DJ Mixers

DJ Mixers

DJ Mixers are usually much smaller than other mixing consoles used in sound reinforcement systems and sound recording.

Whereas; a typical nightclub mixer will have 24 inputs and a professional recording studio’s huge mixer may have 48; 72 or even 96 inputs. A typical DJ mixer may have only two to four inputs.

The key feature that differentiates this type of mixer from other types of larger audio mixers; is the ability to redirect (cue) the sounds of a non- playing source to headphones. Thus; the DJ can find the desired part of a song or track and the presence of a crossfader.

This Crossfader allows an easier transition between two sources (or; for hip hop music turntablists, enables them to do scratching effects).

A crossfader has the same engineering design as fader; in that it is a sliding control. But unlike faders; which are usually vertical; crossfaders are usually horizontal.

To understand the function of a crossfader, one can think of the crossfader in three key positions.

For a DJ mixer that has two sound sources connected, such as two record turntables, when the crossfader is in the far left position, the mixer will output only turntable A’s music. When the crossfader is in the far right position, the mixer will output only turntable B’s music.

When the crossfader is at its midpoint (which is always marked with a horizontal line), the mixer will output a blend of turntable A’s music and turntable B’s music. The other points along the crossfader’s path produce different mixes of A and B.