@@Bigpoppaabe8 the point is as a real DJ who respects and values real musicians we understand why a musician uses their own instruments and cares about their sound output.
I've been using a 6 channel mixer and I must concur with Nick; using a mixer enhances your sound and opens up new doors! I've only been DJing for only 3 years and I am surprised that DJs who have been in the game for years still do not use external mixers! I've had other Dj's approach me at events inquiring about my sound & observing my hookup! Thanks for the affirmation Nick!
Another pro tip...if you split your 1/4” inputs into their own channel (i.e., Left output from your mixer into Channel 1 and Right output into Channel 2) then you pan the left channel all the way left and the right channel all the way right your tracks will get a great stereo image and make the sound super wide!
True. The older Mackie 1402VLZ mixers do this well - and actually bump up each channel by 2 or 3db extra for more headroom when you use this trick. Not sure about their newer mixers.
I absolutely agree with Nick on using a external mixer; I use a Yamaha MG10XU 10 channel mixer in my Dj setup as the hub for my controller, turntable, mics, etc. The versatility, headroom and sound quality are greatly enhanced. And I couldn't image not using a external mixer in my live setup.
Absolutely! An external mixer is a game changer. I use a Mackie Mix8. Essentially the mixer is a central hub that also acts as a safety net. We've all experienced gear taking a dump in the middle of a set. Laptop or controller crash? No problem. Quickly switch over to your iPad avoiding that embarassing dead air. My mixer has saved my butt a few times. I can't imagine DJing an event without one.
Thank you, Nick! This answers a question that I've always had about using a mixer with all these all-in-one controllers. Your information is timely and welcomed. Keep up the good work!
I use an External Mixer because my Controller (FLX6GT) does not have an XLR out Balanced Connection. So when I go straight to my speakers from RCA you get noticeable feedback. But also I like it because you really do have more control than just messing with the speaker knobs. You can really fine tune stuff and I love that
Before I started using the Yamaha MG06 6 Channel Mixer, my levels at event sucked and my microphone levels even worse. But once I added the external mixer, my sound levels sounded even better and my mic levels even better. Having an external mixer gives plenty of options and fuller sound without clipping or a distorted signal.
You covered ALOT of the benefits of using an external mixer. I would also add to those: - The ability to have a back-up rig (iPod, Computer, iPad, etc) already connected to your Sound System in the very unlikely event of a Main Rig malfunction. This has saved my butt a few times. At a minimum, it gives you a chance to Reboot or do quick troubleshooting without missing a beat or any dead-air. - Like your remote speaker example, I will often run a sub via an AUX. I had a sound man recommend that I keep the subs low during dinner and toasts to avoid that "rumble" when you dont really need it. As the event requires, I can raise the level at my discretion. This is also helpful with venues with a Sound Ordinance. Those low frequencies can cause issues. Great Content, keep 'em coming!!
@NickSpinelli I am in Sydney Australia and going back to DJ'ing for private functions. Allen and Heath and Mackie are the most common mixers here in live sound. Either an Allen and Heath Z 10 or a Mackie Mix 8 are on the top of my list. I will be running a Reloop Mixtour Pro, Novartis Launchpad and Hercules Starlight running Virginia DJ as a backup controller sourcing files off of my Raspberry Pi 5 NAS. Weddings here in Sydney Australia now want Club style DJ's to the point where I am running an Ableton Push II thru my custom built Intel NUK with Ableton 11.3.4 (last known stable build)
Absolutely correct ! I always have when I started using an external mixer and a Mac computer for music everyone thought I was off point to say it mildly that was in the 80s. As a rule regular DJ mixer can't give you the sound like an external mixer can and yours is a great one just wanted to say thanks I'm 50 years in music this year
I just switched my streaming set up from: DJ Mixer > External Mixer > GO:Mixer > Laptop/OBS, to running my audio straight from my DJ mixer to my GO:Mixer. The mic goes: Mic > External Mixer > GO:Mixer > Laptop/OBS. I made the switch because I felt there were too many ways to adjust the signal (7 volume/gain/master pots across 3 mixers) but you're making me rethink that decision. Thanks!
Don’t forget the other most important.. you have a BACKUP mixer in place. Plug another laptop in, an iPad, you’re ready to roll immediately in the event that your computer or controller freezes up.
