Should a DJ bring an external mixer with my Controller to every event? 5 reasons we say YES!

[@Vi3tKid420]

this is crazy , i had my first two big gigs and the distortion was ridiculous. i went home checking my files to make sure they were 320kbps+ and so much more. Then when i bought my external mackie mixer hollllyyy. Lets just say i rememeber seeing somewhere a DJ needs an External Mixer , makes sense right ? Theres an audio technician on the sound controller for every big event specifically settings for each performance. Game changer!

[@801DJVIC]

Finally someone agrees with me about carrying a mixer along with my controller at my gigs for all of the reasons mentioned on this video. I love your content bro!

[@TheDJsGuru]

We love you too. Hope to see you again!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you! I'm collaborating more with The DJs Guru now, so you're gonna see more videos and live streams from me including the stuff that I put up this week!

[@dancarthen3634]

I've never and I'll never use an external mixer. My speakers have mixers on them if I need to run something extra. I dont want something else in the chain and I'm trying to get in and out fast. But either way works so do what you gotta do!

[@TheDJsGuru]

@@dancarthen3634 Ty for sharing!

[@AmilcarPino]

I absolutely agree with you, I bought a mixer and the difference in sound and equalization is impressive, I agree on all the points you mention. Thank you for sharing them.

[@TheDJsGuru]

❤️

[@kylecarter6781]

I am a true believer of using a mixer when I dj. I can definitely control all the sound coming out my speakers.

[@TheDJsGuru]

✊

[@alanaban1840]

I do not use a mixer / my prime 4 have 2 Mike input ok for small parties / put is ok going through a mixer degrades the sound / if u need more mike it is ok / me straight to amp best

[@worldmusic5811]

Great advice ! I have 50 Years in Live and DJ Music and have always used a Band style mixer in the system which has allowed me to do all the things you stated good work, I like the Mackie's for Band for the buck and clarity

[@TheDJsGuru]

✊❤️

[@djfingersflores]

Great info DJ Switch! Keep up the good work homie. Peace

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you! I'm collaborating more with The DJs Guru now so make sure you subscribe to catch the fresh content!

[@DjStorm-1]

Hi buddy. Can you do a video showing how to connect a controller to a dedicated mixer. Actually the best way. Thank great video

[@zeenuf00]

You need an external mixer if you you need mic inputs for announcements or instruments. Other than that, it's just another piece of gear to worry about. It won't give you any more headroom.

[@TheDJsGuru]

@@zeenuf00 thanks for sharing your perspective. That said we most definitely see this differently.

[@ChesterMirador1974]

I'm looking into a Zoom Live 8 or Rode Pro for multi-use beside djing

[@drakedawson1678]

great stuff, thank you for sharing. can you go into more depth on how to make a room with the hard surfaces you described, to sound better?

[@TheDJsGuru]

Happy to help just use our form please thedjsguru.com/contact-the-djs-guru/

[@DaveedBachschmeed]

Hi there, I'm still deciding between a *Behringer QX1204* and a "Mackie ProFX10". I'm also using a Mic plus Instruments with a Boss RC505 looper for my Gigs. Which one would you get? They both seem like solid solutions for my ecstatic dance parties. Thanks in advance for your advice!!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Both solid devices, but I don't own the 1204, so all I can do is tell you that a year later my Mackie is still like new and going strong. It's a great little board!

[@djfunkykik]

Hi and thanks for the video. I have a Rane One too and I didn't know there a limit regarding pro speaker. I tough the soundcard on the rane one provide enough power (the reason why I paid for). Is there a huge difference between mixer? are the cheapest mixer will go automaticaly higher than the Rane One sound card ? Hope I am clear enough with my queston lol... Thanks and advanced for your time to respond to me. PS. What is the less expensive but do the job mixer would you suggest ?

[@TheDJsGuru]

❤️

[@ToddBryantsr]

Thank you. Would a mixer with effects also give a little shimmer magic to enhance the overall color of the room?

[@TheDJsGuru]

We aren’t sure which effect you would run perpetually. Normally, the effects are more for the Voice, not full range

[@ToddBryantsr]

@@TheDJsGuruwhen running house music I like to add just a whisper of echo that gives the sound a certain shimmer.

[@averymcdaniel423]

So what if you already have a powered amplifier with eq

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Great question! I find that having access to the knobs directly is just faster and a bit easier for me to make small adjustments as needed. However, a lot of modern amps have DSP -- or Digital Signal Processing -- which can take care of some of the same functions as a mixer like EQ and compression. It really comes down to what works best for you, but I find that an inexpensive mixer like the one I showed in the video can really offer a lot of flexibility and -- frankly -- looks "cool" to the client, which never hurts.

[@banditt18]

been researching for a while now and was wondering something. I been a kj for a few years and decided to add dj to my resume i have a 12 ch mixer and a amp if i get a controller for dj would i still need my amp?

