What Is DJ Mixer?
A DJ Mixer Is a type of audio mixing console used by disc jockeys to control and manipulate multiple audio signals. Some DJs use the mixer to make seamless transitions from one song to another when they are playing records at a dance club.
What Does DJ Mixer Do?
A sound mixer can also be known as a mixing console or more commonly as an audio mixer. This is an electronic device used for mixing, balancing and combining different sounds and audio signals, sources like microphones, instruments, and synthesizers or previously recorded audio.
Why Do You Need a DJ Mixer For?
Mixers are essential to any DJ setup. They take multiple audio inputs and merge them together into one. Before outputting a DJ (or sound engineer) can tweak the frequency of the audio using either EQ or FX controls. The mixer is then routed through a sound system so that the audience can hear what the DJ is playing.
How to Setup a DJ Mixer?
- To power most DJ mixers you will need a three prong lead that plugs into the back of the mixer and then into a near by plug.
- You may come across speakers with RCA, Jack or XLR.
- For connecting record vinyl turntables, use the RCA cables to connect the mixer in the PHONO and not the LINE input.
How to Use a DJ Mixer, and How Does It Work?
There are many people out there who love music that has been mixed by a DJ and they often wonder, how to use a DJ mixer.
A DJ or a disc jockey is not only responsible for playing music, but they also exhibit the skills to properly mix different songs. In order to mix music and create an exceptional sound, DJs use mixers that help blend different audios to create something new. By mixing different music, DJs are able to add sequences and transition to their music.
How Does a DJ Mixer Work?
Before you get into the process of mixing, it is essential to understand the equipment that you will be working on. A DJ mixer is an essential tool that all DJs must own if they want to mix their own music.
A DJ mixer makes use of different audio inputs and merges them together. Apart from merging, the mixer allows you to modify the frequency of the music accordingly.
DJ mixers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Here are some of their hardware and key features that you should keep in mind before buying.
A DJ mixer has the following hardware:
Input
The input is essentially the sound source that needs to be mixed. Different types of mixers can use different sources for their inputs. For example, some DJ mixers use
line-level devices as their input source. This can include connection to phones, controllers, and so on.
Other than that, some DJ mixers have their own microphones which allow for a direct source of the sound input. Some mixers are able to connect to computers through digital connections or via USB, in order to gather sound. With different options available, you can literally add any sound possible and use it for mixing.
Mixer
Next up, we have the mixer itself. This hardware is at the core of every DJ mixer. It is able to collect all the input and allows you to modify and adjust the sounds. A mixer allows you to change the frequency and volume of each sound. This is where all the magic happens and new music is created.
There can be different types of mixers. From beginner-friendly two-channel mixers to professional and complex six-channel mixers, you can have it all. With the help of a mixer, there are endless possibilities for the music you mix and produce.
Output
Lastly, we have the output. An output allows you to listen to your end product after mixing. There are many different outputs that a DJ mixer can have. Some mixers can have booths connected to speakers, while others can have headphone connections. This particular hardware is essential for you to test out your final products.
Key Features
While you can find all sorts of mixers in the market, there are some key features that are common to most DJ mixers:
Channel faders are basically volume controls for each audio input. This particular feature allows you to adjust the volume of each audio input accordingly. Each mixer also has a master fader which is responsible for the overall volume of all channels.
Cross faders are essential for cutting audio between each input. This is the key feature used for transitioning into a different song.
Equalizing knobs allows you to alter the tone for the audio input. With these knobs, you can adjust the frequency for each channel.
Each mixer has its own version of an effect section that allows you to add that extra layer to your music while mixing.
A filter knob adds further depth to the frequencies of each song. It can help with the transitioning and the build-up of the music.
How to Use a DJ Mixer Properly:
DJ mixing can get complicated at times, but it is the basics that every DJ must master. The following guide will help you on how to use a DJ mixer properly and with the right steps.
Setup
Before getting into the mixing process itself, you need to ensure that your mixer is set up properly. To set it up, you have to plug in your output and input it into the mixer. Make sure that each input is connected to the correct channel. For mixers with 1 or 2 channels, you simply have to connect them in a line while ensuring that each plug goes into the correct connector.
If you are using a mixer with 4 channels, then you connect each channel on the correct side. For the mixing process to start, it is absolutely essential that you get this step right.
Apart from the inputs, you also have to ensure that the output is connected correctly and your power lead is in the correct plug. A correct setup also protects your mixer from any electrical damage.
Volume Adjustments
Once you have set up the mixer properly, it is time to adjust the volume of your setup. To fix the overall volume of the output, you make adjustments with the master knob. For the volume of each channel or input, you make adjustments with the channel faders. Before mixing, make sure that all the knobs are adjusted at the 12 o’clock position. You can change that once you have started mixing.
For volume adjustments, make sure that you are using the correct fader for each channel.
As you start playing your music, the volume should be adjusted at a gradual pace. Keep increasing the volume until you have reached your required volume. Make sure that you are listening to your output to get the correct volume.
Controls
After your volume has been adjusted, it’s time to get acquainted with the controls.
Most 2 channel mixers come with crossfaders as well as channel faders. While the channel faders control the volume for each channel, the crossfaders are responsible for cutting between channel sounds. If you move the crossfader in the middle, it is able to play both inputs at the same time. And if you want to play either input over the other, you have to push the fader to its side. Some mixers have curve adjusting knobs that help you adjust the fade speed.
EQ Meters
Next up, we have EQ adjustments. The EQ setting is usually on the top of every channel faders. Each mixer can have a different number of EQ bands in it. However, these segments help with the trimming and volume adjustments for the sounds. The bands remove any kind of distortion and smooth out the music by helping adjust the frequencies.
VU Meters
While mixing can be technical, it can also be fun with the VU meters. These meters consist of lights that blink with the beat of each tune. You can visualize your sound using these lights. Each color indicates a different sign.
Using with Headphones
Mixing can be done efficiently while making use of your headphones. With headphones, you will be able to hear both tracks at a time while the main speaker only lets you listen to one. The headphone will enable you to place both the sounds at the same BPM (beats per minute). This lines up the tracks while you start the mixing process.
Benefits of DJ Mixers:
So, what is the point of buying a DJ Mixer instead of a DJ Controller? In the end, the DJ Controler is a Mixer as well. But there’re a few benefits of splitting the cake!
Better quality
Usually, DJ Mixers are analog and don’t require D/A converters to function. Although this may seem irrelevant, it isn’t. D/A conversion is an expensive operation and requires computing power, and you are paying for that when you buy a device. If you don’t need DJ Controler features, a DJ Mixer will have much better quality for the price.
Autonomous
Unlike controllers, DJ Mixers don’t need DJ software to work, which can save you money in some situations. Depending on your current setup, you shouldn’t need a laptop either. CDJs and vinyl turntables will work fine without a laptop, and you are good to go with a simple USB stick.
More Control
DJ Mixers are built for DJs to mix songs, nothing else. This is why they will always be better at this than a device with multiple purposes. They will usually have more inputs, channels, effects, and controls to take over the mix with higher fidelity. Many DJ Controllers only have 2 channels and minimum controls for the mix itself, as they need these for other uses.
Each headphone comes with a cue or a mini crossfader. By turning this knob, you can adjust the channel volume that you are hearing in your headphones. You can even equalize the tracks and ensure that the quality of sound is not compromised while mixing.
DJ Mixer Price Prices In Ghana:
The cost of DJ mixer in Ghana starts from GH₵ 1,300.00 to GH₵ 50,000.00 above..!!!