I'm an audio engineer. I do medium to large corporate events and network television. Listen to the man - use an external mixer, especially for your mics. Most people are using a controller, not a mixer, anyway, and that's killing your mic sound. That's why you get all that distortion and feedback from your handheld mic. If I DJ, my DJ mixer outputs, all mics and an iphone for background/breaktime music are all fed into a Behringer X32, and that's what feeds the house speakers. Which allows me to time sync all speakers based on placement, EQ everything, do all that fine tune tweaking for each channel, not to mention split out the subs so they're only receiving the bass frequencies and keep the heavy bass out of the top speakers. :)
In my rig I have the DJ controller USBed to the laptop with a good quality ( but old ) external sound card. The DJ headphones are the only other thing hooked up to the controller. ( no other audio output there needed ) The sound card goes to an external mixer ( stereo ), 2 other stereo inputs are available and ready to go, someone else brings in their rig I can plug right in, want to use a ipod/cd player/ whatever as background during the meal no problem. At the moment have a "wired" mic and a "wireless" mic connected with a couple of spare channels left. The main output goes to either the speaker management ( eg subs split from the mid/highs etc ) or straight through to the speaker inputs. You can pull in/out the music, pull in/out the mics. You can run the DJ system "internally" while the dinner music is playing without anyone getting blasted with the "test pattern" you are using to set levels. brilliant. There are other outputs possible for other reasons as you said ( Aux mono, headphone level stereo, RCA, which I have not played with but ok, stereo ) but not really letting them know Now, if I could just work out how to pick the music to run the floor....🤔
My external mixer has saved my life during a few disasters and thus my dj reputation. My current external has 8 channels with a bluetooth. I back up my music to my phone and used it to finish my sets a few times.
Once again Nick, you out did yourself on this video! I been watching your videos through my progression of being a wedding dj. And your videos are always so informative, fun amd straight to the point! Ive just invested to the RCF HDM 45's and i want to get the most out of them. Appreciate the content bro!!
Hey thanks for the tips. I use a an ext mixer for many yrs and it makes a big sound difference. You don't push your speakers and extends the life of the speakers. Its a cleaner sound.
Hi Nick, I used external mixer when doing a karaoke night cus I needed extra mics....and never went back. After a few tweaks the whole rig sounded soooo much better...And now I'm streaming...awww yes! Total control. Great tips thanks muchly!
Wow best explanation ever! I bought a Mackie 8 channel mixer and tried an event with it and sound was AMAZING - so much better! I could not believe it- you gave me other great reasons also. I saved this to my favorites Bada boom Bada bing Thank You Allan
I don't know if anyone else in the comments told you but just so you know you can pull the mic out of the booth on the s9. It's in the settings on the s9. Great video!
Honestly, get something with a PFL readout. You can check your levels before the audio hits your speakers. It’s definitely a luxury that isn’t expensive.
I've used an external mixer for decades. I use a Behringer 22 track studio mixer. I run my Cerwin Vega tops & Bottoms out of it. Absolutely sounds incredible, especially with the abundance of added professional level equalization control it provides. Plus, I get all the channels to add as much extra items as I may need. I also use a Reloop RMX-90 mixer for even more volume and equalizer control. With that, I also get to hook up more items like CDJs, turntables, cd recorder. I like all the extra options I can get. Is it overkill? Absolutely, except for the best sound I get from my tops & subs, and the ability to add as many mics as I may need, beyond the 4 cordless mics I normally have hooked up.
You're absolutely right - the sound from the controllers is pretty much generic sound. I always setup my equipment with an external mixer and it makes a hell of a difference! Great videos Nick!
Nick, I have been telling fellow DJ's to get an external mixer for years. They are a lot smaller and a lot more affordable today than they were when i got mine about 10 years ago.
great video and 100 percent true. Getting an external mixer for my set up was the best decision ever! I got the Yamaha MG10Xu, kinda similar to the RCF one.
I started out as a musician so I've always used an external mixer. I use an Akai APC40 to control 4 decks, cues, levels, effects, etc on DJAY Pro and my rack mounted Mac runs audio to my mixer where the other mics patch in. The high pass filter as you mentioned is great. Many mixers not also have built in compression which when used properly, can really smooth vocal peaks that can get out of hand for speakers who aren't experienced using mics. 4:48 LOL that was great. "Red's not turbo!" LOL!
Me too. I'm basically a "musician that now plays pre-recorded music" (rather than calling myself a "DJ"). Haha. And YEAH. I use an ext mixer ... which sounds WAY better than the all-in-one shit from "DJ world". Thats a lesson I first learned over 30 years ago, as a audio buff teen: you get better quality buying separate components. (probably not an ABSOLUTE fact these days, but .....)
All this time I’ve had my external mixer and blown speaker after speaker when I should’ve been using my external! Thinking my S9 was good enough.. you 🐐’d
I have always had an external mixer in my set ups. As well as what you mentioned I have a spare laptop set up so if controller crashes etc I can continue until I have sorted out problems, without any silence.
While I agree with you for the most part but the Pioneer V10, Model 1,and the Xone 94,96 do not have cheap sound cards pre amps and etc. in fact they are superior to most compact mixers. If you're using a dj controller, then your advice is spot on.
