Have you ever felt the urge to spin some tunes and get a party going? Maybe you’ve watched DJs at concerts or clubs and thought, “I could do that!” The dream of becoming a DJ starts with the right equipment, and for many, that means a beginner DJ mixer. But stepping into the world of DJing can feel a bit overwhelming. You see all these buttons and knobs, and you wonder, “Which one is best for me?” It’s easy to get confused when there are so many choices out there, and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on something that won’t help you learn.
Choosing your first DJ mixer is a big step, and it’s okay to feel a little lost. You want a mixer that’s easy to use so you can focus on learning the basics of beatmatching and mixing. You need one that won’t break the bank but still offers enough features to keep you excited about practicing. This post is here to help you cut through the noise. We’ll explore what makes a great beginner DJ mixer and what key things you should look for.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel much more confident about picking out your very first DJ mixer. We’ll break down the essential features and explain what they do in simple terms. Get ready to learn how to find a mixer that will help you start your DJ journey with a bang!
Our Top 5 Beginner Dj Mixer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Dj Mixer Detailed Reviews
1. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 — Ideal DJ Controller for Learning to Mix — Software and Tutorials Included
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to learn DJing. This controller makes learning easy and fun. It comes with everything you need to start mixing music right away, including software and helpful video lessons.
What We Like:
- The Beatmatch Guide helps you line up beats perfectly with its lights.
- You can get super creative with the STEMS feature, making unique mixes.
- It works with popular music streaming services like Beatport and SoundCloud GO+.
- The DJ Academy videos teach you the basics from professional DJs.
- It includes Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software, and works with Serato DJ Pro.
- The controller is black and looks sleek.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, advanced DJs might want more features.
- The built-in sound card is basic; professional DJs might need an external one for better sound quality.
This controller is an excellent starting point for aspiring DJs. You get all the tools to learn and grow your skills.
2. Numark Party Mix DJ Controller with Lights
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to become a DJ with the Numark Party Mix DJ Controller! This all-in-one system is designed for beginners. It helps you learn the basics of DJing with easy-to-use features. You can control your music, mix tracks, and even add cool light effects. It connects to your computer and works with popular music streaming services.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete DJ system for beginners.
- It comes with Serato Lite DJ software.
- Built-in lights add a fun party vibe.
- It has two decks with jog wheels for scratching.
- You can stream millions of songs from services like Apple Music and SoundCloud.
- It’s plug-and-play, so it’s easy to set up.
- You can connect headphones and speakers easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The build quality might not be as sturdy as professional gear.
- The included software, Serato Lite, has fewer features than the full version.
- The built-in lights are fun but might not be bright enough for large venues.
The Numark Party Mix is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to explore DJing. It makes learning fun and accessible, letting you create your own mixes and light shows.
3. VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to spin some tunes and become the ultimate party starter with the VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer! This awesome gadget lets kids explore their inner DJ, mixing beats and creating their own musical masterpieces. It’s packed with fun features that will keep young aspiring musicians entertained for hours.
What We Like:
- It has a cool DJ turntable for mixing and jamming.
- You can play along with 15 built-in songs and create over 2000 sound combinations.
- Kids can make their own sound effects and save them to mix into songs.
- Fun light effects make every DJ session a dazzling party.
- It connects to your music playlist using Bluetooth or an audio cable.
- You can play your music through the built-in speaker or headphones.
- A built-in music game helps kids practice their DJ skills.
- It’s designed for ages 5 and up.
What Could Be Improved:
- The music player, audio cable, and headphones are not included.
- Batteries are only included for demo purposes, so you’ll need to buy new ones for regular play.
The VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer offers a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity through music. It’s a fun and engaging toy that encourages experimentation and performance.
4. Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Compact DJ Controller with 2 Decks
Rating: 9.2/10
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is a super small DJ controller that lets you mix music anywhere. It comes with Serato DJ Lite software. You can connect it to your computer and start mixing right away. It’s designed for DJs who want to travel light but still have all the important tools.
What We Like:
- It’s really easy to carry around because it’s so small.
- You get a lot of features for its price, like touch-sensitive jog wheels.
- It has a built-in sound card so you can hear your music through headphones.
- You can use it with other DJ software if you want to.
- It can stream music from popular services like Apple Music and SoundCloud.
- The colorful lights make it easy to see in the dark.
- You can control cue points, loops, and samples with the pads.
What Could Be Improved:
- The built-in audio interface might not be powerful enough for very large events.
- Some advanced DJ features might be missing for professional, high-end gigs.
This controller is a fantastic option for beginner DJs or anyone who needs a portable setup. It packs a punch for its size and price.
5. Bonkyo Professional Audio Mixer
Rating: 8.8/10
The Bonkyo F999 Audio Mixer is a powerful all-in-one solution for anyone looking to elevate their live streams, podcasts, or gaming audio. This professional studio equipment simplifies complex audio setups with its integrated design, making it easy for beginners and experienced users alike to achieve high-quality sound.
What We Like:
- It’s an integrated device that’s easy to use, combining many audio tools into one unit.
- It has a built-in DSP chip that works with all live broadcast platforms.
- You can easily control input mute, reverb, and special sound effects.
- It offers 100 levels of volume adjustment for accompaniment and headphones.
- There are 5 recording options, 8 tone modes, and 16 special effects to play with.
