The Numark M6 USB Professional Four-Channel Mixer is our best DJ mixer and this awesome mixer has a total of four channels of mixing various input instruments to produce a richer sound. Its sensitivity for the 1.22 volts output is 77 mV RMS for the line input and 1.1 mV RMS for the microphone plus 1.3 mV RMS for the phono input at 1 kHz and 6.7 V RMS at the line output and its input impedance is 10 kilo ohms for the line input, 47 kilo ohms for the phono input and 600 ohms for the mic input. Each of the input channels has controls for the gain as well. In fact, you can use it for playing music from any source or software and it definitely works for PC or Mac.
Our step-up pick is the BEHRINGER XENYX X1222USB and this one has a total of 16 input channels to choose from, making it our step-up pick for its features. The parameter settings that are user defined can be stored conveniently and it has a tap function for a lot of its controls. The four preamps are all phantom-powered and can do so much better than standard preamps in the market and its transient response is superb compared to competitors. For easily recording vocals and instruments, there is also a control LED and there are a total of 150 instruments in the software for editing audio and recording audio.
The budget pick is the Behringer XENYX502 5-Channel Mixer and this analog mixer has a high head room design which also has very low noise levels for superior performance. Its microphone pre-amp is one of a kind and outmatches other preamps in the market and it is able to give you a warm EQ using its British neo-classic two-band EQ that gives you a warm and classic vibe. Its dynamic range of the preamp is 130 dB and at only 1.2 pounds, it is a very ideal choice for a super light weight and portable DJ mixer for your next gig or live set.
A Little Background
Whether you are a DJ or a music producer, mixing is very important because your music will sound like garbage if you do not mix all of the channels properly. Each instrument or vocal track must be properly mixed so that one will not overpower the other. It is also important that you make use of effects such as delays, equalization and much more to give the wow to your audience as a DJ or as a producer.
How We Picked
In choosing the best DJ mixer, we considered the following:
Ease of controls – to be the best DJ mixer, it must be very easy to control, especially if you want to use it in a live set or gig.
Easy setup – most DJ mixers are also capable of plug and play action and can be even controlled through your iPad or tablet.
Portability – most DJ mixers range from small to large and yet they still are very portable in their build.
Our Pick
Numark M6 USB Professional Four-Channel Mixer
Our best DJ mixer is the Numark M6 USB Professional Four-Channel Mixer and this awesome mixer has a total of four channels of mixing various input instruments to produce a richer sound. It has a standard 3-band equalizer for your convenience and easy mixing or perfecting tracks and it also has a unique LED metering in each of the channels of this awesome DJ mixer. Moreover, it is USB powered so you do not need to worry about the power source.
You can use it for playing music from any source or software and it definitely works for PC or Mac and each of the input channels have gain controls as well. Its input impedance is 10 kilo ohms for the line input, 47 kilo ohms for the phono input and 600 ohms for the mic input and its sensitivity for the 1.22 volts output is 77 mV RMS for the line input and 1.1 mV RMS for the microphone plus 1.3 mV RMS for the phono input at 1 kHz and 6.7 V RMS at the line output.
Its headphone output is from 0.5 watts into 47 ohms. JIS-A weighted at the maximum output, its signal to noise ratio from the phono is greater than 79 dB, greater than 94 dB for the microphone and greater than 96 dB for the line. Its total harmonic distortion is less than 0.01 percent and its frequency response for the microphone is 20 Hz up to 15,000 Hz and 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz for the line at +/- 0.5 dB. Also, it has equalizers for both the channels and the DJ microphone, each with standard frequency of 1,200 Hz at middle and 15,000 Hz for treble, with 60 Hz for the bass of the channel and 100 Hz for the bass of the DJ microphone and with full headphone output, the power consumption is 11.6 watts while 9.1 watts if it is just used regularly. You can switch it to either 115 volts or 230 volts for international use.
The Numark Four-Channel Mixer can work on any DJ software such as Virtual DJ, Traktor and many others. It comes with the needed USB cable and power cable plus the quick start guide and warranty information plus safety manual.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
The Numark M6 USB Professional Four-Channel Mixer may look amazing but it has a few flaws but they are not deal breakers at all. For example, it does not have fancy effects and is just a plain mixer with four channels for beginners or as a supplementary mixer for your bigger unit.
