The 15 best DJ Mixers for any budget in 2026

Overview

Whether you’re branching out from a DJ controller, upgrading your current mixer, or building a new setup from scratch, there’s a mixer out there to suit just about every setup and budget.

We’ve picked out 15 of the best DJ mixers in 2026, covering everything from affordable beginner models to club-standard, scratch and high-end 6-channel mixers.

To keep things simple, the list is broken down into 4 categories. If you prefer, you can use the links below to jump straight to the most relevant one:

• Entry-level & budget mixers (3 units)
• Best club mixers (4 units)
• Best scratch mixers (5 units)
• Best 6-channel/high-end mixers (3 units)

What to consider when choosing a DJ mixer

Which DJ mixer you choose will mostly depend on:

1} What type of DJ you are

A conventional club-style mixer will suit many DJs, while scratch DJs will typically want a battle-style layout with a high-quality, adjustable crossfader and performance controls geared towards scratching. Mobile DJs may have different requirements again, particularly when it comes to inputs and outputs.

2} What setup you plan on using it with

Think about what you’ll actually be connecting to the mixer — usually turntables, media players, or both. Software compatibility may also be relevant with certain mixers if you use rekordbox, Serato or Traktor.

3} What you’re looking to achieve

If you’re building a more advanced setup, you may need additional channels, more flexible routing, or connections for external hardware such as FX units, drum machines and synthesizers.

4} Your budget

DJ mixers vary enormously in price, so consider which features you actually need rather than simply buying the most expensive model you can afford.

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1. Numark M6 USB

Best suited to:

Budget-conscious DJs needing 4 channels

Approximate price:

US$249 | €210 | £190 | AU$349

Overview:

The Numark M6 USB is easily the cheapest mixer on this list and one of the more affordable ways to get a full 4-channel setup.

There’s plenty of connectivity for the money, with enough inputs to hook up multiple turntables and/or media players. The USB connection also lets you mix audio from music-player software and record your DJ sets directly to a computer, while the dedicated XLR mic channel is useful for talkover and mix shows.

Despite being over 15 years old, the M6 USB is still a solid beginner option if 4 channels are a priority. The trade-off is its fairly basic feature set — there are no filters or other built-in FX — but at this price, that’s understandable.

Also visit the product page or watch the feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

4 channel mixer	USB/laptop connection (PC or MAC, type B), record your mix to your computer
3-band EQ	LED Metering
Multiple phono, line, and mic inputs	Dedicated XLR Mic channel (plus second Mic input on channel 4)
Replaceable crossfader with slope control	1 x 1/4″ headphone jack

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2. Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2

Best suited to:

Budget-conscious beginners and aspiring scratch DJs

Approximate price:

US$419 | €399 | £360 | AU$735

Overview:

The DJM-250MK2 is Pioneer DJ’s entry-level 2-channel mixer, but it borrows some useful features from further up the range, including the Magvel crossfader and Sound Color FX filter.

The simple, uncluttered layout makes it easy for beginners to get to grips with, while the solid build and adjustable crossfader also make it a good option for aspiring scratch DJs. For the price, it’s a capable little mixer that covers the essentials without throwing too much at you.

It also works with rekordbox and rekordbox DVS, with a built-in USB sound card allowing you to connect directly to your laptop. Traktor Scratch DVS is supported too.

Also visit the product page or watch the feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

2 channel mixer + Mic	3-band total kill EQs
Low & high pass filter with parameter control	Sound Color FX (built-in)
Magvel Crossfader	Compatible with rekordbox DJ and rekordbox DVS ready
Built-in USB soundcard, just plug in your laptop (24-bit/48kHz)	Analogue Inputs: 2 x stereo RCA (phono), 3 x stereo RCA (line), 1 x 1/4″ (mic)
Analogue Outputs: 2 x XLR (master), 1 x stereo RCA (master 2)	2 x headphone output (1/4 inch Jack, mini-jack)

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3. Allen & Heath Xone:24

Best suited to:

DJs wanting a compact, high-quality analogue mixer

Approximate price:

US$599 | €350 | £340 | AU$699

Overview:

Despite sitting in our ‘entry-level’ category, don’t be fooled: the Xone:24 is a genuinely capable mixer that you’re unlikely to outgrow quickly. Released by Allen & Heath in late 2025 as the replacement for the Xone:23, it’s a strong option if you want a simple 2-channel setup without compromising on quality.

