Portable DJ Mixers
Looking to DJ a party without lugging a car load of equipment along with you? Feel like making your own mix while on a bus or plane in your own headphones? The days of needing expensive and heavy equipment are gone thanks to portable DJ mixer products. The world of DJ’ing was revolutionized when it went from vinyl to CDs, but the next revolution is now here – allowing the use of mp3s for DJ’ing using small devices which allow you to queue up an mp3 on two separate channels and then mix them together as you would two records or two CD tracks. Here are some important considerations for purchasing a portable DJ mixer.
Portable DJ Types
There are many portable DJ mixers currently available at reasonable prices, but not all our made equal. One of the first considerations is the format of files that they accept. The smallest portable DJ mixers work like the iPod and allow you to sync up your music collection onto the device. This is excellent if you already have a large collection of music to use. However, you may run into problems if most of your music has come from iTunes or another site with DRM protection on your mp3s. You will need to convert these mp3s to a non-protected format for most portable DJ mixers to pick them up. This can cost time and money. To avoid this, there are portable DJ mixers that have ports to plug in your iPod or other mp3 devices, making their music collection instantly available for mixing.
Special Effects
Another consideration is the amount of special effects and functions available in the portable DJ mixer product of your choice. To successfully mix two songs without stopping the beat you need a device that allows you to adjust the speed of both tracks. Most modern devices should also support automatic beat matching which will help line the song’s beats up correctly. Beware of devices that simply have a volume fader between two tracks. Beyond this minimal functionality, you may want the ability to create a vinyl-like scratching sound using the devices circular controls.
Buying Tips
Some mixers also contain an audio input for a microphone or other source. This flexibility is vital for a DJ who wants to ‘talk over’ his tracks while mixing. Be sure to try out the controls on the device since everyone’s finger sizes are different. You do not want to end up with a device that is too sensitive or too small for you to operate easily. Keep in mind that there will be a learning curve; you may not be able to manipulate the tracks as you’d like on first attempt. Just like DJ’ing with records, you will need to take time to learn how the device operates.
Be sure you know what you are paying for when you purchase a portable DJ mixer and that it will really meet your needs. Purchase one that is right for you and keep the party going all night long.
Recommended Products
Here are some our recommended products. You can choose the best dj mixer turntable.
- Numark PT01 Portable DJ Turntable
Numark has created a portable turntable that enables you to convert your vinyl to WAV or MP3. This rugged, portable turntable can run on either wall or battery power, comes with a cover with integrated carry-handle, and has an internal speaker for total mobility. - Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2
Having become one of the world leaders in the domain of 3D graphics cards, Hercules has developed and exploited its fields of expertise in a variety of fast-growing market segments over the years. - ION Audio iCUE3 Discover DJ System
Simply load the included MixVibes Cross LE software, plug in the ION Discover DJ and you’re ready to be a star DJ. - Digital Blue Mixman DM2 Music Mixer
Experience music in a powerful new way. The Mixman DM2 plugs into your computer to create your own mixing studio, packed with high-tech tools and unique features.
Portable DJ Mixers
Portable DJ Turntable
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| Numark PT01 Portable DJ Turntable
$79.00 |
Numark PT01USB Turntable
$91.07 |
Vestax Handy Trax Portable Turntable
$129.00 |
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| Ion Audio TTUSB 10 Vinyl Recording USB Turn…
Too low to display |
PT-01USB Portable Vinyl-Archiving USB Turnt…
$78.64 |
Crosley CR47-OA Classic Turntable
by Crosley
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| Audio Technica CN5625AL .7 mil Conical Half…
by Radio Shack $20.46 |
Ikey-Audio M3 Portable Digital Recorder Wit…
$102.22 |
Korg MiniKP Dynamic Effects/Sampler
$109.88 |
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