If you are aspiring to become a Disk Jockey and want to perform in live shows and mixing tracks then you definitely to need a best DJ mixer or a DJ controller with mixer option. Yes, there are plenty of free and paid software out there that get the job done. But your workflow will not be nearly as smooth and efficient as with a DJ mixer than without.
Considering how saturated the market is with DJ mixers of different types and brands choosing the one that perfectly suits you can be quite daunting. Especially for beginners who have no prior experience with DJ mixers.
You are looking at hours of research, web surfing and forum digging. To spare you the trouble we have done that for you and made a list of best DJ mixers at various price points that you can currently find on Amazon.
Here, we are going to review them, talk about their pros and cons, guide you through the whole buying process and answer some FAQs.
If you don’t have the time to go through this whole guide then you can go for the Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ Mixer. This is a great stand-alone DJ mixer. It has a user-friendly interface and plenty of features that make it a literal powerhouse. It is a bit expensive but totally worth it if you have the cash to spend.
But we recommend that you read through the whole article before making up your mind so that you can get the best DJ mixer that suits your budget and skill.
The Best DJ Mixers of 2021
We’ve done the research and talked to many professional DJs for their opinion on the best DJ mixers in the market. After all that we came up with a list of 9 mixers and divided the list into three sections based on their price and performance.
1. Pioneer DJ DJ Mixer – S9
Specifications
- Channels: 2
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 107 dB
- Dimensions: 16.04 x 10.51 x 4.25 inches
- Weight: 10.14 lbs.
The Pioneer DJ DJ Mixer – S9 is a brilliant dual-channel mixer for beginner DJs. Yes, it is a bit expensive for a 2-channel system but trust me when I say that every penny you spend on this beast is totally worth it.
It has got 16 multi-colored pads for dynamic live mixing. They are thoughtfully designed and positioned to give you the best response and usability possible.
This Dj mixer is loaded with FX options. The FX buttons are completely customizable. So, whatever your style is the Pioneer DJ DJ Mixer – S9 can definitely handle it. The Filter dials allow you to add a high or low pass filter to each of your channels.
The thing we really loved about this DJ mixer is the level meters. Unlike most other mixers the meters are all at one place on this one. This means the meters for the channels and the master output can be monitored at the same time. This enhances your DJing efficiency and brings the much-needed simplicity to beginner DJs.
Features
Smooth Fader: Pioneer DJ’s innovative Magvel Fader Pro ensures users a smooth response. Easily play with the operational load and alter the crossfader curve to your preference.
Dynamic Live Mixing: The multi-colored touch pads are easy to operate and allow smooth live mixing. They are designed to provide optimum accuracy and response.
Complex FX: The FX options are complex. Allowing you to modify the effects to the slightest detail. Dedicated FX buttons can be programmed to trigger the effects of your choice. The Filter dials allow you to apply a high pass filter or a low pass filter on each of the two channels.
Large Style Levers
The style levers are large. Allowing you to easily trigger effects on and off.
DVS Support:
If you like using turntables or CDJs then you can do it easily as the Pioneer DJ DJ Mixer – S9 has DVS support.
Pros
- High quality
- Many features
- Complex FX
- Smooth Fader
- User Friendly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- The bottom is made of plastic
- Only 2 channels
2. Numark Scratch
Specification
- Channels: 2
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 108 dB
- Dimensions: 17 x 15.3 x 8.6 inches
- Weight: 10.41 lbs.
If you are on a budget than the Numark Scratch is a great option. It is the best budget DJ mixer in the market, period.
The problem with DJ mixers used to be that when it came to entry-level mixers you had to choose between featureless mixers from good brands and poor-quality mixers from cheap brands. The Numark Scratch fills in this huge gap by providing good performance at a very reasonable price.
It is a two-channel mixer and features 8 pads and also comes with an internal 24-bit sound card. It is super light-weight and compact. So, you can simply carry it around in your backpack. It is well built too. The body is made of steel which is quite durable.