The 2+1-channel layout includes dual phono/line RCA inputs, making it ideal for turntables or media players, while the dedicated XLR mic input adds some useful flexibility for smaller setups.

Sound is one of its biggest strengths. True to the Xone name, you get a warm, controlled sound from the 100% analogue signal path, along with the classic voltage-controlled Xone filter and improved per-channel EQ.

High-gain RIAA preamps, illuminated controls and RGB channel meters round things out, while the Mini InnoFADER crossfader is another welcome addition. Overall, there’s a lot to like here for the money, particularly for DJs who want a straightforward analogue mixer with room to grow.

Also visit the manufacturer’s product page.

Key features/specs:

2 + 1 analogue DJ mixer	Mini InnoFADER crossfader control
3-band isolator EQ	2 x Dual RCA Stereo (master insert: send, return)
Classic Xone:VCF with high-pass, low-pass, and resonance control	Low-noise, high-gain RIAA preamp
100% true analog signal, with dedicated booth and record outputs	Master Insert FX loop
3.5mm and 1/4″ headphone outputs

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4. Pioneer DJ DJM-A9

Best suited to:

DJs wanting a club-standard setup at home

Approximate price:

US$2,899 | €2,550 | £2,350 | AU$4,599

Overview:

Released in March 2023, the DJM-A9 is Pioneer DJ’s flagship 4-channel mixer and our top club mixer pick. It replaced the long-standing DJM-900NXS2 and has since become a familiar sight in DJ booths around the world.

The layout will feel immediately familiar to anyone who’s used the DJM-900NXS2, but there are some significant upgrades, including improved sound quality from the 32-bit converters, updated connectivity and an expanded selection of FX.

One of the more useful additions is Center Lock for the Sound Color FX, which stops the knob at the 12 o’clock position when enabled. You also get a larger display with more customization options, dual headphone outputs with independent cueing — particularly handy for back-to-backs and DJ changeovers — improved microphone controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

Pioneer has also opened up the layout with more space around the EQ controls, while the channel faders and Magvel crossfader have been redesigned with improved materials. Overall, it feels like a thoughtful evolution of the familiar Pioneer club-mixer layout rather than a complete rethink.

The DJM-A9 supports rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, and is also compatible with the Stagehand app, allowing venue staff to wirelessly monitor mixer activity from an iPad over Wi-Fi.

Also visit the official product page.

Key features/specs:

4-channel professional club mixer	Dedicated microphone FX
32-bit A/D and D/A converters	Dual independent headphone outputs
3-band EQ on each channel	Dual USB-B and USB-C connections for DJ changeovers
6 Sound Color FX	Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
Center Lock for Sound Color FX	Dedicated send/return for external FX
14 Beat FX	rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro support
Touchscreen X-Pad for FX control	Stagehand and ShowKontrol support
Fully adjustable Magvel faders

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5. Allen & Heath Xone:PX5

Best suited to:

DJs wanting flexible analogue/digital connectivity

Approximate price:

US$1,799 | €1,250 | £1,070 | AU$2,299

Overview:

Alongside the warm, high-quality sound Allen & Heath is known for, the Xone:PX5 offers some of the best analogue and digital connectivity in this section, with a dedicated send control on each channel for external FX processing.

The 4+1-channel layout makes it a particularly versatile option for more elaborate setups, while there’s also a good selection of built-in FX, including reverbs, modulators, flangers and distorters. The effects are intuitive to use and fit nicely into the overall workflow of the mixer.

