Anmelden:     

Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Do I need a mixer? - Page: 1

Dieser Teil des Themas ist veraltet und kann veraltete oder falsche Informationen enthalten

Ok, so I have 2 powered 15" EV ZLX with a powered 18" EV Live Ex sub. I use a Denon MC 3000 to control my VDJ software. My next question is, Do I need a mixer? I bought a Xenyx 1202FX mixer by Behringer but now I'm thinking of returning it. Do I need this piece of equipment? Thank you guys in advance. Your comments are always helpful. : )
 
geposted Fri 14 Feb 14 @ 12:56 am
yes practically you need this audio mixer because you connect your denon midi there and from behringer you master out to the speakers,
It filters the sound and you should need this piece of equipment for your setup
 
No, you do not need a mixer. You can come out of this unit, into you sub. Out of your sub, into your tops. The outputs are RCA or 1/4 inch balanced. You can even plug in two external sources (not phono), and use without software.
 
Agreed with AMAHM - you do not need the Xenyx for using VDJ if you have a MC-3000.

On the other hand, the MC-3000 only has a single mic input, on jack only, and there's no mic EQ - so if you want/need a bit more control over the sound of your mic, or need to use more than one at any time, then the Xenyx would be useful.

Also with the MC-3000 only having a two channel mixer section, you might find yourself struggling to run other sources at some point.
 
It can accommodate two external line inputs, that are controlled by a pan knob and volume control, that go to master out. So you could have an ipod and actually another mixer or controller hooked up. Take a look.
 
Do you "need" the mixer? You can bypass using it. However, personally, I prefer to use mixers whenever possible. The added control, along with additional microphone inputs, make the use of a mixer desirable to me. Don't let anyone tell you what you "need". Experiment for yourself and find out.
 
denon have made some pitiful products in the last few years, I took a look at this controller and it doesn't even have balanced outputs.

So this is a controller with a built in mixer although it doesn't have balanced outputs, is this correct?
 
TRS 1/4 inch balanced outputs look here for specs.
 
Yes I saw those, I meant to say XLR balanced outs. Suppose TRS are better than nothing.
 
Here is my super long thoughts on the Sound Board mixer.

Okay lets say that your denon controller/mixer/sound card bites the dust hard at an event. (not sure what type of DJing you do) but lets say at a wedding.

Your recovery time to fix this problem would be quickly cut down if you had the sound board.

For example. If the denon bit the dust you could go in virtual DJ config settings change the sound configuration in about 5 seconds to simple line out. quickly plug in your mini 8 cable to your head phone jack on your laptop. (which you could already have this hooked up ahead of time just have the channel off this would save you even more time in the event of equipment failure)

You and disconnect the Denon and in the settings in mappings scan for devices or new devices what ever it is labeled. And bang with in about 10 seconds you are back up and running and the show goes on. Infact the show must always go on!

***Second not that you would want to but you could layer your effects even further using the Sound board. So you can easily layer the built in VDJ effects and then layer them again with another effect on the Sound Board. When my mood fancies me I actually do to this sometimes. :) Granted I don't use berringer stuff. I use a small Yamaha sound board typically in addition to any other mixers and inputs I may be using.

You may ask okay why a sound board if your controller has a mixer and Mic inputs? Well Frankly I have never had a sound board fail me to this day. regardless if its a monster yahama or personus board or a small yamaha or alexis etc... You choose the brand. I can hide the clutter easier at mobile gigs such as the wireless receivers and colour code the channels for the microphones, Yes I do use a colour coded electrical tape on the wireless mics. People like to pass them around, so It is quick easy and you are adjusting the right mic at the right time depending on who ever is making an announcement. Especially at a wedding or Corporate event etc where you are providing a little more than just spinning tunes.

If you are djing at a club or bar you may not need to have more flexibility. However, I also like to moniter line levels and what not I just personally feel a sound board gives me more control, and depending on the sound board you plug your mixer into. You may substantially increase your head room. Or with something like the Personus sound board (over kill for what you are probably doing) You can line limit filter and what not each channel specifically, just further protecting your rig...

If it was me I would return the sound board that you have now and buy a Yamaha MG82cx they are small and affordable, plus they will give you some more features than the board you have now and a bit more head room than what you have now. As the soundboard mixer you have now doesn't really offer a whole lot except in the built in effects. I am not super familur with that particular board except the quick specs I looked up. If it is like some other mixers that have 100 or so effects built in, there may only be say 10 effects or 12 real effects where say there is ten steps to each effect giving you slighty more percision with the effect, but not really "more effects"

Just my thoughts!

