Two Channel Mixers… It’s a Jungle Out There

The two channel mixer market is absolutely overflowing – and that’s just the crop currently sitting on shop shelves. Delve further back through manufacturers’ portfolios and there’s a near endless line of discontinued yet still perfectly viable mixers going strong in-between innumerable decks. Even though many DJs are moving towards all in one digital setups, it still pays to have a solid DJ mixer around for many purposes. How do you decide what’s right for you?

Why do I need a mixer, you might ask? Well for starters, anyone using DVS technology like Serato or Traktor Scratch needs a mixer for audio control. Then, for the controller only crowd, a mixer can actually offer a great value and a very tactile, high quality control surface. For less than $600 you can get 2 midi-fighters, and a decent 2 channel mixer, and as Ean Golden showed us in the video bellow- there is a lot that can be done with the combo. This set up travels really well too, as the critical software functions go in your bag but the spacious mixer functions are always available in a club.

To many a beginner, a mixer is a mixer (is a mixer). To a certain extent that’s true; bargain basement mixers tend to be much of a muchness, and that muchness typically isn’t particularly high fidelity. There are plenty of sub £100/$150 mixers on the market, but quite often it’s a better value proposition to scout the second hand market for an older, perhaps discontinued mixer with a good reputation.

Things start getting interesting when you hover around the £120/$180 mark. It’s at that price point where products begin to exhibit signs of quality and useful features. But what features do you need? These features, whilst not necessarily exclusive to two channel mixers, suit different styles – figure out what you want to do with your sets and buy based on what they can offer you:

FEATURES

Mic/Aux: some mixers have an entirely separate discrete channel for audio on top of the mixer’s standard inputs. It’s often got slightly cut back EQ capabilities, and volume will be a dial rather than a fader. If you want to drop samples while mixing or throw shout outs to your adoring crowd, though, it’s more than sufficient.

Faders: Unfortunately the days of the two-week fader aren’t completely behind us, and seriously low budget mixers tend to come with faders that don’t stand up very well to the rigours a scratch DJ might like to place upon them. There’s usually at least a half decent crossfader in midrange mixers, though, with channel faders’ presumed less vigorous usage affording them slightly lower faders. ‘Non contact’ faders should in theory last vastly longer than traditional faders, as instead of the fader relying on constantly wearing carbon tracks to tell its position, clever magnetic or optical technology does the same thing with nothing to wear down. A scratch DJ typically puts the crossfader (or its third party compatibility) at the centre of their purchase decision.

EQ: Not all EQ is created equal. A lot of EQ is similar, but some mixers stand out from the pack, for better or worse. ‘Full kill’, ie total frequency isolation, isn’t standard on all mixers and so the effectiveness varies amongst them. Some mixers, typically budget ones, only have a two band EQ. Some (like the Technics on show below) have a certain pleasant quality to the way they EQ the sound. EQ’s importance varies depending on your style – a sacrifice here could mean a bonus on one of the other functions.

Effects: You don’t need a four channel mixer to enjoy effects! That said, effects laden mixers do tend to come at a premium. If you’re a beginner it might be a good idea to concentrate on the basics when starting out. In addition, you might not see a mixer with the exact kind of effects you’re after; in both of these situations, a send/return could be the answer…

Send/Return: Does what it says on the tin – audio goes out through the send, at which point it’s connected to whatever you like – let’s say a reverb. The output from the reverb then goes into the return, and the signal is mixed with the original one. A mixer with a good send/return (sometimes called an effects loop) allows you to expand your setup with whatever effects you like.

Fader Start: Depending on your style and other equipment, fader start could be either be totally useless or, well, a bit useful. If your CD/media player also has a fader start function, moving the crossfader towards the channel it’s plugged in to can also start the media playing.

