DJ mixer
A DJ mixer is a special mixer for DJs .
The most striking differences between a DJ mixer and most audio mixing consoles for the PA sector are the presence of a crossfader , the restriction to line signals (fewer or no microphone preamps at all) and the simpler equipment with filters in the channel strips.
functionality
DJ mixers have similar tasks and functions as mixing consoles , except that they are adapted to the needs of DJs (disk jockeys). DJ mixers are usually very robust.
With the help of various potentiometers , different audio signals can be combined to form a signal sum (often referred to as a master signal ). Depending on the equipment of the device, it is possible to process the individual signals in the frequency spectrum before adding them . DJ mixers work with two or multi-channel stereo technology that can be individually adapted.
In the meantime, DJ controllers are also widespread as complete systems in which a mixer is included. Some controllers also allow the additional connection of external sound sources to the integrated mixer.
parameter
The following section introduces the most important parameters of the DJ mixer. Since there are many manufacturers in the field of DJ mixers, there are also many different names for the functions. The ones discussed here are the most commonly used; different designations can be derived. Due to the large number of different mixers, this list only describes the standard functions.
Trim / level / gain
This controller brings the signal to an optimal working level. Correct adaptation of the incoming signals to the working level of the mixer can minimize distortion (due to signal level that is too high) and noise (due to signal level that is too low).
Line fader
The line fader makes the individual signals louder or quieter. Mostly it has a fader travel of 45 mm to 100 mm. With it, both slow fades and fast breakes can be realized. It is also used for some scratch techniques. In the field of house music , DJ mixers are also used which, instead of line faders, have large rotary controls known as rotary or dial faders.
Crossfader
Probably the most important difference to the mixer is the crossfader . This can cross-fade two or more channels without having to use the line faders. The crossfader is a function often used by DJs. It is particularly important in the battle area. With a crossfader you can z. B. Play tracks together. Since the crossfader is the most moved fader on the mixer, it is often executed in a higher quality than the line fader.
- Normal faders regulate the full channel voltage and sense the position on a conductive contact plate. If this plate wears out or gets dirty, the faders start to crack loudly when moved.
- VCA faders (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) regulate a lower auxiliary voltage at which the crackling is significantly reduced.
- The PCV (Plastic Conductive Volume) fader with conductive plastic rails should make more than two million fader movements possible.
- Photo-optical faders work with a light barrier and are wear-free.
CF curve
The CF curve cannot be set in all DJ mixers. It defines the distance that the crossfader (CF) needs to fully fade in a signal. A low curve value allows the active fader travel to shrink to a minimum. This enables transitions to be realized in a fraction of a second. This function is important for scratching.
EQ
The equalizer (EQ) in the DJ mixer usually consists of a three-band filter that is usually broadband. With these mixers, this means that there is usually a rotary potentiometer for treble, middle and bass , which enables the volume of the respective frequency range to be changed.
Killswitch
Some mixer models have a kill switch button or a kill switch. This function removes all frequencies of the respective frequency band immediately. This function is mainly used with electronic music. The respective frequency band is masked out with a steep-walled filter. The slope is at least 12 dB per octave .
Pan
The panorama potentiometer allows the DJ to adjust the signals in the stereo ratio. L means left and R means right. You can turn the audio signal down to L or R without changing the other channel. Some mixers from Vestax limited the panning to the mids and highs and left the bass frequencies untouched. Mixers with an effects section usually have an automatically running pan effect. B. with the mixers of the Pioneer DJM series from model 500 can be set to the exact beat.
Areas of application
Club mixer
Club mixers are often permanently installed in catering establishments and therefore require a large number of channels so that annoying repositioning of cables is not necessary. They usually have at least four channels and a crossfader that can be assigned to the individual channels. A microphone input for announcements and small performance arts is also standard in the club mixers. These must also be suitable for club use in terms of robustness and sound quality. Some models are 19 "wide for rack- mounting.
In addition to the standard functions described above, club mixers often have other technical features, such as an effects section that allows the DJ to decorate his mix with reverb , delay or chorus effects, etc. In some mixers even entire samplers are integrated that support loop sampling . Popular club mixers are the DJM series from Pioneer (DJM-500 or its successors) and the XONE: 92 from Allen & Heath, a well-known 19 "mixer is the MX180 series from Rodec.
Battlemixer
Battle mixers differ mainly in the equipment from the club mixers. They are particularly narrow so that the turntables can be set up as close together as possible, thus minimizing the path that your hands have to take from the record to the fader. They are therefore adapted to the special requirements of a battle. In general, one can say that battle mixers have fewer functions than club mixers, as they are designed for scratching and juggling , and are therefore limited to the most necessary equipment. In addition to the two channels that a battlemixer has, many manufacturers have switched to integrating a session input into the devices, which is used to combine two battlemixers.
Battlemixers are extremely robust and their design is easy to understand. The faders are very smooth and durable, and they are where the biggest qualitative differences among the battle mixers lie. Almost all components of the mixer are interchangeable and are offered separately by the manufacturers. A typical battle mixer is the PMC-07 Pro from Vestax .
literature
- Rolf Beckmann: manual of PA technology, basics, components, practice. 2nd Edition. Elektor-Verlag, Aachen 1990, ISBN 3-921608-66-X .
- Michael Ebner: manual of PA technology. Elektor-Verlag, Aachen 2002, ISBN 3-89576-114-1 .
- Roland Enders: The home recording manual. The way to optimal recordings. 3rd, revised edition, revised by Andreas Schulz. Carstensen, Munich 2003, ISBN 3-910098-25-8 .
