External Mixer?

[KevMaverick]

Hi guys, I'd like to ask a bit of advice if that's ok?

My current mixer is a stage mixer, rather than a DJ one, and it's been very useful for karaoke, but not so good as for DJ work. I have to send all the output from my laptop to just one channel (stereo fortunately), and there is no PFL/Monitor function on it. It is a superb mixer for karaoke and live performance though, so I'd like to keep it.

I've seen a great mixer for sale, 4 mic channels, 4 line/phono inputs, 1 master mic input for DJ, separate equaliser for both stereo channels (l/r), and most important, pfl on each channel.

I'd just like to know if it is better running Cross through an external mixer, and apart from the pfl and a dedicated channel for each deck, what advantages there might be. Or any disadvantages? Is there any impact on system performance when using an external mixer?

Also, would it be possible to still use my existing Mackie mixer purely to control the microphones, and connect it to one of the line inputes on the new mixer? I know that the connections are fine, being phono/rca, but I'm not sure if there's any issues running one mixer through another?

Sorry there's so many questions in there, but I knew that you guys would be the ones to ask!

[Blackbrook]

Hi guys, I'd like to ask a bit of advice if that's ok?

No way!

I've seen a great mixer for sale, 4 mic channels, 4 line/phono inputs, 1 master mic input for DJ, separate equaliser for both stereo channels (l/r), and most important, pfl on each channel.

Sounds great asking me!

I'd just like to know if it is better running Cross through an external mixer, and apart from the pfl and a dedicated channel for each deck, what advantages there might be. Or any disadvantages? Is there any impact on system performance when using an external mixer?

I did not realize any difference or disadvantage using external mode instead of dual stereo or vice versa

Also, would it be possible to still use my existing Mackie mixer purely to control the microphones, and connect it to one of the line inputes on the new mixer? I know that the connections are fine, being phono/rca, but I'm not sure if there's any issues running one mixer through another?

This does work very fine, did that already. In the end it are all just signales going somewhere, where exactly does not matter as long as you connect it right.

Sorry there's so many questions in there, but I knew that you guys would be the ones to ask!

Cost me 5 minutes, very well spend 5 minutes. Ask for more if you are interested in my opinion

[KevMaverick]

Thanks for that info - a very informative 5 minutes!

I decided to go for it, simply because it was a complete bargain! Just £35 for an amazing piece of equipment, and it was brand new, not used!

The story is that a batch of mixer/cd player combos were shipped, but had the cd players missing! So my supplier bought them and sold the mixers separately... for a really silly price!

Here's my latest toy:

2012-07-23 18.56.19.jpg

[Blackbrook]

That looks good Kev! If it lasts long it is a very very good gear for you - fits perfectly, doesn't it?

[KevMaverick]

Thanks - it's a bit larger than my previous mixer, but so much better - can't wait until my next gig now!

[hemskoc]

just make sure all the pots work/ not scratchy ect before u gig..
Jope it works for you mate
Cheers

[hemskoc]

just make sure all the pots work/ not scratchy ect before u gig..
hope it works for you mate
Cheers

[KevMaverick]

I've been playing with this for a few hours now and it's perfect!

Using an external seems to give me a bit more flexibility to be creative, just like back in the old days when I only had 2 1200's and a mixer to play with!

Kev is happy with his new toy!

[hemskoc]

Just a breath of fresh air, hey Kev. I have always been an external mixer user, and going to get a U-Mix Control Pro soon to try out the MIDI mixer for a change! I already have a Korg PadKontrol, but i still like an analogue mixer so far...more fun
Cheers

[KevMaverick]

I've got a tiny little Numark DJ2GO to control the software - even though I'm now only using it to select the tracks, set the pitch and hit the play buttons, it's great using that with my new mixer.

You'll have fun with the MIDI controller for sure!

Having an external mixer that does what I want makes me feel like a 'real' DJ again!