I’ve defined five price points for this guide; introductory, mid range, hybrid, prestige, and wait-a-second-how-much? Rather than exhaustively tackling every mixer on the market, I’ve picked some of the ones that stand out in each class. Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up…

INTRODUCTORY ( UNDER £120/$150)

The American Audio Q D5 MkII boasts EQs with full kill, an optical crossfader, mic and aux in, and balanced output. For the price, the Q D5 MkII is tough to beat. It’s slightly harsh sounding, but the crossfader’s optical design lasts a lot longer and feels a lot smoother than low quality contact faders, the mic input is good, and it’s got a sturdy, if slightly light feel.

Vestax’s  VMC002XL is a beginner oriented mixer, with good looks and ‘new Vestax’ sound quality. Its barebones feature set doesn’t exactly have the wow factor, but it’s built to a higher standard than most budget mixers.

 

MID RANGE (UNDER £300/$400)

The Allen & Heath Xone 22 is a mix DJ focused mixer, with a crowded appearance compared to most two channel competition. However, smooth, long mixing style DJs will appreciate its long faders and inclusion of the famous Allen & Heath analogue filter, as well as Allen & Heath quality headroom.

Numark’s X5 is a tank of a mixer, with three great faders, serious sound quality, looks to die for and a top notch input/output section. However, it’s lacking an effects loop. Its no nonsense layout and choice faders mean that for scratch DJs, the X5 is a serious contender.

The Ecler Nuo 2.0 is a slimline mixer with Ecler quality sound, a third, mic/aux switchable input, well implemented FX loop, and crossfader circuitry compatible with the Eternal fader. Its big, soft feeling pots are also fun to use.

HYBRID (UNDER £400/$400)

Enter Stanton’s M207. Once outside of bargain basement territory, most mixers in the two channel market tend to pander to scratch DJs at the expense of other features. The M207 goes in the other direction – its channel faders are long and its crossfader can’t compete with other manufacturers’ proprietary contactless designs, but to make up for it it has a full featured effects and sampler section. Operated by a selection of buttons but also putting Stanton’s touch pad R&D into use, the M207 is a different beast to most mixers in the market.

Pioneer have a lot of four channel mixers, but the DJM350 is their two channel go between, targeted at the bedroom user who wants to acquaint themselves with the Pioneer way in preparation for an upgrade. Faders and EQs feel and sound like the larger DJM models, although the effects implementation is slightly different. Still, the sound is familiar, and if you’re a mix DJ who wants to use effects, this might be worth a look.

PRESTIGE (£400/$400+)

The Vestax PMC05 Pro4 is the latest in a long line of mixers to bear the 05 moniker, but this incarnation has moved from the scratch centric mid quality efforts of the ProII and ProIII iterations firmly into prestige territory. Vestax’s new fader is superb, and the build quality of the unit is noteworthy. Sound quality builds on the PMC08 with much improved EQ and output over the 05/07 generation of Vestax scratch mixers, but the USP of the 05 Pro4 is its MIDI functionality. Six buttons on each side of the mixer can control functions in your favourite DJ software – but on top of that, the channel faders, crossfader, and transform switches can too.

Ecler’s HAK 360 and HAK 380 are similar mixers with different design choices. The 360 uses a horizontal layout for its EQ section, whereas the 380 opts for a more standard vertical layout, and slightly chunkier knobs. Both use the propietary Eternal magnetic crossfader, probably the lightest and most precise fader on the market, and unfortunately both also implement an FX loop in slightly clumsy ways. The 360 allows the effect to be simply on or off, with no wet/dry adjustment, whilst the 380 implements its FX loop globally, rather than per channel. Other than that, the HAK 360 and 380 have a mic/aux channel, full kill EQ and impeccable sound quality.

The Rane TTM56S features Rane’s own slick magnetic faders, terrific sound quality, and totally switchable inputs – up to four phono inputs or alternatively four line inputs can be selected. The FlexFX effects loop is one of the best send return implementations available, too.

