Rotary Knobs mixer vs. Fader mixer - dj forums

Soliloquist · 11-05-04, 04:38 AM

Hey guys, I just wanted to know what is the best mixer for House and Drum and bass and other genres which involve mixing? A rotary knobs mixer or a fader mixer. I know rotary knob mixers are the earliest type of mixers. Are they hard to use for House or Dn'B compared to the slide faders? Looking at the Allen and Heath Xone V6, I was wondering how the EQ controls work. DJ's like Tiesto still use rotary knob mixers and other big name DJ's. Obviously this type of mixer wouldn't be used by hiphop and turntablist DJ's. Let me know your preference, opinions, comments, suggestions etc.

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-05-04, 08:08 AM

It really boils down to mixing style. If you are into smooth mixes, like in house, progressive, and trance, then this is the mixer for you. Another thing to bear in mind is that most slider's have a linear throw, where as most rotorys have a non linear wave form.

I love my rotory.

SiliconFOXX · 11-05-04, 08:18 AM

Rotaries are TYPICALLY for smoother mixing but I've got to admit, I love using faders. Dunno why, I think there's something cool about sliding up a fader and the volume going up respectively. Kinda like I have control over the equalizer on a stereo in all those various shots through the years where it shows all the levels crank up into the red...I get that feeling using my faders.

But yeah, rotaries are awesome.

mikedefacto · 11-05-04, 10:15 AM

I love my rotary too.

DJ Matthew · 11-05-04, 10:51 AM

Like E20 said about rotaries for house, progressive, and trance you really can't beat the control that a good rotary mixer offers. If you are spinning DnB however I would probably suggest a fader mixer and one with a crossfader for cutting. Most of the roatary mixers out there don't have a crossfader on them as standard. My Allen & Heath Xone V6 has no crossfader - (true you can buy the crossfader module) as it would kinda defeat the purpose of a rotary mixer in the first place. You are correct that hip hop and turntabilism would be silly on a rotary mixer as a lot of tablelists will "crab" the input faders. I bought a Allen & Heath Xone 02 and two more Techs for practicing my scratching and in my opinon it's designed to do it. Rotarys are really used primarily by those that prefer the "mixing" element to dj'ing and not for those that are into "scratching" or turntableism.

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-05-04, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Matthew

Like EJ20 said about rotaries for house, progressive, and trance you really can't beat the control that a good rotary mixer offers. If you are spinning DnB however I would probably suggest a fader mixer and one with a crossfader for cutting. Most of the roatary mixers out there don't have a crossfader on them as standard. My Allen & Heath Xone V6 has no crossfader - (true you can buy the crossfader module) as it would kinda defeat the purpose of a rotary mixer in the first place. You are correct that hip hop and turntabilism would be silly on a rotary mixer as a lot of tablelists will "crab" the input faders. I bought a Allen & Heath Xone 02 and two more Techs for practicing my scratching and in my opinon it's designed to do it. Rotarys are really used primarily by those that prefer the "mixing" element to dj'ing and not for those that are into "scratching" or turntableism.

Well said! (less the part of messing up my name.

)

Rep points for you!

DJ Matthew · 11-05-04, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ej20

Well said! (less the part of messing up my name.

)

Rep points for you!

Sorry about the name mixup ej20!!! Thanks for the rep points!

Sorta on topic: A while ago you were talking about possibly going into production on your own high end rotary mixer... Are you still looking into it?

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-05-04, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Matthew

Sorry about the name mixup ej20!!! Thanks for the rep points!

Sorta on topic: A while ago you were talking about possibly going into production on your own high end rotary mixer... Are you still looking into it?

Hehehe, its all good Matthew.

We are still working on it. Production took a step back since the designer discovered a very nice girl, who just so happens to take all his time.

But, we are still looking into it. Last time there was talk of doing cards for phono imputs like the older Bozaks, making the mixer a little bigger, but continuing with the entire modular theme. One thing that irks my boy is that the crest rotory seems to be the only one that compansates for balanace in the channel (I dont mention the bozak or urie since they are no longer in production). I think he was trying to figure out how to do this in a modular form without the increased use of opamps.