Step-up Pick
BEHRINGER XENYX X1222USB
The BEHRINGER XENYX X1222USB is our step-up pick and this one has a total of 16 input channels to choose from, making it our step-up pick for its features. It is meant to be your main mixer due to its large size and capacity as a DJ mixer and the four preamps are all phantom-powered and can do so much better than standard preamps in the market. It has a tap function for a lot of its controls and the parameter settings that are user defined can be stored conveniently.
Musical sound can be as warm as the British ’60s and ’70s music to give you that neo-classic vibe for this mixer. Also, this DJ mixer also has a total of four compressors, all of which are studio grade in their performance and quality and are equipped with a one-knob feature. For easily recording vocals and instruments, there is also a control LED. Moreover, there are a total of 16 different presets using the FX processor in which you can choose from various effects such as delay, flanger, chorus, reverb, multi-effect, pitch shifter and much more.
There are a total of 150 instruments in the software for editing audio and recording audio. Also, the EQ has seven bands, which is a step-up from most EQ with 3 bands so you can easily spice up your mix without compromising quality and getting into the best details possible. The stereo image will be enhanced using the XPQ 3D stereo surround feature that has been integrated with this DJ mixer. In fact, there is also a voice canceller in case someone wants to do a minus-one and have a singer sing along for karaoke purposes.
Critical frequencies are revealed better using the FBQ feedback detection system so you can hear even the finest instruments and details on your mix. In fact, there are a total of four input channels, all of which are in stereo. Likewise, there are two microphone inputs and each channel also has two aux sends, with one post fader and one pre-fader. The BEHRINGER XENYX also includes two aux returns that are multi-functional and stereo and it can be switched between various voltage systems around the globe from 100 volts to 240 volts.
Overall, it will give you clear and crisp audio without the worry of noise as it has stereo recording outputs and headphone outputs as well. The XLR connectors are also gold plated for superior sound and crisp clear quality and the taper faders that measure 60 mm are logarithmic and long wearing due to its excellent build and durability. In fact, each mono channel has inserts so you can connect other equipment just fine.
Rotary controls are also sealed for better protection in the long run. And as a matter of fact, you can also easily mount it using the rack mount brackets included with this awesome DJ mixer. Its USB audio interface is bi-directional and built-in which helps you record things easily and its transient response is superb compared to competitors. There is also a low power consumption with this excellent DJ mixer so it is eco-friendly.
Budget Pick
Behringer XENYX502 5-Channel Mixer
The Behringer XENYX502 5-Channel Mixer is able to give you a warm EQ using its British neo-classic two-band EQ that gives you a warm and classic vibe. This analog mixer has a high head room design which also has very low noise levels for superior performance and you can use it for a wide range of studio or DJ-ing instances.
Its microphone pre-amp is one of a kind and outmatches other preamps in the market and its main mix outputs and headphone output can be assigned with any tape or CD input. It is a must-have for those who want to use it for ’60s and 70’s style of music and for oldies or you can use it for stereo recording or live DJ-ing in performances and it has a total of five inputs plus two bus inputs.
There are also separate headphone outputs so two people can listen at the same time. Its dynamic range of the preamp is 130 dB and its frequency range can go as wide as 10 Hz up to 200 kHz, making it very versatile. It comes with RCA outputs and inputs for recording quality music. At only 1.2 pounds, it is a very ideal choice for a super light weight and portable DJ mixer for your next gig or live set. Supporting 48 volts of phantom power for high quality microphones, it is backed by a warranty of 3 years.
Ideal DJ Mixer for any DAW or Digital Audio Workstation
Akai Professional MIDImix Portable USB Mixer
The kai Professional MIDImix Portable USB Mix can be used to control your favorite DAW, such as FL Studio, Cubase, Reason and Ableton Live (with the Lite version included in this package). In fact, it also has a one to one mapping with Ableton Live and it comes with 8 faders for you to use plus one master fader so you can perfect your mix. It has a total of 16 buttons to choose from and operate your DAW via MIDI and USB ports.
It also has a total of 24 knobs that let you control and map various aspects and effects on your chosen DAW such as volume, pitch, delay, levels of effects, and many others. Arm recording is great per channel due to its two banks for the 16 buttons, each with solo, mute and record functions and with just one press of the button, you can send all of your mixer settings to the DAW of your choice. Each channel has three knobs assigned from the 24 knobs and each of the assignable faders measure 30 mm.
Each of the assignable knobs can rotate up to 270 degrees and each of the banks can be accessed using the right and left buttons. The mute buttons are backlit with amber color while the red back light is for the record arm buttons and it is also USB powered so you can use it with your PC or Mac while charging.