Allen & Heath’s Xone 02 has formidable sound quality and superb build quality, and some nice features such as individually adjustable input levels for the phono/line sections, fader based EQs and dual input mic channel with three band EQ. Its FX loop has no wet/dry, though, and its EQ knobs are a little fiddly. The 02 has a Penny and Giles crossfader, and whilst an excellent feel its sharpness is slightly behind the curve (pun intended) when compared to newer technologies. The 2:02 is the same mixer as the 02 with a much more adjustable ProX fader inside, and for better or worse, a ‘cool’ faceplate.

WAIT-HOW-MUCH-DID-YOU-SAY?! (£$!!!)

Rodec’s Scratchbox is the concorde of two channel mixers. Built from the ground up to be the ultimate turntablist mixer with no compromises, its tank like construction, superb faders, excellent implementation of all its features and legendary Rodec sound quality. However, it really is for those who absolutely need to know they have the best – it’s very, very pricey.

The Rane TTM57SL is Rane’s all in one solution for Scratch Live users. Based on the TTM56, it also contains the equivalent of the SL1 hardware inside it, meaning that a USB connection to a computer is all you need for Scratch Live. A control panel for Scratch Live software functions allows you to utilise cues, effects and track management, and of course the mixer can be used in standalone mode as well. It’s worth bearing in mind that the SL1 has been overtaken in features and quality by the SL3 since the 57SL was released, and that it might well be easier to take around a DVS box than it is a complete mixer to the club.

Pioneer’s DJM909 has a big USP – it has onboard, touchscreen, fader operable and per channel effects. Sound quality is as good as you’d expect from the top flights of the DJM series, and the touch screen helps to make sure that the mixer, for all its features, doesn’t get too cramped. The proprietary optical crossfader has tension and lag adjust, but all this adds up and makes the DJM909 a very expensive proposition.

NEARLY NEW

Blame, or depending on how you look at it, praise our fickle nature. Manufacturers are forever tweaking and tuning their product lineup, and over the past decade there have been a glut of mixers that manufacturers threw into the market to see what stuck. Most of them have been retired, but their ghosts live on in the second hand market, and if you’re on a budget then you could net yourself a huge bargain by going previous-season. As always, you need to be careful whenever buying second hand, and if possible get your hands on gear first before shelling out – but if you do decide to go down the preowned route, here are a few hot tips.

Vestax 05s – there are a whole bunch of mixers in the PMC05 range -some of which can still be found new. All from mark II onwards share similar characteristics – PCV crossfaders, the old gold standard of scratch faders, two band EQ and average sound quality. There are bog standard models, a model with send/return, one with a sampler/delay, and the newest has fully VCA circuitry for slightly better sound. A bog standard one can be had for less than £80, one with the sampler/delay or send/return is sometimes seen for £150. There’s also the Samurai or D series version of the 05, which features a very light crossfader and some digital gimmickry, but they’re even less viable purchases on the second hand market than they were new.

Vestax 06s – similarly, there are a few types of 06, which are essentially an 05 in a slimline form. However, the 06’s differences boil down to colour and whether they are fully VCA or the original ProA offering. One important thing to note about the 06 is that without modification there’s no post fader headphone cueing. Look to pay less than £80/$140.

Stanton SA5 – the only mixer with a totally fader based design, the SA5 looks good, sounds great and has a Penny and Giles crossfader. It’s built to last, too. Look for less than £140/$220

Stanton SA3 – a beginner focused mixer, but with a nice design and fairly good quality all around, they beat out most budget mixers on the market now. Look for less than £60/$100

Numark Pro SM1/2 – cheap and cheerful, they may not be the best mixers but they have a good crossfader and pretty good audio quality – importantly, you can pick one up for next to nothing if you can find one and they’re usually better than new low budget mixers. Look for less than £60/$80

Technics SH-EX1200 – not the greatest crossfader cut in but it was workable for DMC championships for years. Interesting, slightly resonant 2 band EQ leading to pleasant effect, great build quality. Can sometimes be had for a song – but look for less than £150/$250

SUMMING UP

You’d be right to remark that there’s a void between the £120/$180 and £300/$400 classes of mixers. Whilst it’s not immediately clear why, the general industry move towards the forked path of four channel mixers/in the box mixing perhaps has something to do with it, but it also has a lot to do with the fact that real pro quality doesn’t come cheap, and manufacturers are a lot more cautious with their pricing and product lineup nowadays than they were in the mid 2000s.

