Is the new Ecler Warm2 Rotary Mixer Worth It? | SHM Gear Heads

Phil shares his review of the new Ecler Warm2 Rotary Mixer. As a DJ for more than 25 years, Phil is no stranger to playing on a wide variety of DJ gear, but the Ecler is the first Rotary mixer that he's ever spent any significant time with. This informative video will give some solid insight as Phil breaks down his likes and dislikes of Ecler's new offering, and whether or not its a worthwhile purchase.
#ecler #rotarymixer #review #housemusic #shmgearheads #dj #djgear #gearreview #djmixer

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

I can never get past the price of any of the rotary manufacturers. I'm lucky I got mine in the early 90s. I'm not kidding when I say I'm going to build my own in the next few years.

[@seattlehousemafia]

Yeah man. Some really beautiful yet really expensive rotarys out there. That's why I was so stoked when the Warm2 came out.

[@Mallymal1914]

I got into rotaries about 3 years ago. have both the Warm 2 and the TRM 402. Both are excellent for the price point; with the Warm 2 having the more superior sound quality. The Warm 4 just hit the market with the price range around 1400 bucks. I'll most likely buy it (no hurry though). What I can say about rotary mixers is that they kinda turn you into a sound engineer in the formation of your mixes. I was hoping that the Warm 4 would be upgraded with a crossfader like the Omnitronic TRM-422, or the Master Sounds Radius 4 for quick transitions. To be honest, since having my rotaries, I haven't touched my linear mixers as much. Cheers from Detroit. 😊

[@seattlehousemafia]

I had a very similar experience paying more attention to the nuances in sound and frequencies when you start playing on rotaries.

[@grooveag25]

Does the Warm 4 have a split cue?

[@thechrisdotcom2839]

I picked one of these up right before Christmas. I’m not the best at mixing but it’s fun for what I’m doing these days. I like to play reggae/dub. I use the 3rd line for a Benidub siren. And just got a Spring Amp with spring tank. I gotta get to the music store and get the right cables but excited to try that through the fx line. Feels like a good solid mixer to me. And great sound.

[@philpeerman9334]

Would love to see a video of you using the Benidub and the Spring Amp. I should've emphasized it more but that 3rd channel is a super valuable feature. Glad you're having a good time with it. I just got the new Pioneer A9 and found myself mixing vinyl on the Warm2 last night when I should've been digging into the A9. Ha.

[@thechrisdotcom2839]

@@philpeerman9334 you’ll have to give me some time. I’m not that tech suave with videos and stuff. I gotta get some more RCA to 1/4 mono cables to run everything. I’ll try to get it all set up by the end of next week. I’m looking forward to testing it all out soon.

[@djphilanthony]

@@thechrisdotcom2839 No worries. My very talented partner in crime Paul Velocity helps me with much of the video editing so I totally get it.

[@lelandhill4132]

Great review, I have always been under the impression the ability to smoothly transition was a huge plus of rotary equipment and of course that analog super warm sound you'll be hard pressed to find from anything digital. I have always played on budget equipment with the bare bones necessary to complete a mix and I found now that I have purchased some higher end controllers no longer having the 1200's, that part of my journey made my foundation strong because its really about the music and the story you can create with the records. its like that saying less is more, that's true on so many levels but don't get me wrong I do love my effects and its nice not to have to think to much because not there's a million ways to transition and get out one thing in to another :) Thanks again for the review!!!

[@seattlehousemafia]

Appreciate the thoughts and the feedback from your personal experience. I still love playing vinyl more than anything but have really embraced it all at this point.

[@djsoo]

The reason that a lot of high end rotaries don't have EQs is the idea that the less components you pass your analog signal through, the cleaner the sound. That's why most high end rotaries often don't have EQs.

[@seattlehousemafia]

Makes perfect sense but would def take me some time to wrap my head around from a performance standpoint.

[@drewboo4630]

your love for this mixer shows

[@seattlehousemafia]

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality, overall feel and sound. It's a great piece of kit especially for the $$. Sounds weird but I feel like they could've charged more for it and would've been totally justified.

[@johnviera3884]

I’ve been DJing 30+ years. I tried Ureis . Ranes. Vestax. This is the best mixer since those. With better I\O

[@seattlehousemafia]

I'm a big fan of this mixer as well, especially for the portability and the price point. Have you had anytime on the Warm4?