 
Thank you guys for all the comments. I think I'm gonna try it out because the mixer does give me a plan B in case my controller messes up.

I bought the controller at Guitar Center and the guy recommended to connect each TRS output to different channels in the controller. Does that sound right?

I have been reading and some have suggested to actually use an RCA cable coming out of the controller to a TRS into the mixer? How will I connect the MC-3000 to a channel? Or should I just do it like the guy at GC told me (one output to each channel out of the mixer)?
 
When you're only going from the MC-3000 output to a stereo input on the Xenyx, it won't matter whether the connection is balanced or not - you're only using a few inches of cable. In fact, as you're feeding into another mixer, it's probably wiser to use the RCA outs on the MC-3000 as the levels are likely to be more suited to the line inputs on the Xenyx.

The 1202FX has a choice of four stereo line inputs. Any one will take the output of the MC-3000.

The only possible flaw is that the output of the Xenyx may well be noisier than the Denon, so you'll introduce some lovely hiss.
 
I've been using my Xenyx mixers, in live applications, for years. I run about 2500 watts and never noticed one hiss. If you don't like something, cool. However, that is only your opinion.
 
jmavila02 wrote :
Thank you guys for all the comments. I think I'm gonna try it out because the mixer does give me a plan B in case my controller messes up.

I bought the controller at Guitar Center and the guy recommended to connect each TRS output to different channels in the controller. Does that sound right?

I have been reading and some have suggested to actually use an RCA cable coming out of the controller to a TRS into the mixer? How will I connect the MC-3000 to a channel? Or should I just do it like the guy at GC told me (one output to each channel out of the mixer)?


I am not a fan of the rca/s personally. with that Denon i would go 1/4 to 1/4 or 1/4 to xlr and use two channels for it. If your sound board has a pan you can set each channel differently one left one right. From the looks of the sound board you will have limited amount of control if you use RCAs. So you won't be able to pan each channel or adjust the highs mids or lows if you go that route, probably won't be able to layer the effects either.

groovindj wrote :
When you're only going from the MC-3000 output to a stereo input on the Xenyx, it won't matter whether the connection is balanced or not - you're only using a few inches of cable. In fact, as you're feeding into another mixer, it's probably wiser to use the RCA outs on the MC-3000 as the levels are likely to be more suited to the line inputs on the Xenyx.

The 1202FX has a choice of four stereo line inputs. Any one will take the output of the MC-3000.

The only possible flaw is that the output of the Xenyx may well be noisier than the Denon, so you'll introduce some lovely hiss.


TearEmUp wrote :
I've been using my Xenyx mixers, in live applications, for years. I run about 2500 watts and never noticed one hiss. If you don't like something, cool. However, that is only your opinion.

Yes, I thought the person originally asking the question was asking for opinions. I am guessing that you are using a higher grade mixer than the one the person is originally posting right? or are you using the exact same sound board? I mean the original poster is using a sound board only a few steps up from the very basic one that is offered? sounds like someone is offended maybe? To me the person making the post that you are offended about seems to be somewhat knowledgeable about sound. And offers a solid opinion about what possibly could be a factor in sound quality.
 
[quote=djmike001] I am not a fan of the rca/s personally. with that Denon i would go 1/4 to 1/4 or 1/4 to xlr and use two channels for it. If your sound board has a pan you can set each channel differently one left one right. From the looks of the sound board you will have limited amount of control if you use RCAs. So you won't be able to pan each channel or adjust the highs mids or lows if you go that route, probably won't be able to layer the effects either.

Thanks djmike001. I have the cables for that already but an article on DJDigital tips was the one that talked about going RCA to 1/4. So I was confused by all the different information and just wanted to use the best connection.

Thanks again everyone for all the useful input (no pun intended) ; ).
 
djmike001 wrote :
I thought the person originally asking the question was asking for opinions. I am guessing that you are using a higher grade mixer than the one the person is originally posting right? or are you using the exact same sound board? I mean the original poster is using a sound board only a few steps up from the very basic one that is offered? sounds like someone is offended maybe? To me the person making the post that you are offended about seems to be somewhat knowledgeable about sound. And offers a solid opinion about what possibly could be a factor in sound quality.



One of the reasons you don't see a lot of moderators and teamers posting on a regular basis is, someone is always trying to prove them wrong. I'm not sure if it's to prove how knowledgeable they are or, to make themselves feel better. But, in answer to your query, I have four different Xenyx mixers. Two 802s, one 1204usb and one 1622usb. I then run those through a 1502 Behringer EQ and, then through an Aphex Aural Exciter. Never do I hear a hiss. I've taken care of my ears over the 30 + years of sound reproduction. Does that answer your question?
 
