Allen & Heath XONE vs Pioneer DJM Mixers: Fundamental Differences
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- Опубліковано 9 лис 2024
- There are two companies who make industry standard club DJ mixers: Allen & Heath and Pioneer. The Allen & Heath XONE:92 and Pioneer DJM-800 are without a doubt the most prominent mixers in clubs today. While not all of the features in the XONE:92 or DJM-800 are in the less-expensive models of mixers from each company, there are some design and function decisions that trickle down to each companies' lower priced mixers. This video covers some of the fundamental differences between the XONE and DJM mixer series.
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Allen and Heath are known for sound quality. Before getting into the DJ Market - they've been producing extremely high quality mixing consoles (think recording studios) for years and years and years. They use some of the same components such as P&G faders that are legendary from the old Rane and Ueri mixers. Pioneer has the edge for integration when you're playing with other Pioneer products, like CDJs - but Allen and Heath has the edge pretty much everywhere else.
I have been using mixers for 20 years mixing multiple genres of music at many different tempo's and frequency ranges. From Dancehall and Reggae to Acid Techno and militant 220BPM industrial hardcore with all the Garage, house, DNB/ jungle in the middle.... and I can honestly say the best mixer i have ever used is the DJM 800, get one of these box fresh and look after it and you will not be disappointed.... most people that disagree with my opinion have either been spoon fed media adds or simply not given the djm 800 the time of day over the allen and heath to experience its full potential. i have spent many hours on both products and offer you an experienced opinion, in a club/festival environment there is no better choice..... for the bedroom DJ though, i must say i have been a big fan of the Allen and Heath Xone 23 2 channel mixer, it has a nice sound and looks great for its price... Allen and Heath mixers do produce a good quality sound and are robust, but seriously need to upgrade on there user friendliness and compatibility with the other industry standard devices on the market. i hope this helps anyone looking to buy a mixer and wish you all the best. Keep the music alive!
@assais Yes, you could use an X1 and Audio 2. DJs use all sorts of soundcards with Traktor. Some do use NI cards.
Depending on your laptop, you could potentially use that setup to record your mix. It all depends if your laptop has a line-in port. If its a mac, then you'd be all set to record too. The Audio2 does not have any inputs, just 2 outputs.
When choosing between Xone and Pioneer, it all comes down to which genres you mix. Pioneer is more for DJs who rely on lots of buildups, breakdowns and live remixing, like EDM. Xone is for those who require more precise, technical mixing like house and techno.
Which one to choose for progressive house?
Prog House tend to be heavy on the FX, so a Pioneer might be useful. Newer Xones are quite DJM-ish so at this point there's not much of a difference, except maybe sound quality
I used a pioneer djm-500 for almost 15 years. I played progressive house. Now I play mostly deep techno and tech house. I just finally upgraded to a Xone-23C. Sound quality is a bit better and the eqs are more suited for long precise mixes. You can make both work for sure, and really if you're playing at a club, chances are that you will be on a pioneer.
@@sonicbroom8522 For true progressive house, not even close...Allen and Heath! Warm sounds, which the Allen and Heath, even the DB4(digital) have, compliments progressive so much! I owned Pioneers and really never jived with the sound for anything I play. That included the DJM-900 Nexus. To me it sounds shrill in comparison. Also the summing of the audio seems very different. My opinion, Tech House, Techno, House, Trance, Tech trance, all sounds better on the Xone 92 and Xone DB4's I've owned. Again, not even close. Plus, the DB4's is co configurable to the way you might play, and it's effects are subtle and playable. Still the DB4 is light years ahead to me.
Always go with Xone...
There are fundamental design differences between the 2 companies. Even the DJM900nexus is very similar in design to the DJM500. I'm not comparing the specific models shown in the video nor do I ever claim to do so.