I always run an external mixer, mainly because my Pioneer Ergo's mic input sucks so bad with latency because the Ergo is a non-powered controller. Meaning it relies solely on USB to power it. ( Yes, I need a new controller, it's on my list of to gets ). But I like the head room an external mixer gives you and the clarity of vocal output via the pre amps. I use a Mackie ProFX v3 mixer and it even has built in effects so if you need some delay or reverb for a vocalist or guitarist you got it. Great Post Nick as always! Keep em up!
plug the output of your DJ mixer or controller into a stereo channel input on the mixer. With the channel fader at 0, Adjust the input trim so that the input signal meters are floating around 0dB when the DJ mixer's output is just touching into the red. (audio engineer for a living)
@@andinbriwel1092 You don't need Unity gain all of the time, and depending upon the quality (or lack thereof) of the controller's EQ I would prefer to EQ the sound via the mixer and keep controller EQ's flat. Shaping the EQ on your mixer for desired sound might require levels lower than Unity.
Lol ur awesome Bro! Johnny Ole Skool here, been Djing since .... wow the Late 70's lol..... I was 12...... love ur shows keep rockin it out! Long Island NY in da house! 🔥💪💪🎙🎵
I do professional AV for a livilng, so when I started DJing....I only use an external mixer...the Mackie ProFX is a great series, and they are tanks WITH some built in reverb etc for Mics/Karaoke.
Thank you for this!! I’m a newbie so you’ve saved me time, money, and headaches. Video’s my game and I’ve always had a lot of respect for the audio guy, sound techs. You can use a great camera, but if your audio is crap, guess what? Again, awesome video, tips. 👍
Yes you are right. I use smaller controllers with inbuilt soundcards for plug and play in bars. My old denon controller was loud and quality. Modern controllers. Need something extra for quality and volume
Could you make a couple mini videos on how to use the features like how to run the aux for a videographer, cutting the microphone from the booth, and a couple other things you listed?
@@caseyrice768 I figured a step by step video from him would be useful. I know when I first started I had no idea how to use them and there were no videos back then. He has a pretty big following and someone out there could use the info…just sayin.
1. yes an external mixer have more control for the mic (lowcut, peqs etc) and thats good 2. high end controllers dont have "bad preamps" ..they dont cheap out on that.. 3. it doesnt give you more headroom, +4db is +4db signal.. from the mixer or from the controller ..its XLR +4db signal ..same headroom, same stuff. what I see is a problem most of club DJs do in weddings/gigs: they push their gains like DJs, with sliders opens.. and the master is the volume they need for the room .. while they use their external mixer with high master, low gain and low volumes. thats the problem, they should use their controller LIKE external mixer.. high master, low gains, huge headroom for the mic, no feedback, no distortion, no redlining or saturation in the master .. its realy the way you use it and most of DJs I see they use their controller like a DJ mixer and thats why everything is shit and you need something external to show them how they are supposed to work .. because both are the same. I'm using an SZ, Rane72, 900NX2 on the road and they sound amayzing.. sometimes I use a Allen&Heat CQ12 or Midas mixer but I dont need them most of the time. direct into the SZ.. and I'm even using my -10db outs to the speakers, with this theory I should be pushing my mixer too hard.. give you headroom with the speaker gain, master out.. lower every individual gain to very low, dont use the faders all the way up ..problem solved. use it like you use the external mixer. and when you launch the dancefloor, fader up and raise the channel gains.. gains are the main heart of a mixer. I know people dont use them sincs the "auto gain" in serato ..but I still use my gains in every and single mix..
I do have an external mixer but actually feed that into my DJ controller external input ;-) I absolutely agree that you should have one for mics and your occasion aux you gotta use for a customer or whatever. My DJ controller goes directly into my speakers though. It's got a lot of output. Like Nick suggested though. If I want to run speakers in several rooms, I feed my controller into the external mixer too.
I got a live sound mixer because on many occasions there would be a singer at the event. The DJ controller mic input just was not good enough. As you mentioned the live sound mixer can cut the LF 80hz and below. The mic preamps also sound better. The other benefit is that I now have like 4 mic input so I get one. I sound better. My announcements cut thru the mix. Also there were several gigs where a band was there and I used my system for the vocalist and it rocked!
i always like using a mixer but its alot of work for single opps when usually you can run from your controller to speakers and have the mic inputs and usually thats all you need. Wouldnt mind seeing a video of behind the scenes from your set ups so that we can see who runs it when you have the facade behind you.
If you could PLEASE do a video how you setup your mixer with turntables, mixer to mixer out to speakers. That would be a cool video. Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Thanks for sharing. I wish I a know this information when I started DJing. I was red lighting and pushing my 12.2 using my 1000 controller. I purchased a Yamaha 10-channel mixer mg10xuf. I recently had Mackie Mixer.
Just looking/doing some research and into building my fist mobile DJ set. I'm glad I watched this video, Thanks! I was more biased towards faders rather than pots but you completely changed my mind, that's great advice!
Great content Nick. I've only once DJ'ed without an external mixer. Sound was so weak, I was ashamed to ask to get paid aftewards. I use Rane and Numark gear so it wasn't the gear. It's like you said under powered pre amps.
