Growing up, many of us dreamed of being DJs, creating epic mixes in our bedrooms before imaginary crowds. To turn this dream into reality, you need a DJ Mixer, a piece of equipment that lets you blend tracks, manipulate sound, and control the vibe of any gathering. Modern mixers come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, catering to beginners and professionals. The best DJ mixers, however, stand above the rest in delivering sound quality above any other model.
Before purchasing a DJ mixer, experts say you should assess how many channels you need. The more channels, the greater the flexibility to have multiple sound sources. Also, consider connectivity options like USB and Bluetooth capabilities and look at features like EQ controls for sound customization. With so many options on the market, which brands offer the best bang for your buck? We’ve assembled a list of the best DJ Mixers most often recommended by industry experts across seven popular websites. Is there a specific model or feature you can’t live without? Comment below.
The List: Best DJ Mixers, According to Industry Experts
1. Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2
Pioneer is a leading name in electronics, so it’s no surprise their DJ Mixers are some of the most popular ones on the market. If you’re just getting into the DJ business or want a “simple home set-up,” Digital DJ Tips says the DJM-250MK2 is the best budget club mixer out there. Not only does it have per-channel filters and a great crossfader, but its interface can also work with Rekordbox DJ software or Rekordbox DVS, for scratching using turntables.
The DJ Revolution agrees this is a great 2-channel entry-level option that also works with Native Instruments DVS “Traktor Scratch.” It’s not only easy to use but has a “simple layout” and is affordable.
The DJM-250MK2 has many professional features for the price. It comes with a three-band EQ, a built-in sound card, a USB connection, and high and low pass filters with parameter control. Guitar Center says it can run “as part of a standalone system with two media players or turntables with traditional vinyl if you fancy spinning laptop-free.” It also has excellent sound.
2. Allen + Heath Xone:96
While Pioneer is digitally focused, UK-based Allen + Heath offers more analog products. The Xone:96 is their top-of-the-line model offering a four-channel design and four-band EQ per channel. Juno says it also has two of the company’s “trademark silky smooth analog filters,” hence the five-star rating.
You’ll need a big budget for this baby, but it has everything a professional DJ would want and more. According to Guitar Center, some of the goodies include “custom-designed 60 mm linear VCA faders, 4-band EQ, USB 1/phono/line/USB switch and two sends with up to 6dB of gain boost.” The mixer may be Traktor Scratch certified, but you can use it with any software or analog setup.
This is built for the top-of-the-line DJ, and Music Radar says you will get your money’s worth. It is flexible and has great EQs and filters. The 96 has some nice updates from the earlier model including “expanded send/return capabilities and extra control over the booth output.”
3. Pioneer DJ DJM-S11
If you want to combine “traditional scratch performance with more modern DJ tricks”, Digital DJ Tips says this two-channel scratch mixer and Midi controller from Pioneer is for you! But, beware, it can be complicated for beginners, especially since it gives you control over decks three and four in the software.
This mixer stands out for its dual USB interfaces. Final Scratch says it has “precise control and customization options for seamless integration with Serato DJ and Rekordbox.” If you want a top-tier product that always gets the job done, you can’t go wrong with the Pioneer name.
4. Numark Scratch
Digital DJ Tips calls this mixer a great way to start your scratch journey. It comes complete with Serato’s DJ Pro with a DVS license, making it the “cheapest way” to begin digital scratching. While it’s a basic model, it does have FX paddles, a mic input, and balanced XLR outputs.
If you’re an open-format Serato DJ and you’re looking for “sample- and effects-friendly functionality,” Guitar Center approves of this setup. In addition to all the goodies we described above, it has a USB connection for your laptop.
The Scratch is popular for its “all-metal build, sound quality, and connectivity options. Final Scratch recommends it for “aspiring and experienced DJs.” It’s affordable, with “extensive connectivity options.”
5. Numark M6
This model from Numark is more than 10 years old but still makes our list because it provides beginners with a great option thanks to its four-channel capability. According to The DJ Revolution, the mixer has a “ton of inputs & outputs,” along with a USB connection and a dedicated XLR mic channel, so you can talk all day and night.
Guitar Center agrees saying this model provides not only a lot of options but plenty of versatility and it’s easy to navigate. Each channel has clearly labeled switches and you can assign any channel to either side of the crossfader, that is replaceable with a slope adjustment. It’s consistently a top seller!
The M6 has a “sleek design” and is easy to carry around. Final Scratch says the record RCA outputs allow for “seamless connection to a PA system and recording performances.” It’s packed with features, but still affordable.
6. Rane Seventy-Two MkII
If you want a long-lasting piece of equipment, this mixer from Rane won’t let you down, but it does have a hefty price tag. The DJ Revolution says it’s designed to work best with Rane’s digital turntables, but you can use it as an analog or digital mixer. It has a fully customizable digital screen and an adjustable Mag four crossfader. It doesn’t have a send and return for third-party FX units.
Guitar Center also chimes in that this Rane model is worthy of “being their flagship” mixer. It says this company caters to scratch DJs and you can’t go wrong with this piece of equipment which has just about every add-on imaginable.
Whether you’re old school or digital, Music Radar says this two-channel mixer does an “excellent job of bridging the gap” between the two technologies. If you need to travel with it, it is a bit clunky and it is pricey, but you’re getting the top of the line.
7. Allen + Heath Xone:23
While this model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the company’s Xone:96 model, Juno says it’s a “solid all-around performer with a stripped-back feature set.” If you want to do basic mixing, it’s an affordable way to get into an Allen + Health mixer and still get that “trademark A&H sound.”
This may seem like a beginner model, but The DJ Revolution says it has all the makings of a professional piece of equipment. It has 2-Plus-2 stereo channels, allowing you to connect four different music sources at the same time. In addition, the board is feature-rich, has great sound quality, and can be easily upgraded.
Prime Sound has no trouble recommending this mixer which it says produces “crystal-clear sound.” The faders are “nice and smooth” and according to the website, you won’t get the “crackling sound” you sometimes hear from lower-quality mixers.
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