Best DJ Mixers

Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus DJ Mixer with two Pioneer CDJ-900's

A DJ Mixer is one of the most important elements of DJing for mixing tracks and sounds together to create DJ sets, mixes and performances. The most popular DJ Mixers are two-channel DJ Mixers for beginners or scratch mixing and four-channel DJ mixers for clubs and advanced mixing with multiple audio sources.

The DJ Mixer is connected and used to mix between various audio sources like CDJ/CD Players, Vinyl Turntables, Laptops, MP3 players and even keyboards or other live performance instruments.

Before I get into the Best DJ Mixers, there’s also a good chance that some of you may also be looking for the Best DJ Controllers. DJ Controllers are also a DJ Mixer that works together with a laptop and a DJ program like Traktor, Serato of Virtual DJ.

One of the best DJ Controllers and a DJ Controller that I personally recommend for all DJ’s from Beginner to Pro is the Traktor Kontrol S2.

For more about the Best DJ Controllers and the Traktor Kontrol S2 and S4, click to see my article about the Best DJ Controllers on this site or click to see the Traktor Kontrol S2 at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

***There has been a massive price drop on the Traktor Kontrol S2. I received an email from Native Instruments verifying that this is for real and that it will be for a limited time only. Check it out at Amazon.com and Juno.co.uk!***

If you’re looking for the best budget DJ Controller to get started with, The Numark MIXTRACK PRO is a very popular choice.

Click to see the Numark MIXTRACK PRO at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk or see it here: Best DJ Controllers

There are also DJ Controller / DJ Mixer ‘Hybrids’ like the Denon DN-MC6000 Mixer and MIDI Controller. With the DN-MC6000 you can mix with the DJ software on your laptop or between external decks like CDJ’s and Vinyl turntables.

This is an excellent 4 Channel DJ Controller/Mixer for those that want to be connected to multiple sources at once (up to eight); DJ software, CDJ’s and/or Vinyl Turntables. The Denon DN-MC6000 can also be used as a stand-alone DJ Mixer without being connected to a computer.

Click to see the Denon DN-MC6000 Mixer and MIDI Controller at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

I just had to mention the Xone:4D. This thing is awesome and is used by some of the worlds top DJ’s. It can be used as both a DJ/Midi Controller and a DJ Mixer. Computers, vinyl turntables, CDJ’s – connect them all and control your sound with the Xone:4D.

Here’s a cool video of Deadmau5 playing around with the Xone:4D’s predecessor, the Xone:3D: Deadmau5 vs. Xone 3D

Features:

20 Channel USB interface4 Multi-input stereo channels3 Band EQ on all channels2 FX sends, FX1 with pre/post selection2 analogue VCF filters – low, band & high-pass, resonance, frequency and ‘on’ switch

Midi features:

227 mappable MIDI messages with shift mode for double layerCompatible with any computer software that has MIDI assignable functions105 MIDI controls, including dedicated MIDI sections containing:8x60mm linear faders16 detented rotary pots10 rotary encoders50 switches2 jog wheels8 illuminated push switches

Click to see the Allen & Heath Xone:4D at: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

To give Denon their due as they make very high quality products and because I like this video let’s start off with the DN-X600 Professional 2-Ch Digital Mixer.

Fatboy Slim – Dubstep Remix (JFB vs Switch)

Rock-On guys! Unique Rooftop performance of Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here Right Now” – Remixed by DMC Champ’s JFB and DJ Switch, courtesy of Denon DJ

The Denon DN-X600 is the latest and greatest in DJ Mixer technology, it’s packed full of effects and filters, a built-in soundcard, USB Midi Interface and packs a wallop of high quality sound.

Features:

2-Channel Digital MixerUSB Midi InterfaceInternal 24-bit/96kHz 8in / 8 out soundcard with DVS routing8 Onboard Effects2-Way FilterMatrix Input SelectorFlex Cross Fader

Click to see the Denon DN-X600 at: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

For a 4-Channel Denon DJ Mixer check out the Denon DN-X1600 4-Channel Digital DJ Mixer at : Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

Or you can also have a look at Denon’s budget option here: DJ Equipment, Beginner CDJ-Mixer DJ Set-Up

Without breaking the bank, the Pioneer DJM-250 delivers the goods with professional features usually found only on high-end mixers. Even though the DJM-250 comes in at an affordable price you can rest assured that the sound is Pioneer club-standard quality.

Each channel has the DJ’s favorite effect with it’s own sound color filter knob. Seeing this video and seeing the DJ twisting the knob with a grin reminds of a club owner in Bali who stands behind the console with the DJ all night playing with the filter… by the way, I love that guy.

Features:

2-Channel Digital MixerTwo Independent sound color filtersEight inputs for maximum connectivityXLR balanced outputs ensure high-quality sound48 kHz/24-bit full digital processingCross Fader Curve Adjust function

Click to see: Pioneer DJM-250-K (Black/Silver) DJ Mixer at Amazon.com

Click to see: Pioneer DJM-250-W (White/Silver) DJ Mixer at Amazon.com

Click to see: Silver Pioneer CDJ-350-S at Amazon.com

For a high quality two-channel DJ mixer with Pioneer’s high standard of sound and FX the Pioneer DJM-350 is a great choice. You can record your mixes directly onto a USB stick and it has an isolator 3-band equalizer on each channel. The DJM-350 is available in black and white.

Click to see the Pioneer DJM-350 Black at: Amazon.com

Click to see the Pioneer DJM-350 White at: Amazon.com

The Allen & Heath Xone:22 Professional 2 Channel DJ Mixer is an excellent top quality entry-level mixer. Plus, it’s the most affordable DJ mixer at this level of quality.

