The 10 Best DJ Mixers
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Modern DJs do more than just choose what song to play. They require a whole host of equipment to deliver a great show, including turntables, MIDI inputs, controllers, and microphones. But it's the mixer's job to put it all together, and we've selected straightforward, 2-channel models great for those learning to beat match, and more complex beasts offering incredible versatility and capabilities. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Pioneer DJM 250
2. DJ Tech DIF-2S
3. Allen & Heath Xone 43C
Editor's Notes
March 11, 2019:
When it comes to assembling the ideal DJ booth, it's tough to overstate the importance of a good mixer. Whether you're setting up your venue's semi-permanent installation, or piecing together a controller for writing songs in your room, there's an option to fit any budget. Entry-level performers should check out the Rockville and the NuMark Black, both of which are respectable, though they might not suffice for extremely demanding users. If you're looking for something straightforward, that's made with undeniably high-quality internals, the Pioneer DJM 250 and DJ Tech DIF-2S are almost impossible to top, especially for the price. Anything by Allen & Heath is guaranteed to be an excellent choice, and their 23C and 43C are offered at relatively accessible prices, while they perform with some of the best. The same can be said of the Traktor And Pioneer's 450 model. But if you're going for the best of the best, there's almost nothing that can outshine the Xone 92, except possibly the Pioneer DJM 900, both of which are considered to be the creme of the crop, and are commonly found at some the most luxurious venues in the world. Aside from a good mixer, a quality set of monitor headphones is also a must-have for most DJs, and if you're crafting your own tunes from scratch, a solid MIDI controller is also a necessity. But above all, make sure to wear some good earplugs during performances, especially in smaller venues where you're heavily exposed to the house sound system. No matter how good of a DJ you are, it gets awfully tough to mix tunes once your hearing gives out.
4. NuMark Black
5. Allen & Heath Xone 23C
6. Pioneer DJM 900
7. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
8. Pioneer DJM 450
9. Allen & Heath Xone 92
10. Rockville RD3BT
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.