When you’re just starting out, finding the right DJ mixer can feel like a real challenge. We’re talking about the very heart of your new DJ rig, and it’s impossible to overestimate how much of a role your mixer will play in the way you develop your art and learn to perform. At the same time, every DJ here at Sweetwater can remember what it’s like to invest in your first DJ setup, and when you add it all up, you’re likely to spend some serious cash, so it’s important you get the most bang for your buck. That’s why we’ve come up with some solid suggestions to get you going on the right foot.
Best DJ Mixers for Beginners:
Behringer Pro Mixer NOX101
There’s a good reason why Behringer is a household name, particularly among artists new to audio and music production. They tend to deliver a ton of value for the money, and their NOX101 is no exception. As a basic 2-channel DJ mixer, the NOX101 checks all the right boxes.
For starters, both channels include separate line and phono inputs, and there are RCA and 1/4″ outputs. That means it’ll play nicely with just about any other gear you want to work into your system. There’s also a 2-channel EQ on the mic input, which is surprisingly handy in clubs with less than ideal acoustics.
There are a few things you are sure to appreciate about the NOX101 that set it apart from most entry-level DJ mixers. First, its channel EQs feature Full-Kill filters, which let you carve out high-, mid-, and low-frequency bands entirely, allowing you to combine tracks in creative ways usually reserved for more expensive mixers. The 10-segment LED meters are a nice touch too.
The NOX101’s crossfader is a contact-free design, which makes it incredibly fast and responsive. It includes a fully variable curve control, so it accommodates everything from even-power fades for standard mixing to the hard cutting you need for scratching. You can reverse the crossfader too, if that’s your style.
Finally, there are two extra-special features on the NOX101 you just don’t find on DJ mixers that cost less than a good pair of ‘phones. Both channels include independent 3-mode curve switches for soft, medium, and sharp behavior. What’s more, there’s a mini crossfader for the headphone cue, which lets you easily preview transitions in your mix. All told, the Behringer NOX101 is one amazing and affordable option for any beginning DJ.
Best DJ Mixers for Beginners:
Numark M6 USB
While Numark’s range of DJ gear extends all the way up to the professional level, few companies have been as instrumental to ushering in new DJs. Even their most affordable mixers, such as the M6 USB, are considered real workhorses. If you’re looking for an affordable hub you can grow you rig around, Sweetwater is happy to recommend the M6 USB.
Let’s start with the basics. The M6 USB is something of a 4-channel/2-channel hybrid mixer, in that it allows you to hook up four channels of equipment at once and select which two channels to mix at any given time. This is still pretty cool, because it allows you to jump from a pair of turntables to a turntable and a CD deck, two digital players, or even a computer or mobile device via USB. It also includes three sets of outputs, with both RCA and balanced XLRs on the main outs.
We’ve already touched on the USB input, but that’s just one of the cool features onboard the M6 USB. In addition to a 3-band EQ, the main microphone input includes a balanced XLR input and a Talkover function. By ducking the output volume when you speak into the mic, the Talkover function allows you to be heard without forcing you to mess with the master volume. Whether you’re announcing the newlywed couple’s first dance or laying vocals over your performance, this is an incredibly useful tool.
With so many inputs to manage, it’s important to have flexible cuing options onboard, and Numark’s M6 USB delivers. Each channel includes a cue button that lets you add or remove it for the use mix, and a balance knob lets you fade between the cue and program (main) mixes. One extra-cool feature about the cue control is the Mix/Split switch. This lets you choose between having both stereo mixes in your headphone at once (the standard way to cue mix) or sending just the cue mix to your left ear and the program mix to the right in mono.
On that note, mono summing is one of the last remarkable things worth noting about the M6 USB. Many club systems today are still set up in mono (mostly to accommodate the acoustics in large and oddly shaped dance spaces), so the M6 USB’s switchable stereo/mono output mode is actually a nice bonus. Another bonus is the user-replaceable crossfader. So if you wear it out, just give us a call and we’ll help you order a new one that you can just drop in — and as robust as it is, your M6 USB is likely to last that long.
Best DJ Mixers for Beginners:
Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2
Many of today’s top performing DJs swear by the quality and sound of Pioneer DJ, and the company makes some the most (if not the most) popular gear on the market. For a high-end DJ equipment producer, it’s downright impressive that their unwavering reputation extends all the way to their most affordable products, such as the DJM-250MK2. It’s not just a great-sounding mixer, but it’s also a gateway to a whole new level of DJing.