Back in the day i used a DJM-600 with two CDJ800's. MAN did i love that setup. That Mixer was a TANK and had headroom that would make any speaker pound hard. Well, i didnt feel like hauling a coffin around with a dead body in it anymore when controllers came out, and when i bought my first one, BOY was i thouroughly disappointed. I actually thought something was wrong with it, my mic sounded like shit and i would have to turn the gains to 3pm with master at 1pm and faders all the way up to get the sound my DJM-600 put out at the halfway marks and EVEN then the sound clarity was not there. Anyways, i adapted by using a external mixer and things sound better now but MAN i miss the quality of the old Pioneer stuff... Cheers!
FANTASTIC VIDEO NICK! I actually use a Mackie 1608 Digital mixer with ipad control for the same red isasons you are mentioning. it works very well and is overkill, but I am used to it with running sound for bands. I will chek out your RCF!
Yes yes nick great video i use the yamaha mg12xu love it thought about the rcf but when I bought this rcf just started doing desk mixers so happy for now. Stay safe thank you.
Thanks, this really helped me alot. Im definately going to get an external mixer now. Just have to figure out how to connect it to my DDJ100 and my S11. Thx
Totally agree, I ran an event once without my rack unit which houses my dbx Drive rack, my sound was lacking so much without it. The head room wasn’t there and the low end was no where near to what I was used to. I didn’t know the difference would be as big as it was.
Hey Nick, I know this video's old but glad I came across it! I'm starting out and you're so right about the logic of it all. I'm gonna grab myself a mixer and elevate lol...appreciate you!
When Nick said “think of your controller/mixer as an instrument...” I felt that. 👍🏼
💯
Same
not a real musician i'm assuming.
@@Bigpoppaabe8not a real DJ I’m assuming.
@@Bigpoppaabe8 the point is as a real DJ who respects and values real musicians we understand why a musician uses their own instruments and cares about their sound output.
I've been using a 6 channel mixer and I must concur with Nick; using a mixer enhances your sound and opens up new doors! I've only been DJing for only 3 years and I am surprised that DJs who have been in the game for years still do not use external mixers! I've had other Dj's approach me at events inquiring about my sound & observing my hookup! Thanks for the affirmation Nick!
Another pro tip...if you split your 1/4” inputs into their own channel (i.e., Left output from your mixer into Channel 1 and Right output into Channel 2) then you pan the left channel all the way left and the right channel all the way right your tracks will get a great stereo image and make the sound super wide!
True. The older Mackie 1402VLZ mixers do this well - and actually bump up each channel by 2 or 3db extra for more headroom when you use this trick. Not sure about their newer mixers.
I absolutely agree with Nick on using a external mixer; I use a Yamaha MG10XU 10 channel mixer in my Dj setup as the hub for my controller, turntable, mics, etc. The versatility, headroom and sound quality are greatly enhanced. And I couldn't image not using a external mixer in my live setup.
Absolutely! An external mixer is a game changer. I use a Mackie Mix8. Essentially the mixer is a central hub that also acts as a safety net. We've all experienced gear taking a dump in the middle of a set. Laptop or controller crash? No problem. Quickly switch over to your iPad avoiding that embarassing dead air. My mixer has saved my butt a few times. I can't imagine DJing an event without one.
Thank you, Nick! This answers a question that I've always had about using a mixer with all these all-in-one controllers. Your information is timely and welcomed. Keep up the good work!
Glad to help!
Yes you just helped me. Nick you're a beast man. Thanks man
I use an External Mixer because my Controller (FLX6GT) does not have an XLR out Balanced Connection. So when I go straight to my speakers from RCA you get noticeable feedback. But also I like it because you really do have more control than just messing with the speaker knobs. You can really fine tune stuff and I love that
Before I started using the Yamaha MG06 6 Channel Mixer, my levels at event sucked and my microphone levels even worse. But once I added the external mixer, my sound levels sounded even better and my mic levels even better. Having an external mixer gives plenty of options and fuller sound without clipping or a distorted signal.
quit buying Gemini stuff
@@oldschooldjernie I concur! Gemini stuff is garbage!
You covered ALOT of the benefits of using an external mixer. I would also add to those:
- The ability to have a back-up rig (iPod, Computer, iPad, etc) already connected to your Sound System in the very unlikely event of a Main Rig malfunction. This has saved my butt a few times. At a minimum, it gives you a chance to Reboot or do quick troubleshooting without missing a beat or any dead-air.
- Like your remote speaker example, I will often run a sub via an AUX. I had a sound man recommend that I keep the subs low during dinner and toasts to avoid that "rumble" when you dont really need it. As the event requires, I can raise the level at my discretion. This is also helpful with venues with a Sound Ordinance. Those low frequencies can cause issues.
Great Content, keep 'em coming!!
Yes thank you for this!! You're 100% right!