A pretty surprising feature this mixer has is a universal power supply. This means it can be run with standard IEC power connectors which eliminate the inconvenience of working with adapters. Even many high-end devices don’t have this.
All in all, the Numark Scratch is a superb entry-level DJ mixer. So, if you are new to DJing and don’t want to break the bank then this is exactly what you should be buying.
Features
24-bit Sound Card: The 24-bit sound card provides crisp and clear output. With an S/N ratio of 108 dB, the Numark Scratch provides impressive performance never before seen in a DJ mixer of this price.
DVS Supported: The Numark Scratch is DVS supported. This means if you are into turntables then you can easily connect them to the Numark Scratch.
Performance Pads: The Numark Scratch comes with 8 performance pads for live mixing.
Universal Power Supply: Having a universal power supply the Numark Scratch can be connected to any IEC connector. So, so more struggling with adapters. Just plug it in and you are set.
Pros
- Very Affordable
- 24-bit sound card
- Lightweight
- DVS supported
- Universal power supply
- Ease of use
Cons
- Low mic input
- Lackluster EQ
03. Behringer Digital Pro Mixer DDM4000 Ultimate
Specifications
- Channels: 5
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 80 dB
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 12.6 x 4.3 inches
- Weight: 12.35 lbs.
The Behringer Digital Pro Mixer DDM4000 Ultimate is a full-fledge pro-level Dj mixer at a very considerate price point. This DJ mixer is designed for individuals really looking for serious DJing without choking their wallets. For the price you are paying the Behringer Digital Pro Mixer DDM4000 Ultimate makes no compromises.
Let’s begin by saying this DJ mixer has 5 channels. Yes, you didn’t read that wrong. 5 separate channels! Elite level DJ mixers costing twice or even quadruple the price don’t offer this many channels. Our jaws literally dropped when we came across this mammoth of a DJ mixer.
Each of the channels is crossfader assignable except channel 5. It also has a pretty sweet BPM synced sampler. This allows you to play a track on the loop without dropping a beat. Besides these, the BEHRINGER DIGITAL PRO MIXER DDM4000 is packed with almost every type of feature that you are ever going to need.
It is a great mixer. But it does have its flaws. First of all, the build quality is not top-notch. So, handling with care is recommended. Also, it is quite complicated which is a given for a 5 channel DJ mixer such as this.
Features
5 Channels: Having 5 channels is obviously overkill. Especially for beginners. But when you’re getting this level of versatility at such a low price, you should definitely go for it.
BPM Counting Technology: The BPM counting technology shows the BPM of two inputs. This allows you to apply any BPM-synced effects.
MIDI Control: The mixers controllers can be mapped with DJ software like Traktor, Serato, etc.
Pros
- Very Affordable
- 5 channels
- An absurd amount of features
- Many FX options
- BPM counting technology
Cons
- Complicated design
- Mediocre build quality
04. Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ Mixer (DJM900NXS2)
Specifications
- Channels: 4
- Frequency Range: 20 – 40,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 105 dB
- Dimensions: 16.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches
- Weight: 9.94 lbs.
If you are looking for the best of the bests than the Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ Mixer (DJM900NXS2) is your go-to brand. Pioneer DJ has been at the top of the industry for years now. They’ve been consistent at providing their customers products of the highest quality. An example of their quality is the Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ Mixer.
The Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ Mixer is designed purely with performance in mind. When it comes to features no corners were cut for this one.
It has 4 channels which is a standard for a mixer of this tier. It supports studio-quality sounds with 96 Hz / 64-bit digital signal processing. So, you can expect crisp and clear output.
It supports 6 studio-quality sound FX on each of its channels. These include Sweep, Crush, Noise, Dub Echo, Filter, and Space. A parameter control knob is available to fine-tune these effects to your preference. It also has Beat FX and Frequency FX which expands your level of control.
Great quality, many features, and connectivity make this DJ mixer our choice for the best high-end device you can get right now.
Features
Studio-Quality Sound: The sound quality is absolutely insane on the Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ Mixer. With 96 Hz, 64-bit digital signal processing your tracks will sound crisp and clear.