Strictly speaking, the DJM-250MK2 isn’t a beginner mixer, since anyone stepping up from a budget model will immediately appreciate the sonic upgrade. The I/O is fairly standard — you get phono and line inputs for the mixer’s two channels, a 1/4″ input for your mic, and both XLR and RCA master outs. However, there’s one standout, which is the USB connection.
This USB connection is extremely cool, because it serves as a high-quality 4-in/4-out sound card (what audio professionals call an audio interface). For starters, this connection lets you record and play back audio from your computer, but that’s not all. Pioneer makes an extremely cool application called rekordbox dj, which lets you perform with any tracks on your computer and access many powerful software tools. Not only does your DJM-250MK2 include a license for rekordbox dj, but it also includes a license for rekordbox DVS.
DVS stands for Digital Vinyl System, and it’s an amazing way to dramatically expand the possibilities of your analog DJ rig. All you need is a pair of Control Vinyl records,and you can connect your turntables to rekordbox dj. What’s more, the tracking is so tight, you can spin tracks on your computer just like they were sitting on your turntables. Even if you scratch like a pro, rekordbox will keep up.
As for the rest of the DJM-250MK2 mixer, there’s plenty to get excited about. First there’s the Magvel crossfader. Magvel crossfaders are a kind of magnetic contactless fader design, and the name Magvel is revered throughout the industry. These crossfaders hold up to millions of movements and are so light on the fingers that today’s top scratch artists swear by them. The channel faders are similarly responsive, giving the DJM-250MK2 the feel of an instrument instead of mere hardware.
There’s more to putting together a creative mix than just fading. As we mentioned before, equalizers like the 3-band Isolator EQs on the DJM-250MK2 allow you to carve out frequency ranges, allowing you to pull off tricks like dropping everything from the bass and kick up from one track, killing the low end of the other, and then meshing the two together.
The DJM-250MK2 takes frequency-based mixing one step further, with Pioneer’s Sound Color FX filters. These let you apply highpass or lowpass filters to either channel with the twist of a knob. Add to that an adjustable resonance control, and you have instant access to many of the most essential DJ transitions.
Best DJ Mixers for Beginners:
Allen & Heath Xone:23C/Xone:23
Winner of a DJ Mag 2015 DJ Tech Award for affordable mixers, is widely recognized as one of the best deals in DJ performance gear. The Xone:23C shares many of its main features with the rest of the mixers we’ve outlined here. Nonetheless, it offers some specific benefits that make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to put together a starter rig or even upgrade from a basic mixer.
Let’s start with the I/O. At first glance, you see the standard selection of line and phono inputs along with three sets of outputs — all totally useful. Something you won’t notice until you look closely at the top panel is that you can actually use all four inputs at once, balancing the phono and line inputs on either channel via the input trim knobs. On top of that, you also get a stereo send/return loop. This is extremely cool if you want to hook up something like a Korg KP3 Plusto add a bit of extra excitement to your mixes.
Next, there’s the USB connection. The only real difference between the Xone:23C and its sibling, the Xone:23, is that the “C” version includes this impressive 4-channel, 24-bit/96kHz sound card. This is ideal for recording your mixes at studio-quality resolution, and it also provides the connectivity you need to take advantage of the included Mixvibes Cross LE DJ software. You can even use your Xone:23C as part of a DVS system, if you pick up compatible control vinyl.
On the mixing side, you get a great set of controls. Allen & Heath’s 3-band Total Kill EQs are great for isolating and carving out frequency ranges for fun mixing tricks, but that’s not all. The Xone:23C also features an impressive Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) system. Toggle highpass and lowpass settings and assign channels to the filter with simple button controls. A central knob lets you sweep the frequency spectrum, and with a resonance control that runs from Mild to Wild settings, crafting exciting transitions is a piece of cake.
There are a couple of additional Xone:23C features that you’ll want to know about, especially if you plan to expand your rig. First, the already awesome replaceable crossfader is compatible with a high-performance Innofader made special for Allen & Heath. This is one of the best faders in the world of DJing, and as your skills develop, this aftermarket option will let your rig provide the added performance you need.
Finally, you can expand your system with additional Allen & Heath gear, thanks to X:Link, an Ethernet-based MIDI system shared by other compatible gear, such as Allen & Heath’s Xone:K series controllers. Connect the pieces together, and you get a total control platform that lets you establish an impressive hybrid analog/digital DJ system.
Best DJ Mixers for Beginners:
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
Among the several popular digital DJ platforms out there, Traktor is one of the most popular, and many of us here at Sweetwater have been using it faithfully since it first came out. One of the biggest advantages of Native Instruments DJ hardware is that it almost always comes with Traktor software, such as Traktor Scratch Pro 2, in the case of the Traktor Kontrol Z2 mixer. What’s more, it includes a pair of Control Vinyl records, so you’re ready to hook up your favorite turntables right out of the box.