"Run a sub via an AUX". This is pure gold!
@NickSpinelli I am in Sydney Australia and going back to DJ'ing for private functions.
Allen and Heath and Mackie are the most common mixers here in live sound.
Either an Allen and Heath Z 10 or a Mackie Mix 8 are on the top of my list.
I will be running a Reloop Mixtour Pro, Novartis Launchpad and Hercules Starlight running Virginia DJ as a backup controller sourcing files off of my Raspberry Pi 5 NAS.
Weddings here in Sydney Australia now want Club style DJ's to the point where I am running an Ableton Push II thru my custom built Intel NUK with Ableton 11.3.4 (last known stable build)
Absolutely correct ! I always have when I started using an external mixer and a Mac computer for music everyone thought I was off point to say it mildly that was in the 80s. As a rule regular DJ mixer can't give you the sound like an external mixer can and yours is a great one just wanted to say thanks I'm 50 years in music this year
I just switched my streaming set up from: DJ Mixer > External Mixer > GO:Mixer > Laptop/OBS, to running my audio straight from my DJ mixer to my GO:Mixer. The mic goes: Mic > External Mixer > GO:Mixer > Laptop/OBS. I made the switch because I felt there were too many ways to adjust the signal (7 volume/gain/master pots across 3 mixers) but you're making me rethink that decision. Thanks!
Don’t forget the other most important.. you have a BACKUP mixer in place. Plug another laptop in, an iPad, you’re ready to roll immediately in the event that your computer or controller freezes up.
True I forgot about the OH SHIT option!
I’m trying to go as analog as I can, that way I minimize the places that moment could appear.
I'm an audio engineer. I do medium to large corporate events and network television. Listen to the man - use an external mixer, especially for your mics. Most people are using a controller, not a mixer, anyway, and that's killing your mic sound. That's why you get all that distortion and feedback from your handheld mic. If I DJ, my DJ mixer outputs, all mics and an iphone for background/breaktime music are all fed into a Behringer X32, and that's what feeds the house speakers. Which allows me to time sync all speakers based on placement, EQ everything, do all that fine tune tweaking for each channel, not to mention split out the subs so they're only receiving the bass frequencies and keep the heavy bass out of the top speakers. :)
PREACHHHHHH!
In my rig I have the DJ controller USBed to the laptop with a good quality ( but old ) external sound card. The DJ headphones are the only other thing hooked up to the controller. ( no other audio output there needed )
The sound card goes to an external mixer ( stereo ), 2 other stereo inputs are available and ready to go, someone else brings in their rig I can plug right in, want to use a ipod/cd player/ whatever as background during the meal no problem. At the moment have a "wired" mic and a "wireless" mic connected with a couple of spare channels left. The main output goes to either the speaker management ( eg subs split from the mid/highs etc ) or straight through to the speaker inputs.
You can pull in/out the music, pull in/out the mics. You can run the DJ system "internally" while the dinner music is playing without anyone getting blasted with the "test pattern" you are using to set levels. brilliant. There are other outputs possible for other reasons as you said ( Aux mono, headphone level stereo, RCA, which I have not played with but ok, stereo ) but not really letting them know
Now, if I could just work out how to pick the music to run the floor....🤔
I've been running an external mixer for years....you are spot on with everything said! Thanks!
Great to hear! Thanks Mark!
Totally agree Nick. I've always preferred a dedicated external mixer. Flexibility and sound quality is the name of the game.. On point my friend..
HELL YEAH GUS!
My external mixer has saved my life during a few disasters and thus my dj reputation. My current external has 8 channels with a bluetooth. I back up my music to my phone and used it to finish my sets a few times.
Once again Nick, you out did yourself on this video! I been watching your videos through my progression of being a wedding dj. And your videos are always so informative, fun amd straight to the point! Ive just invested to the RCF HDM 45's and i want to get the most out of them. Appreciate the content bro!!
I took your advice. The sound has vastly improved. No RCF available in my area but I got a Yamaha mixer.
psychological
Hey thanks for the tips. I use a an ext mixer for many yrs and it makes a big sound difference. You don't push your speakers and extends the life of the speakers. Its a cleaner sound.
Hi Nick, I used external mixer when doing a karaoke night cus I needed extra mics....and never went back. After a few tweaks the whole rig sounded soooo much better...And now I'm streaming...awww yes! Total control. Great tips thanks muchly!
So my tip to understand better would be, the controller manages the tracks while the mixer handles the overall sound + eliminates feedback from mics.
Wow best explanation ever! I bought a Mackie 8 channel mixer and tried an event with it and sound was AMAZING - so much better! I could not believe it- you gave me other great reasons also. I saved this to my favorites
Bada boom Bada bing
Thank You
Allan
My partner and I watched this and bought 2 RCF mixers for our setups. Thx for the video review.
That's awesome, you'll them Joe!