One limitation is the single USB connection, which isn’t ideal for laptop changeovers. That aside, the PX5 is an excellent alternative to the DJM-A9 if you don’t need the familiar Pioneer club layout and want to spend considerably less.

It also works as a standalone mixer with a wide range of analogue and digital gear, while supporting DVS control with Traktor Scratch.

Also visit the product page or watch the feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

4+1-channel DJ mixer	Master insert FX loop
3-band total-kill EQ	MIDI clock/out and MIDI over USB
Xone:VCF filter with frequency and resonance control	Adjustable fader curves
Built-in Xone:Xcite FX	Replaceable, Innofader-compatible crossfader
24-bit/96kHz USB audio interface	Traktor Scratch DVS compatible
Dedicated send/return for external FX	Dedicated booth and record outputs

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6. Denon DJ X1850 Prime

Best suited to:

DJs using a Denon DJ setup

Approximate price:

US$1,199 | €1,820 | £1,380 | AU$1,799

Overview:

Next up is Denon DJ’s X1850 Prime, a professional 4-channel club mixer with plenty of connectivity and excellent sound quality.

Alongside comprehensive EQ and filter controls, you get 16 built-in effects, two dedicated mic channels and MIDI sync for connecting external instruments. There’s a lot of flexibility here, particularly if you like incorporating additional gear into your setup.

The X1850 really comes into its own when paired with Denon DJ’s SC6000 or SC6000M media players, with the built-in 5-port LAN hub allowing multiple compatible devices to communicate with each other.

It’s also compatible with Serato DJ Pro. Overall, it’s a strong club-mixer option, especially for DJs already invested in — or considering — a Denon DJ setup.

For more insight, visit the product page or watch Denon’s feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

4-channel professional club mixer	Dual USB connections for DJ changeovers
24-bit/96kHz digital audio	Adjustable Flex-Fader crossfader
3-band EQ with isolation mode	5-port LAN hub for compatible Denon DJ players
igh/low-pass filter on each channe	MIDI sync for external hardware
16 BPM FX with FX Quantize	Dedicated send/return for external FX
Dedicated Sweep FX on each channel	Serato DJ Pro compatible
Dual microphone inputs with EQ and Talk Over	Dedicated booth and record outputs

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7. Pioneer DJ DJM-750Mk2

Best suited to:

DJs wanting a more affordable club-style mixer

Approximate price:

US$1,400 | €1,300 | £1,100 | AU$2,349

Overview:

The DJM-750MK2 sits between Pioneer DJ’s entry-level DJM-250MK2 and the flagship DJM-A9, offering the familiar club-style layout and many of the same core features at a considerably lower price.

You get four Sound Color FX, 11 Beat FX, a Magvel crossfader and a dedicated mic section, along with enough connectivity to accommodate most DJ setups and external hardware.

At roughly half the price of the DJM-A9, there are naturally a few compromises. There’s no X-Pad in the FX section, you get fewer effects overall, and the single USB connection means convenient laptop changeovers are off the table.

That said, if you want a capable 4-channel Pioneer mixer with a familiar club-style workflow but don’t need everything the A9 offers, the DJM-750MK2 remains a strong option. It also supports rekordbox and rekordbox DVS.

Also visit the product page or watch Pioneer’s feature overview video for more.

Key features/specs:

4-channel professional DJ mixer	USB audio interface
64-bit/96kHz mixing processor	Dual headphone outputs
3-band EQ with switchable isolator mode	rekordbox and rekordbox DVS support
4 Sound Color FX	Dedicated mic input
11 Beat FX	Dedicated booth output
FX Frequency control	Record output
Magvel crossfader	Phono inputs for turntables
Independent send/return for external FX

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8. Pioneer DJ DJM-S11

Best suited to:

Professional scratch DJs

Approximate price:

US$2,269 | €2,000 | £1,880 | AU$3,389

Overview:

The DJM-S11 is Pioneer DJ’s flagship scratch mixer, replacing the previous flagship DJM-S9. It has the classic battle-style layout with paddle FX controls and works out of the box with both Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox.