[@sandrolorini]

I enjoyed listening to your take. I'm surprised that you didn't feel that the rotaries are more precise than line faders. Maybe it's the difference between Warm2, and mixer that I use. I found (after I got used to mixing on a rotary) my mixing got a lot smoother, and I don't need to touch/use eq anywhere near as much as I used to when I was using a regular DJ mixer. I was kinda in the same spot some 20yrs ago. I always wanted to try a rotary mixer since all the NYC greats used them from the 70's - 90s and beyond. So I bought a PMC-55 and the rotary kit. I was thinking that if I didn't like the rotary kit, I can put the line faders back in. Don't regret that leap of faith at all... one the smartest things I have every done in my entire life. The line faders have been sitting in a box in my closet for almost 20yrs now. It's a useless trinket that my kids will dig up after I pass. Been looking at the Warm4, but I really would have loved to see a crossfader on it, or at least an option to add one. I don't use the cross fader often at all, but I do use it just enough for it bother me if it's not there for rare occasion when I need to bust a quick cut.

[@seattlehousemafia]

It's interesting. I just did another mix - this time outside with the Warm2 (will be released next week or so). I do think there is a smoothness/benefit to rotary over line faders. Using the Warm2 has also tweaked the way I mix on my Pioneer gear. I definitely am more intentional with eqing and line management. I'm with you on the xfader. I don't use it often but when I do play funk, hiphop, DnB etc, I do use the xfader hence my reference to the Lucia.

[@tonyjames2144]

Great review I think you might have been talking about the Mastersounds Radius 2 that does not have BASS/MID/TREBLE....Its crazy but keep up the passion for the culture House Heads all day

[@seattlehousemafia]

Thanks for tuning in and yes, there are several rotaries including the Master Sounds that don't have a 3 band eq. In fairness all I know is mixing with either 3 or 4 band eqs. Not saying I couldn't figure things out but my preference will always be a 3 or 4 band eq as I primarily eq mix.

[@andrewwarren6232]

Great video, very informative and an interesting take on things.

[@seattlehousemafia]

Appreciate the feedback. My Pioneer V10 is my daily but honestly, every time get on my Warm2, I realize how much I still love this thing. By the way, took it outdoors recently. I didn't talk much about it, but the footprint/size is so perfect for a small setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5rZaGaAf5yUp8ksi=fTqHiH-b9kIRf9tT

My warm 2 doesn’t get totally wet when it’s in the maximum send fx volume pre or post fader. I miss that feeling to use filters totally full. I’m quite disappointed as I love how this mixer sounds like.

[@seattlehousemafia]

Unfortunately you will have to turn the line knob down and the send efx all the way up to get a full wet effect. Not ideal.

[@heaphonesvinylmp3s938]

Are you still using the Ecler warm 2 mixer? If so, how is it holding up and is the tension still the same out thr box??

[@seattlehousemafia]

Just did a new mix with it that will be published shortly. Still love the Warm2 and no mechanical issues to date - though it's not my primary mixer due to the requirements of having guests in studio. Check back in the next week or so for the latest Warm2 mix. I still stand by it being great bang for the buck.

[@QRS365]

nice review. i am thinking of getting this rotary mixer. can this mixer be used with djpro software?

[@seattlehousemafia]

I think I understand your question. If not, let me know which software you are talking about. For Rekordbox as an example, If you are using CDJ3Ks you'll be able to plug and play due to the CDJs built in sound card (standalone or HID mode). However, if you are looking to use DVS, you'll need a breakout box. This will be the case with every rotary on the market I believe besides the digital/analog hybrids like the Eupohonia and the older Rane 2014/2015. Hope that makes sense but feel free to clarify your question if I missed something.

[@QRS365]

@@seattlehousemafia I was thinking about getting this Mixer to use with 2 Denon DJ LC6000 and software called Algoriddim djay Pro

[@seattlehousemafia]

In fairness I'm not too familiar with Denon players but guessing it will be the same as the CDJ scenario.

[@robertgarvansnyder4665]

I really like a lot of my Ecler Warm2, and the good. For me, the main thing that drives me nuts is that the resistance on the Isolator pots is just perfect, but the resistance on the EQ pots is much much weaker. Really wishing they were all the same resistance- maybe there some way to adjust that?? Also, I frequently have a tough time getting the levels between the two tracks to even out in the Cue output. All in all, for an at home mixer, I'm happy with it. Sounds great through my Hifi.

[@seattlehousemafia]

I hear you. I would've paid more for the blue velvet pots all around, which is what they used for the channel nobs and the isos. I'm betting if there is a point of failure in the chain, will likely be the EQ pots as I believe they are plastic.

[@robertgarvansnyder4665]

@@seattlehousemafia I emailed Ecler asking about this several weeks ago (after watching your video), so far no response. Same here, that would have been worth more for me, no question.