Ok, now that we are speaking sound I have discovered new thing by reading all these posts...


First off, I have been running UNBALANCED (1 strip) 1/4 cables from my controller to my speaker, instead of balanced (2 strips) 1/4 cables.

I WAS USING TS INSTEAD OF TRS ALLLLL THIS TIME!

My music sounded good but I always felt like it lacked something, PLUS i did hear hissing sound. SMH!!!

Secondly, as I'm reading the Xenyx 1202FX manual I see that the MAIN OUT connectors are UNBALANCED MONO jacks.

So it might seem to stupid to ask the next question but I'm still going to ask it,

Even if I use TRS cables for my speakers am I still going to hear the hissing because the MAIN OUTs are UNBALANCED MONO jacks? Why would Behringer do such a thing??????????

I'm thinking of just getting rid of the mixer just because of these outputs. I should just look for one with Balanced outputs? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
TearEmUp wrote :

One of the reasons you don't see a lot of moderators and teamers posting on a regular basis is, someone is always trying to prove them wrong. I'm not sure if it's to prove how knowledgeable they are or, to make themselves feel better. But, in answer to your query, I have four different Xenyx mixers. Two 802s, one 1204usb and one 1622usb. I then run those through a 1502 Behringer EQ and, then through an Aphex Aural Exciter. Never do I hear a hiss. I've taken care of my ears over the 30 + years of sound reproduction. Does that answer your question?


I am not trying to prove you wrong. Nor do I want to get into a wizzing contest with you. I don't need to feel better about myself.
My opinions:

I am less than thrilled with Behringer equipment in general. I feel everything behringer is made on the cheap, and is made for people who are on a limited budget. I will say there is some value in their products, due to they do seem to offer quite a bit for your dollar. As for the 802 and what ever exact model the initial poster wrote about. There isn't much head room at all in either of those boards. Now your 1204 an 1622 offer substantially more than the lower models as far as added value for what they are.

Behringer sound boards are not on the same level as Presonus, or Allen Heth, Yamaha, or even sound craft sound boards.

With that being said. Yes I have had experience with Behringer products and the ones specifically the 802's that were purchased for emergency sound boards, there were quickly replaced with all Yamaha mg 82cx's. Each sound rig has its own flight case with everything you would need to run a gig plus a spare cable of each and a spare sound board Minus a computer and controller of course. I think the 802 is a wonderful board if you are not concerned about quality issues, or need something as a spare, and are on a budget. However, I was less than thrilled having to use one in an emergency situation(the sound board normally used was removed from the flight case). I felt the sound quality and control was not as good but hey better than nothing.

These are my opinions, My experiences, and my decisions regarding Behringer. Each to their own.

I am glad that Behringer products have worked well for you and suit your needs.
 
Ok as i see it yes you should use your mixer do not return it...i dont care how good your controller is, you will need and want the extra connections. Also i dont care what system you have if you run directly into speakers your sound wont be as good as it can be. Depending on the room, further processing of the signal may be necessary. example i dont care what venue you goto you will never see a controller directly connect to speakers, ever. Keep your mixer. I have the 1002fx, then bought a wireless mic for host announcements wired mic at the booth, mp3 for crash situation(never had one yet). Also imho never run a mic through your dj mixer it will never sound right, you WILL need to adjust the tone on any mic. Keep your mixer because as you grow as a dj so will your setup. So the mixer was a good, smart and necessary purchase. #rockOn
 
djmike001 wrote :
1/4 to xlr and use two channels for it.


It's not a good idea to do that. The XLR inputs on the Xenyx are mic level. Feeding them with the balanced master outs of the Denon will most likely overload them.

TearEmUp wrote :
I've been using my Xenyx mixers, in live applications, for years. I run about 2500 watts and never noticed one hiss. If you don't like something, cool. However, that is only your opinion.


Here we go again with Terry attacking something I've said. Down boy!

When you're calm, please read my post again.

I said "possible flaw" not just "flaw" or "definite flaw". I also said that the Xenyx output "may" be noisier than the Denon. Not "will"....."may".

The 1202FX is a cheap mixer. Cheap mixers (regardless of brand) are more likely to hiss than more expensive models.

I'm not throwing personal insults at you. I didn't even know you owned any Behringer kit. I'm offering general advice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


jmavila02, the hissing isn't the result of using unbalanced connections. It's just a typical thing you find with low end products. Chain two together (out from one into another) and you'll get more hiss.

As a general rule, there's no real benefit to using balanced connections on short cable runs i.e. on a typical mobile DJ setup.

 
71%