One of the biggest additions is the customizable 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, which puts a huge amount of control over both the mixer and software directly at your fingertips. You also get 64-bit mixing and processing, and the sound quality is excellent.

There’s plenty here for performance-focused DJs, including 3-band EQ and filter controls on each channel, 22 built-in Beat FX, 16 RGB backlit performance pads and an improved Magvel Pro crossfader. You can also control two additional software decks.

For scratch DJs who want one of the most fully featured mixers available, the S11 is difficult to fault, although the sheer number of features could be overkill for some. It’s also worth noting that there’s no Split Cue if you prefer mixing entirely in your headphones.

For more information, also visit the product page or watch Pioneer’s feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

2-channel professional scratch mixer	Adjustable Magvel Pro crossfader
64-bit mixing and processing	Customizable crossfader curve and resistance
4.3-inch customizable colour touchscreen	Dual USB connections for DJ changeovers
3-band EQ and filter controls on each channel	Dedicated mic input
22 built-in Beat FX	Dedicated booth output
Simultaneous control of built-in and software FX	Serato DJ Pro integration
16 RGB performance pads	Serato DVS support
Control of up to 4 software decks	rekordbox compatible

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9. Rane Seventy-Two MkII

Best suited to:

Professional scratch DJs using Serato

Availability:

The Seventy-Two MkII has now been discontinued and is becoming increasingly difficult to find new. You may still find remaining stock or used models, but availability varies considerably.

Overview:

Next up is Rane’s flagship scratch mixer, the Seventy-Two MkII. It’s built like a tank, as you’d expect from Rane, and designed to integrate tightly with Serato DJ Pro.

Similar to the DJM-S11, there’s a customizable 4.3-inch full-colour touchscreen for viewing waveforms, browsing and selecting tracks, controlling FX and accessing various other performance features.

There’s plenty to work with on the effects side too, with the ability to combine up to six Serato FX with the onboard FLEX FX, including echo, reverb and flanger. You also get 16 Akai performance pads — eight per deck — with independent mode controls for Scratch Bank access and more.

While it pairs particularly well with Rane’s digital turntables, the Seventy-Two MkII is still a fully standalone mixer, so you’re free to use it with analogue or digital setups. Sound quality is excellent, and the fully adjustable Mag Four crossfader is another strong point for scratch DJs.

The main limitation is the lack of send/return, so you won’t be able to hook up third-party FX units. For more information, visit the product page or watch Rane’s full feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

2-channel professional scratch mixer	Dual DVS inputs
4.3-inch full-colour touchscreen	Dual USB connections for DJ changeovers
16 Akai MPC-style performance pads	Dual microphone inputs
Onboard FLEX FX	Dedicated booth and session outputs
Control of up to 6 Serato FX	Serato DJ Pro and DVS integration
Adjustable Mag Four crossfader	Serato Pitch ’n Time and DVS vinyl included
3-band EQ and filter controls	Solid steel construction

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10. Reloop Elite

Best suited to:

Scratch DJs wanting a more affordable alternative to the flagship models

Approximate price:

US$1,300 | €1,285 | £1,099 | AU$2,099

Overview:

The Reloop Elite is a fully featured 2-channel performance mixer designed around Serato DJ Pro and DVS, with the software and DVS expansion pack included.

There’s a lot packed into the unit, including 16 large RGB performance pads with up to 12 modes per deck, dual OLED displays for visual feedback on effects, BPM and beat divisions, customizable Innofader Pro faders, Tweak FX and a dedicated onboard Loop section. Dual USB audio interfaces also provide 24-bit audio and allow two laptops to be connected simultaneously.

At around $1,300 US, the Elite is considerably cheaper than the flagship scratch mixers we’ve just covered, while still offering a solid all-metal construction and plenty of performance functionality. It also pairs well with Reloop’s 8000MKII hybrid turntables.

There are no paddle FX controls, which may be a drawback depending on your preferred workflow. That said, the Elite was developed in collaboration with scratch DJs and turntablists, and it shows — the layout is well thought out and well suited to performance-focused mixing.

