5 of the Best DJ Mixers for Live Performance
Hands-on live performance control with DJ mixers from Pioneer DJ, Allen & Heath, PlayDifferently, and more!
Performance-ready with built-in EQ and filters, these are the best DJ mixers for live performance.
DJ Mixers for Live Performance
You don’t have to play other people’s records with a DJ mixer. Because of their performance-oriented configuration, onboard EQs, filters, and often amazing sound quality, DJ mixers are often just as suited to live performance. That goes double if you’re playing tracky dance music like Richie Hawtin or Saytek, who both use DJ mixers in their live rigs. Heck, you could even use one in your home studio like Squarepusher did back in the day.
Here are my choices for the best DJ mixers for live performance. I’ve tried to stick with ones that are at least four-channel (to accommodate multiple pieces of gear) and have EQ and analog filters.
Many of the products mentioned in this story are available at Thomann*.
DJ Mixers for Live Performance: Pioneer DJ DJM-V10
We start our selection of the best DJ mixers for live performance with the Pioneer DJ DJM-V10. Dubbed a “creative style” mixer, Pioneer DJ has made it with not just DJs but other kinds of performers in mind. One of their promotional videos features Dutch electronic music artist Eelke Kleijn jamming out with a synthesizer and two of Pioneer DJ’s DJS-1000 samplers – not your usual DJ rig.
Live techno artist Saytek’s mixer of choice, the DJM-V10 features six channels, each with a four-band EQ, as well as fully assignable MIDI controls. Ever thought about using your mixer as a MIDI controller? Think outside the box, bro. In terms of effects, you’ve got highpass and lowpass filters as well as delay and reverb send effects (plus two externals for routing to hardware), and a clutch of beat effects for tempo-synced madness.
Pioneer DJ’s DJM-V10 isn’t cheap – Pioneer DJ gear never is – but if you’re looking for a command center for a live rig on the large side, this is a great option. Check out the DJM-V10-F if you need longer faders and can’t be bothered with a crossfader.
DJ Mixers for Live Performance: PlayDifferently Model 1
From the mind of Plastikman himself, Richie Hawtin, comes the PlayDifferently Model 1, a six-channel analog mixer that’s as much for live performance as it is for decks and effects.
In fact, Hawtin and engineer Andy Rigby-Jones have given the mixer technology normally found in studio consoles, such as a fully balanced mix bus, zero crossing detection for filtering, and master EQ routing along high voltage differential power rails. What this means in practical terms is excellent analog sound quality to help your tracks stand out in the club. You’re not playing pre-mastered songs, after all, but original music. Unless you have some magic mastering sauce in the signal chain, you’re going to want the extra oomph that a mixer like this can provide.
As for specs, Model 1 has six channels, each with a full-frequency sculpting circuit for cuts and boosts, plus a lowpass filter contour. Although there are no effects, each channel gets its own knobs for the two send lines. There is, of course, an analog filter, with both high- and lowpass circuits for the channels and a resonant highpass on the master.
If six channels are too many, trade down to the Model 1.4, or link them together for 10 channels of power.
DJ Mixers for Live Performance: Allen & Heath Xone:96
Allen & Heath’s Xone series of mixers is legendary. While the Xone:92 is a top-of-the-line club DJ mixer, the 96 ups the ante with extras meant for live performance, such as MIDI, effects routing, and even master inserts for involving outboard hardware, making it one of the best DJ mixers for live performance.
The Xone:96 has six channels: four with four-band EQ and two with three-band, plus a crossfader, with selectable curves for all channels. Although it doesn’t have effects, it does offer two stereo sends, four stereo returns, and a dedicated master insert for looping the whole signal through outboard hardware like compressors and mixers. Of course, the Xone:96 also sports dual resonant filters, each with high-, band-, and lowpass modes plus a Crunch knob for additional harmonic distortion. MIDI out via DIN and USB ports is the icing on the cake.
DJ Mixers for Live Performance: Ecler NUO 4.0F
The three we’ve looked at so far may be some of the best DJ mixers for live performance, but they’re also pricey. As amazing as they are, if you don’t have the money on hand, they won’t do you much good. If you’re working with a budget that’s more on the strict side, yet still want something with solid sound quality and construction, may I suggest Ecler’s NUO 4.0F.
Available in both black and silver models, NUO 4.0F is a four-channel DJ mixer with crossfader and fader shape controls. Although it doesn’t have its own onboard effects, it does possess an effect send and return as well as a master version for boosting the signal through outboard gear. Additionally, it boasts dual resonant filters, each with switchable high- and lowpass modes, plus three-band EQ on the channels. It’s even got two headphone outs with individual cueing, making it ideal for a duo.
DJ Mixers for Live Performance: Omnitronic TRM-422
The last of our best DJ mixers for live performance is the Omnitronic TRM-422. A four-channel mixer, it’s unique among the others in this story for having rotary pots rather than faders. This may not be the most popular choice – studio mixers tend to have channel faders, after all – but if your background is rotary DJ mixers, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s also more affordable than the other selections here, making it a top choice for budget-minded musicians.
The TRM-422 bestows you with four channels, each with a three-band EQ. There’s also a three-band on the master, handy for overall affecting of the performance. Although it doesn’t offer built-in effects, there is a send as well as a master insert. Looking for the filter? It’s right here with resonance and high-, band-, and lowpass modes.
More Information
*Note: This article contains advertising links that help us pay for this site. Don’t worry: the price for you will always be the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
This might also interest you