Many FX Option: With a wide variety of FX options you can modify your tracks to the slightest detail.
4 Player Connectivity: With Pro DJ Link you can connect up to 4 players to share a source.
Premium Ports: All of the terminals are gold plater. This ensures sound output with minimum distortion and the highest quality.
Pros
- Studio-quality sound
- Many Features
- Many FX options
- Premium grade connections
- Great Clip Display
- Great build quality
- Lightweight
Cons
A bit expensive
05. Pioneer DJ DJM-S3 2 Channel Mixer – Best DJ mixer under $500
Specifications
- Channels: 2
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 94 dB
- Dimensions: 16.1 x 11.7 x 8.4 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs.
Now that we are entering the budget territory, let’s begin with the Pioneer DJ DJM-S3 mixer. It is basically the cut down version of its bigger brother the S9.
It has most of the features of the S9. This includes 2 channels, Magvel crossfader, Independent filters for each channel, 24-bit sound processing, simple level meter, etc.
What this version of the Pioneer DJ mixer is lacking are the multi-colored mixing pads, FX buttons, and a few other advanced features. But these are not really essential for getting started with DJing.
At the price your paying this mixer is definitely a good buy. Yes, it doesn’t have all the fancy bells and whistles of the high-end mixers. But this is for people who can’t afford to drop a thousand bucks on a DJ mixer.
Magvel Crossfader: Magvel is Pioneer DJs in house technology developed to provide users with a smooth response while using the crossfader.
DVS Control: The DVS controls allow you to easily connect turntables to your device.
High-Quality Sound: Having a built-in sound card the Pioneer DJ DJM-S3 produces great sound output. With 24-bit digital signal processing the mixers ensure that the output is crisp.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- A decent number of features
- 24-bit digital signal processing
- Lightweight
Cons
· Fader isn’t very satisfying
06. Allen & Heath XONE:23C DJ Mixer – Best DJ mixer under $400
Specifications
- Channels: 4
- Frequency Range: 10 – 50,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 85 dB
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 13.8 x 8.3 inches
- Weight: 11 lbs.
This is another really cheap option for beginner DJs is Allen & Heath XONE:23C DJ Mixer. It got basically all features to start you off on your journey to becoming a professional DJ.
It has the standard 4 channels which quite nice for a mixer of this price. The mixer has something called a voltage control filter which allows you to add high pass filter and low pass filter to your tracks. It also has some resonance and frequency controls.
The mixer has FX loop which allows the user to connect to third party FX hardware for extra versatility. This means you can delve into more sophisticated FX features in the future when you have garnered more experience.
It has a single peak monitor for the master output. But this is actually expected at this price point.
High-Quality Output: With a sound card that supports 96 Hz, 24-bit sound processing expect great quality sounds.
Expandable: Expandability is a great feature to have in entry-level DJ mixers such as this. It has an FX loop that allows you to connect external EF units to it. Also, you can upgrade the scratch performance by connecting the Inno fader (Not included).
4 channels: At the price, you are paying to have 4 channels is a feature of its own. Connect up to 4 music sources at a time.
Pros
- Cheap
- 4 channels
- Decent features
- 96 Hz, 24-bit sound processing
- FX loop for third party FX units
- Great build quality
Cons
- EQ kill is a bit weak
- Doesn’t have separate peak monitors for separate channels
07. Numark M6 4-Channel DJ Mixer – Best DJ mixer under $200
Specifications
- Channels: 4
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: 96 dB
- Dimensions: 14 x 12.5 x 4 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs.
At the beginning of this guide, we advised not to cheap out when buying a DJ mixer. Even if you are a beginner. Buying a decent tier mixer early on will allow you to learn and master DJing faster. But we understand that it is not possible for everyone.
So, if you are tight on your budget or just want a little taste of DJing before deciding to go all in the Numark M6 would be a decent choice. Why? – you ask.
Well, it has got 4 channels. So, it is pretty versatile when connectivity is concerned. Each of the channels has dedicated faders, slope controls, replaceable crossfaders, and Equalizers.
