4 Channel Mixer

Home :: General Discussion :: 4 Channel MixerReply
4 Channel Mixer
Posted on: 14.01.2013 by Kristel Wattenberg
So after getting a solid set up with midi controllers, i'm looking to get into CDJ and mixer DJing.
I've been looking around for a prime 4 channel mixer to start with 2 cdjs, and then buy 2 more later.

I was highly considering the Behringer Nox606 but i hear that it's a pretty low quality piece of gear.
Then i was looking into the Behringer DJX750, but it's still behringer with their reputation of not high quality.
The Denon DNX1100 looked pretty good, extremely basic and simple, but perhaps a bit empty?
Then I found the Mackie D4, which looks amazing, but I'd be amazed if I could get my hands on one of those.

Of course allen & heath or pioneer mixers are really nice, and i really love the Vestax PMC-580, but those are all pretty pricey.

As of now, I don't have a very big budget, so i'd like to spend not more than $500 on a 4 channel mixer.
Suggestions? Comments?

I'd really like something with LED volume indicators for each channel, that is the key feature i'm searching for.
Nancey Inderlied
15.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
that's my biggest issue... the meters...
You're not going to really find anything of quality with 4 channels for ~$500. Tons of great 2 channel, and tons of crap 4 channel mixers in that range, but you're compromising somewhere.

Your best bet is a used DJM-700 or Xone:42. Both of them can be had for around your budget used (a stretch), or around $700-$800 new if you're willing to push your budget.

It's also worth noting that holding your money and saving up for something premium quality, such as a Xone:92/DB2, DJM-850/900, or digital Vestax, will always be 100% worth it in the long run. I can't stress this enough, you're looking at audio gear , which can have a disposable life of a year, ranging to a serviceable life of a decade+. It's worth it tenfold to save up for quality, lasting gear, rather than throwing hundreds of dollars into effectively disposable electronics. Think of it this way, that $500 won't get you the feature set you want for a significant service life, but it is roughly 1/3rd of the way towards a board that will last forever.

Its also important to say that "cheap" gear isn't necessarily disposable, but there will be a compromise. IIRC, a DJM-250 is running about $120 refurbished, and has the same wear parts as high end DJMs. The tradeoff comes not from lifespan and quality, but from a more limited featureset than the $1000+ mixers. The trick comes from finding what you need and really want, in a quality package, and then accumulating the cash to make that investment.
Kristel Wattenberg
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by Shishdisma
The meters on the DDM are borderline useless, so if you plan on really monitoring your mix, good luck.
that's my biggest issue... the meters...
Nancey Inderlied
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
I believe i'm gonna go with the Behringer DDM4000.
Any objections? Other suggestions?
The meters on the DDM are borderline useless, so if you plan on really monitoring your mix, good luck.
Johnetta Olewine
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by Jester
DDM4000 is the only decent behringer. I wouldn't wish the DJX750 on my worst enemy. The mackie may be the way to go for you, as it is scratch certified.
I wouldn't touch the mackie either as its been dicontinued for a while and mackie mixers had some solid issues.

Try and find an Ecler Nuo 4.0 or even a decent second hand DJM700 or some shit. In fact I reckon you could probably get a second hand Allen Heath Xone 42 or even Xone 92 for not much more than $500.
Libbie Orion
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
I believe i'm gonna go with the Behringer DDM4000.
Any objections? Other suggestions?
objections / suggestions shouldnt matter from us but what is it about the mixer that best draws you too it?
Meridith Betsinger
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
The vestax looks okay, but there's not even a filter on it. I know it's something small, but that mixer appears kind of empty.

I got that mixer a week ago (and going to write a review on it cause there aren't really extensive ones).
The channel led meters is awesome btw.

The build and sound quality are real good, the dual master outputs(make that 3 if you combine 2xMaster Stereo rca+Stereo XLR) a nice plus.

It's a very basic mixer but I believe it rivals with some of the bigger more expensive ones. Really making me like mixing again in ways that I didn't even really appreciate even on a Xone 92 (yes odd to say I know).

