The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-quality mixer. The options below represent some of the most highly touted brands in the industry, and are in our opinion some of the top DJ mixers around. So, without further ado . . .
Here are our recommendations for the 4 best high end DJ mixers on the market:
Best High End DJ Mixer #1: Numark NS6II
Numark is one of the leading names in DJ technology, and the NS6II is one of the best models in their catalogue. It functions beautifully as a stand-alone 4-channel mixer, no software or other equipment required, but can also be used seamlessly in conjunction with a variety of other programs and devices, making it one of the most versatile DJ mixers that you’ll find (see full specs).
When it comes to mixing software, Serato DJ is one of the most popular and comprehensive programs on the market. The Numark NS6II comes with a download card for this software included—and that’s the full software, not some stripped down proprietary version. Because there are two USB outputs, you can switch between two different laptops, or run two laptops simultaneously, giving you a lot of options of how to utilize this software.
In terms of its physical mixing capabilities, the Numark NS6II is just as impressive. All the channels have independent EQ and level adjustments. The on-board display gives you all the information you need about the track you’re playing, without you needing to divert your attention to your laptop, and the pitch fader and velocity-sensitive pads make it easy to add a wide range of effects.
https://www.youtube.com/1QuBHkfLZkM
Best High End DJ Mixer #2: Pioneer DJM-900NXS2
One of the biggest differences between an entry-level mixer and a professional model is going to be the quality of the sound produced by the sound card and processor. This isn’t to say that a lower-priced mixer will sound bad—just that you’ll be amazed by the rich, natural, warm tone you can get out of this Pioneer mixer. The 64-bit processor has a sound closer to analog than any other digital mixer on the market.
This mixer has the standard four independent channels (see full specs) you’ll find on most high-quality mixers. The inputs give you a lot more choices when it comes to what you process through them, though. The four phono inputs mean you can hook up a turntable to each channel, and there are also two USB ports for multiple laptops.
And we haven’t even talked about the on-board effects yet. The X-pad is large and gives you over a dozen beat effects. There’s a selection dial for choosing from different frequency effects, all of which can be applied to the entire signal or simply a portion of the range. Sound effects like sweep, echo, and space round out the package. All-told, this is an impressively comprehensive mixing machine.
https://www.youtube.com/MgCgPuEbTiY
Best High End DJ Mixer #3: Denon DNMC6000MK2
Denon DJ is another top name in mixing and recording technology, and this slim, super-portable model is an excellent choice for the discerning professional DJ. It comes with all the advanced features and sound manipulation options you’d expect from a top-level mixer—in a package that won’t weigh you down when you’re traveling to gigs.
The DNMC6000MK2 is optimized for use with Serato DJ. Like the Numark above, it comes with the software included, although in this case it’s the intro version as opposed to the full version. It’s also compatible with other popular mixing software, like Tractor Pro2 and Virtual DJ Pro.
The 24-bit processor in this model will give you high sound quality across the channels. The four independent channels can be used to manipulate up to eight different sources, with inputs for USB as well as CD players and turntables. All of this is controlled through a streamlined interface that’s easy to learn, letting you focus on the music rather than your equipment.
https://www.youtube.com/FzCRp0CdXUM
Best High End DJ Mixer #4: Behringer Digital Pro DDM4000
High end mixers often come with an equally high pricetag. While the DDM4000 isn’t exactly cheap, it is one of the most affordable ways to get the top-tier performance and features you need as a professional DJ.
The features are really what draw most people to this mixer. It has five independent channels, more than many DJ mixers that cost twice as much or more. Each channel has a dedicated and programmable 3-band EQ, along with cross-fade alignment, curve control, and a kill function. You’ll also get two FX engines, each of which can be assigned to a variety of popular effects, including reverb and flange. The effects and the channels are automatically synchronized thanks to the ultra-accurate BPM counters.
The sampling capabilities are equally sophisticated. The loop function has the same beat controls as the channels, and you’ll also get real-time pitch control to make sure all the samples are in tune with each other. If you’re looking for the most affordable high-end mixer you can buy, this Behringer is definitely worth your attention. Bar none, it’s one of the DJ mixers for the money.
https://www.youtube.com/HiAR1d_eKcc
The Best High End DJ Mixers: How to Choose
Once you get to the professional level of equipment, you can count on getting high sound quality and independent channel operation with a full range of inputs. The difference will really come down to the details.
Think about what kinds of effects and signals you work with regularly. If you do a lot of battle scratching, getting a mixer with two USB inputs can make the set-up a lot easier. Also consider what kind of mixing software you use on a regular basis—most mixers will be compatible with the standard array of software options, but some are optimized to work better with certain programs than others.
Whatever your needs, one of the options on the list above is guaranteed to satisfy them, and you don’t necessarily have to spend thousands of dollars either. Good luck!