For more information, visit the product page or watch this review video.

Key features/specs:

2-channel performance scratch mixer	Dual Serato FX control sections
16 large RGB performance pads	Dedicated onboard Loop section
Up to 12 performance modes per deck	Dual 24-bit USB audio interfaces
Dual OLED displays	Two-laptop connectivity
Innofader Pro crossfader	Built-in USB hub
Adjustable fader curves and reverse function	Mic/line input with 2-band EQ, echo and talkover
Tweak FX with multiple effect modes	Serato DJ Pro and DVS included

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11. Pioneer DJ DJM-S5

Best suited to:

Beginner and hobbyist scratch DJs

Approximate price:

US$850 | €780 | £720 | AU$1,499

Overview:

Targeted at beginners and hobbyists, the DJM-S5 is a 2-channel scratch mixer that brings several features from Pioneer DJ’s more expensive models into a simpler, more affordable package. It’s designed to integrate tightly with Serato DJ Pro while also working as a standalone mixer.

The distinctive red faceplate certainly stands out, while performance features include four pads per deck with 13 different modes, large paddle FX controls that let you layer up to three Serato FX per deck, and the same Magvel Fader Pro found on the flagship DJM-S11, complete with Feeling Adjust for changing the crossfader tension.

Compared with the more expensive scratch mixers above, there’s a lot less going on here — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The uncluttered layout makes the S5 much more approachable for beginners, while Scratch Cutter and Crossfader Hot Cue add a couple of extra performance tools to play with.

The two USB Type-C connections also give you flexible power options, allowing the S5 to run from a connected laptop or external battery pack. Just bear in mind that there’s no Split Cue.

Also visit the product page or watch Pioneer’s feature overview video.

Key features/specs:

2-channel scratch mixer	Scratch Cutter with 6 scratch patterns
3-band EQ and filter on each channel	Crossfader Hot Cue
8 performance pads (4 per deck)	USB-C bus powered
13 pad modes	Microphone audio sent through USB for streaming
Large FX paddles	Serato DJ Pro and Serato DVS support
Control of up to 3 Serato FX per deck	Dedicated master and booth outputs
Magvel Fader Pro crossfader with Feeling Adjust

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12. Traktor Kontrol Z2

Overview:

The Traktor Kontrol Z2 is Native Instruments’ 2+2-channel scratch/battle mixer, designed to integrate tightly with Traktor Pro. While you can still find the Z2 through certain online retailers, it has officially been discontinued by NI.

Despite being released more than a decade ago, the Z2 remains a well-regarded mixer among Traktor users and battle DJs. Alongside its two main channels, you get two additional Remix Deck channels accessible through the software, plus a built-in 24-bit sound card.

There’s no doubt it’s still a cracking mixer, but its discontinued status and limited availability make it difficult to recommend buying one today. Consider this more of a shout-out to a long-standing favourite than one of our current recommendations.

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13. Allen & Heath Xone:96

Best suited to:

Advanced hybrid and vinyl setups

Approximate price:

US$2,499 | €1,770 | £1,700 | AU$3,499

Overview:

The Xone:96 from Allen & Heath is a high-end 6+2-channel hybrid DJ mixer and the successor to the hugely popular Xone:92. With a built-in 32-bit, 24-channel soundcard and extensive connectivity, it’s well suited to DJs running more elaborate setups with turntables, laptops, synthesizers, drum machines and external effects.

You get 4-band EQ on channels 1–4, including separate low-mid and high-mid controls, plus 3-band EQ on each stereo return. There are also dual Xone VCF filters with Crunch harmonic distortion, two FX sends and four stereo returns, dual USB ports for back-to-back sets, and an InnoFader crossfader. Traktor Scratch DVS is supported out of the box.

The Xone:96 really comes into its own with complex hybrid setups, where its extra channels and routing options give you plenty of room to work. It’s equally appealing for vinyl-focused DJs, though, with a 100% analogue internal signal path and the warm, detailed sound Allen & Heath mixers are known for.

