DJ Controller AND an external mixer? Anyone?

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djmm

DJ Extraordinaire
Nov 20, 2007
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Pittsburgh, PA
www.djmagicmoments.com
I currently use a Denon DN-MC6000MKII as my dj controller. It seems to be great for mixing but not so great for microphones.

I am VERY particular about my sound and at my wedding on Saturday, the mics just did not sound that great. In fact, they have never sounded "great", just acceptable. Granted, I use high end Sennheiser mics and plug them directly into my Denon.

Others have suggested that I should use an external mixer and plug everything into that, especially the mics.

After a ton of research on this subject, I have decided to give it a try. I JUST ordered a Denon DN312 1U mixer. I will plug my Denon DJ Controller into the mixer and the mics into it as well. This will allow me to add more mics, if needed, as well.

Anyone else use an external mixer? How is it working out for you?

I am very particular about the look of the system as well. This unit is 1U rackmount and will fit nicely into my rack. I may have to move a few things around, but i'll make it fit.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Scott

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I had an MK6000 (the older one) and ditched it for a Yamaha mixer. To me the pres on that MK6000 are stellar. The eq settings seem to be at a little different frequency than standard mixers. In some ways, I liked the sound of it better. Honestly, I don't think the minute difference you're going to get is worth the extra gear inserted into your signal chain. That extra mixer gives more potential from problems than it will solve in sound quality.
 
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And that is what I thought as well. UNTIL, I saw the thread where there were many dj's with my same concern. Most carry around a table top mixer. That, for sure, is not for me.

And I agree... more to go wrong BUT, it's quality gear by a quality manufacturer, with hundreds of 5-star reviews. I use top of the line cables and it will be permanently connected, so nothing should loosen up. What's the worst that may happen?

I should have my mics sounding like they should or I can send it back for a refund.

Always appreciate your input Rick!
 
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Scott... I agree with your assessment on the MC6000MK2 microphone input/outputs... They're OK, just not great. I have an MC6000MK2 in my (Small) system, which I used Saturday night. I love the controller, but the microphone volume is always a little weak. I know it's not the microphone, 'cause I've tried others with the same result. Besides having the wired microphone I use when performing, I also have a wireless (dual) microphone system, which is plugged into the Mic 2 jack on the controller. It too sounds just OK.

On my Large System though, I have a wireless mic system, and each mic is plugged into a channel on a Denon DN-410X, which may be my favorite piece of audio gear.[emoji4] Those Mic's sound GREAT. I always used an American Audio VMS 4.1 with my Large System, and the mic I plug into that sounded good... better than with the MC6000MK2. I'm moving to an MC6000MK2 in my Large System too, but I'll be keeping the Denon DN-410X.

If the DN-312 sounds as good as the DN-410X, I think you're gonna like it. I'd be interested to hear how that turns out. I have a 1U drawer in my Small System rack I'd be willing to trade out if the DN-312 sounds great.

Rick DOES make a good point, though. A mixer in your signal chain adds another possible point of failure. I have backups for almost everything, but not for my Denon mixer. I considered buying a spare, but changing out the mixer in big rack (if it failed) is really not practical, so my backup plan is to simply bypass it by plugging my speakers directly into the controller. Fortunately, the Denon mixer has been rock solid reliable, so the need to bypass it has never happened.

Let us know how the Denon mixer works out for you?[emoji4]
 
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Will do. I will get it tomorrow and hope to use it at a corporate event on Wednesday.

My problem is not a weak signal, as you say, but rather a very HOT signal. I have -10db pads that I can put in line but that does not solve the problem, only masks it.

Another option, if the Denon DJ Controller goes down is to plug the iMac directly into the Denon DN310x, essentially giving me a backup to my dj controller. I carry a backup but as a quick connect, it seems that this would work well.
 
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...Another option, if the Denon DJ Controller goes down is to plug the iMac directly into the Denon DN310x, essentially giving me a backup to my dj controller...