Who knows.

DJStevieRay · 11-05-04, 03:21 PM

Also side note: Not all rotaries are created equal, then again neither are slide faders.

I use UREI's and The feel and control is phenomonal. I used to have a DJM-3000 with the rotary option, and although the knobs felt OK, the linear control on them sucked big time.

Now with faders a mixer with long 100mm faders are nice as well for long mixes, but a mixer with 40mm faders (ie Denon X1500) is not as good, but are better for cutting.

Soliloquist · 11-06-04, 04:33 AM

What about EQ features of rotary mixers like Allen and Heath Xone V6. I heard you have to buy an EQ isolator that comes separate. Is it hard to control rotary mixers or is it more of getting used to it?

**Marc.S** · 11-06-04, 06:02 AM

the rotary replacement faders for vestax are great feel and the volume curve on them is nice, also if you use this option eg: PCV275 with spare rotary faders you can swap and change the style of fades depending on your mood..
I used this same method with my PMC55 before i sold it last year.

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-06-04, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Karl David

What about EQ features of rotary mixers like Allen and Heath Xone V6. I heard you have to buy an EQ isolator that comes separate. Is it hard to control rotary mixers or is it more of getting used to it?

Yes, you have to get the eq portion seperately, if its even availible. Its not hard to control rotary mixers, but yes it does take some getting used to.

St. Michael · 11-06-04, 03:11 PM

I stopped using faders 10 years ago
I have three rotarys:

Rane MP2016
Xone92
V6

Rotarys are excellent for trance mixes Also add filters and EQ.

Score:
Rotarys 3
Faders 0

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-06-04, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St. Michael

I stopped using faders 10 years ago
I have three rotarys:

Rane MP2016
Xone92
V6

Rotarys are excellent for trance mixes Also add filters and EQ.

Score:
Rotarys 3
Faders 0

I would love to see a pic of your V6. I think those mixers look great, thou I have no experiance with them.

St. Michael · 11-06-04, 04:41 PM

I have the V installed at My Studio in Arizona. I mostly use it for recording mixes and production work. Next time I'll grab a shot of it I'll be there next weekend.

dogmatic · 11-08-04, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ej20

I would love to see a pic of your V6. I think those mixers look great, thou I have no experiance with them.

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-08-04, 10:49 AM

AWSOME! How do the isolators sound? Is the cut on them similar to the Rane?

Shaft · 11-08-04, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogmatic

SWEEEET, Mixer Dogmatic ..

But i could,nt see the point of forking out for the Crossfader.
Like Matthew said, having it Does sort of Defeat the object of a Rotary mixer.

But E-Nuff Respect for owning such a Beast ..

**Mrkleen** · 11-08-04, 12:35 PM

Quote:

But i could,nt see the point of forking out for the Crossfader.
Like Matthew said, having it Does sort of Defeat the object of a Rotary mixer.

Not sure how it is defeating anything. It simply makes your mixer more versatile.

If you want to do smooth mixing, you have the rotary pots...if you want to do a few tricks and quick cuts, the fader is there.

The point of the V6, more than the rotary mixing abilities, is the SOUND QUALITY. I dont see any contradiction at all.

Shaft · 11-08-04, 12:46 PM

Here we go Again ......
Seconds out ... Round 2 ....

dogmatic · 11-08-04, 12:47 PM

I always wanted a mixer with a crossfader as i use a Cycloops as a key tool in my sets...There was nothing on offer with the sound or build quality to match the V6 so i shelled out for the whole package!
Needless to say i'm very happy, especially with the crossover which is so effective at matching tracks that are recorded at varied levels...

St. Michael · 11-08-04, 02:42 PM

I have mine installed with the vcf on the bottom. I noticed Sander Kleinenberg uses the same configuration - vcf on the bottom. I just feels right at the bottom.

