdering and getting rid of the body). After that, hook up the laptop and S4, get power for those two, get some RCA's to one of the line-in's on the clubmixer and when the current DJ is done, you go play some hot tracks, a nice set, get some chicks and no blood on your hands (perhaps later on from killing one of the hookers, but lets hope not). Yes. In some way both stories seem a little over-the-top but bear with me as both also contain many truths. Also, for at home the S4 + laptop does not need a lot of space. You still got some money left for a great DJ headphone and a nice SSD for in your laptop. |
| Cammy Clegg 26.05.2011 | I would honestly save yourself the money. Pioneer isnt like the greatest. There are alot of Traktor certified mixers that are better values. Especially if your new to mixing, having something you cant use all the features of is a waste. Theres so much you can do with the money, midifighter pro, or midifighter and S4 or MC 6000 |
| Dino Hapgood 25.05.2011 |
Originally Posted by Neitz
With just the mixer you get less functionality, less decks, less control, and it's more expensive! It just makes absolutely no sense... With the money you save buying an S4 or DDJ-T1, you could buy Pioneer HDJ-2000 headphones or whatever headphones you want, and get a nice pair of reference monitors and have a killer setup... You're just not getting much value for your money by paying into the brand name of Pioneer for a simple 2 deck mixer that happens to have traktor connectivity. |
| Phil Ponte 25.05.2011 | Hmmm, yes it is expensive indeed, but I do intend to keep it for a long time. Would there be any problems playing without the 2 decks? |
| Dino Hapgood 25.05.2011 | uh...wow...that's a 1600 dollar mixer... you can get a Denon x1600 that has full traktor connectivity and save yourself about 600 bucks and use that to buy some CDJ's... how do you expect to beatmatch without jog wheels? Honestly I'm just really confused as to why you believe you need this mixer as opposed to the many others that are out there and why anyone would spend 1600 dollars on a 2 channel mixer that has obviously never REALLY DJ'd in their entire life... Plus you don't just need the mixer - you need headphones, good speakers, and cables. Headphones are 100-200 dollars, good speakers will run at least 150 (for the lowest end reference monitors). To me you seem like someone who buys a BMW or Mercedes and then puts 100 dollar "rimz" on it to seem cool. My advice? By a cheap midicontroller and learn how to actually DJ before you go dropping 1600 on a mixer you might use for a year if you are actually "money constrained"... People on "tight budgets" don't usually have the money for that kind of mixer. |
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