I have all the Pioneer 4 ch club mixers since 1996, except the 2000 and 900Nexus. The 2000 too odd and I didn't see enough improvements from 800 to the 900 Nexus. I waited until the 900NXS2 came and I was not disappointed. It's a beast of a mixer and the sound quality is now up there with the best of the best. The EQ's and filters have improved immensely from the 800, and I still think the 800 is a really good mixer. 12 years of use and my 800 is still in almost pristine condition, only a few worn places where the paint is getting thin. I'm a resident DJ in clubs where we have top notch audio systems (D&B, Nexo) and where we have the choice to use either the 900NXS2 or the Xone 92, and I've only seen the Xone 92 been used once in a year, and I'd pick the 900NXS2 any day over the Xone 92. Both for the sound quality and user friendliness in combination of supreme built in effects and the way you can add external effects, via USB and jacks, to be used alongside the internal effects. The fact that there is a knob to control the color effects including the resonance of the filter, and that you can choose on which frequency (Hi Mid Low) you want the beat effects to affect the sound, the NXS2 is light years ahead of anything else in the Pioneer range of mixers, and most Dj-mixers of any other brand.
I'd say that there's only a few mixers at all that competes on this level, more or less, and they all have quite unique features that suites different needs. They are in my opinion the A&H DB4, Rane MP2015 Rotary Mixer, PLAYdifferently MODEL 1 and the Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2/Touring. I know too little abut the new Denon DJ X1800 Prime to include it here, while it's layout is close to the Pioneer DJ Mixers, but is not up to par with the 900NXS2/Touring. I've not compared price/value, because on this level they are all expensive and the value will be in the unique features that separate them from each other.
@@codex6594 It would be interesting to test one and see what's so special about them. To the eye there's nothing, so the sound and build quality must be something of another world. In the 35 years I've been a DJ I've never seen one or even heard anyone mention them in any situation. I know they are insanely expensive, but if that is a result of pure exclusivity or actually the result of using the best components and circuits of all. Since this were written Pioneer has releasad their V10, and it's supposed to have insanely good sound coming out from it, despite being digital and a lot cheaper than any 4-6 channel Formula Sound mixer.
In the end, I AM a DJ, not an audiophile. I have also included the DJM-2000 in to my collection just to learn how it works and to compare it to the rest of my Pioneer collection. One thing I do know is that on the top level of mixers it's not so much of mixers having better or worse sound, but rather what taste you have and want your mixer to sound. When measuring every important parameter of the sound coming out of those mixers, there's no difference, at least not within the possibility of human hearing.
I have no problem using mixers without effects, but long sets tend to be pretty boring if I can't use any creativity but eq'ing my transitions. For me right now it's a question of survival mode with all the corona restrictions in place, but if I could afford it, I'd get me a V10. I think it's the perfect combo of really good sound and the options for creativity is almost endless. But for now I'll hold my DJM-900NXS2 high and declare it the winner of the ones I have now, with the DJM-2000 coming in at second place not far behind.
Which one would you prefer : pioneer djm 750 mk2 or alen heath px5?
@@stavrosk For me, with what I already have, I'd chose the A&H PX5. But, if I had nothing and had to chose one of them, I'd have to chose the DJM-750mk2, just because it's close to the club standard I use several times a week when things back to normal. That said, I really think that the A&H is a better mixer with better sound quality, better pre amps for turntables and possibly better sound effects. Not sure about the effects, because studio grade effects are not the same as good DJ effects, and Pioneer has developed probably the best DJ effects on the market, well suited for most kind of DJ's. No other brand can can match the Pioneer mixers when it comes to intuitive work flow. No manual needed. A&H mixers in general has a lot steeper learning curve, and if you really prefer the A&H, you'll have to bring your own mixer to every event, unless you're a famous superstar DJ who always gets want you want. It will be down to your own preferences and how you are going to use the mixer. If you're mostly playing at home and only play on the occasionally party, either mixer will work. If you regularly play in clubs, or if that's where you want to be, I think you should go with the DJM-750Mk2.
@@dj-peterofficial2753 from the first time i looked at the 750..i was djing for 15 years and now i want a 4 ch mixer to connect only my 4 turntables and the laptop..when i saw px5 i was impressed but i read some people telling that they had technical issues such as burned outputs faulse at the faders after a year etc and that frighted me.. i have now the a&h 23 2 ch..the sound is warm and very nice but i am in dilemma for the sound quality between the px5 and the 750mk2...i was and i continue to be a dj first and then a listener so i think i ll go for the 750 mk2 for the flexibility of the effects and mostly for the quality of the faders as i work hard on them..one last question please: the 750 mk2 if i want to use it for dvs use i can do it only with the recordbox? I cannot use traktor or virtual dj 2021 do u know? Thank u..u really helped me.