All of the same components are used on the Xone:22 as are used on Allen & Heath’s high-end DJ mixers and it features the legendary Xone VCF filters.

Features:

Two Stereo ChannelsThree-band full-cut EQBalanced XLR output for ultimate audio quality25dBu maximum output levelCrossfader curve adjust switch

Click to see the Allen & Heath Xone:22 at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

A three-channel DJ mixer is also a really good idea these days. You can have two CDJs connected and on the third channel plug in your laptop, a Vinyl turntable or a third CDJ. Personally, I have a four-channel mixer, the Pioneer DJM-800, but really I mostly only use three channels for two CDJ’s and my laptop.

Click to see the Allen & Heath Xone:32 at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

This is the latest and greatest Professional Club Standard DJ Mixer from Pioneer and it’s a beauty. I had the pleasure of mixing with the DJM-900 Nexus a couple weeks ago and loved it. The one new feature that was really fun to play around with was the new X-Pad touch screen control bar to manipulate the effects.

DJM-900 Nexus Official Introduction with James Zabiela

The DJM-900 Nexus has a total of 13 effects including new Sound Color effects Dub Echo and Space and new Beat Effects Spiral and Melodic. The sound quality of the DJM-900 Nexus is exceptional and it’s Traktor Scratch Certified. For more about the DJM-900 Nexus, you may want to click to see my post: Pioneer DJM 900 Nexus High Performance DJ Mixer

Features:

Professional ‘Club Standard’ four channel mixer13 total effects including 3 new sound Color Effects and 2 new Beat EffectsNew X-Pad touch strip control for manipulating effectsAll channels have 3 Band EQException sound quality featuring a built-in 24bit/96kHz high performance soundcardConnect up to 4 CDJ-2000/900s or rekordbox software with the Pro DJ LinkUSB connection for DVS softwareTraktor Scratch Certified

Click to see the Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus at: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

The Allen & Heath Xone:42 is an excellent option for those that are looking for a full-featured, digital ready, pro quality, four-channel DJ mixer at about half the cost of the DJM-900. What you won’t get is the multitude of effects but what you will get is a high quality DJ mixer with features like the Xone VCF filter system, USB for DVS connection and wet/dry controls for each channel.

Features:

Four channel professional quality DJ mixerAll channels with 3 band EQControl external FX with Rotary X-FX ControlVCF filter system with resonance & frequency controlsUSB connectivity

Click to see the Allen & Heath Xone:42 at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

Dubfire Interview – TimeWarp 2011 + Xone:DB4

The Xone:DB4 is a breakthrough DJ mixer offering loads of opportunities for creativity as a DJ. This is the one mixer that has been breaking into the top clubs where Pioneer has previously reigned supreme. Loops, effects, laptop connections, it’s all there and with amazing sound quality. The Xone:DB4 has been named ‘Ultimate Club Mixer’ by DJ Mag’s Tech awards 2011.

Features:

Quad FX Core enabling each channel to have its own FX bank and BPM analyzerEach channel has its own built-in looperXone dual filter system3-band EQ on each channel can be configured as filter systemBuilt-in high quality 24-bit / 96kHz USB2 soundcardMixer can double up as a MIDI controller

Click to see the Allen & Heath Xone:DB4 at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

What’s really cool about the Pioneer DJM-2000 is the 5.8 inch multi-touch touchscreen full-color display. I could go on and on about how great the DJM-2000 is but you’re really better off just checking out this very well done video.

DJM-2000: Introduction

Features:

Innovative 5.8 inch full color multi-touch displayUSB audio interfacePro DJ link that connects up to four CDJ-2000 or CDJ-900sEvolved Beat EffectsInstant Instrument FXMIDI assignable controls

Click to see the Pioneer DJM-2000 at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

For the best Scratch DJ Mixers check out the Pioneer DJM-909 and the Rane TTM 57SL DJ Mixers.

Here’s an awesome video of DJ Craze rocking Traktor, Maschine and the Pioneer DJM-909 Scratch DJ Mixer.

DJ Craze performs on the new Traktor Scratch Pro 2

The Pioneer DJM-909 Professional Scratch DJ Mixer rocks with incredible sound and amazing effects that can be controlled with the touch sensitive screen. You can access 50 beat synced effects with the touch-screen and there is even an optional foot pedal for even more control.

Click to see the Pioneer DJM-909 at: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Here’s a cool video of DMC World DJ Champion LigOne tearing it up on the Rane TTM 57SL with Serato Scratch Live 2.3.

The Rane TTM 57SL comes with Serato Scratch LIVE Software included and has been made for full integration of hardware and software.

Click to see the Rane TTM 57SL at: Amazon.com or the TTM 56S at: Juno.co.uk

The Rane MP 2016S Rotary Mixer is the old school DJ Mixer that some of the biggest names in house music like Louie Vega and Frankie Knuckles use to create their smooth and seamless style of mixing magic.

Click to see the Rane MP 2016S Rotary Mixer at: Amazon.com or Juno.co.uk

DJ mixers are one of the most integral parts of DJing. The DJ Mixer is at the heart of what a DJ does, and no matter what type of DJ you are, there is a DJ Mixer here for you. All of the DJ mixers featured are the best quality DJ mixers available today.

You can get started most affordably with the Allen & Heath Xone:22 or the Pioneer DJM-250.

For mid-range price but high quality sound and performance, I really like the Allen & Heath Xone:42.

For the top of the line Pro Club Mixers, it’s the Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus and the Allen & Heath Xone DB:4 that are hot in the clubs right now.

And for an all-in-one DJ Controller/DJ Mixer solution, the Allen & Heath Xone:4D is just awesome and the Denon DN-MC6000 is pretty cool too.

Cheers & Happy Mixing!

You may also want to check out: Best DJ Controllers

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