I would have liked an effects loop but in that price range and being good quality, let's be realistic.
As far as filters, same issue again, you want quality or you want extra features.
The major downside is that you have to rotate a cue channel switch, there's no buttons to push, but you get the hang of it very quickly.

You seem to believe it's kind of empty, but you must realize there's going to be a compromise that will have to be done somewhere especially considering what you want to spend:
A- get a mixer like the vestax, with few but good quality and stable features.
B- get something like loads of effects options but compromise on build quality.


Mackie D4 while being very nice on paper appears to have serious construction problems especially with the fader, all very odd coming from a brand like Mackie.
Kristel Wattenberg
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
12" Vestax 004xl. Solid build, balanced outputs, sounds better than it should for the $$$.
19" Denon X500. Solid build, 8 inputs (select-able on any channel), sounds great even when maxed out. This mixer has channel input meters, but they are relatively course grained.
The vestax looks okay, but there's not even a filter on it. I know it's something small, but that mixer appears kind of empty. And as for the denon, i've never really been a fan of the flow of really wide and thin mixers.

Originally Posted by Patch
I'm surprised that you've looked at Behringer, but not the DDM4000?
Well i have looked at it, and it know it sounds cheesy, but i REALLY want led indicators.
Kristel Wattenberg
14.01.2013
So after getting a solid set up with midi controllers, i'm looking to get into CDJ and mixer DJing.
I've been looking around for a prime 4 channel mixer to start with 2 cdjs, and then buy 2 more later.

I was highly considering the Behringer Nox606 but i hear that it's a pretty low quality piece of gear.
Then i was looking into the Behringer DJX750, but it's still behringer with their reputation of not high quality.
The Denon DNX1100 looked pretty good, extremely basic and simple, but perhaps a bit empty?
Then I found the Mackie D4, which looks amazing, but I'd be amazed if I could get my hands on one of those.

Of course allen & heath or pioneer mixers are really nice, and i really love the Vestax PMC-580, but those are all pretty pricey.

As of now, I don't have a very big budget, so i'd like to spend not more than $500 on a 4 channel mixer.
Suggestions? Comments?

I'd really like something with LED volume indicators for each channel, that is the key feature i'm searching for.
Ok Moroski
15.01.2013
You know, I actually happen to have a Mackie d4 Pro I've been looking to sell. Perfect condition and fully tested - never had any issues with it whatsoever, just some paint missing around the faders (very common with this mixer). Send me a PM if you're interested.
Brunilda Kora
15.01.2013
The meters on the DDM4000 ARE pretty small. But I just run all my tracks through MP3Gain before DJ'ing with 'em.
Nancey Inderlied
15.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
that's my biggest issue... the meters...
You're not going to really find anything of quality with 4 channels for ~$500. Tons of great 2 channel, and tons of crap 4 channel mixers in that range, but you're compromising somewhere.

Your best bet is a used DJM-700 or Xone:42. Both of them can be had for around your budget used (a stretch), or around $700-$800 new if you're willing to push your budget.

It's also worth noting that holding your money and saving up for something premium quality, such as a Xone:92/DB2, DJM-850/900, or digital Vestax, will always be 100% worth it in the long run. I can't stress this enough, you're looking at audio gear , which can have a disposable life of a year, ranging to a serviceable life of a decade+. It's worth it tenfold to save up for quality, lasting gear, rather than throwing hundreds of dollars into effectively disposable electronics. Think of it this way, that $500 won't get you the feature set you want for a significant service life, but it is roughly 1/3rd of the way towards a board that will last forever.

Its also important to say that "cheap" gear isn't necessarily disposable, but there will be a compromise. IIRC, a DJM-250 is running about $120 refurbished, and has the same wear parts as high end DJMs. The tradeoff comes not from lifespan and quality, but from a more limited featureset than the $1000+ mixers. The trick comes from finding what you need and really want, in a quality package, and then accumulating the cash to make that investment.
Kristel Wattenberg
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by Shishdisma
The meters on the DDM are borderline useless, so if you plan on really monitoring your mix, good luck.
that's my biggest issue... the meters...
Nana Mohs
14.01.2013
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store...59-i2794634.gc ?
Nancey Inderlied
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
I believe i'm gonna go with the Behringer DDM4000.
Any objections? Other suggestions?
The meters on the DDM are borderline useless, so if you plan on really monitoring your mix, good luck.
Johnetta Olewine
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by Jester
DDM4000 is the only decent behringer. I wouldn't wish the DJX750 on my worst enemy. The mackie may be the way to go for you, as it is scratch certified.
I wouldn't touch the mackie either as its been dicontinued for a while and mackie mixers had some solid issues.

