How to Connect a DJ Controller to an External Mixer
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- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2024
- Thanks for checking out my video! I hope this helps you understand how to hook up a DJ controller to an external mixer. Comment below if you have any questions!
Social Media:
_________
Instagram: / funkytown_entertainment
Facebook: / funkytownentertainment
Website: www.funkytownentertainment.com
Location:
________
Fort Worth, Tx & surrounding DFW Metroplex
Equipment:
________
Speakers
-EV EKX 12p’s
-EV EKX 15sp subs
-EV ZLX 12p’s
-Pro-Line speaker stands
Speaker Bags
-EV EKX 12p’s
-EV EKX 15sp subs
-EV ZLX 12p’s
Microphones & Mixers
-Shure SM58 wired
-Sennheiser EW-D wireless
-Sennheiser XS-W wireless
-Allen & Heath Zedi 10 channel mixer
-Yamaha MG06x 6 channel mixer
Controllers
-Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT
-Pioneer DDJ-SB3
Lighting
-Chauvet Wash FX 2’s
-Both S4 uplights (white)
-ADJ Ultra Bar 12
-Chauvet Freedom Tri-Par 6
-ADJ Airstream DMX Bridge
-Wireless Donner DMX Transmitters
Cables & Cases
-Live Wire XLR cables from 5ft-100ft
-Pro-X XS DDJ-1000:
-Pelican Case 1120:
-Craftsman 29in tool case:
-Gravity cable management clips
Miscellaneous
-Magma Laptop Stand
-4ft folding table
-Ultimate Support table scrim/cloth
-Pro-X 5 Panel Façade
-iPad Mini 6
-Original iPad mini (yes it still works somehow)
-Beats by Dre Headphones
-Headphone clip
-OnStage Speaker scrims (Black & White)
![[4K] Watch SpaceX Catch A Starship Rocket From Space!!! #IFT5](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pIKI7y3DTXk/mqdefault.jpg)
I started using external mixer for all my events this year, and very impressed with IMPROVED sound and love having extra inputs
I agree. It's great!
Great way of explaining things.. 👍
nice video as using Denon I have nOT really thought about A lot of what you explained! AWESOME video and excellent explanation ND THANKS
Exactly how I hook mine up, I use a Mackie pro 10 use the additional lines on the mixer to also feed a evermix4 for live streaming. Got a video on my channel. As this creator suggested and demonstrated using an external mixer is highly recommended, signal, quality is superb and ceiling for more volume is a must
Thanks for the video. The case customisations are awesome. I also have the zed i10 and I love the thing.
I see a lot of questions here. I totally support your info 100 percent. I'm a dj I have a 10 channel and a 16 channel Allen and Heath. I use channel 1 or 2 or any channel to hook my controller from. Let say I use channel 1 and 2 from the Allen and Heath mixer and goes to my controller. I use female xlr to male xlr from controller to the mixer ch 1 and 2. So you have to use two vol faders 1 and 2 . My reasons for this is because I can still use the whole eq both mid low and high. On stereo you only have bass and a high. The signal is far more stronger when it is hookup like this. Both channel 1 and 2 volume fader should be in Unity and then you control the vol from Gain. 2 short 3ft female xlr to male xlr would work from controller to external mixer. Hope it make sense. Thank You
Definitely makes sense! You can do it that way. Most of us don't have a controller with that many inputs, so that's why I don't use 2 channels for my controller...only 1. I think your way works really well also!
very nice thank you for this info..
dude yes ! I run this external mixer because of you ! highly recommend other djs to do this as well!
I'm glad you enjoy it too! I love it.
Omg thank you! I totally went blank Saturday night how to connect my external mixer 😑 worst brain 🧠 fart everrrrr! Thanks for the refresher
Nice & clean set up.
great tutorial! can you pls show how you modded your DJ case with outputs?
Hi bud thanks for your efforts. One question if I may…If I had the exact set up as what you have, but I wanted to add an external active subwoofer into the mix, where would I plug that in? Thank you kindly
That Allen & Heath is great mixer. Used it before. Now I use Yamaha MG10XU, very similar, lot of connection possibilities.
Excellent video and I always recommend to my friends to run External Mixers in their rigs. I have the Mackie ProFX6v3 and 10v3.
Channel 1 is MY Mic, Channel 2 goes to my Wireless SHURE system, 3/4 is for my RANE ONE and channels 5/6 are for my iPhone during setup and tear downs etc.
Bravo!!! I’m sure that A&H sounds incredible what speaker do you run out of curiosity? I’m an EV guy.
