RS Recommends
Get in the Mix: The Best Mixing Boards for DJs and Sound Engineers Alike
When it comes to creating a memorable set, the secret is knowing how master your mix
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Take it from Jonas Blue, the U.K.-based DJ and producer known for his hits with Rita Ora, JP Cooper, and his tropical house remix of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car:” When it comes to creating a memorable DJ set, the secret is knowing how master your mix.
“A turntable is the classic DJ’s weapon for playing vinyl,” he explains, “but the mixer is the device that actually allows you to blend multiple tracks together to create a mix.”
In other words, you’ll need a mixer to add and edit multiple audio signals into one track. The audio could come from a turntable, cassette deck, CD player, laptop, or microphone. A mixer lets you blend the different sounds together, either for a straight-forward track, or one that’s turned-up with special digital effects. And while it’s easy to confuse these setups with those giant mixing boards you see at nightclubs and concert halls, a DJ mixer typically has fewer inputs, condensing those audio units into a more portable and efficient package.
When it comes to finding a reliable mixer, there are a number of things to consider. The first, is finding a quality preamplifier (or “preamp”) that will help level up your audio signals for processing and amplification. A preamp can also boost a low signal, so that your mix sounds cleaner and more even.
Next, you’ll want to look at compressors and equalizers, which let your adjust the dynamics of an audio signal, to punch up the guitars, say, or turn up the bass. Equalizers also help you balance out highs and lows, to get that perfect sound mix.
Finally, look for mixers that come pre-loaded with sound effects. “A mixer for me needs to have some sort of effects, as it’s a big part of how I might hype up the crowd in certain parts of a track, using the delays and filters for instance,” Blue says.
While Blue is a fan of the Pioneer DJM 900 (purchase, $2134.50 on Amazon.com), there are a number of more affordable options online that deliver similar features for a more accessible price-point. While some of these are mixing boards used by sound engineers and stage techs, they’re also versatile enough for those just getting started with DJ-ing, or professional DJs who need an extra (smaller) mixer to take on-the-go.
1. Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 DJ Mixer
Everyone from producers to performers rave about the DJM-900NXS2 mixer from Pioneer — and for good reason. This professional-quality mixer features a robust, 64-bit mixing processor for richer, more nuanced sound.
While regular mixing boards can be used for DJ-ing, this unit is designed specifically for DJs, with a full range of studio-quality sound FX available on every channel. You can customize which frequency range you want to apply the FX to, allowing you to layer vocals, for example, or double up the drum beat to add a little oomph. You’ll also find 14 different types of Beat FX.
Pioneer is known for its audio technology and this mixer delivers improved EQ for a better balance of highs, mids, and lows and reduced noise thanks to improved pre-amp and output circuits. The result is clean, crisp sound that really resonates.
Two USB ports and a top-loaded A/B switcher let you hook-up two laptops for seamless DJ transitions. The four phono inputs, meantime, let you to connect a turntable to each channel.
What we like: the well-made faders are smooth and consistent, while users say the sturdy unit is “built like a rock.” Many users say they’ve used Pioneer mixers for years without any problems.
PROS: An extremely capable, intuitive mixer with multiple options to customize your tracks.
CONS: The priciest option on our list. DJ software is also not included in this package.
2. Mackie PROFX12V2 Mixer
Great for small band gigs or a full-fledged DJ set, this mixer from Mackie gets you six Vita preamps for your mic, guitar, keyboard and other instruments to plug into. The “ReadyFX” effects engine gets you 16 commonly-used effects like reverbs, delays, and choruses, while users say the built-in USB interface lets you connect your tracks for easy mixing, recording or playback.
For fine-tuning your levels, each channel features its own individual 3-band EQ; a 7-band graphic EQ lets you fine-tune your PA and monitors.
Designed specifically for live sound (and for managing live PA), Mackie says its Vita preamps are virtually noiseless, with features like feedback stabilization and bias current optimization for discreet, low-noise performance.
PROS: Easy to use and great for small to medium-sized projects like a speaking engagement, small club gig, or podcast.
CONS: Some users say the USB connection generated a lot of background noise. Also: this set comes with six mic inputs and 12 line inputs; if you need extra inputs or outputs, go with the larger unit.
3. Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer
Yamaha is known for their professional audio equipment, and the same technology used in their high-end models is found in this value-packed package.
What we like: the studio-grade preamps boost your audio to more consistent levels, resulting in smoother, more accurate sound. The 3-band equalizers and high-pass filters let you eliminate low-frequency noise, for a cleaner, tighter mix.
Choose from a straight-forward pass, or use Yamaha’s SPX digital multi-effect processor to add, edit and mix different effects into your track. Users say the reverb in particular, is surprisingly warm.
PROS: Rugged, durable case; users like the bi-directional USB interface.
CONS: Some say the unit gets quite hot.
4. Behringer Xenyx 502 Premium 5-Input 2-Bus Mixer
Great for presentations, recitals, solo gigs, and other intimate settings, this Behringer set gets you all the basic functions of a mixer in a slim, portable package.
The 5-input deck is enough to start mixing and recording, and a separate headphone output let you plug in for a closer listen (and to cue up your tracks). The mic preamp, meantime, can accommodate either a dynamic or condenser microphone.
The so-called 2-band “British EQ” gets its name from mixing consoles used by sound engineers in London in the 60s and 70s. Though Behringer is a German brand, they use the “British EQ” term here to denote what they say is a warmer, richer, more fluid sound than other models.
PROS: At just 1.2 pounds, it’s the lightest option on our list.
CONS: Only one EQ channel and no effects/reverb; some users found it difficult to set up.