Totally agree Nick, I only use external mixers. I am currently using a Mackie....great sound and flexibility
"Reds not turbo" "Grandma just drops" LOL
😂😂😂😂😂
I don't know if anyone else in the comments told you but just so you know you can pull the mic out of the booth on the s9. It's in the settings on the s9. Great video!
Dude with your energy and tips..we all now we’re gonna be bless when we have any sort of gig 🙌🏽🙏🏽
Honestly, get something with a PFL readout. You can check your levels before the audio hits your speakers. It’s definitely a luxury that isn’t expensive.
I've used an external mixer for decades. I use a Behringer 22 track studio mixer. I run my Cerwin Vega tops & Bottoms out of it. Absolutely sounds incredible, especially with the abundance of added professional level equalization control it provides. Plus, I get all the channels to add as much extra items as I may need. I also use a Reloop RMX-90 mixer for even more volume and equalizer control. With that, I also get to hook up more items like CDJs, turntables, cd recorder. I like all the extra options I can get. Is it overkill? Absolutely, except for the best sound I get from my tops & subs, and the ability to add as many mics as I may need, beyond the 4 cordless mics I normally have hooked up.
You're absolutely right - the sound from the controllers is pretty much generic sound. I always setup my equipment with an external mixer and it makes a hell of a difference! Great videos Nick!
Exactly!
Not only is this video hilarious and entertaining..but everything you are saying Nick is SPOT ON. Keep up the Great Work- it is APPRECIATED
I appreciate that!!
Nick,
I have been telling fellow DJ's to get an external mixer for years. They are a lot smaller and a lot more affordable today than they were when i got mine about 10 years ago.
Completely agree I'm using external mixer since beginning
great video and 100 percent true. Getting an external mixer for my set up was the best decision ever! I got the Yamaha MG10Xu, kinda similar to the RCF one.
I use that Yamaha too and only mixers costing above $300 can compare!
I started out as a musician so I've always used an external mixer. I use an Akai APC40 to control 4 decks, cues, levels, effects, etc on DJAY Pro and my rack mounted Mac runs audio to my mixer where the other mics patch in. The high pass filter as you mentioned is great. Many mixers not also have built in compression which when used properly, can really smooth vocal peaks that can get out of hand for speakers who aren't experienced using mics. 4:48 LOL that was great. "Red's not turbo!" LOL!
Me too. I'm basically a "musician that now plays pre-recorded music" (rather than calling myself a "DJ"). Haha.
And YEAH. I use an ext mixer ... which sounds WAY better than the all-in-one shit from "DJ world".
Thats a lesson I first learned over 30 years ago, as a audio buff teen: you get better quality buying separate components. (probably not an ABSOLUTE fact these days, but .....)
I'm over here taking notes like I'm back in college. Thanks, Prof!
just bought one because of this video thanks!
Loved all these reasons, I am sold! Thanks for this video!
Thank you for the tip. Your video was informative and fun to watch. Appreciate what you do to educate and personally inspire. 👍
All this time I’ve had my external mixer and blown speaker after speaker when I should’ve been using my external! Thinking my S9 was good enough.. you 🐐’d
I miss the old school DJ mixers that had good Mic pres. Denon and Rane, and numark. Good informative vid. Keep up the great work. Much love brother
Great energy and simple way of advising others .
I am a true believer of Qual sound and use boards to reinforce my sound at every venue.
God bless
Great stuff, Nick. Thinking about the controller and vocals as separate "instruments" is a brilliant take. Keep it up!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@NickSpinelli So what you are saying the output sound of even a $2000 S11 sucks balls? Thats cool, spend $2k on something that sounds like sh*t. LOL
@Old School Dj Ernie pretty sure he is just taking about the Mic preamps.
I have always had an external mixer in my set ups. As well as what you mentioned I have a spare laptop set up so if controller crashes etc I can continue until I have sorted out problems, without any silence.
I like it!
While I agree with you for the most part but the Pioneer V10, Model 1,and the Xone 94,96 do not have cheap sound cards pre amps and etc. in fact they are superior to most compact mixers. If you're using a dj controller, then your advice is spot on.
I always run an external mixer, mainly because my Pioneer Ergo's mic input sucks so bad with latency because the Ergo is a non-powered controller. Meaning it relies solely on USB to power it. ( Yes, I need a new controller, it's on my list of to gets ). But I like the head room an external mixer gives you and the clarity of vocal output via the pre amps. I use a Mackie ProFX v3 mixer and it even has built in effects so if you need some delay or reverb for a vocalist or guitarist you got it. Great Post Nick as always! Keep em up!
THANK YOU for this. I knew I needed one, but I wasn't sure I wanted to make the investment. You've convinced me.
Any shot of you doing a follow up walkthrough of what you connect to which input on the mixer?
