In this weeks Top 10 we are looking at the best and most iconic DJ mixers ever made. Whether its blending, cutting, looping or playing with effects, theres something for everyone in here. 

Of all the tools of a DJ’s arsenal, we would argue that non is more important than the mixer. It can keep the partying going by facilitating a continuous stream of music, it can create tension and release through filtering, it can shape the sound of the very records whose souls exist within its chassis, waiting to be unleashed at the DJs behest. In this top 10 we will be going through very the best of them….

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Allen & Heath Xone 92

The Xone 92 has been a staple in modern clubs since its release in…. Known for having arguably the cleanest sounding filters and EQ’s of any mixer, and its easy to use and well laid out controls have made it a favourite for many DJ’s.

Model 1

The Model 1, developed by techno producer Richie Hawtin, is probably the most unique entry on the list. The mixer is jam packed with special features that you wont find on many other units such as studio grade faders, precision EQ for accurate frequency sculpting, and analog overdrive.

  Rane MP2015

The Rane Corporation are heavyweights in the audio world and have made a whole range of great mixers over the years, but for us thier best porduct has undoubtably been the MP2015. This rotary mixer looks and sounds stunning. Inspired by the classic rotary club mixers, the MP2015 comes with 4 channels, isometric crossover EQs, and great connectivity options making it a winner for those of us that love a good blend.

Pioneer DJM series

If you have ever taken an interest into the world of the DJ then you will have surely heard of the DJM. The industry standard mixer is a mainstay in pretty much every club in the world. Easy to use, versatile, and packed with effects, it’s no mystery as to why the DJM is so popular.

  MasterSounds Radius 4 Valve

MasterSounds have made a name for themselves with their unique approach to building mixers. Their main consistent feature across many of their products is their amazing tube valve design that adds compression and warmth to whatever you play through them. the Radius 4 Valve features dual triode tube valves for analog warmth, EQ isolation for crazy sound manipulation, and comes in either rotary or fader options.

 Urei 1620 (Paradise Garage mixer)

Anyone who knows their DJ history will know the Urei 1620. Famous for being one of the in house mixers of the legendary Paradise Garage in New York, the mixer has entered cult status in the modern age, and became a popular hit with collectors and DJ aficionados. At the time of its release, the Urei 1620 was the best mixer money could buy and was seen in many clubs. The Mixer lacks the EQ settings that we usually see on mixers today, but despite this fact, the Urei 1620 was known for its awesome sound, blending capabilities, and huge connectivity options to add external hardware.

  GLI PMX 9000

The GLI PMX 9000 was a game changer when it launched back in 1979, as it was the first mass produced mixer to feature faders instead of rotary knobs. It also introduced the crossfader, making it loved in the hip-hop DJ circles as it was ideal for scratching. The mixer became such a hit that it was even featured in Back To The Future II.

Bozak AR-4

Bozark have been making mixers as far back as the 60’s and are considered pioneers in mixer design. So much so in fact, that mixers such as the Urei 1620 thats also in this was modelled after the popular CMA series of mixers from Bozak. The AR-4 is a spectacular continuation of a spectacular legacy and is considered one of the best sounding mixers money can buy, and it features classic VU metering.

   Numark PPD DM 1975

This was a game changing mixer in the sense that it featured a digital sampler which was – and in some ways still is – an uncommon feature for mixers. With 4 sec sample time it was possible to overdub records on the fly and create unique remixes of records on the fly. It also had a 6-band graphic EQ and the ability to play loops and stutter way before Traktor was invented.

The “Rosie”

This iconic piece of equipment is the most important item on this list hands down. This mixer – also known as “Rosie” – was the first DJ mixer ever made. The unit was created by hi-fi engineer Alex Rosner, who made the mixer for legendary house pioneer Francis Grasso to mix his records at The Haven Club in New York. The 2-channel mixer featured a headphone and mixer outputs, and a cueing system. A fun fact about the mixer is that when it was in production it’s designer (Alex Rosner) poured coke on top of the machine to test its durability.

If you liked this round-up of mixers, check out more of our Top 10’s here.

 

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