For more resources, also check out the feature overview video from Sweetwater or visit the manufacturer’s product page.

Key features/specs:

6+2-channel analogue DJ mixer	Four main stereo channels with 4-band EQ
Dual Xone:VCF filters with HPF, BPF, LPF, resonance and Crunch	Dual 24-channel, 32-bit/96kHz USB soundcards
Two independent USB connections	Traktor Scratch certified for DVS
Four phono inputs for turntables	Two dedicated stereo FX sends
Four stereo returns	Innofader Mini crossfader
Dual independent headphone cue systems	Dedicated booth output with 3-band EQ
Two XLR microphone inputs	Balanced XLR master output
MIDI via USB and 5-pin DIN	X:Link connection for Xone:K controllers

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14. Pioneer DJ DJM-V10

Best suited to:

Advanced club and hybrid setups

Approximate price:

US$3,899 | €3,280 | £2,720 | AU$6,649

Overview:

Next up is the Pioneer DJ DJM-V10, a high-end 6-channel digital mixer designed for club and more elaborate performance setups. Sound quality is a major strength, with 32-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A converters and 64-bit internal mixing processing. It works with rekordbox and also supports Traktor Pro and Serato DJ Pro.

Each of the six channels gets a 4-band EQ, dedicated filter with resonance control and its own compressor, giving you considerably more control than a conventional 4-channel club mixer. There’s also a selection of built-in Beat FX, dual headphone outputs for independent monitoring, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and dedicated booth output with 2-band EQ.

Connectivity is another big selling point. The extensive send/return section makes it easy to incorporate external effects and instruments, while the six-channel layout leaves plenty of room for drum machines, synthesizers and other hardware.

Like the Xone:96, the DJM-V10 makes the most sense for DJs who actually need that extra routing and flexibility. For a conventional two- or four-deck setup it’s probably overkill, but for complex hybrid setups, there aren’t many mixers that offer this much control.

Also visit the product page.

Key features/specs:

6-channel professional DJ mixer	4-band EQ on each channel
Dedicated compressor on each channel	High/low-pass filter with resonance control on each channel
96kHz/64-bit internal mixing processing	32-bit A/D and D/A converters
Four built-in Send FX	External send/return for up to two FX units
Beat FX with touchscreen X-Pad control	3-band master isolator
Dual independent headphone monitoring	Dedicated booth output with EQ
Dual USB-B connections for DJ changeovers	6 digital and 6 RCA line inputs
4 phono inputs for turntables	Rekordbox, Serato DJ Pro and Traktor Pro support

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15. PLAYdifferently: MODEL 1

Best suited to:

High-end vinyl and hybrid setups

Availability:

The MODEL 1 is becoming increasingly difficult to find new, with availability now limited across many major retailers. You may still find remaining stock or used models, but availability varies considerably between regions.

Overview:

Last up is the PLAYdifferently MODEL 1, a high-end 6-channel analogue mixer designed for DJs and electronic musicians. Co-designed by Richie Hawtin, the manufacturer describes it as a “performance instrument” — and its unconventional layout certainly sets it apart from a typical club mixer.

Sound quality is one of the MODEL 1’s biggest strengths, with its fully analogue circuitry making it particularly appealing for vinyl and other analogue sources.

Rather than conventional per-channel EQ, you get sculpting EQ and contouring filters for more precise control over the sound. There’s also a sophisticated dual cue system that allows two DJs to monitor independently, along with rugged 60mm channel faders.

The MODEL 1 definitely won’t suit everyone. There’s no crossfader, and the workflow takes a different approach to the club mixers most DJs will be familiar with. For the right DJ, though — particularly someone building a high-end vinyl or hybrid setup — that’s precisely what makes it such an interesting option.

Also visit the product page.