Colin Fonolleras +1 for this, where are you plugging in the controller?
plug the output of your DJ mixer or controller into a stereo channel input on the mixer. With the channel fader at 0, Adjust the input trim so that the input signal meters are floating around 0dB when the DJ mixer's output is just touching into the red. (audio engineer for a living)
ua-cam.com/video/IXgPzyebbtI/v-deo.html
@@andinbriwel1092 You don't need Unity gain all of the time, and depending upon the quality (or lack thereof) of the controller's EQ I would prefer to EQ the sound via the mixer and keep controller EQ's flat. Shaping the EQ on your mixer for desired sound might require levels lower than Unity.
Lol ur awesome Bro! Johnny Ole Skool here, been Djing since .... wow the Late 70's lol..... I was 12...... love ur shows keep rockin it out! Long Island NY in da house! 🔥💪💪🎙🎵
Yamaha mg12xu and Soundcraft notepad 12fx !! Solid choices ! Great advice Nick !!!
@NickSpinelli well explained 👍
Unexpected advantages you pointed out: Rotary vol. knobs & Pan left right for speakers
Glad to see this, I’ve used a mixer since day 1 and had no issues at all. Was thinking I was hopelessly old school 😂
I do professional AV for a livilng, so when I started DJing....I only use an external mixer...the Mackie ProFX is a great series, and they are tanks WITH some built in reverb etc for Mics/Karaoke.
Thank You Nick, You Hit The Right Note and I Finally See The Importance Of The External Mixer Thats A Plus and Not Just Another Equipment To Bring...👍
Thank you for this!! I’m a newbie so you’ve saved me time, money, and headaches. Video’s my game and I’ve always had a lot of respect for the audio guy, sound techs. You can use a great camera, but if your audio is crap, guess what? Again, awesome video, tips. 👍
Yes you are right. I use smaller controllers with inbuilt soundcards for plug and play in bars. My old denon controller was loud and quality. Modern controllers. Need something extra for quality and volume
So glad I bought one. It’s the Bose t4 complicated but I have plenty of time to master it.
Could you make a couple mini videos on how to use the features like how to run the aux for a videographer, cutting the microphone from the booth, and a couple other things you listed?
If he didn't make the videos, all you need to do it look up how to use aux's on a mixer fyi.
@@caseyrice768 I figured a step by step video from him would be useful. I know when I first started I had no idea how to use them and there were no videos back then. He has a pretty big following and someone out there could use the info…just sayin.
1. yes an external mixer have more control for the mic (lowcut, peqs etc) and thats good
2. high end controllers dont have "bad preamps" ..they dont cheap out on that..
3. it doesnt give you more headroom, +4db is +4db signal.. from the mixer or from the controller ..its XLR +4db signal ..same headroom, same stuff.
what I see is a problem most of club DJs do in weddings/gigs: they push their gains like DJs, with sliders opens.. and the master is the volume they need for the room ..
while they use their external mixer with high master, low gain and low volumes.
thats the problem, they should use their controller LIKE external mixer.. high master, low gains, huge headroom for the mic, no feedback, no distortion, no redlining or saturation in the master ..
its realy the way you use it and most of DJs I see they use their controller like a DJ mixer and thats why everything is shit and you need something external to show them how they are supposed to work ..
because both are the same. I'm using an SZ, Rane72, 900NX2 on the road and they sound amayzing.. sometimes I use a Allen&Heat CQ12 or Midas mixer but I dont need them most of the time. direct into the SZ.. and I'm even using my -10db outs to the speakers, with this theory I should be pushing my mixer too hard.. give you headroom with the speaker gain, master out.. lower every individual gain to very low, dont use the faders all the way up ..problem solved.
use it like you use the external mixer.
and when you launch the dancefloor, fader up and raise the channel gains.. gains are the main heart of a mixer. I know people dont use them sincs the "auto gain" in serato ..but I still use my gains in every and single mix..
I do have an external mixer but actually feed that into my DJ controller external input ;-) I absolutely agree that you should have one for mics and your occasion aux you gotta use for a customer or whatever. My DJ controller goes directly into my speakers though. It's got a lot of output.
Like Nick suggested though. If I want to run speakers in several rooms, I feed my controller into the external mixer too.
I got a live sound mixer because on many occasions there would be a singer at the event. The DJ controller mic input just was not good enough. As you mentioned the live sound mixer can cut the LF 80hz and below. The mic preamps also sound better. The other benefit is that I now have like 4 mic input so I get one.
I sound better. My announcements cut thru the mix.
Also there were several gigs where a band was there and I used my system for the vocalist and it rocked!
i always like using a mixer but its alot of work for single opps when usually you can run from your controller to speakers and have the mic inputs and usually thats all you need. Wouldnt mind seeing a video of behind the scenes from your set ups so that we can see who runs it when you have the facade behind you.
Gonna answer this in a future video!
@@NickSpinelli Heck yeah! always enjoy your videos and cant wait.
