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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Mixer vs Controller, numark vs behringer vs other

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Hey everyone, im back from a hiatus in music. I left for a while because i had school aswell as some domestic issues but i got back into broadcasting and DJing last month and my radio station has exploded, after broadcasting for only a week, i have around 100 listeners at peak, so im thinking of expanding. First, although i know that this question has been asked before,i must reask this becasue it is a two part question. First, what is the difference between a mixer and a controller. I have googled this but i need a personalized answer. I plan on broadcasting radio with multiple inputs. I also plan on doing some DJing for my school, which they are willing to buy speakers (at least they probably will) but I need to bring my own music and controller/mixer. Lastly, i want to record music with my newly formed band. Can either a controller or mixer use multiple inputs to record instruments (using pro tools to be exact) or do i need a special recording hardware. Also, can either a controller or mixer control lights. Like, if i wanted too do some DJing for my school, would i be able to control lights to make it "cooler" as my friends say lol. also, altough i really don't care, but it would be a bonus, can either a controller or a mixer play vinyl records because i was in guitar center and im not sure whether it was a mixer or controller, but in had a turntable. lastly, can either of these be able to use another computer to have calls with skype and have it go through the mixer/controller and broadcast it on the radio station.

My next question is which company should i go with. My friend (well i know him from the internet) has a behringer and he does live broadcasting. Im pretty sure its a mixer, but here is a video of him using it, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMHr5NyyISk i know behringer have amazing soundcards but i really don't know about their mixers and controllers.

I can't spend too much money, so something that's reasonably priced. I heard that numark is really good, thanks again everyone for your opinions.
 
Inviato Thu 21 Jul 11 @ 11:04 pm
First of you are correct...Your friend is using a mixer, A controller will control the software that you are using...I.E. a Mixtrack Pro (using it for example because I have one) It is a controller, If you are looking for a decent/inexpensive controller that would be the one that I would go with...You can not record with a controller, A mixer will help you record multiple inputs...Hope this helps a little
 
A mixer is a stand-alone hardware device capable of mixing 2 or more audio sources together.

A controller is a device (Either MIDI or HID) that controls software on your computer. It cannot normally function on its own and has no hardware audio mixing capabilities. However, some controllers may mimic the interface and functions of a mixer in software. If your computer were to crash, then the controller will cease to function (Unlike a hardware mixer, which will still function and allow you to play from a backup source, such as a CD player, iPod, etc.)

Some mixers may have MIDI compatibility, allowing them to optionally control some aspects of the software. Likewise, some controllers may have hardware mixers built into them, such as Denon DN-MC6000.

If you also wish to use it for band use, then you would probably be better getting a mixer designed for bands with multiple mono and stereo inputs for various instruments, e.g: Guitar, keyboard, etc. However, if you also wish to use it for DJ'ing, make sure that it has headphone pre-listening capabilities (Some band mixers do not have this because it is not normally needed.)

Most mixers will normally have a record output to allow you to record the sound being played through them. You can route this to the line input of your computer to record the sound, or the if you purchase a mixer with USB sound card, you may be able to do this directly without any additional cables.
 
sounds like a mixer would be better for broadcasting, and a controller would be good for DJing concerts, i suppose i need to get both if i want to do both. what do you recommend for a controller and a mixer, also, remember, im looking for something fairly cheap. Also, for lighting, would i have to download a certain software to control it, and how would i setup the lighting so that the controller can control it, what sort of wire would i use.
 
For controllers look up the Mixtrack Pro (I have one & love it) & I have a friend who has the Hercules RMX (A lot of ppl recommend it as well) either units are great & cost efficient...If you do look into the Mixtrack make sure u get the Pro because it has the built in soundcard.....As far as controlling your lights, I think most of them use a DMX controller & that is what you would need 2 control them..
 
Hi,

I have just bought a full copy of Virtual DJ Pro and need an answer if possible to the following.

I have a Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 controller and a Behringer VMX 200 Mixer.

I have connected them both to the laptop using 2 separate usb cables but am unable to cue successfully using the headphones which I have connected to the mixer.

Can I rig them up together so that the Numark controllers red and white audio cables go into the Behringer Mixer which then outputs directly to my main Wharfdale speakers.

I have attached 2 pics of both pieces of hardware.

Cheers.
 
Depending on what you're doing, you may not need to use both the controller and the mixer, and you should be able to plug your headphones directly into the controller and use the controller's cue function.

Is there a reason you're using both the controller and the mixer at the same time?
 


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