@@stavrosk One of the reasons clubs and rental services get the top models from Pioneer is that they are always compatible with most software the fastest, and it's not up to Pioneer to make the different software out there compatible. It's up to the software manufacturer. Pioneer only provide the technical specs. Virtual DJ is usually the best DJ software to adopt to new hardware, as they don't make any hardware like Traktor or have any close cooperation as extensive as Serato have. Personally I exclude computers from the Booth and rely only on hardware.
That way I exclude several possible points of failure and I can use any hardware I want, and I rarely need to bring anything but my music and a pair of head phones. When I need to use my own hardware, I have two current setups, the NXS2 and the much smaller XDJ-700/DJM-450. I started out playing vinyl for the first 10 years, '85-'95, and as soon as October 2020 I did 8 gigs playing vinyl, but only use the real stuff and the club has to provide the turntables. I sold my last Technics 1210 after it had been on a shelf for 21 years. But I still have all my records for retro nights.
The DJM-750Mk2 is DVS compatible with Traktor Pro 3 and according to Virtual Dj's compatible list, they are also compatible. This info is pure theoretic knowledge and I have no experience using these software with DVS. The only DVS knowledge I have is with the Rane1 interface and Serato Scratch Live.
As a DJ and tech nerd i always have to test different ways to play before I judge and decide whats the best for me. I also teach new Dj's so I need to be able to show what different gear is out there. My job is to teach how to be a DJ, not what gear they should use. Just inform how the tech works. Everyone then need to use what's best for them, and in the end I think every DJ should be able to use any gear out there. i don't like personal limitations.
You can send on pioneer if you select the master and not the one channel. Don't tell people the wrong things. Try it. Select the master on DJM 500 and turn on the SEND function, then when you turn on the volume on the first and third channel they will go on the external EFX machines ;)
Allow me to add another perspective:
If you play house and techno, or any other genre where you're actually mixing two tracks, you want a Xone, no question. With other genres where a quick mix is more common, a Pioneer might be fine.
You didn't really say this, but the EQs sound a million times better, as do the filters. The resonance on DJMs is so high that it's kinda grating, while you can adjust the resonance on the Xone. Plus, the Xones (at least the 92) has a built in anti-clip circuitry on the EQs, so you can push them a bit without distorting your signal. On DJMs, if you go even a notch past the 12:00 position, it sounds like garbage.
The only instance where I'd say you might want a DJM over a Xone is if you absolutely have to have the integrated sound card for Traktor. The DJM-9000's audio routing over USB is rock solid, while the Xone DB2 is wonky and unreliable.
I would recommend what I did when I was starting out. Buy a used mixer that is a generation or two behind. Something like the Pioneer DJM 500 will give you all the input and outputs you'd ever need and has all the standard features. That said, you need to make sure the product is in good condition. Don't buy a product for its name alone. If you want to buy a new mixer, just look at the products in your price range and go from either. A mixer from either company will be great.
I'd suggest going with whatever one you like more/within your budget.
i used to love my DJM500. I still have a soft spot for the 500 & 600 given most my DJ career was on these mixers. However, I would also choose a xone as its filter really is just a lot nicer
People will argue for both sides, but it really is up to preference.
@RicMansur I haven't used the DJM250 myself, so I can't say that I have any first hand experience with it. I owned a DJM500 for many years and did like it though. The DJM250 has no midi controls, so it can't control Traktor or any other software application. You would need a soundcard to get the audio out of your computer to the mixer as well as a midi controller to control Traktor.
Djm500 is a good mixer actually was a good mixer back in 90s xone 42 was released in 2007 if I recall correctly. What's the point of compare?
Phen0mable Because they are the 2 most popular club mixers??
St Kittz no. As I said DJM500 was released 10 years earlier than xone 42. After DJM 500 the DJM 600 was lot more popular
This wasnt a popularity video. The pioneer is older and there aare newer versions...But Id assume these are the mixers this guy owns and they are popular. If you DJ clubs every weekend youd see these mixers are used a lot of places...