The first thing you need to know about the NI Traktor Kontrol Z2 is that it’s not a traditional mixer, at least, not in the typical sense. To use it correctly, you’ll need to use Traktor software, which means making your laptop part of your rig. That said, Traktor provides all the standard DJ functions plus effects and a whole lot more.
Before we get into the software, let’s take a look at the Traktor Kontrol Z2 hardware. For starters, this hybrid mixer/controller includes all the I/O you’d expect from a quality 2-channel DJ mixer. There are the essential line and phono RCA inputs, a mic/aux in, and both unbalanced RCA and balance XLR outs. You have to appreciate the smooth action of the faders, particularly the crossfader. Equally impressive are the solid-feeling knobs and encoders, which are nice and grippy, even if you’re working up a sweat.
On to Traktor Pro itself. This software is simply amazing. It’s actually a 4-deck DJ platform, which means you can spin a couple of records (analog or control vinyl) and still tap into two additional software decks. These decks can be straightforward music playback, but you can also launch loops, samples, and more from Traktor’s Remix Decks. Other highlights include onboard effects, channel filters, and Flux Mode, which keeps the music going as you scratch or juggle, making it easy to play with advanced techniques in real time. What’s more, you can access all of these right from your Traktor Kontrol Z2 hardware.
The bottom line with the Traktor Kontrol Z2 (and any hybrid DJ rig, for that matter) is that while the software allows you to pull off incredibly complex techniques, you don’t have to get bogged down in features you’re not ready to use. In fact, any seasoned DJ will highly encourage you to start off slow inside the software, methodically develop your basic chops first, and then gradually add in whatever extra features you want to explore. The rewards are well worth putting in the time and investing in the gear.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of some of Sweetwater’s favorite DJ mixers for beginners. Whether you’re new to DJing or looking to step up your rig, you’ll find all kinds of great gear at Sweetwater. And of course, if you need any help taking your game to the next level, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (800) 222-4700.
FAQs
What is the easiest DJ controller to use? ›
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4.
- Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3.
- Numark Mixstream Pro (and the Mixstream Pro +)
- Numark Mixstream Platinum FX.
- Roland DJ-202.
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1.
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500.
- KRK Rokit RP7 G4. Affordable nearfields beloved by producers and DJs alike. ...
- Pioneer DJ VM-70. The best DJ-specific monitors. ...
- Adam Audio T5V. Affordable studio speakers from a highly-regarded brand. ...
- M-Audio BX4. ...
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors. ...
- Output Frontier. ...
- JBL One Series 104.
For the smallest possible setup, you can get started with just a laptop and the right software. Other simple options include using only two turntables (vinyl or CD) and a mixer. You can upgrade either of those setups by adding a laptop with a DJ interface package for additional effects and options.
What is the difference between a DJ controller and mixer? ›Essentially, A DJ Controller is a device that is both a turntable and a mixer, which also connects to DJ software, allowing for mixing music without requiring any other hardware besides the computer. A DJ Mixer is only a mixer, which requires turntables or CDJs to plug into each channel so you can mix music.
What program do most DJs use? ›What DJ software is the industry standard? Ableton Live, Virtual DJ, Rekordbox, Serato and Traktor all offer software solutions that cater for DJs ranging from beginners to professionals. However, the most commonly used DJ software is Serato, with over 100 million downloads.
Are DJ controllers good for beginners? ›It's never been as easy and accessible for beginners to get into DJing as it is in 2022. Assuming you already own some form of computer, all you really need is a controller and you're away - and that's where the best beginner DJ controllers come in.
Can I teach myself to be a DJ? ›Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy route to overnight success. This takes work, and hustle, and time. It's not difficult to start. But it is difficult to stand out, and to be exceptional.
How do I DJ my first gig? ›- Be professional – Get there early. Don't drink too much at the gig! ...
- Promote – Bring people to the club. If you have friends dancing to your set, the club will see a packed dancefloor. ...
- Follow up after the gig – We have so many different demands on our attention now. ...
- Be flexible – Offer to play at any time slot.
- Record Pools. Record pools are popular when it comes to where do DJs get their music. ...
- Beatport. One of the biggest and most popular sources for where do DJs get their music is Beatport. ...
- Traxsource. ...
- Bleep. ...
- Soundcloud. ...
- Independent Artist Hubs.
- Your Cooking Needs. Really sit down and think about what you're likely to use this mixer for – both in terms of the recipes you'll make and the quantity of food you typically need. ...
