Buying Your DJ Mixer
With a digital mixer in an accessible format, your choice of hardware and control of sound, and some advanced software, your studio setup is guaranteed to help you create your vision.
Your DJ mixer should do everything you need, and more. You should aim to get a mixer with some "wiggle room" that allows you to do everything you need while also allowing you to develop new skills. Your mixer is the basis of every sound you make, so it's important that you pick the right one!
DJ Mixer Features
Whether you're mixing electronic dance music or heavy metal, you need to know your equipment. You need to know whether an analog DJ mixer is for you, which is normally cheaper and easier to use, or a digital mixer which is more expensive but has more functions.
Would you like microphone input and rotary mixers? Or are you more of a stand-alone DJ mixer person? Mixers are incredibly diverse, so once you know which features you desire, you can start shopping!
DJ Mixers for Beginners
When browsing for a mixer, newer DJs might become overwhelmed with all of the specifications. Do not let terms like "real-time stem separation" or "advanced parameter control" or "cue balance control" bog you down.
Buying and learning about technology often comes with a lot of unfamiliar terminology, but in reality, as long as you know what you need from your device and you purchase it from a trusted DJ equipment retailer, you will be okay!
Because of this, we have ensured that every product we carry is high quality and from a trusted DJ equipment brand. These iconic companies have been supplying DJs with their tech for decades, and they are highly reputable, so you are sure to find a mixer perfect for you and your personal DJing needs.
Types of DJ Mixer
As with most types of DJ equipment, there are many types of mixer with lots of different features.
Analogue DJ Mixers
Analogue mixers are super reliable and simple to use. They are also often cheaper than their digital counterparts, while being able to do almost all of the same things.
They are very easy to use. All it takes is connecting your vinyl turntable to the mixer, and away you go! This is perfect for home or studio use, as the small size and simple mechanisms will allow you to make music with little fuss.
Analogue mixers are not as versatile as digital ones, they still have many exciting features for much lower prices. They can also work with modern DJing equipment like laptops with the right setup and connectivity.
Digital DJ Mixers
Connected to your laptop or computer, a digital DJ mixer is an impressive piece of equipment that is the basis for all of your music making.
They use an audio card which can process high-quality audio from multiple sources, like decks, microphones, and more. The mixers then allow you to add effects like filters, reverb, and echoes easily. The amazing features and effects you can add means that you will often see mixers with lots of buttons and dials.
When choosing your mixer, you should consider whether you actually need these features. If your mixer is covered in buttons that you will not use, is it worth the investment? If you know you will use the features on a digital mixer then it will definitely be a great piece of kit for you.
DJ Mixer FAQs
How do DJ mixers work?
A DJ mixer is an audio mixing console. It is used to control and manipulate sounds, whether you are using cassettes and records or DJ software on a computer. The buttons, sliders, and knobs allow a DJ to experiment with sounds and effects, and mixers can also allow DJs to play a song through headphones before playing it out to their audience.
Which DJ mixer is the best?
There is no "right" or "wrong" DJ mixer, because they are all entirely different! One DJ's perfect mixer may not work at all for another, because they are chosen for the features they have and how useful they will be to the specific musician. You can find the best mixer for you by considering the features you need or would like to explore, and picking a mixer which matches your needs.
What equipment does a beginner DJ need?
This depends on what you need to complete your set! If you're a digital person, you will need a mixer, controller, laptop with relevant software, and headphones. If you are using records, you will need two turntables as well! DJing comes with research, so find out what you want to create and go from there! If you are in need of performance equipment, check out our ranges of studio monitors, DJ booths, and DJ lighting and effects.
Do you need a computer for a DJ mixer?
Not necessarily! While most modern DJs will use an advanced DJ software on their laptop, with their mixer or controller plugged into it, you could use cassette tapes or even vinyl records if you wanted to! It all depends on your personal style and preference.