Same goes with a line splitter, and an equaliser, the more boxes you run the sound through, the more gain you get without distortion
If you could PLEASE do a video how you setup your mixer with turntables, mixer to mixer out to speakers. That would be a cool video. Thank you and have a wonderful day!
I actually needed this video. Thanks for the information
Mine just landed..I can’t wait to hook it up!!!
LFG!!
BROOOOOOO THIS THING JUST CHANGED UP MY GAME!!!!
Not sure how anyone could dislike you Nick, you crazy bastard😂❤
Thanks for sharing. I wish I a know this information when I started DJing. I was red lighting and pushing my 12.2 using my 1000 controller.
I purchased a Yamaha 10-channel mixer mg10xuf. I recently had Mackie Mixer.
Just looking/doing some research and into building my fist mobile DJ set. I'm glad I watched this video, Thanks!
I was more biased towards faders rather than pots but you completely changed my mind, that's great advice!
I always wondered weather I should get an external mixer.After watching this video I think I will get that same one.Great advice ! 🔥🔥💯💯🤙
nick knocked this out the park how I didn't see this video before
No lies told !!!! 👍🏻👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks for the amazing tips man! It's refreshing to see someone so excited about mixers :)
Thanks for the good information I've been thinking about an external mixer and why I needed one now I know much obliged
You totally hit the mark on the subject , i have the mackie 8 channel and it definitely improves overall sound.
Thank you Nick...Very nice and PRECISED explanation...Thank you so much..More power to you...
Great content Nick. I've only once DJ'ed without an external mixer. Sound was so weak, I was ashamed to ask to get paid aftewards. I use Rane and Numark gear so it wasn't the gear. It's like you said under powered pre amps.
correct!! totally agree!
Back in the day i used a DJM-600 with two CDJ800's. MAN did i love that setup. That Mixer was a TANK and had headroom that would make any speaker pound hard. Well, i didnt feel like hauling a coffin around with a dead body in it anymore when controllers came out, and when i bought my first one, BOY was i thouroughly disappointed. I actually thought something was wrong with it, my mic sounded like shit and i would have to turn the gains to 3pm with master at 1pm and faders all the way up to get the sound my DJM-600 put out at the halfway marks and EVEN then the sound clarity was not there. Anyways, i adapted by using a external mixer and things sound better now but MAN i miss the quality of the old Pioneer stuff... Cheers!
That 600 was the shit! They don't make em like that anymore!
You're putting out great content Nick! Salute!
I appreciate that!
Dude, you are so passionate about this. The info is fantastic, but you earned a sub on pure energy and excitement alone. 😂
Very true! Get a mixer! I was in a band as a guitar player before but I had wrists injury so now I am switching to become a DJ.
so a more basic controller + mixer is a lot better than just a higher end controller alone, hey? thank you for the content man
FANTASTIC VIDEO NICK! I actually use a Mackie 1608 Digital mixer with ipad control for the same red isasons you are mentioning. it works very well and is overkill, but I am used to it with running sound for bands. I will chek out your RCF!
Yes yes nick great video i use the yamaha mg12xu love it thought about the rcf but when I bought this rcf just started doing desk mixers so happy for now. Stay safe thank you.
Great video! I always learn something new every time I watch
Thank you so much, I appreciate the loud voice. I understand you a lot better. Awesome
Thanks, this really helped me alot. Im definately going to get an external mixer now. Just have to figure out how to connect it to my DDJ100 and my S11. Thx
He's not correct
Totally agree, I ran an event once without my rack unit which houses my dbx Drive rack, my sound was lacking so much without it. The head room wasn’t there and the low end was no where near to what I was used to. I didn’t know the difference would be as big as it was.
Hey Nick, I know this video's old but glad I came across it! I'm starting out and you're so right about the logic of it all. I'm gonna grab myself a mixer and elevate lol...appreciate you!
GREAT VIDEO NICK THIS LOOKS A GREAT OPTION TO HELP MY DDJSX2 MIC OUTPUTS AND ANY NEW CONTROLLER I UPGRADE IN THE FUTURE. GRACIAS AMIGO
de nada!!
I just picked up the 6 channel rcf mixer. Thank you for the info 😁
Awesome you'll love it!
DBX Driverack PA2. If you want some more overkill
Thanks for the info brother, I've soaked up a lot of game from you. Peace and continued prosperity to you and yours!
Thanks so much Jimi!
Great content/info brother. Extremely helpful to a lot of DJ's. Keep up the good work.
Great content. Maybe do a video hooking it up to controller
Controller out to pa mixer line stereo inputs. Mostly all inputs go through the pa external mixer then out to your powered cabs or power amps.
Great as usual - this is the best topic youve covered yet imo.
Much appreciated!
Hilarious and informative at the same time = great combo 🔥🔥🔥
Great advice! I totally agree. Love your energy and humor...killing me!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🙌🏽🎛
Thanks so much!!
Love this! Might pick this mixer up cause you can really customize with the channels! Awesome stuff Nick!
You should!