Try and find an Ecler Nuo 4.0 or even a decent second hand DJM700 or some shit. In fact I reckon you could probably get a second hand Allen Heath Xone 42 or even Xone 92 for not much more than $500.
Libbie Orion
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
I believe i'm gonna go with the Behringer DDM4000.
Any objections? Other suggestions?
objections / suggestions shouldnt matter from us but what is it about the mixer that best draws you too it?
Kristel Wattenberg
14.01.2013
I believe i'm gonna go with the Behringer DDM4000.
Any objections? Other suggestions?
Libbie Orion
14.01.2013
dude really... Vestax all the way
i was VERy impressed with it

i started out MTX soundcraftsman
i went to pioneer mixer and HATED it
tried a couple others (DENON modles) but didnt have enough feel for me
when i hit Vestax i was in total love.
i still have mine.... over 10 years old, and it still kicks ass
Latoria Kavulich
14.01.2013
DDM4000 is the only decent behringer. I wouldn't wish the DJX750 on my worst enemy. The mackie may be the way to go for you, as it is scratch certified.
Meridith Betsinger
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by fuelandperform
The vestax looks okay, but there's not even a filter on it. I know it's something small, but that mixer appears kind of empty.

I got that mixer a week ago (and going to write a review on it cause there aren't really extensive ones).
The channel led meters is awesome btw.

The build and sound quality are real good, the dual master outputs(make that 3 if you combine 2xMaster Stereo rca+Stereo XLR) a nice plus.

It's a very basic mixer but I believe it rivals with some of the bigger more expensive ones. Really making me like mixing again in ways that I didn't even really appreciate even on a Xone 92 (yes odd to say I know).

I would have liked an effects loop but in that price range and being good quality, let's be realistic.
As far as filters, same issue again, you want quality or you want extra features.
The major downside is that you have to rotate a cue channel switch, there's no buttons to push, but you get the hang of it very quickly.

You seem to believe it's kind of empty, but you must realize there's going to be a compromise that will have to be done somewhere especially considering what you want to spend:
A- get a mixer like the vestax, with few but good quality and stable features.
B- get something like loads of effects options but compromise on build quality.


Mackie D4 while being very nice on paper appears to have serious construction problems especially with the fader, all very odd coming from a brand like Mackie.
Kristel Wattenberg
14.01.2013
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
12" Vestax 004xl. Solid build, balanced outputs, sounds better than it should for the $$$.
19" Denon X500. Solid build, 8 inputs (select-able on any channel), sounds great even when maxed out. This mixer has channel input meters, but they are relatively course grained.
The vestax looks okay, but there's not even a filter on it. I know it's something small, but that mixer appears kind of empty. And as for the denon, i've never really been a fan of the flow of really wide and thin mixers.

Originally Posted by Patch
I'm surprised that you've looked at Behringer, but not the DDM4000?
Well i have looked at it, and it know it sounds cheesy, but i REALLY want led indicators.
Layne Koop
14.01.2013
12" Vestax 004xl. Solid build, balanced outputs, sounds better than it should for the $$$.
19" Denon X500. Solid build, 8 inputs (select-able on any channel), sounds great even when maxed out. This mixer has channel input meters, but they are relatively course grained.
Brunilda Kora
14.01.2013
I'm surprised that you've looked at Behringer, but not the DDM4000?

I love mine. Ridiculous value for money.

<< Back to General DiscussionReply

Copyright 2012-2023
DJRANKINGS.ORG n.g.o.
Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

Created by Ajaxel CMS

Terms & Privacy