It is also pretty lightweight at 9lb. and compact as well. So, you can easily bring it with you where ever you go.
Features
4 channels: The Numark M6 does not lack much when it comes to connectivity. Having 4 channels this DJ mixer can be connected to 4 other music sources easily.
Portable: Being lightweight and fairly compact you can carry this device in your backpack where ever you go.
Durable: The steel chassis makes the Numark M6 very durable. It can take quite a bit of punishment before falling apart.
Channel dedicated controls: Each channel has dedicated essential controls like faders, slope controls, crossfaders, and Equalizers.
Pros
- Very Cheap
- Easy to use
- Well built
- 4 channels
- Channel dedicated controls
- Potable
Cons
- Not very featurefull
- Overall mediocre performance
08. Pyle 8-Ch DJ Mixer– Best DJ mixer under $100
Specification
- Channels: 4
- Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 10.8 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 5.2 lbs.
For those interested in some backyard DJing the Pyle 8-Ch would be a great choice. Not so much for professionals or those aspiring to be one. But we think casual users are its target customers anyway.
It’s a simple plug and play device. Just connect it to your pc, open up your preferred software and you are good to go. The interface is simple but a bit crowded if we’re being honest. But all in all, a great device for beginner hobbyists and backyard DJs.
Features
4 channels: More channels mean more connectivity which is always a great thing to have whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist.
Lightweight: It is very lightweight weighing at only 5.2 lbs. This is great for it carrying around as you go.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly connect the device to your preferred console whether it be iPad, Android or iPhone.
16-bit processing: 16-bit processing allows descent output.
Pros
- Super cheap
- Multiple channels
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Many controls
- Lightweight
- 8 inputs
- 16-bit digital signal processing
Cons
- Cheap build
- Unappealing interface
09. Rockville RDJ2– Best DJ mixer under $50
Specifications
- Channels: 4
- Frequency Range: 60 – 10,000 Hz
- S/N Ratio: > 80 dB
- Dimensions: 7 x 8.85 x 2.4 inches
- Weight: 3.08 lbs.
Another great mixer for your backyard DJs out there is the Rockville RDJ2. This is as cheap as you can go when buying a DJ mixer. It has 2 channels and dedicated control for each of them. There is a dedicated peak indicator for each channel.
It also has some other essential controls such as the crossfader and level controls for each channel.
The Rockville RDJ2 is simple and barebones. But for a casual user that will just enough. So, if you are looking for a simple and inexpensive DJ mixer the Rockville RDJ2 is perfect for you.
Features
Simple design: The interface is super simple and barebones which is great for casual use.
Lightweight: At only 3.08 lbs. this device is very lightweight and compact. Making it one the most portable DJ mixer in this list.
Built-in MP3 player: The mixer has a built-in MP3 player and an LCD screen navigate through your tracks.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Simple interface
- Built-in MP3 player
Cons
- Lacks in features
- Poor build quality
Our Top Pick
Now, that we’ve talked about the mixers in this list it’s time to choose one as our top pick. It’s pretty easy actually. The more features a mixer has the better it is. So, we think you’ve guessed which one we are about to pick. Drum roll, please.
As our top pick, we choose the Pioneer DJ, 4 DJ mixer. Premium sound quality, lots of features and connectivity makes this DJ mixer a great option for both veteran DJs and beginners.
Best Budget
For best budget, we’ve chosen the Numark Scratch. Those who are not ready to spend a premium but still want to get into DJing can buy this DJ mixer expecting 100% of their money’s worth. It has all of the essential features an entry-level DJ could ever need. It even offers some features that are not seen in even premium devices.
All of this makes the Numark Scratch the perfect choice for newcomers on a budget.
Bottom line
As a beginner choosing the right DJ mixer can become quite daunting. They are expensive and complex machines. But we really hope this guide was able to help you out in that regard.
We’ve provided you with a buying guide and a list of best DJ mixers according to our opinion. We have done our part. Now, it is time for you to do yours. Follow our guide carefully and choose a mixer that is right for you.
We wish you the best of luck. And thanks for stopping by.