[@leebenson2642]

where did you find it for 600 bucks, not seeing it for less than 750/800 bucks in the USA?

[@seattlehousemafia]

Check Thomann. I tried putting a link but YT doesn't like external links.

[@jbee1263]

When it comes to cueing. When you cue one of the lines. Say line 1 is playing and you want to cue line 2. Can you also hear the main volume (line 1) in your headphones?

[@seattlehousemafia]

Good question. You can isolate the individual lines for cueing (each line has a cue button). In your scenario, you can also hit both 1 and 2 to hear your cueing channel and the main mix in your headphones. Keep in mind, the Ecler does not have true split cue, which would be ideal but for the price, totally understandable.

[@hansbeuzel5680]

Hi, thanks for your review! I’m curious about the combination of the Warm2 and a RMX1000. I have an XonePX5 and I always found it hard to use the effects of the RMX1000 on the send and return function (lot a phase-problems). Just recently learned I can use the insert to solve that issue. But there’s no insert on the Warm2, so I’m curious about his behaviour with the RMX1000 (or other effects-equipment. Thanks!

[@seattlehousemafia]

You will run into phasing running the RMX - no way around it. I'm learning to make it work for me but definitely not the kind of precision you get with an insert/punch in like on my Pioneer. In my opinion, even with the phasing, the goods outweigh the bads. But yeah, know it's going to take some finesses if you do go down the RMX-1000 road.

[@Fred_Klingon]

Nice review!

[@seattlehousemafia]

Appreciate it. This little mixer continues to impress me.

[@beatnikcafe]

Have you tried the Omntronic TRM402mk2? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[@seattlehousemafia]

I haven't though I did see a nice review by Mojaxx that you might want to check out.

[@uniqueflowsnake]

Nice review and yo useem like a really nice guy. Very personable. Keep on keeping on brother.

[@seattlehousemafia]

Appreciate the feedback. We are a bit fanatical about music and gear so happy to share our knowledge and learn along the way.

[@daynniteism]

A year later, how are you finding it?

[@seattlehousemafia]

Great question. I still think it's a fantastic mixer and value. Though not my primary mixer (I use and A9 and V10 in studio), I do use it regularly and haven't noticed any issues with build quality etc - which was a concern from early feedback and the fact that the lines are plastic pots. I believe they resolved any questions on pot longevity by making the Warm4 all metal pots.

[@davidgallant]

Great review

[@seattlehousemafia]

Appreciate the support David.

[@skaramanga007]

Any issues with the potentiometers?

[@seattlehousemafia]

Still solid. I did read that some early releases had wiggle but no issues here.

[@billscott6819]

Very helpful review, I might get one of these. Your point of view DJ wise hit a few interesting things that are not in other reviews imo. I used to play a few spots with the Urei 1620s in the 90s with no EQs, there was a great sort of blending of sound those things could do regardless. I wondered the same thing about the high end rotaries with only a filter. If only money grew on trees.

[@seattlehousemafia]

I just did an "On Tour" mix outdoors on the Warm2 and CDJ 3ks. It should be published in the next week or so, so check back. I definitely need to play on that Warm2 more often. It's still a pleasure and feels so unique compared to my Pio gear (though I love my Pio gear obviously).

[@skawashers]

With no actual crossfader id love to see how a scratch dj would tackle it

[@seattlehousemafia]

Tunny, I just loaned mine to a hip hop dj to try. Initially, he was looking for the crossfader but after a bit, he said he got used to the experience and like me, made him more mindful of his blends when he was back on his scratch mixer. All that said, this mixer would not be kind to a scratch dj in my opinion.

[@skawashers]

@@seattlehousemafia Carpal tunnel repetitive strain injury. Twiddling that dial every time he wishes to capture that break.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

They just wouldn't.

[@djBroRay]

Play on a urei or a usa made bozak with turntables you will understand you don't need tone controls

[@seattlehousemafia]

No doubt. I've always dreamed of playing on one of those. Do you have one?

[@jassab8012]

Bro! Ive been debating for a yr. On buyng ARS or Master sounds. With no rotary experience, but been on my tables and pioneer mixers . Everything you said is my whole life lately. Ive been looking at ecler but if i spend 700 bucks and love it. Thats 700 bucks i could of spent on ARS. Are you having that issue now?

[@seattlehousemafia]

Still no issues with the Ecler though I use my Pio V10 the most in my studio. Still love it, still think its a great value. I don't think you could go wrong with the ARS or Mastersounds or even the Condessa - but that is a whole different financial commitment. I paid $600 for the Warm2 from Thomann. They are based out of Germany and were great to deal with even though I'm in the US. Fast shipping, responsive etc.