DJ-Mixer
A DJ mixer is a special mixer for DJs.
The most striking differences on the DJ mixer to the majority of audio mixing consoles for the PA area are the presence of a crossfader, the restriction to line-level signals (less or entirely missing mic preamps ), and the simpler equipment with filters in the channel strips.
- 3.1 Clubmixers
- 3.2 Battle Mixer
Operation
DJ Mixer have similar duties and functions as a mixer, only that they are adapted to the needs of DJs ( disc jockeys ). DJ Mixer are very robust in general.
With the help of various potentiometers different audio sources can be merged into a sum signal. Depending on the features of the device it is possible to edit the individual signals before summation in the frequency spectrum. DJ Mixer work with two-or multi -channel stereo technique that can be individually adjusted.
Parameter
In the following section, the main parameters of the DJ mixer are presented. Since there are many manufacturers in the field of DJ Mixer, there are also many different names of the functions. The discussed here are the most commonly used, other names can be derived. Due to the abundance of different mixers that list only describes the standard functions.
Trim / Level / Gain
This controller brings the signal to an optimum operating level. By proper adjustment of the incoming signals at the working level of the mixer distortion can be minimized ( due to high signal level) and noise ( due to low signal level).
Linefader
The line faders makes the individual signals louder or quieter. It usually has a fader track of 45 mm to 100 mm. It can be used both slow fades and fast Breakes realize. For some scratch techniques it is used.
Crossfader
Probably the most important difference to the mixer is the crossfader. This can blend two or more channels, without having to use the line faders. The crossfader is a frequently used function of DJs. Especially in the Battle area it is of particular importance. With a crossfader you can, for example, play into each track.
C. F. Curve
The CF - Curve is not adjustable in all DJ mixers. It defines the distance it takes for the Crossfader (CF ) to a signal full display. A lower value makes the Curve active fader track to shrink to a minimum. Thus, transitions can be realized in a fraction of a second. This feature is extremely important for the scratching.
EQ
The Equalizer (EQ) is the DJ mixer usually consist of a three-band filter, the broadband behaves normally. This means these mixers that for treble, mid and bass are each a rotary potentiometer usually that allows to change the volume of each frequency range.
Killswitch
Some blender models have a kill switch key or a kill switch button. This function removes all frequencies of the respective frequency band immediately. This function is mainly used for electronic music. The suppression of the respective frequency band there is a very steep-sided filter. The slope amounts to at least 12dB per octave.
Pan
The panoramic potentiometer allowing the DJ to adjust the signals in the stereo relationship. L is left and R also stands for right.
Areas of application
Club Mixer
Clubmixers are often installed permanently in catering establishments and therefore require a variety of channels, so that the hassle of swapping cables is not required. They usually have at least four channels and a crossfader that can be assigned to each channel. Also, a microphone input for announcements and small performance arts is a standard in the club mixers.
In addition to the standard functions described above Clubmixers often have more technical features, such as an effect unit that allows the DJ to decorate his mix with reverb, delay or chorus effects, etc.. Some mixers even whole Sampler are built in support Loopsampling. A very widespread club mixer is the DJM series, Pioneer ( DJM -500 or its successor ).
Battle Mixer
Battle Mixer differ mainly in the facilities of the club mixers. They are adapted to the specific requirements of Battles. One can generally say that Battle Mixer have fewer features than Clubmixers because they are designed for scratching and juggling and therefore be limited to the most necessary equipment. In addition to the two channels, which includes a battle mixer, many manufacturers have started, yet to integrate a session input into the device, which is used to combine two Battle Mixer with each other.
Battle Mixer are extremely robust, and their design is quickly manageable. The faders are very smooth running and durable, in them are also the largest qualitative differences among the Battle mixers. Almost all parts of the mixer are interchangeable and are sold separately by the manufacturers. A typical battle mixer, the PMC -07 Pro from Vestax.