Duo DJing

This sounds like quite a simple one if I am reading what you have said correctly…

Can you not just buy a simple 2 or 4 channel DJ mixer and then run your laptops line out into one of the inputs and have a channel each?

The only problem I could foresee would be monitoring the cue channels, but I am guessing only one of you would need to be listening to the cue anyway to make sure that you have corrects levels and that the beat matching is correct?

This way, you could mix independently of each other on your own kit and then either use the volume faders or the x-fader to switch between the two different inputs?

Yeah. Basically, you’d just plug in your master out and he’d do the same to the mixer, with the master out from the mixer being your total master out. It sounds like you guys would just be doing a B2B set, switching every so often.

I’d say get a three or 4 channel mixer instead of 2 if you guys are serious about doing the mobile route. That way you can have something plugged in (Like an ipod or phone) in case something fails or a channel stops working and if someone wants to make an announcement, (Or you do) or give a quick speech, you can have a microphone plugged in or have that possibility at least.

Also – get a mixer from a well-known manufacturer.. It is much more likely not to colour the sound like some cheaper mixers do.. And avoid Behringer mixers.. I have had bad experiences with them (small things.. electrocution, changing the volume on its own…) and so have others.

I would recommend Yamaha (their new MG06 or MG10 models look perfect for you), or Allen and Heath/Mackie/Soundcraft etc..

bob6397

Is that the DJ mixers or the Small Format/Large Format PA mixers deathy?

I’ve never heard anything negative about A&H before now..

bob6397

DJ mixers

Pro’s:
* Multiple line inputs, all with gain/trim and EQ (although you shouldn’t need those)
* Possibly a booth output
* Possibly balanced outputs
* Possibly per channel level meters plus master level meter
Con’s:
* None or just one mic input (usually)
* Often just unbalanced outputs
* Aux often shares channel with line input or mic

PA mixers

Pro’s:
* Good mic input channels, often 2 with gain and EQ
* Possibly an aux output, usable as booth output
* Usually balanced outputs

Con’s:
* Stereo channels with RCA inputs often without EQ and gain (just volume fader/knob)
* Aux input on smaller PA mixers usually not possible or online a the expense of offering up both mic channels

This list is by no means complete and one persons pro can be another person’s con and it can even vary by situation.