Dedicated DJ Mixer Vs PA Mixer

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Just a quick question that Andys (Deltic) gallery thread got me thinking about. Do you guys use a dedicated DJ mixer (i.e Citronic CDM10:4, Pioneer DJM3000, etc) or a more general PA mixer? Just got me wondering, as I've used a general PA mixer with a dedicated DJ mixer into one channel, purely so the DJ dont get the MC through their monitor speakers. Whats your opinions/reasons for choosing what you do?

Cheers

Steve

[A1DL]

Hi Steve

The main reasons for running a separate DJ mixer into the FOH mixer are:
(a) the DJ is on stage with the band, the FOH mixer is at FOH and connected to the PA
(b) to give the FOH Tech control of the signal from the DJ mixer, as indeed he/she has for every other channel/playback source. I always put a hard knee limiter on the DJ mixer feeds.

To your other point, there are some DJ mixers that have separate busses for mics and music (Cloud CXM being my personal favourite) and a couple of the Denon DJ mixers have selectable mics into booth, to keep the DJ mic out of the mons.

Tony

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hi Tony.

I understand all of that and agree, i was thinking more specifically just for running a disco. Ive seen DJs use a FOH mixer just for discos with the mic into one channel and each cd player into another and was wondering how many run a set up like that.

PS - I also think the CMX is quality but prefer the DJM1000... If you ever decide to get shot of a CXM mind, give me a shout

[Tom]

I used to use a pa mixer but now use a a dedicated dj mixer as they are a lot smaller and has more than enough channels. But this depends on how any channels you need.

[Penfold42]

DJ mixer - never used anything else.

[Daryll]

I use a Yamaha MG166c.
Reasons are as follows.



I like it



Channel assignments :

1- Radio mike
2- Radio mike
3-External sound card Left in
4-External sound card Right in
5- cue Left
6- cue right
7/8- CDN22 deck 1
9/10- CDN22 deck 2
11/12 Aux inputs ( ipod etc)
13/14/15/16 wired to backup laptop just in case (Left/Right and Cue).

Daryll

[spin mobile disco]

I use a Dj mixer . But I know of at least 2 other DJ's who use front of house mixers for DJ'ng.
I prefer all my gear to be 19" rackmount and as small a profile as I can get away with. Without losing any of the important things I need in a setup.

[OllieJames]

I use a DJ mixer, rackmounted in my CD player case.

However i run that into a Mackie DFX12, with a mic in another channel, and backup in another.

Looking to buy the DFX 6 aswell, so i'm not carrying around a 12 channel desk when i only use around 4-6 channels!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

No room for the kitchen sink then Daryll Seems to be pros and cons for both depending on how many channels you need.

[Jiggles]

I have a PA mixer and it has got me out of a few sticky situations! Saved a festival a fortune in hiring one on dry hire. So they gave me a bit more cash seeing that i was doing the Disco anyway