It might not be a cut and dry decision, but if you make sure you don’t get swayed by flashing lights and too-good-to-be-true prices of budget models nor the best-in-class boasts of the prestige models, you can avoid buyers remorse and grab a mixer that’s just right for you.

About the author: Chris is a writer, artist and DJ who runs ohdratdigital.com, an online magazine for music and the arts.

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Comments (59)
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  • bmsuyi

    if i plug the ecler hak 380 to the stanton sk-6f beacouse the fx channels i’ll still have good sound quality or i loose a little?

  • Bless N' Mercy Sound

    Does anyone know a Dj mixer with 4 faders (2 Phono+4 Line Inputs)+ 1 Mic Input that have send/return for each Channel?
    Something Like The “behringer NOX606” But not behringer….

    • Al Berto

      Xone 42

  • Frederik

    Great information here. Looking to upgrade from a second cheap mixer <100 euro. Mailny for scratching and sampling. I was thinking about picking up an Vestax MPC5 3, not anymore!

  • Dbmlabs DJ Clothing

    Great list of mixers, it was back in the 90’s when there were a very few select mixers to choose from and now that technology is so much cheaper, users have much more selection

  • Nolan

    It’s funny, but I’ve owned 2 of the 3 “How Much Did You Say?!?” mixers (the Pioneer 909 previously and using the TTM57 SL for the past several years; both are incredibly nice mixers) and am now looking very seriously at getting my hands on a Rodec Scratchbox (although I may end up needing more channels).

    One thing that isn’t mentioned about the Rodec is that it almost acts as a 3 channel mixer (plus an additional Aux In) and the 3rd input can be used pretty creatively. I’d really love to try one out for a few weeks to see if it is a good fit for me; I’ve heard nothing but good things about this mixer.

  • DJ Jerome

    my best 2 channel mixer ….VESTAX PMC 250 … bulit for house but perfect for Drum N Bass

  • AENSLAED

    I just purchased a Nuo 2.0… It’s a great mixer! Accurate PFL metering, tracks don’t sound “opaque” when removing lows or highs (unlike pioneer bs), nice controls on faders, and great sound quality! It has a few downsides like missing pan control and extra use for the phono inputs, but for the price is a great upgrade.

  • Sito

    the Urei 1601 should be included in the “nearly new” section

  • Brad G.

    I have got the Zone :02 and love it! Those “figetey eq faders” are actually alot of fun for mixing once you get used to them. Also the up faders are super clean for scratching. Having the ability to mount your transform switches in whatever direction you want worked well for me. I have to admit that the cross fader cut knob is a little sensitive but this baby is it!

  • Hercules DJ Control MP3e2

    Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2, offers a vigorous set of features yet remains easy-to-use and reasonable for a wide audience of music fans.

    • Twinsloveme

      dude… hercules consoles are to controllers as pintos are to automobiles. A god damned embarassment to the rest of us

  • DJ Ben

    If your ever in doubt about what mixer to get (or CDJs) you can’t go past Pioneer – they are the industry standard for a reason!

    Pioneer for sound, power, calibration of its functions and basically as an all round durable mixer…

  • LaCosta

    you forgot the UREI SOUNDCRAFT 1601 thats an outstanding mixer…my votes for Ecler for the sound..Rene for the power but maybe the most complete one is the Pioneer909..

  • JayMan

    TTm56 FTW, everything else is Garbage!

  • Wyley

    I just want to add to my first comment.

    I’m a frequent visitor to this site because it’s good reading for me. This is a good article and I only mentioned the x600 because it’s a mixer I’m interested in buying and want to read all I can about it.