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-08-04, 02:58 PM

Thats hot.

Most rotary guys put the EQ portion of the mixer on the underside of the mixer portion.

**DJ Coalescence** · 11-08-04, 03:01 PM

Thats hot.

Most rotary guys put the EQ portion of the mixer on the underside of the mixer portion.

St. Michael · 11-08-04, 05:57 PM

yeah I have the rane you got there too thats how I do it. One thing: How do you mix on the floor. I see by the labels you spin trance.

11-05-04, 04:38 AM	#1
Soliloquist Elite DJ Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: _________ Posts: 4,112 Track: _________	Rotary Knobs mixer vs. Fader mixer Hey guys, I just wanted to know what is the best mixer for House and Drum and bass and other genres which involve mixing? A rotary knobs mixer or a fader mixer. I know rotary knob mixers are the earliest type of mixers. Are they hard to use for House or Dn'B compared to the slide faders? Looking at the Allen and Heath Xone V6, I was wondering how the EQ controls work. DJ's like Tiesto still use rotary knob mixers and other big name DJ's. Obviously this type of mixer wouldn't be used by hiphop and turntablist DJ's. Let me know your preference, opinions, comments, suggestions etc.

11-05-04, 08:08 AM	#2
DJ Coalescence I sh*t trains! Join Date: May 2003 Location: B-more. Posts: 4,970 Track: Music.	It really boils down to mixing style. If you are into smooth mixes, like in house, progressive, and trance, then this is the mixer for you. Another thing to bear in mind is that most slider's have a linear throw, where as most rotorys have a non linear wave form. I love my rotory. __________________ I have moved on, suggest you all do the same. The score is 2-0, and I am up. New DnB Mix: No Regrets. Check out my MusicV2 page!!

11-05-04, 03:21 PM	#9
DJStevieRay Club DJ Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: In the Great North East Posts: 750 Track: Robert Miles -Children (Original)	Also side note: Not all rotaries are created equal, then again neither are slide faders. I use UREI's and The feel and control is phenomonal. I used to have a DJM-3000 with the rotary option, and although the knobs felt OK, the linear control on them sucked big time. Now with faders a mixer with long 100mm faders are nice as well for long mixes, but a mixer with 40mm faders (ie Denon X1500) is not as good, but are better for cutting. Last edited by DJStevieRay : 11-05-04 at 03:23 PM.

11-06-04, 06:02 AM	#11
Marc.S RIJ Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: 52°25'9N - 1°27'37W Posts: 13,754 Track: spa francorchamps	the rotary replacement faders for vestax are great feel and the volume curve on them is nice, also if you use this option eg: PCV275 with spare rotary faders you can swap and change the style of fades depending on your mood.. I used this same method with my PMC55 before i sold it last year. __________________ Eight Track - Disco Mix

11-08-04, 10:49 AM	#17
DJ Coalescence I sh*t trains! Join Date: May 2003 Location: B-more. Posts: 4,970 Track: Music.	AWSOME! How do the isolators sound? Is the cut on them similar to the Rane? __________________ I have moved on, suggest you all do the same. The score is 2-0, and I am up. New DnB Mix: No Regrets. Check out my MusicV2 page!!


Sponsors	<a href='http://ads.alcyonemusic.com/adclick.php?n=a84d4293' target='_blank'><img src='http://ads.alcyonemusic.com/adview.php?what=zone:5&n=a84d4293' border='0' alt=''></a>

11-05-04, 08:18 AM	#3
SiliconFOXX Resident DJ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,539 Track: Martin Roth - Shockwaves	Rotaries are TYPICALLY for smoother mixing but I've got to admit, I love using faders. Dunno why, I think there's something cool about sliding up a fader and the volume going up respectively. Kinda like I have control over the equalizer on a stereo in all those various shots through the years where it shows all the levels crank up into the red...I get that feeling using my faders. But yeah, rotaries are awesome.

