A DJ mixer is a type of audio mixing console used by disc jockeys (DJs) to control and change multiple audio signals. Some DJs use the mixer to make smooth changes from one song to another when playing records at a dance club. Hip hop DJs and turntablists use the DJ mixer to play record players like a musical instrument and create new sounds. DJs in the disco, house music, electronic dance music, and other dance-oriented genres use the mixer to make smooth transitions between different sound recordings as they play. The sources are usually record turntables, compact cassettes, CDJs, or DJ software on a laptop. DJ mixers allow the DJ to use headphones to listen to the next song before playing it for the audience. Most low- to mid-priced DJ mixers can only connect to two turntables or CD players, but some mixers (such as those used in larger nightclubs) can connect to up to six turntables or CD players. DJ mixers are often described by how many channels they have, such as 2-channel or 4-channel mixers. Some compact units called "battle mixers" are designed with sensitive crossfaders and layouts that help with turntablism and scratching techniques. DJs and turntablists in hip hop music and nu metal use DJ mixers to create beats, loops, and scratching sound effects.
Description
DJ mixers are usually smaller than other mixing consoles used in sound systems and music recording. A typical nightclub mixer might have 24 inputs, and a large studio mixer could have 48, 72, or even 96 inputs. However, a standard DJ mixer often has only two to four inputs. The main difference between a DJ mixer and larger audio mixers is the ability to send the sound from a non-playing source to headphones. This allows a DJ to find the right part of a song. DJ mixers also have multiple tracks that can be selected. Modern DJ mixers can have 2 to 6 tracks that can be played at the same time.
A crossfader works like a fader, which is a sliding control, but crossfaders are usually horizontal instead of vertical. A crossfader has three main positions. If a DJ mixer is connected to two sound sources, like two turntables, the far left position of the crossfader will only play music from turntable A. The far right position will only play music from turntable B. When the crossfader is in the middle (marked by a horizontal line), the mixer blends the music from both turntables. Other positions along the crossfader create different mixes of the two sources.
DJ mixers usually include phono preamplifiers to connect turntables. The signal from a vinyl turntable is too weak to be used in a sound system. Before a turntable can be used, its signal must be amplified. DJ mixers are also used to create DJ mixes, which are recorded and sold. They often have controls to adjust the bass and treble for each channel. Some mixers from around 2010 include built-in effects like echo or reverb. Some models also have a USB sound card to connect to a computer for DJ software. Most DJ mixers have a microphone input, allowing a microphone to be used for announcements or hosting events. Some mixers include a kill switch, which stops a channel or a specific sound, like all the bass.
Outputs
The output from a DJ mixer is usually connected to a sound system or PA system at places like dance clubs, raves, or nightclubs. A sound system includes amplifiers that make the sound loud enough to play through speakers. Since the 1980s, these speakers often include full-range speakers and subwoofers for deep bass sounds. If a DJ is mixing music for a radio or television station, the mixer’s output is connected to the main audio console used for the broadcast. If the DJ’s mix is being recorded in a studio, the mixer is connected to the studio’s audio console, which is then linked to a recording device, such as a tape or hard disk. In some cases, like when a DJ’s performance is played at a club while also being broadcast on radio or television or recorded for a music video, the mixer is connected to both the sound system and the broadcast or recording console. At clubs, some DJs use a monitor speaker to hear the main music mix. The DJ can adjust the monitor speaker’s volume as needed.
Power
DJ mixers use an AC power cord that connects to a wall outlet to provide electricity for the device. Some models can also use batteries, allowing users to mix music in places without access to electricity. The sound from these mixers can be connected to a portable speaker or another battery-powered audio system. In the last ten years, some DJ mixers have been designed to operate using a computer through a USB or USB-C connection.
History
DJ mixing was very important in creating the African-American style of hip hop music. When DJ mixers first became popular, Jamaican DJs had a big influence on music culture. Many Jamaican DJs used mixers to create music that showed their daily challenges. DJ mixing gave people a way to share their struggles through music. In hip hop and some other music styles influenced by it, like nu metal, DJs use turntables as musical tools. They mix sounds from records and use special techniques to make unique rhythms. When a record is used in creative ways instead of just playing it normally, it is called turntablism. The most famous turntablism technique is scratching, which was first done by Grand Wizzard Theodore. It was not until 1983, when Herbie Hancock released the song "Rockit," that turntablism became well-known outside of hip hop. In the 2010s, many DJs use digital tools or CD players to make scratching sounds, but some still use vinyl records.
In the United States, Black artists who became famous were seen as leaders in their communities and inspired others facing racism. The DJ mixer helped share African American culture through music that showed their experiences in America. Many young Black men in cities had trouble starting DJ careers because they were not given opportunities for performances. The DJ mixer helped African Americans create new music styles that spread across the country.
DJ mixing was also important in disco music during the 1970s. In disco clubs, DJs used mixers to smoothly switch between songs and keep dancers energized. DJ equipment helped transition songs and also changed how people viewed music in clubs. Many European nightclubs had ideas about which music styles were for men or women, but DJ mixing allowed DJs to mix different genres and include more people.
Rudy Bozak was one of the first people to design DJ mixing equipment. He created the first widely sold DJ mixer, the Bozak CMA-10-DL2, which became standard for DJs in the 1970s. Famous DJs were the first to use this technology. However, the Bozak mixer was not easy to move, so mobile DJs in areas like Brooklyn and the Bronx had to find other ways to mix music. Ricky Grant was a leader in creating new mixing methods. He used microphone mixers connected to turntables to make beats without modern tools. Many young Black DJs and Ricky worked together to improve DJ techniques and equipment.
During this time, beatmatching and beatmixing with DJ mixers were used to keep dancers on the dance floor. By matching the beats of two songs, a DJ could switch between them without stopping the music. A DJ would let one song play until near the end, then prepare the next song in headphones and adjust its speed until the beats match. Once the beats are in sync, the DJ would slowly introduce the second song as the first one ends. In the 2000s, DJ mixers were also used for harmonic mixing.