My main speakers are EV EKX 12’s. I sometimes pair them with the EKX 15 Subs. I highly recommend external mixers to everyone.
@@DJ-BRY I have the ELX200 18” Sub & ELX200 12P love ‘em
I also have the Mackie ProFX10v3 for my primary system and use the 6v3 for an additional system setup (like a wedding ceremony). I have a Pioneer DDJ-SZ2. Here is my question: Should I just run one XLR cable from controller output into Channel 1, 2, 3 or 4 via XLR? Or should I find a dual XLR cable that ultimately runs into a single XLR into the mixer? Or should I simply buy two XLR to 1/4" cables and run cable from both controller outputs into Channels 5/6? I am not sure about either structure on mono sound vs. stereo sound. The reason that I am asking is I have invested so much money in good quality XLR to XLR cables and don't really want to have to spend more $$$ on XLR to 1/4" cables. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
@@johnjackson9235 personally, I would purchase the XLR to 1/4 inch cables. Going into 5/6 with 1/4 inch will still allow you to leave channels 1-4 open for XLR inputs for mics etc. I’d rather adjust 1 volume/gain knob for 5/6 than have to manage 2 separate channels on 1-4. I hope this makes sense.
@@DJ-BRY thank you. That makes a ton of sense.
Thank you for this detailed video! I love it.
Quick question... what would be the better or more recommended way to connect the controller to the mixer?
A: XLR from the controller to 1/4 inch on the mixer
B: RCA from the controller to1/4 Inch on the mixer
Either will work. Ben Stowe has a video on this explaining that technically RCA to 1/4 is the best option, but he did say that either will work just fine. I have the option to do both depending on my setup requirements. Hope this helps!
Thank you! @@DJ-BRY
XLR to 1/4 is the best option
Very helpful. On another note, how would I use bluetooth speakers with the numark ns4fx controller?
THANKS MAN. HELPED A LOT
This was super helpful! I have a question - I am doing my first DJ gig, I'm using the DDJ-FLX4 which has a dual RCA output. The venue is providing a Yama EMX512sc mixer. Is it okay to plug in by using a dual RCA to single 1/4inch cable?
how did you do it? did you get rca to dual 1/4 inch that you ran into the mixer directly? And do you also hook up your board to a laptop too?
I ended up buying a dual RCA to dual XLR. The laptop didn't need to be plugged into the mixer, just to the controller itself!
Can you show how to install the inputs on the case?
Amazing! Love it.
Is there a specific connection or space for subs?
Thank you! My English language is not good and i need to ask something because im using flx4. If i buy some mixer is it possible to use effect pedals on it? I looking for way to use effect pedals with my flx4.
Thanks for your video out there.
How do you control your music volume over the evening? On wedding events the volume at the beginning is of course only background music. Do you adjust the volume later on the controller, or on the external mixer?
I set my sound levels to fit the room on both my controller and mixer to find that “unity” level for dancing. Once I set that level, I then control the volume for the night on my controller. I use my mixer to give me that extra headroom and clarity/control for EQing the room.
Thank you for this
Good content just to add on here. I Dj at a Local bar and I bring in a Yamaha MG06 super compact and ch1 & 2 have a stereo spread switch and clipping indicators. I go from my Denon 1850 mixer into ch 1&2 via XLR. Yes I know that I should be going into the stereo Line channels but there is no eq there and i want to manage the clubs tone a bit with that last set of EQ'ing stage. When going into the XLR input, the gain has to be at 0 and or use the pad button then add some gain and or turn the Dj mixer down a bit all these gain stage adjustments to add head room. If you go into the line level channels which is exactly what you are supposed to do shown in this video because of the higher signal coming in. I will be buying XLR to TRS going into the Yamaha and then all these little pad and knob adjustments go away but I just wanted to use the solid XLR connections throughout. If I Dj somewhere else at a bigger space i would bring my Yamaha MG10x and do the same but use channels 3 & 4 and save ch 1 & 2 for mics since those channels have the 1 knob compression which is a nice to have BUT! one day I was at GTR center and touched that same Allen & Heath ZEDi10 and was Blown away by the quality....... those are Beast Mode pro status for portable compact mixing. Since then, I have picked up the Allen Heath Zed10FX board (near the same but diff as this one has the master slider diff power cable and smaller meter) and man its way NICE. You lose a few things but the solid construction is what has me sold. The metering is superior to the Yamaha MG10 and you get the Listen option to hear the source material coming in. You lose on board compression (ugh), 1/4" monitor out but you have RCA's, knob spacing, FX ease of use and the straightforward lay out. You gain a far better mixer no question, solid tension on the rotary controls, sweapable md range eq that can help if playing on cheap powered speakers that have bad tone, an accurate meter, PFL on each channel and you can target channels to record. The spacing of the knobs on the AH has less room than the Yamaha so sausage fingers be mindful the Yamaha is more spaced out. Know that the ZEDi in this video has a specific power cable no clue why they did that, just don't lose it, I was going to buy the ZEDi but went with the ZED10 for the larger metering and normal IEC power cable. Great video, it's the grit of what's behind the scenes, there's always another layer. Big Ups from Chi town
Sounds like you have a good grasp of external mixers! Thanks for the breakdown of your set up man! Keep rockin it!