The pioneer 900 is more popular now, but the 500 is still used
St Kittz DJM 600 was a lot more popular than xone 42. I am a DJ since 1998 and not seen xone 42 as often as DJM 600
@assais Plug an rca to 1/8th cable into the master 2 of the 250. Then plug the 1/8th end into the line in port on your mac.
Xone for life. Pioneer only cdj. Hd25 dj headphones. Stop... technics Legend
I think it's kinda weird how you've compared a lower class Xone mixer vs the top end pioneer. You can clearly see it holds up pretty dam good though. I'm a EDM DJ and the frequency in the sounds that the xone's give you make a big difference in the way you control your music when mixing. FYI, comparing the price tag of the 2000 look into A&H's DB4 and the 4D, discover a different side of things.
from owning (djm500,600 & djm900 & xone 92) pioneer has a good layout and nice effects but poor sound (DJM500 & DJM600) but much better with djm900 nexus & djm 2000/nexus,but if you like a richer warmer sound & much higher build quality choose allen & heath xone 62/92, although the i had DJM900 nexus was very good, i think allen & heath has the edge soundwise
Great explanation, thanks a lot!
hi my friend great video but in my opinion you have to compare Xone 42 with DJM 700 because they cost the same (only my opinion)
greets
pioneer mixers sell better because they are more comercial, but xone mixers are better sound quality and build.
Peter, what do you think about the new DJM 250? I'm thinking about buying it to use with Traktor so i can get a feel for what a Pioneer mixer feels like. What would I need in order to control my Traktor from the mixer? Just the Audio 2 sound card?
on the pioneer, the send/return, y can't you assign it to all channels by assigning the effects to the master channel?
great video, you have the voice of ryan in the office btw :')
xone 92 crushes djm 800. if you want a mixer that feels like you bought it from ikea then get the 800.
im leaning towards xone, i have traktor x1s, out of these two, does one go better with x1s? or does it matter? thanks.
The pre-EQ VU meter is a deal breaker for me. Sounds like a nightmare to manage your master levels when EQing out a track
On Allen and Heath? It's not, it's post EQ if you like
@@minimalistvagabonds1597 Good to know! Thanks!
@@sonicbroom8522 Glad I could help!
Informative video, thanks!
witch better if im a beginner?
can you explain what are dry/wet?
felice cantone It's the ratio of processed to unprocessed signal. If you're running through a delay, 100% dry = no audible effect, while 100%wet = only delayed signal.
Thanks the for the video, helped out a lot ;)
Xone mixers have better sound quality and build quality
A&H Xone by far!
Xone 92 gain not killing volume when at 0
iam using a xone px5 but i struggle with the effects
I m looking for buying px5 or the 750 mk2 pioneer...what do you suggest and what do you mean about the effects?
yeah, so theres no real advantage between the two in terms of features? prettty much all preference?
djm 500 from 1996 , xone42 from 2007 what is the point to compare?!
Xone 22 or djm 350??
xone 92 u have to get 1d or 2d added for extra effects but hardware likewise xone has more manual touching- good for house and tecnho - deeper end in eq
the pioneer djm 900 has a little more built in effects but not as high end in developing easy access, eg the rotary effects switches are a pain in the ass and tweaking, eq is not bad
and no need for extra power trnsformer
why didn't you just play a 4 bar loop and SHOW us the differences!?
xone 22 if you're after 2 channels
I didn't understand a think you just said!
djm 500 beast !
mine lasted 15 years! just finally upgraded
The sound could be different
Winner djm v10)))
Leds not affected by EQ the most stupid thing... For what sombody do that? In club when im drunk i must see not only hear. Next thing, better is send return button than knob dry/wet that knobs can by use like filters (djm 800 style) but no we do some other shit and we are cool. ;)
djm 500 isn't top of end of pioneer...
Xone has world class filters ... and pioneer cant really compete mixer vs mixer with Allen & heath ... the DJM2000 is there best but doesnt sound as good as the DB4 ... but you add Pioneers EFX-1000 or RMX-1000 and pioneer may be in the lead again ... so its like there Both Good when you spend around $3,000 ... but i would never get these models im sry .. RMX-1000 or the DB4 makes things sound good Almost by them selves .. cheaper things make stuff sound worst ..
Help
Pioneer sounds so dull compared to allen heath, dateq, vestax, ecler etc. I really dont get the hype about
pioneer.