    Maybe Denon should be sending some gear over to DJTechtools for proper reviewing.

  • Grizu

    Best mixer I had during the last 20 years is the Vestax PMC-05 Pro 4. Using this beast about a month now and also took it with me to the clubs. All the other DJs liked it too.
    So many good things compared to old Vestax mixers, Midi, new Faders, build in Switchbox and 7 Stereo inputs, super improoved soundquality, and more.
    Btw it’s not only 6 Midibuttons for each side, the two potis next to the smaller Midibuttons act like potis and even as buttons.
    And if you like the typical crossfader click noise, then there is an extra crossfader panel to bring back the clicking. It’s in the blue envelope with the ownermanual and also shortens the Cut-In a bit more.

  • Chris Cartledge

    Hi all,

    thanks for the kind words. Some great recommendations in the comments, too! The lack of Denon wasn’t an intentional thing! Hopefully there’ll be more words on the Denon series soon…

  • djhaynec

    I agree. Denon has been left out for some strange reason. Just picked up an x600. It has got to be one of the most feature packed mixers for under 700. Has midi, xlr outs and 909 style fx. Throw in an innofader in one of these bad boys and you’ve basically got the perfect mixer.

  • misterT

    [quote comment=”41229″]I think the Denon DN-X600 was a good candidate for the review and should have been included. Maybe it’s just too new.

    I think it is best value for the money.[/quote]

  • JuanSOLO

    [quote post=”9178″]why would you be adding controllers to the same USB as your soundcard (sl1)[/quote]
    I wouldn’t be, my soundcards USB is isolated from my hub for controllers. Thats why I asked the question, even though the hub and soundcard use separate port on my laptop, do they compete internally?

    No doubt Rane make a quality mixer. However I would imagine the latest SL37’s would have the lastest USB/SL3 as a part of them. Seems strange to me they would not, and seems strange to defend it in such a way.

    Sure a lot has happened in the last 5 years. And as a result I will just be putting off buying an SL37 in hopes they release something new at NAMM 2011. I want to buy a mixer that will last into the future, not one that is about to be outdated. It’s either wait or choose something else.

  • meh

    [quote comment=”41357″]I definitely considered that I never heard a complaint from all the DJ’s I know using Serato/Rane SL37’s.

    Granted the mixer is 5 years old yet still has a $1400 dollar price tag.

    USB 1.1 might be sufficient, but does it remain sufficient with additional controllers? Why not have USB 2.0?[/quote]

    why would you be adding controllers to the same USB as your soundcard (sl1). Also, think about what has happened in the dj tech world in the last 5 years… Its moved at a crazy pace. To be honest I think it really should be hats off to rane for creating such a good product that is still bought at a high price 5 years later.

  • Nic Noice

    Great article Chris. turntablism combined with midi has been somewhat neglected at this site. The PMC05IV seems really worth taking a closer look at.

    Keep these kind of articles flowing mate! love em.

  • JuanSOLO

    I definitely considered that I never heard a complaint from all the DJ’s I know using Serato/Rane SL37’s.

    Granted the mixer is 5 years old yet still has a $1400 dollar price tag.

    USB 1.1 might be sufficient, but does it remain sufficient with additional controllers? Why not have USB 2.0?

  • DJ Banger

    [quote comment=”41274″]OK I am starting to feel like there is something funky with this site and Denon…

    Seriously no mention of the DN-X120? I have two of these bad boys and I know first hand they sound just as clean as the low end American Audio and Vestax for a comparable price. What’s up DJTT? No Denon Love?[/quote]
    You’re right with that. I have one of this and it is great to use. Crisp, clear sound and more affordable ($179.99) now compare to vestax and american audio. Not to mention the 3 band equalizer and fader start. It should have mentioned in the list. Do you agree DJTT?