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Yes, I think so. DJ controllers are really more for performing music tracks, and they don't really have any amplification built in. The best you can really expect from a DJ controller is line-level output, so you'll still need to run the signal to either an amplifier or a speaker that has a built-in amplifier. Hope this helps!

[@RichGassman]

I also have a Rane one. Do you use there mic inputs or the aux mixer mic inputs

[@TheDJsGuru]

Always a mixer w a dj controller

[@djkb9596]

Do you have a video on how to do karaoke

[@TheDJsGuru]

Just us singing it!!!!

[@BoomDocs14K]

Great video and content. I just ordered the new Mackie 12 channel v3plus for DJ purposes. Other than the tips you mentioned, I am looking for a solution to control my top mains and subs separately. My DJ mixer has XLR outputs and booth output with 1/4 jacks. The Mackie mixer will have a sub-group, main fader, and also aux level and control room knob. I'm sure I will figure it out, but I'm wondering if I will need a second signal channel coming from the DJ mixer for the subs, or can I use the same signal, then use the outputs from aux, control room, or the subgroup fader to connect to my subs. The mixer has many features, so hopefully it will work.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Hey! Sorry for the late reply. Most powered subs have crossovers built in, so they're designed to chain with mains directly for a smooth sound reproduction. That said, if you really need separate controls, I find the control room out is helpful since it outputs the full mix and you don't have to separately mix each channel like you would if you use an auxiliary channel. Hope this helps!

[@BoomDocs14K]

@@DJSwitchPDX I found a great mixer solution that works flawlessly the way I wanted to use it. I bought the Mackie ProFX12v3 Plus mixer. The 3 main output faders are named: Main, Sub, & FX. I know the Sub title means submix on a mixer, but I'm able to also run my sub speakers on that channel separately from my mains or top speakers with plenty of extra channels for mics, other gear, or bluetooth. I love the mixer for gigs, or home projects.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

@@BoomDocs14K Awesome!

[@kennyvalenzuela9964]

WOW! your video tutorial is fantastic! I have a question. I have a Rane One controller connected to an external mixer (Rane MP2015). When I record at home or live, it records the sound from the Rane One, not the MP2015. How can I fix that? The sound from the MP2015 is much better, plus the oscillator's effects and usage are amazing, but it does not record the sound you hear from the speakers; it records the original sound coming from the Rane One. I use Audacity or Oceanaudio to record. Do you have any solutions?

[@TheDJsGuru]

❤️

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Hey Kenny, sorry for the delayed reply. I would have to see how you have everything set up to track where your recording source is assigned, but if I were to guess I'm betting that you're either recording in Serato or using the same computer to record that you're performing on which means it's going to prioritize the controller you're performing with. Any time I get stuck in a recording situation, I always try to just simplify the signal chain, so I would definitely plug a stand-alone recorder or a second computer directly into the 2015 to make absolutely sure that there's no other way for it to record besides the signal from the 2015. Hope this helps! ~ Switch

[@scotttitmus9008]

Great video! Which mixer do you recommend?

[@NukePooch1]

Analog? Yamaha MG series, like MG10XU. Absolute tank, been out forever, can be had used for cheap. Digital with a lot more features is Behringer Flow 8. Unbelievably powerful - nothing else comes close for its size/weight...but not the most durable and has a steeper learning curve.

[@TheDJsGuru]

Really depends on your needs. We like MACKIE, Yamaha or RCF for brands - which one depends on the ins and outs needed plus level of quality. Reach out at thedjsguru.com for more information

[@jdavis8460]

@@NukePooch1 I just started using this and it's great

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Hey Scott! There's a lot of variety in Mackie's ProFXv3 lineup. You can go from 5 channels all the way up to 30! However, the reason I went with the ProFX10v3 is because it was the smallest mixer in the lineup with compression on the main mic input channels. This way I can apply some compression and FX when I do the occasional karaoke gig 🤘

[@NukePooch1]

Love this video, I always have at least a basic mixer running. I'd add 1 more thing, low-cut filters on mic channels are a must. If you're outside, you need low-cuts to reduce the wind noise. Bonus if they're adjustable low-cuts like on the Behringer Flow 8 mixer. In really tough rooms and/or with my big system, I also run a dbx Driverack to get full EQ capabilities and feedback reduction.

[@TheDJsGuru]

Great feedback

[@oldschooldjernie]

what if you are doing shitty $400-$600 gigs? I don't think the red solo cup client will give 2 shits. My 2c

[@TheDJsGuru]

Thank you for your comment and sharing your perspective. That being said, here’s a question for you. Does it matter how much you’re charging when it comes to using a mixer to protect your Sound system?

[@oldschooldjernie]

@@TheDJsGuru I'm using a dj mixer with Cdjs so the mic section is a lot better than your average controller. The gain is higher as well. I think that's the problem when using Shure sm 58 rather than a beta 58 which has more gain. Also wireless mics have more gain than a conversational XLR Mic. Gain is like half the problem Compression is just frosting on the cake. Just my 2c