Moreover, also comes with a Kensington lock slot. At only 1.5 pounds, it is a super compact DJ mixer in the palm of your hands. It comes with a software download card, the needed USB cable, a user’s guide and a safety manual that also shows information about the warranty and this DJ mixer allows you to perform on-site mixing.
Ideal DJ Mixer that is Battery Powered
Pyle 5-Channel Battery Powered Professional Mixer
The Pyle 5-Channel Battery Powered Professional Mixer is very compact in its design so you can definitely take it anywhere. It has a USB interface so it connects via any laptop or computer easily and it has a total of five channels so you can perfect your mix without many problems. This DJ mixer comes with a battery that is rechargeable so you do not have to worry about getting the perfect mix on the go while in live shows.
It has independent channels plus audio equalization and panning at two bands and the faders have a rotary style that give you edge for mixing on the go. It has a high head room design as a DJ mixer and is also low on its noise levels and it has connections for microphones, USB, line in / line out and a master volume. It also uses phantom power at 18 volts so you can use it for a variety of sound and studio equipment. Also, the Pyle 5-Channel Professional Mixer has two RCA stereo inputs plus an XLR 1/4 inch microphone input for condenser microphones.
There are also two 3.5 mm stereo jacks for output and the rechargeable battery is a lithium ion battery so it has no memory effect and the unit will last longer on a single charge. The build of this awesome DJ mixer is very superb and solid and the two bands of EQ helps you clean up your mix even with noisy input. There is also a crossover stereo mixing control for your convenience and you can get a very clean mix and audio.
Moreover, you can also use your external digital recorder such as a tape recorder due to its additional line in. It is compatible for both Windows and Mac so it is very versatile and you can use the line in connection for playing guitars and other similar instruments.
Best Mini DJ Mixer
Rolls MX42 Stereo Mini Mixer
The Rolls MX42 Stereo Mini Mixer is so small and yet so powerful and is quite useful for a wide range of uses in any live performance. This mixer has a set of passive RCA connections and you can enjoy mixing with a total of four knobs for easily mixing levels of anything you need. It has a total of four channels plus output channels, all at stereo and it is a great analog DJ mixer for those who like it old school.
You can even use it for other uses such as home entertainment systems and it is also very compact in its design. It does not produce any kind of noise and if you have multiple sources for one speaker then this is a very straightforward solution for your problem.
Ideal DJ Mixer for the Native Instruments Traktor
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Mixing Interface
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Mixing Interface is the perfect companion to your Traktor DJ controller because it is made by the same brand. It comes with a sound card that is 24-bit at 96 kHz so you can use it with any DJ or studio equipment and its mixing interface has a triple band equalizer for easily mixing with comfort and ease. It is very portable in its design and works well for any Traktor controller and the knobs and the faders are all very high quality for professional use.
All of the buttons are backlit for the awesome night performance in your live DJ set or gig. Because it is less than 1 pound, you can easily store it in your bag without the extra weight. It also comes with cue mixing and filters which allows you to manage 2 decks at the same time and also comes with the Traktor LE 2 software along with this DJ mixer.
All of its meters are also backlit for easy monitoring. Also, if you have a Traktor Gig Bag then it will definitely fit there. Because of the fact that the knobs are made from rubberized material, they are very comfortable and ergonomic and soft to touch so they are easy to use. The line faders are also very good when it comes to resistance and are not too loose either. There are also pre-listen controls for each of the channels.
In fact, you can also use it with your iPad or iPhone and it charges along while you are playing. When you use it with an iPad, it comes with an AC adapter. It also works for 64-bit systems such as Windows 8 and it comes with an AC adapter plus a USB cable. There is also a 30-pin Apple cable with a USB cable on the end for Apple products. It comes with serial numbers for software and hardware as well as user manuals and there are also fancy Native Instrument stickers that you can use for laptops and cases.
Ideal DJ Mixer for a Condenser Mic
Pyle Bluetooth 3-Channel USB Audio Mixer
The Pyle Bluetooth 3-Channel USB Audio Mixer has a total of three channels to mix and it is also powered and backed up by phantom power supply at 18 volts which can be used to record from your condenser microphone to your computer using the USB audio interface. It is also capable of Bluetooth so you can use Bluetooth speakers for wireless streaming on the go and it also has an audio interface or sound card built-in within the DJ mixer.