@@DJ-BRY 10 Flow aka 10-4
Solid tips and video Bry
Awesome Content. What mic are you using?
Shure SM58 for my personal wired mic. 2 Sennheiser EW-D wireless mics for anything else.
1/4 Inch Inputs, (Stereo or Mono)? It seems to be it's best to run 1/4 verses XLR left & right or only one XLR In. Also this is a debate. I feel the sound is much cleaner XLR to 1/4 inch verse XLR to XLR. What's you advice on this?
I don’t have the full knowledge on the topic to answer the question. What I do know is, since the cables are short, there isn’t much of a difference between XLR and 1/4. The longer the cable run, the more of a difference there would be.
DJ Bry thanks for the video very informative I have the Phenyx pro 100 with the XLR cables running from the mixer to the speakers (Thump) 15s however my controller is a Roland DJ 202 with very limited ports so there's a port (master out) Land R red and gray rca cables not sure where they plug in on the mixer can you help thx
If you wanted to have a similar hook up to mine, You would run XLR's out of the Roland controller into channel 3&4 of the mixer. It would take up 2 of the 4 channels you have, but that is the best way to do it. i would recommend getting a 6-10 channel mixer for your setup if you want to have more channels available.
Great video, i also use this same set up however at some venues i get a horrible hum, as soon as i remove the mixer from the setup (active speakers connected directly to deck controller) the hum goes.
Slightly of topic have you experienced this and any solutions? Seems like the mixer is allowing the hum to occur but only at certain venues, i can't reproduce the hum at home.
Thank you.
Most of the time, it depends on the power source at the venue. Not all venues have the same power hookup. It has to deal with how the circuit is “grounded”. They do make adapters called “ground loop isolators” that can help.
I have also noticed that when the laptop is charging, there is a hum, but when I disconnect the power cable, the hum goes away. I believe it has to do with the AC power pass through from the laptop.
Good Day, thanks for the tutorial. Does it make a difference that the Chanel on the mixer you are using only has High & Low EQ Freq? Does the Mid on your DDJ still make a difference?
Your DJ controller has a built in mixer which usually has high/mid/low. In this case, no it does not matter. Your external mixer can be kept at neutral for your high/low. If you wanted to EQ the DJ controller, use the H/M/L on your controller itself.
I hope that made sense.
Great video/tutorial. I have an external Mackie Mix 5 that has EQ options available only on the Mic/Line Input. I run my dj mixer to the external mixer the exact same way as you do which is great but that channel doesn't have EQ that allows me to adjust the Hi's, Mids & Lows. Any suggestions?
I adjust the H/M/L on the DJ controller if I ever need to since the external mixer doesn't have H/M/L
@@DJ-BRY Thank you for that clarification I've always known there was a better way to connect the tops separate from the sub but I just kept scratching my head. Does your RUclips channel name FUNKYTOWN stand for Fort worth Tx?
@@jacksspinza.k.adjlilg8343 You are correct!
@@DJ-BRY I live in the Fort Worth Burleson area my man let's connect. Networking with other DJ's in this area has many benefits.
@@jacksspinza.k.adjlilg8343 of course! Feel free to reach out to me via my Instagram or FB!
I am a beginner Dj and I am using a controller and mixer. When setting the gain, do I do the same settings on both the mixer and controller? Or do I set the mixer's gain and just ignore setting the controller, since it is connected to the mixer?
Good question, I’m also wondering this?
Hey thanks for the video my question is I have EV ELX PA speakers they are not powered speakers so what subs can I use them with I use a crown xli2500 to power the pa speakers looking for subs and a mixer thank you
Unfortunately, I am not knowledgeable on powered amps/mixers. My system is all powered speakers. I would recommend reaching out to your local audio tech in the area such as people from guitar center or live sound production companies.