  • meh

    serato and usb 1.1 hasnt been a problem for thousands of SL1 users, i agree, total sales talk

  • MIB

    There is nothing wrong about USB1.1. For audio and MIDI function on two channel mixer, the bandwidth of USB1.1 is pretty sufficient. For USB2.0…. this is only a sales talking and wasting cost.

  • JuanSOLO

    edit^^^

    Sorry USB 1.1.

    RANE should be ashamed of themselves.

  • JuanSOLO

    Great Article. I’m currently looking for a new 2 Channel Mixer and speculating switching to Serato/Bridge. This article was a great tip off about the TTM 57SL. I didn’t realize it was housing an SL1 and not and SL3. I did some research and discovered and even stranger side to the TTM 57SL, it only USB 1.0???

    Thats totally ridiculous!

    For the amount of money you pay for such a mixer USB 1.0 is completely unacceptable and behind the times in a big way.

  • DJ Dobby

    Great article! The only thing I would challenge is about the Stanton SA-5. =I owned one, and while it was a really really good mixer for the price, it’s not built to last, I broke the crossfader within 6 months

  • jhgfk

    Should mention watch out with the stanton sa5 mixer its headphone levels go dangerously loud !!!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    Can’t forget to mention that the DJM350 has a super handy record function… pretty decent bang for the buck mixer.

  • jlsdj

    I also own an Ecler nuo. Great mixer, feels great to mix with those big nobs, good sound quality and perfect for a small apartment space. Also looks good. Ive had stanton and vestax mixers in the past. Cant say anything wrong about vestax, but stanton’s sound was off. In any case, I would always recommend to go for quality, spend a little more and focus on sound quality. Your mixes will thank you.

  • Velanche

    Good that the Nuo 2.0 made the cut, but don’t be afraid to cop the Ecler Nuo 2 second-hand. I’ve purchased it on a recommendation from a friend of mine, and it’s been very good to me. The sound quality is great, the knobs are big and have a good grip, the kills kill (both on the knobs and the “isolator” buttons), and the crossfaders are resilient (though I’m more of a blend DJ than a scratch one). Construction is also very sturdy. I bought it originally for $350, so you should get a good deal if you find it used.

  • Anonymous

    [quote comment=”41287″][quote comment=”41274″]OK I am starting to feel like there is something funky with this site and Denon…

    Seriously no mention of the DN-X120? I have two of these bad boys and I know first hand they sound just as clean as the low end American Audio and Vestax for a comparable price. What’s up DJTT? No Denon Love?[/quote]
    I don’t know what’s up with Denon but they just cannot make a good product recently. Respect to old Denon.[/quote]

    have you seen the sc2000 and mc6000? both are great products

  • Mario S

    [quote comment=”41274″]OK I am starting to feel like there is something funky with this site and Denon…

    Seriously no mention of the DN-X120? I have two of these bad boys and I know first hand they sound just as clean as the low end American Audio and Vestax for a comparable price. What’s up DJTT? No Denon Love?[/quote]
    I don’t know what’s up with Denon but they just cannot make a good product recently. Respect to old Denon.

  • Chief Thomson

    I was using the Technics SH-EX1200 for half a year. it really was a cool piece of technic for that days. it was almost perfect in its simplicity.

  • ArcLyte

    OK I am starting to feel like there is something funky with this site and Denon… Seriously no mention of the DN-X120? I have two of these bad boys and I know first hand they sound just as clean as the low end American Audio and Vestax for a comparable price. What’s up DJTT? No Denon Love?

  • DJCamRoberts

    I have a xone 202, great mixer. No complaints. Faders are dope, and sound output is awesome. It also looks really cool in person.

  • jimbrowski00

    +1 for the DJM 707 as a second had mixer. The crossfader is optical and has a tension adjustment.

  • Discotrick

    Considering the 2 Midi Fighter + Mixer set-up after reading this. Great article!

  • Dj PC3

    Everyone check out the Denon X600, full midi, full kill, 2 channel mixer….