The central bolt has a solid steel construction to make it very sturdy in its build and its durability is backed by its casting that is made from aluminum material. Moreover, there is also a fixed solid pin to make sure that the central bolt holds in place. There are also jaws that are shaped in V form amounting to four with its grip head which measures 2 1/2 inches and it has a T-shaped handle that is oversized and ergonomic for the best comfort possible while DJ-ing in the club. It also comes with a headphone jack at 1/8 inch.
Torque is upgraded using the roller bearings that are dedicated in their construction. The friction disc is made from aluminum material that has a nonslip capability. It has a USB port for connection to PCs or Macs and comes with LED indicator lights plus an audio signal clip feature. Control buttons and input selections are very versatile and easy to use. It comes with a wall adapter power supply as well as the cable for the needed connections and it also comes with left and right stereo output connectors and input connectors (RCA).
Unique DJ Mixer with iPad Control
Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Live Digital Mixer
The unique Mackie DL1608 16-Channel Live Digital Mixer allows you to place your iPad and strap it in to control your music and it is capable of 16 channels in its mixing capability and gives you seamless mixing whether the iPad is wired and whether it is wirelessly controlled. It uses the Mackie Master Fader app to let your iPad help you to control the levels and music parameters with a few settings.
It is a great live mixer for those who own an iPad and you can use it on any DJ live set or gig due to its intuitive design. It has 16 Onyx brand microphone preamps and there are two return channels for the iPad that are linkable to stereo. There are also 16 input channels that are linkable to stereo. You can easily play back your tunes and export using the two-channel recording features and easily mix from your iPad due to its great and unique design.
There are also Cirrus Logic converters within this unit and there are a total of 8 balanced outputs. There are 4 mute groups plus four VCAs and there are also four sub groups that are also stereo-linkable. There are 6 aux sends that can be linked to stereo as well and the main left and right busses help you finish your mixes. Each of the two stereo FX processors is equipped with returns and sends.
Even with up to 20 iOS devices, you can control this awesome live digital mixer wirelessly. You get a ton of EQ systems and choices for the Master Fader control app for the iPad and you can connect a ton of other iOS devices such as iPod and iPhone using the WiFi connection feature. It also maintains the charge on your iPad.
Best Turntablist DJ Mixer
DJTECH DIF1S DJ Scratch Mixer
The DJTECH DIF1S DJ Scratch Mixer is for those who like to scratch and for those who are true to turntable action as DJs. It has a DVS mode so you can switch between the DVS software and the vinyl or CD setup by just using one RCA cable booth output and the RCA output is also equipped with a volume control that is dedicated to that part. Crossfade is good and the mini infrared is contactless so it does not hurt your other units and is well renowned for its durability as 2-chanel DJ mixer.
It comes with two CD inputs using RCA and two line and phone connections plus headphone connections at 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) and 6.35 mm (1/4 inch). Easily use the crossfade, reverse and curve features using the Infrared Superb scratch feature. This mixer also comes with a microphone input for your convenience and it comes with an EQ with 3 bands.
Because of the contactless design, you can endure it up to 4 million cycles on the average use. There is also a time code channel feature to make it compatible to a DVS set up. Overall, if you are a turntablist then this is the DJ mixer to get.
The Competition
Other DJ mixers that did not make it to our lists are not very worthy when it comes to their number of connections and their ease of use as well as portability. It is important for a DJ mixer to be highly reliable and will not ruin the overall quality of the sound source such as an instrument or your computer’s DAW or voice recordings.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tips should I consider if I am a starter in DJ-ing?
A: According to Dubspot , make sure your taste in music is diverse and not just in one genre or style and make sure you know how to attend to different crowds and appeal to their taste in music. You should also know your time slot and what songs would be effective for that. In fact, good programming for your mix lineup is important so that your mix will somehow tell a story to the audience.
Always be aware of clipping or red levels even if the excitement is too strong because this will distort your music when it is too loud. Remember that being too loud or having too many effects doesn’t make you a great DJ – it is all about the mixing and the content that matters. You should also carry a plethora of backups in case your laptop’s battery is dead, such as an iPod, iPad or any other music source – or go old school with CDs or even vinyl if you feel like putting up a throwback party.
Q: What should be considered when it comes to choosing mixers?
A: According to eBay , make sure the DJ mixer has great sound quality and it should be very easy to use. A mixer that can be controlled wirelessly is a plus point. Its signal processing should not have a lot of delays and this is why most people use analog over digital processing for higher quality of music.
Wrapping It Up
To spice up your mix, the Numark M6 USB Professional Four-Channel Mixer is our best DJ mixer to help you finish your mix or composition without much problems.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.