11-05-04, 10:15 AM	#4
mikedefacto Bedroom DJ Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 202 Track: no idea	I love my rotary too.

11-05-04, 10:51 AM	#5
DJ Matthew Resident DJ Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Newport Beach, California Posts: 1,153 Track: Santa Anita - go mutha***	Like E20 said about rotaries for house, progressive, and trance you really can't beat the control that a good rotary mixer offers. If you are spinning DnB however I would probably suggest a fader mixer and one with a crossfader for cutting. Most of the roatary mixers out there don't have a crossfader on them as standard. My Allen & Heath Xone V6 has no crossfader - (true you can buy the crossfader module) as it would kinda defeat the purpose of a rotary mixer in the first place. You are correct that hip hop and turntabilism would be silly on a rotary mixer as a lot of tablelists will "crab" the input faders. I bought a Allen & Heath Xone 02 and two more Techs for practicing my scratching and in my opinon it's designed to do it. Rotarys are really used primarily by those that prefer the "mixing" element to dj'ing and not for those that are into "scratching" or turntableism.

11-06-04, 04:33 AM	#10
Soliloquist Elite DJ Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: _________ Posts: 4,112 Track: _________	What about EQ features of rotary mixers like Allen and Heath Xone V6. I heard you have to buy an EQ isolator that comes separate. Is it hard to control rotary mixers or is it more of getting used to it?

11-06-04, 03:11 PM	#13
St. Michael Resident DJ Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,324 Track: Departure - Without You Near G&D Mix	I stopped using faders 10 years ago I have three rotarys: Rane MP2016 Xone92 V6 Rotarys are excellent for trance mixes Also add filters and EQ. Score: Rotarys 3 Faders 0

11-06-04, 04:41 PM	#15
St. Michael Resident DJ Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,324 Track: Departure - Without You Near G&D Mix	I have the V installed at My Studio in Arizona. I mostly use it for recording mixes and production work. Next time I'll grab a shot of it I'll be there next weekend.

11-08-04, 12:46 PM	#20
Shaft Club DJ Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Midlands. U.K Posts: 804 Track: Ultra Nate/Dj Spen pres, Jada - Love Is	Here we go Again ...... Seconds out ... Round 2 ....

11-08-04, 12:47 PM	#21
dogmatic Beginner DJ Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The park Posts: 35 Track: DJ Traxx-Stranger In The Strangest Of Lands	I always wanted a mixer with a crossfader as i use a Cycloops as a key tool in my sets...There was nothing on offer with the sound or build quality to match the V6 so i shelled out for the whole package! Needless to say i'm very happy, especially with the crossover which is so effective at matching tracks that are recorded at varied levels...

11-08-04, 02:42 PM	#22
St. Michael Resident DJ Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,324 Track: Departure - Without You Near G&D Mix	I have mine installed with the vcf on the bottom. I noticed Sander Kleinenberg uses the same configuration - vcf on the bottom. I just feels right at the bottom.

11-08-04, 02:58 PM	#23
DJ Coalescence I sh*t trains! Join Date: May 2003 Location: B-more. Posts: 4,970 Track: Music.	Thats hot. Most rotary guys put the EQ portion of the mixer on the underside of the mixer portion. __________________ I have moved on, suggest you all do the same. The score is 2-0, and I am up. New DnB Mix: No Regrets. Check out my MusicV2 page!!

11-08-04, 03:01 PM	#24
DJ Coalescence I sh*t trains! Join Date: May 2003 Location: B-more. Posts: 4,970 Track: Music.	Thats hot. Most rotary guys put the EQ portion of the mixer on the underside of the mixer portion. __________________ I have moved on, suggest you all do the same. The score is 2-0, and I am up. New DnB Mix: No Regrets. Check out my MusicV2 page!!

11-08-04, 05:57 PM	#25
St. Michael Resident DJ Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,324 Track: Departure - Without You Near G&D Mix	yeah I have the rane you got there too thats how I do it. One thing: How do you mix on the floor. I see by the labels you spin trance.