Thank you for video. Does the mic so close to speaker create feedback?
For me, not usually. My mixer is great and allows me a lot more head room and EQ abilities. I don’t ever have my speakers loud enough to cause feedback. Every room is different though, so take that into consideration.
Hey there! Are you looking to connect your DJ controller to an external mixer? In this tutorial, we will go over how to set everything up and get started with mixing music using both devices. Whether you are a seasoned DJ or just starting out, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to expand their setup and take their mixing skills to the next level. So grab your equipment and let's get started!
Can you hook your controller to the mixer, with strictly xlr male to female cables or do you have use the xlr to 1/4 inch?
You can. But you would be taking up 2 full channels and have to set 2 different volumes. I prefer to leave my mic channels (XLR) open.
Do you consider audio interfaces like the Behringer UMC404HD that don't come with all those faders of equal value to your mixer setup?
I personally have never used an audio interface, so I cannot comment on that.
Mixer setups are easier to operate from a DJ stand-point
I purchase a clean used Allen & heath xone 62 mixer. I guess it was design for turntables and cd. I'm a new lap top DJ that has an apple lap top, and a pioneer DDJ-400 controller. Can this work? If so, how to connect step by step?
I need the same information
Hi...regarding the cables between the DJ controller & sound mixer, are they unbalanced XLR to 1/4 mono jack?
I believe it’s balanced XLR to balanced 1/4. Because my cable run is so short, the balanced vs unbalanced doesn’t make a difference. Another good way to connect is rca to unbalanced 1/4 (TS). You have some options.
I love it
Hello my friend, I have the same controller but with a yamaha 10xu. Where do I connect my controller to my mixer?
I go from XLR L AND R ‘Y’ dongle to the channel
Hi I have a question. Do you need a passive di box?
You don’t need one
So what option is the 5th channel(the ones with the 1/4 wires plugged into it)?
You can technically plug 2 different instruments into it, which makes it 2 channels, but…..the volume knob controls both instruments. Weird concept. I use it as a Left/Right Stereo combo. It works for my needs.
Thank you.
Do you get any ground loop sound When your connected this way?
I do not
Do you always have the mixer that close to the controller? Why not connect straight to the mixer using 3ft xlr to 1/4 cable 😕.. and why don't you use the xlr inputs are you saving them for more mics?
Yes I always have the mixer that close. I like to have the extra channels available for mics and such.
Allen Heath Zed series have dedicated line level inputs on TRS unbalanced jacks and the XLR inputs are used for microphones only.
I have a Ddj flx4 working with rekordbox, do I need to buy a mixer compatible with rekordbox (pioneer) or can I connect any mixer to the consolle and still use Rekorbox?
Any mixer will work. No software is required. external mixers are completely separate from DJ controllers and software.
@DJ BRY thanks. Sorry for the question but would I be able to connect a DDjFlx4 (has 1/4 inputs) to a Behringer DDM4000?
@@alessandroraisaro165 yes. You can use 2 1/4 to orca cables to connect
Good information. I just ordered a better audio interface!
which one did u go for buddy?
From your controller to you mixer is that a TS or a TRS tip on the 1/4 end.
TRS
Giving the fact that he uses the Pioneer DJ mixing console XLR balanced master outputs, he has to use a TRS balanced jack at other end, but the will loose half (6 dB) of the original signal level the moment he inserts the TRS jack into Allen Heath Zed input jack, due to the fact that the Zed mixer inputs are actually unbalanced.
@@valentingheorghe1693 I have a Yamaha MG10xu mixer with unbalanced stereo line inputs as well. I'd like to use the balanced 1/4" outputs from my controller using male to male TRS cables instead of the unbalanced RCA outputs/inputs assuming this will provide better sound quality. If I lose half of the original signal going with the 1/4" TRS cables, is it still an improvement or better than simply using the unbalanced RCA cables?
@@alexisratsch7265 Doesn't matter if you're controller have balanced outputs and you're connecting it to the unbalanced inputs of your Yamaha mixer. The signal will become unbalanced anyway, so you are better off using the RCA to RCA or RCA to TS cables.
As long as you use high quality RCA cables, don't try to run them on long distances (over 3 meters) and keep them away from electrical cables, you are safe.
Balanced cables are ment to be used for audio signal transmission over long distances because they have better noise rejection capabilities.
Your mixing console nominal output level on balanced outputs is +4 dBU, wile your mixer unbalanced inputs expects a nominal input level of -10 dBV, which is about 12 dB lower.