  • DJ Draco

    Great write up. I have a 56s and absolutely love it. Price was great and the features and sound quality are amazing. One other thing to add to that mixer is that it not only has 4inputs it also supports a 5th line input in a separate auxiliary channel located under the mic channel.

  • calvin01

    loved the amount of pics mate.great article

  • Anonymous

    [quote comment=”41211″]Awesome article! too bad it wasnt posted a few weeks ago when i was lookin for a 2 channel mixer………. but its ok cause i ended up buying a Numark Pro SM-3 (only $75!) 🙂 which is the three channel version of the Pro SM-1/2, which is on the list! and im happy with the mixer :)[/quote]

    I have the Pro SM-3 and think it’s real value for money. Great article. 🙂

  • Double DutchDj

    [quote comment=”41232″]i got my djm909 slightly used for $500. i absolutely love it.[/quote]

    Wow! thats a barging for such a high spec mixer

  • Anonymous

    Awesome mixing in that video Ean!

  • DJ Banyon

    i got my djm909 slightly used for $500. i absolutely love it.

  • Lewis

    I recommend the Reloop IQ2 MIDI. A nice German well built 2ch USB full MIDI mixer with a with 24 bit / 96 kHz Traktor certified soundcard. A lot of great features for the price.

  • Wyley

    I think the Denon DN-X600 was a good candidate for the review and should have been included. Maybe it’s just too new.

    I think it is best value for the money.

  • Double DutchDj

    Being a scratch jock I’ve had my fair share 2 channel battle mixers. Having a clear clutter free surface with solid controls is what allows a mixer to become an instrument, I’d love to see an fx controller made in same way of thinking, so much more is pos with a fader.
    ++++
    The Pioneer 707 is worth a mention to, discontinued years ago but a real solid pro scratch mixer. I’ve got 2 in the studio, 1 of them is 6 years old, been heavily gigged and dragged all over the country but is still in perfect working order. The other was a second hand purchase bought 3 years ago for £120!! The bonus about buying one these second hand is the fact that being Pioneer 90% of the time the previous owner is a mixing dj who hasn’t cained the controls as much as a scratch jock would.
    +++
    Considering the state of my old pmc 05 and 06, plus my general experience with second hand Vestex gear (tin and plastic turntable’s, epic scratch tools but horrible quality), I’d be very careful buying used Vestex unless you can prove that the previous owner isn’t a scratch jock. Maybe I’ve been unlucky, but unlike The more modern solid 07 or 08 a lot Vestex gear doesn’t stand the test of time without some servicing or maintenance.

  • Dj Phat B

    the audio innovate aem 100i should be on the nearly new list. it has an innofader and has sick effects and sounds great

  • wikkid1

    the Vestax PMC05 Pro4 looks like a nice piece, those 12 midi buttons would be super useful. which brings me to my question, whys there not a single fully midi capable mixer on the list? that sounds like it would be perfect for the DJs that dont need the jogwheels… ive been pondering a set up like that for a while, laptop + mixer. anyone tried it? thoughts?

  • MIB

    I had one Vestax PMC05 Pro4 (BLACK) version. The sound quality is incredible compare to my previous PMC05PRO3. The price is high but feel worth, especially the MIDI function is very useful.
    One more remarkable is the cross fader, but sometimes feel it is too smooth. I am trying to getting use of this kind of feeling. Good job Vestax this time…

  • Max

    Sometimes I wonder how I keep from going under.

  • George

    Awesome article! too bad it wasnt posted a few weeks ago when i was lookin for a 2 channel mixer………. but its ok cause i ended up buying a Numark Pro SM-3 (only $75!) 🙂 which is the three channel version of the Pro SM-1/2, which is on the list! and im happy with the mixer 🙂

  • qirex

    The Tascam XS-8 is another good candidate for the “nearly new” category, it was actually a rebadged Ecler Hak mixer (I think it was the 320) and in 2004 Guitar Center bought all of Tascam’s stock and liquidated them for $150 or less. It has the magnetic Eternal crossfader.