- Price Range. ...
- Weight. ...
- Speed Settings. ...
- Size. ...
- Attachments. ...
- Look. ...
- Ease of Cleaning.
What makes a good DJ mix? ›
- Tune-in. Check your DJ set. ...
- Strategic use of delay and scratching. Varying the delay time and tweaking the EQ can be sensational. ...
- Transitions. ...
- Flow of energy. ...
- Phrasing. ...
- Key to your success. ...
- Show your creativity. ...
- Perfect timing.
How much does a wedding DJ cost? The average cost of a wedding DJ is around $1,200, but this doesn't reflect the wide range of prices you're likely to see while planning your event. In reality, you'll see DJ companies charging anywhere from $600 up to $3,500.
Is it better to DJ in mono or stereo? ›The general rule of thumb here is to “play out in mono, play in in stereo”. In other words, any gig in public is usually best in mono, while when you're DJing at home – stood or sat in a perfect “stereo soundstage” between your two monitor speakers – might as well leave your system in stereo.
How many watts is a good DJ speaker? ›Also, make sure you don't connect too many speakers to one amp. An average DJ speaker will handle up to 300-400 watts RMS before failing, but this varies depending on its design and construction quality.
How long should first DJ set be? ›For many DJs just starting out, their first gigs are usually shorter sets between 45 and 90 minutes. It can sound like a piece of cake for pro DJs, but for new DJs it's often totally nerve-wracking! Succeeding at DJ sets like these can help you build the confidence to play longer shows for bigger crowds.
Can you DJ with just a laptop? ›Technically you can DJ with just a laptop; however, that does take the fun out of having physical decks in front of you to play around on. On the plus side, it can prove to be beneficial knowing how to DJ from your laptop in the event of equipment failure; the show must go on and all that.
How hard is it to learn to be a DJ? ›Picking up the basics of djing is not hard, especially now that you can do it all out of a laptop and not even have to worry about beatmatching. Becoming a good dj however takes a lot of time and dedication and requires a vast musical culture and crowd reading skills besides the obvious technical knowledge.
Do you need to master a DJ mix? ›Put simply, mastering your mix gives it a final “sheen” that is hard to do any other way. It makes it sound more coherent, and more professional. And it's not hard to do!
Why do DJs like rotary mixers? ›Heavy, expensive and powerful, these handmade mixers were made with the best components to generate amazing sound. They were adopted at legendary clubs such as Studio 54 and Paradise Garage. Today, this gives rotary mixers an aura of authenticity that's alluring to dance music's traditionalists.
Does a DJ mixer need an amp? ›The mixer is essentially a pre amp. So you cannot connect the bare wires of passive speakers to it. You would need to connect an amplifier to the mixer and your speakers to the amp. Alternatively, you can connect active monitors to the mixer as active monitors have the amp built in to the speaker.
Where do DJs get their music for free? ›
- Free Music Archive. As the name suggests, FMA is a place to legally download free DJ music that you can use in your sets. ...
- SoundCloud. ...
- Bandcamp. ...
- Bensound. ...
- CCTrax. ...
- 6. Facebook Pages. ...
- Jamendo. ...
- BeatStars.
- Amazon – Yup, the ubiquitous Amazon is a great place to buy your music. ...
- iTunes store – Of course Apple started all of this, and just like Amazon, its mainstream download store is still a “player”, offering the same wide selection and competitive prices.
Some DJs buy songs from popular sites or get songs sent to them in subscriptions. Some DJs also make their own music on music production software which they perform live. They're also labels that send DJs tracks way before its released.
Can you learn to DJ with just headphones? ›Learning to mix entirely within your headphones is a useful skill to have and can get you out of some tight spots. Copied! Learning to mix entirely in your headphones is a handy skill for DJs to have. Some DJs learn to do this from the outset because they have to keep the volume down when they are practising.
How can I start DJing cheap? ›- Use any speakers/headphones you've already got. ...
- Use free sources of music. ...
- Get free or cheap DJ software – and learn the keyboard shortcuts! ...
- Use a DJ splitter cable to plug your headphones in. ...
- It's OK to buy cheap gear, just buy wisely.
Serato DJ Lite is a free piece of software that excels in making DJ'ing easy to understand. However, to use the software properly a DJ will need a controller. Working with some of the best DJ manufacturers in the world, Serato has a wide range of decks purpose built for beginners.
Is it too late to learn how do you DJ? ›Above all, it's never “too late”! That goes for anything, including DJing; you're never too old or too young to learn a new skill. So if you have a dream, make sure you follow it, no matter how old or young you might be. Because at the end of the day, you're going to be so much more fulfilled doing something you love!