- It supports up to 3 people streaming live at the same time from phones, pads, or PCs.
- It has a good noise reduction feature when you press the DENOISE button.
- It’s compatible with 99% of apps and devices (Android, iOS, Windows).
- The packaging includes everything you need to get started.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual is detailed, but some users might prefer more visual guides.
- While it has many features, mastering all of them might take some time for absolute beginners.
Overall, the Bonkyo F999 mixer is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to improve their audio quality for streaming, podcasting, or gaming. It offers a wealth of features in a user-friendly package.
Choosing Your First DJ Mixer: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you want to be a DJ? That’s awesome! A DJ mixer is your main tool. It’s like the control center for your music. Picking the right one when you’re just starting can feel tricky. But don’t worry, this guide will help you find the perfect mixer to get your DJ journey started.
What to Look For: Key Features for Beginners
When you’re shopping for a beginner DJ mixer, a few things are super important.
Number of Channels
- Most beginner mixers have 2 channels. This is enough to mix two songs at once. You can play one song while the other is fading out.
- Some might have 4 channels. This is more advanced and lets you do cooler things later on, but 2 is great for starting.
Crossfader
- This is the slider that lets you smoothly switch between your two channels. A good crossfader feels smooth.
- Some mixers let you adjust how quickly it moves. This is a nice feature to have.
EQ Controls
- EQ stands for equalization. These knobs let you change the bass, middle, and treble of your music.
- You need at least two EQ knobs per channel (low, high). Three knobs (low, mid, high) are even better. This helps you blend songs better.
Built-in Effects (FX)
- Some mixers have cool sound effects like echoes or flangers.
- For beginners, simple effects are best. Don’t get overwhelmed by too many options.
Connectivity
- Check what kind of inputs and outputs the mixer has. You’ll need to connect your turntables or media players and your speakers.
- Look for RCA inputs and outputs. USB ports are also handy for connecting to computers.
Materials Matter: What Your Mixer is Made Of
The stuff your mixer is made from affects how it feels and how long it lasts.
- Plastic: Many beginner mixers use a lot of plastic. This keeps them light and affordable. Just make sure the plastic feels sturdy.
- Metal: Higher-end mixers often have metal parts, especially for the knobs and faders. This makes them feel more solid and last longer. For a beginner, a good quality plastic is usually fine.
What Makes a Mixer Great (or Not So Great)?
Certain things make a DJ mixer perform better and be easier to use.
- Smooth Faders: When you move the volume sliders and the crossfader, they should feel smooth, not stiff or jumpy. This helps you make clean transitions between songs.
- Responsive Knobs: The EQ knobs and other controls should turn easily and make changes right away. You don’t want to turn a knob and nothing happens, then suddenly a lot changes.
- Durable Build: A mixer that feels well-built will handle being moved around and used a lot. If it feels flimsy, it might break easily.
- Simple Layout: For beginners, a mixer with a clear and simple layout is key. You should be able to find the controls you need quickly without getting confused. Too many buttons and knobs can be overwhelming at first.
Using Your Mixer: User Experience and What You Can Do
Your DJ mixer is your playground for music.
- Mixing Music: The main thing you do is blend songs together. You’ll use the faders to control the volume of each song and the crossfader to switch between them.
- Practicing: A beginner mixer is perfect for practicing your mixing skills at home. You can learn how to beatmatch (making the beats of two songs line up) and create smooth transitions.
- Small Gigs: Once you get comfortable, you can use a 2-channel mixer for small parties or get-togethers. It’s portable and easy to set up.
- Learning the Basics: A good beginner mixer teaches you the fundamental skills of DJing. You’ll learn about EQ, gain control, and fader control. These skills are important no matter what kind of mixer you use later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Beginner DJ Mixers
Q: How many channels do I really need for a beginner mixer?
A: You really only need 2 channels to start. This lets you mix two songs at a time, which is all you need to learn the basics.
Q: What does a crossfader do?
A: The crossfader is a slider that lets you smoothly move the sound from one song to another. It’s how you blend songs together.
Q: Are built-in effects important for a beginner?
A: Not really. Simple effects can be fun, but focus on learning how to mix music smoothly first. You can always add effects later.
Q: Can I connect my phone to a beginner DJ mixer?
A: Usually, yes. Most mixers have auxiliary (AUX) inputs or RCA inputs that you can use to connect your phone or other devices.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a beginner DJ mixer?
A: Beginner DJ mixers can range from $100 to $300. You can find good quality ones in this range.
Q: What’s the difference between a mixer and a controller?
A: A mixer is a standalone piece of hardware that controls sound. A DJ controller usually connects to a computer and uses software to play music.
Q: Do I need a mixer if I’m using DJ software?
A: If you’re using a DJ controller, it often has a built-in mixer. If you’re using just your computer, you might need a separate mixer to control the sound better.
Q: How important is the build quality for a beginner mixer?
A: It’s important to have a mixer that feels solid, even if it’s mostly plastic. A sturdy build means it will last longer and be more enjoyable to use.
Q: Can I use a beginner mixer for small parties?
A: Yes, a 2-channel beginner mixer is perfect for small parties or house gatherings. It’s easy to transport and set up.
Q: What are the most important controls to learn on a beginner mixer?
A: Focus on learning the volume faders, the crossfader, and the EQ knobs. These are the most important for mixing music.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!