I always carried a second controller as a backup with my Large System. Again, never had to use the backup 'cause the VMS 4.1 has been extremely reliable. With my small system, I was carrying a Allen&Heath ZED-10FX as my backup in case of a controller failure. Hooking it up only takes a couple of minutes, so it seemed like the best backup alternative until I got my second MC6000MK2, which I took for my backup this past Saturday. My MC6000MK2 is mounted in the rack, though, so the four screws have to be removed in order to swap it out. So I took a battery powered screw driver too.[emoji4]
 
I bet there are very few wedding/event type DJ/MC's that use ONLY the mic preamps in their controllers. I certainly don't.
Anyone else still doing that and, if so, what controller?

IMHO, mic inputs on most smaller (i.e. mobile) controllers are an afterthought.
 
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We use a Yamaha mixer. That way, we can control each of the 4 mics independently. We have placed mics on the officiant and groom and then used those to pickup the bride for vows so she didn't need a bodypack or lapel mic on her wedding gown. Need to have someone there adjusting the levels so when the groom or officiant come back in they aren't too hot.
 
I bet there are very few wedding/event type DJ/MC's that use ONLY the mic preamps in their controllers. I certainly don't.
Anyone else still doing that and, if so, what controller?

I assure you, most are using the mics in the controller. We use the Denon DN-MC6000 MKII
We have placed mics on the officiant and groom and then used those to pickup the bride for vows so she didn't need a bodypack or lapel mic on her wedding gown.

I am ONLY speaking about my dj system for the reception. I have a very nice ceremony system that includes a mixer. We have seperate systems for ceremony and reception, as 99% of dj's do.

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@djmm ... If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for your Denon DN-312? The reason I ask is because I'm seeing prices from $149 to $250. That's a wide price range for a relatively low cost item. Looks like it typically sells for $179.


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Up until my newest controller, I always patched into a standalone mixer for mics and ran the computer (and controller) into a line in on that board (Pioneer DJM-3000). My newest controller (Pioneer SZ2) has had 0 issues with mics and it can support 2. If I know I need more, I plan to bring a board that can support it. If I don't know, then you're stuck with what's there. :) I also have another board with 6 lines in if I need more than what the SZ2 or the DJM-3000 can support.
 
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I assure you, most are using the mics in the controller. We use the Denon DN-MC6000 MKII

I am ONLY speaking about my dj system for the reception. I have a very nice ceremony system that includes a mixer. We have seperate systems for ceremony and reception, as 99% of dj's do.

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How are you liking the iMac. Have you compared it to the Macbook / Macbook Pro?
 
BOSE T4S is an awesome digital mixer that sits on your laptop shelf. I use the older T1, and these little mixers have so much processing + saved scenes. It's like a little Driverack with multimple inputs and outputs.

I run my DJ controller, 2 mic inputs, and mp3 player (backup) through the T1, and each input has it's own procesing.
 
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How are you liking the iMac. Have you compared it to the Macbook / Macbook Pro?

I started using an iMac a few years ago and it is amazing. First of all, the larger screen is incredible. You are dealing with "desktop" technologies, over mobile "laptop" technologies, which truly have their advantages. It has a 2TB SSd Hard Drive, which is nearly impossible to get in a laptop of any kind. It has a ton of ram.

Another reason is that EVERYONE is using a laptop. To be very clear, there is NOTHING wrong with that but I choose to be as different as I can. I transport the iMac in a padded case. They call it the "tank".

Granted, my backup is a new MacBook Pro with touchscreen. I use that as a backup and to run my ShowXpress software.

My facade is rather high (ProX) and the iMac sits low on the case, so it is the perfect height to see over.

It just works VERY well for me. I am quite surprised that others don't use them but that is perfectly fine with me.
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Cool. I like bigger screens too, but I limit myself to 17" Windows laptops. I'm often tempted to grab a used late 2011 17" MacBook Pro (last ones they made) - but they all have the graphics overheating problem.

It looks like you have the keyboard hard mounted or in some kind of a case, yes?
 
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but they all have the graphics overheating problem.

It looks like you have the keyboard hard mounted or in some kind of a case, yes?

No overheating problems in the 17" MacBook Pro's, I assure you. I had 4 of those, and never a problem.

No, we do not hard mount the keyboard. We have brackets mounted that secure the iMac but that's it. Everything else is removed and packed after each gig.
 
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