Alternatively, if you still want to use your controller balanced outputs, you can connect it to the Yamaha MG10XU mixer balanced inputs (channels 1 to 4), engage the pad switch and adjust the gain accordingly.
May I ask what is the purpose of the Yamaha MG10XU mixer in your signal chain?
@@valentingheorghe1693 Thanks very much for your response! I am DJing using a controller and the purpose for the MG10XU mixer is to provide better mic sound/effects and to be able to add a keyboard, a groovebox, and a tablet or phone in the event my laptop crashes in the middle of a gig so I can keep the music going. If I use channels 1 to 4 to obtain a balanced connection are there any drawbacks or risks of damage to my controller? I heard somewhere that if the phantom power button is accidentally turned on it may damage the controller. My mixer will always be within 1 meter of my controller, so maybe the RCA connections make the most sense, although it would be 12 dB lower. What do you think would optimize the sound without any risk of harm to my gear?
So you connected the "Main" (from the controller) to the mixer ?
Correct
Cool video :)
Domani pomeriggio fopo un anno che aspetto arriva MODEL1 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Have always used an external mixer as on one channel I can keep a spare laptop connect, that way if the controller etc crashes or fails I can continue with that deathly silence.
Does the mixer have to be usb connected for djing??
The only USB connecting is from my laptop to my DJ controller. The external mixer does not have any USB connection. Only XLR & 1/4 inch cables.
@@DJ-BRY ok. So only get a usb external mixer if you do live-streaming rite? But if you don’t do live stream then you don’t need a usb external mixer? Because I read in some forums a lot off ppl opt for usb enabled Dj mixer so they can connect to to there laptop for live stream.
@@Marlonhernandez19828 I don't use the usb portion in a mixer for my needs. I honestly do not know unfortunately.
thanks bud
Most Dj's don't understand the importance of external mixers & how they improve overall sound quality...
Agreed! That’s why I’m trying help spread awareness 🤘🏽
I never thought about it. I been doing this for years. I did it so my homie can plug to it and jam with me.. lol
Easy access..
What about hooking up play on tik tok thanks
How you connect the subs if you have to use?
ruclips.net/video/h1hHa7hIDhI/видео.html
I made a video on this. Check it out.
what about hooking up a subwoofer with all that
Check out my channel. I have another video showing how to do it.
Very informative video... But bruh... Your logo have some freaky twist! Once you notice it's hard to unsee it. Please change that before you get judged by feminist. Just saying 👋
😂 you’re not the first and you won’t be the last lol. I still like my logo haha.
@@DJ-BRY I must be getting old. I don't see it.
Now I see it, I can’t unsee it 😂😂😂
Where or who did you get your shirt done with the logo? Looks nice bruh!
be careful you can blow up the Controller it will start smoking
How? I never heard of that.
Allen Heath Zed series mixers are indeed well built and able to provide a good sound, but their line level inputs, although capable of accepting TRS or TS jacks from balanced or unbalanced sources, are, in fact, unbalanced. Therefore, if your DJ mixing console has symetrically balanced outputs, you will loose half (6 dB) of the original signal level the moment you connect to the Allen Heath Zed TRS inputs and you have to compensate this signal loss by adding gain on the Allen Heath Zed series input stage, instead of keeping the signal chain at unity.
This behaviour may not occur, however, if the DJ mixer master outputs are impedance balanced.
Audio mixers THD and noise measurements are made with the controls zeroed (no audio signal attenuation), so whenever you have to use the input preamplifier to add gain, you also add some measure of noise to the original signal, affecting the dynamic range and headroom.
Also, keep in mind that the balanced master output level of a good DJ mixer is +4 dBU (1.23 V RMS) and Allen Heath Zed series line level inputs work at a nominal level of 0 dBU (0.775 V RMS).
What mixer can you recommend that will take two 15 top and one 18 sub along with mic and wireless systems?🤔
@@edwinhernandez6627 Are we talking about active or passive loudspeakers?
@@valentingheorghe1693 powered loudspeaker and sub.
@@edwinhernandez6627 You need the following equipment:
- mixer, with as many microphone and line level inputs as you need, balanced inputs, adjustable input gain controls, PFL functionality on every input channel (highly recommend), balanced master outputs and other functions you considers necessary for your work
- graphic equaliser (31 bands recommended) and, if possible, with built-in high-pass and low-pass filters
- active crossover, with built-in delay controls and mute functionality on every output stage
Alternatively, if you like, you can use a dedicated speaker management processor, which includes the equaliser and crossover.
@Valentin Gheorghe much appreciated, looking at 10-12 chl mixer . 👍