Do you need a license to play music as a DJ? ›While in a public setting, a DJ license is always required (as long as someone else's copyrighted music is performed), if a performance is intended for a private audience, no permission is necessary.
Can you be a shy DJ? ›There are DJs who are naturally outgoing, but there are introverts too – I know I am. Everyone feels nervous or lacks confidence at some point in their life, but all of us found this craft because we love music and use it as a communication tool.
How do DJs decide what songs to play? ›They'll usually pull out tracks you don't typically play, and they'll make transitions you wouldn't ordinarily spot. And when it's your turn to mix with their collection, you'll do the same favour for them. Watch other DJs and how crowds react to them – When do they stick with one style and when do they change?
How do you get recognized as a DJ? ›
- Network, network, network! ...
- Promote your own club night. ...
- Gig for free. ...
- Pay to play. ...
- DJ swaps. ...
- Go direct to the promoter or manager. ...
- Become the best in your field. ...
- Become a recognised producer.
Continent | Earnings Per Hour (Average) |
---|---|
North America | $50 – $100 |
South America | $20 – $50 |
Europe | $50 – $150 |
Asia | $10 – $75 |
DJ Earnings Per Region
In the USA, most professional DJs earn $13.27 per hour. The average yearly earnings of American DJs range from $25,000 to $26,0000 per year. The top 10% make more than $40,000 annually, while the bottom 10% makes $15,000 – $17,000 annually.
Price. A stand mixer can be a hefty investment. Experts told us the typical home baker should stick with those in the $200 to $700 range, as commercial models costing upwards of $1,000 are typically only used for large batches in heavy-duty, professional settings.
How much should you pay a mixer? ›$100 to $150/song
At this price point, you'll find mixers who have some experience but are still looking to drum up work. They might be experienced hobbyists, students or part-timers establishing a side-hustle in music. Quality here is often not up to amazing professional standards, but may be competent.
Preethi Taurus Mixer Grinder
This is India's No. 1 Mixer Grinder brand. It has a 3 in 1 insta fresh juicer jar, centrifugal juicing or super extractor and blending. It has a 750W high-performance motor, safety indicators, turbo vent technology and fast motor cooling.
A great mix will well-defined enough for the listener to pick out individual sounds. Panning: Every element in the song is placed in a way that makes sense to the artist and listener. Space: Various elements in a song as well as the overall mix should have a sense of ambience.
What instrument should I start mixing with? ›Start with the Drums and Bass
In most cases, this will be the drums and bass. The goal is to build the foundation of the song by establishing the groove in the drums. Start by dialing in a rough mix for the kick, snare and hi-hat mics, then work your way through the rest of the drum kit.
The DDJ 200 is a brilliant entry-level controller for those wanting to take their first steps into the world of DJ'ing. Compatible with iPhone, Android, iPad and laptop, this little controller is compatible with various software.
Is it hard to learn DJ controller? ›Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy route to overnight success. This takes work, and hustle, and time. It's not difficult to start. But it is difficult to stand out, and to be exceptional.
Can you be a self taught DJ? ›
There are so many successful self-taught DJs and teaching yourself gives you the freedom and flexibility to learn at your own pace. It might feel overwhelming to know where to start but, a strong starting point is to simply familiarise yourself with DJ equipment, work out what each button does and have a play around.
What to do first when mixing? ›First, start by getting a good static balance for your overall mix. That means, bringing up every fader and adjust the volume and panning to what you think feels right. Some mixing engineers like to mix vocal first and work their way down to the rhythm section and some like to build their mix from bottom up.
What do I need to start mixing songs? ›- By Charles Hoffman. Mixing tools are problem-solving devices; you use them to overcome roadblocks on the way to your final destination and the realization of your vision for the song. ...
- Faders. ...
- Pan Knobs. ...
- EQs. ...
- Compressors/Limiters. ...
- Saturators. ...
- Delays. ...
- Reverbs.
Where the 200 is aimed at mobile apps, the 400 is very much designed to work with rekordbox DJ, which is a better place to start if you intend to take DJing seriously.
Do you need a computer for DDJ-1000? ›You'll need to connect a laptop to play your music, but it also works as a standalone mixer should you choose to connect turntables or other media players. The DDJ-1000 makes use of rekordbox's digital DJ software add-on, which is included in the price of admission.
Is Serato or rekordbox better for beginners? ›For the beginner DJ, the interface of RekordBox will be much more intuitive, while Serato offers more flexibility for the more experienced folks. As with any new software or system you buy, it can take time to get used to where all the new features live.