Key features/specs:

6-channel fully analogue mixer	2 stereo return channels
Precision Sculpting EQ on each channel	Contouring high-pass and low-pass filters
Analogue Drive control on each input	3 high-performance phono preamps
2 stereo FX sends	Custom TKD 60mm channel faders
Dual independent headphone cue systems	Master high-pass and low-pass resonant filters
3-band master EQ	2-band booth EQ
Fully balanced mix bus	Dual Mixer Link system
Balanced Tascam DB25 inputs and output	Front-mounted 3.5mm record output

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FAQ:

What are the best DJ mixers for beginners?

For beginners on a budget, the Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2 is a great all-round option, while the Numark M6 USB is worth considering if you need four channels. The Allen & Heath Xone:24 costs a little more but offers a step up in build and sound quality. For aspiring scratch DJs, the Pioneer DJ DJM-S5 is our pick.

Which are the best brands for DJ mixers?

Some of the most established DJ mixer brands include Pioneer DJ, Allen & Heath, Rane, Denon DJ, Reloop and Numark. For higher-end and more specialist mixers, PLAYdifferently is another notable name.

How much does a good DJ mixer cost?

A good DJ mixer can cost anywhere from around $200 to well over $3,000 USD, depending on the number of channels, features, connectivity and overall build quality. For most home setups, though, you certainly don’t need to spend thousands — there are plenty of excellent options available for under $1,000.

What’s the difference between digital and analogue DJ mixers?

An analogue DJ mixer keeps the audio signal in the analogue domain throughout its signal path, whereas a digital mixer converts the incoming audio into digital data for processing before converting it back for output.

Analogue mixers are often favoured for their character and straightforward signal path, particularly by vinyl DJs, while digital mixers typically offer more built-in effects, routing options and integration with DJ software and other digital equipment.

What’s the difference between a club mixer and a scratch mixer?

Club mixers can have 2, 4 or more channels, although 4-channel layouts are particularly common in professional club setups. Scratch mixers are usually 2-channel, with a battle-style layout, high-quality adjustable crossfader and performance controls geared towards scratching and turntablism.

Can I use a DJ mixer with software like Serato or rekordbox?

It depends on the mixer and how you intend to use the software. Some mixers have built-in audio interfaces and direct integration with platforms such as Serato DJ Pro, rekordbox or Traktor. Others — including some high-end analogue mixers — are designed primarily as standalone hardware, so using DJ software may require a separate audio interface or DVS setup.

What is DVS?

In plain English, DVS (digital vinyl system) is a technology that allows you to mix digital music files on your turntables. It’s made possible with a unique ‘’timecode disc’’ (a uniquely coded vinyl record), which communicates through a DVS interface (typically a small box with audio inputs and outputs) to your DJ software on your laptop.

What is Split Cue on a DJ mixer?

Split Cue allows you to mix entirely in your headphones. In a professional environment, this is extremely usual if the venue has poor quality or non-existent monitors. In a home environment (or shared living space), Split Cue is great if you can’t make any noise as it allows you to practice and even record a professional mix without anyone hearing a thing.

What is ‘record out’ on a DJ mixer?

Record Out is a dedicated output connection that allows you to record your DJ sets. This is useful in a live environment when both the master and booth outputs are in use. This recording won’t be affected by any volume changes associated with the main or booth speakers.

What does Silent Cue do on a scratch mixer?

Pioneer DJ says: ‘’This feature mutes the deck until you press a Hot Cue. When Silent Cue is turned on, you can silently cue a track with the channel fader raised and the crossfader open on your mixer. Then, press a Hot Cue to drop the track into your mix without needing to touch the faders.

Also, if you’re using turntables with rekordbox DVS or Serato DVS, and Silent Cue is turned on, the music will start at the correct BPM when you press play on a stopped deck – you won’t hear the music gradually speeding up as the deck works up to full speed.’’

How do I connect a DJ mixer to speakers?

Connect your DJ mixer to speakers using RCA or XLR cables. Plug one end into the mixer’s output, matching left and right channels, and the other end into the corresponding inputs on the speakers. Ensure proper power and volume settings on both devices for optimal sound quality.