External Mixer with Pioneer DDJ SX-2

The SB2 will definetly be quieter then the SX2 there is nothing you can really do about that.

Having the PA mixer is nice because it will boost or dampen the sound as you need it. I’m not familar with the model mixer you have but I can say my Yamaha MG06x is more then sufficient.

Pluses:
1. Small form factor
2. Ability to run main and backup sources with EQ in mono.
3. Ability to run four separate mic or instruments (no EQ) in a pinch

Overall I like having a PA mixer to shape the sound and control the bass for my subs remotely and the extra inputs it provides in my mobile setup. I think you could probably get by with a smaller mixer then the one you currently have.

Since Todd and I agree to disagree from time to time, I can safely say this 😀 .

He is right that a (small) PA mixer will solve most, if not all, of your problems mentioned.
He is also right that the Soundcraft mixers are good. It’s a solid brand.
Where I disagree is that the MG-series mixers are a noticeable downgrade. Clearly it is comparing apples and pears, especially the regular MG10 (no FX) to the Signature 10. The latter is a true small band/venue PA mixer. As such it has some more EQ options, like a semi-parametric mid-high EQ an extra aux channel (essential when using stage monitors or outboard FX) and extra aux channel (essential when using stage monitors or outboard FX).

The MG-series was designed as a very portable and lightweight solution. It has sacrificed some features, but is a go-to “backpack” option for many sound guys I know if they need to take something with them personally for “quick and dirty” live sound jobs.

So, while feature-wise the Signature is indeed noticeably “better” (as in has more features), when looking at sound quality and ease of use, the MG is a pretty solid contender, imho. The mic pre-amps, which usually are considered the major contributing factor in any PA mixer, are very good in the Yamaha’s and don’t do really have to take significant second place to the Signature.

What is more important though is a) the environment you are using it in and b) the purpose you use it for. For me, the option to hook up a keyboard, a guitar and 1 or 2 MC mics and a stereo backup source (iPhone/iPad for example) is all I need. I don’t need all the extensive features and even EQ. For me it’s a source to control the levels of several pieces of equipment (you can easily boost your SB level to the same level as the SX for example) and keep everything in check.

What I would suggest you look at is the AG-06 from Yamaha though. It offers some features that might interest you. It’s pitched as a hybrid mixer. It incorporates USB sound options (both playback and record) and has a lot of handy features. Is simple to operate, yet with some very handy twists. Not too much by way of FX, but you can set them in your computer, including a separate compressor option. It’s got +48V phantom power should you need it. Guitar input with guitar sim option which allows you to plug in an electric guitar directly! Keyboard input. RCA input with hi/lo gain setting. Level controls for all inputs. Separate aux 3.5mm input for your iPhone or whatever.
Oh, and it’s very compact too. The gave up faders for rotary knobs, but since you are not intending to “do” a band with it, fader-riding is not a big concern.

I actually use an AG03 which doubles as my desktop PC external sound card and has my monitors and headphones attached to it. It is totally geared for webcasting too, so if you have any interest in that, it can accommodate that as well.

Again, what you have is fine and if it fits your workflow then go for it. But as I said, I’d give the AG06 a good once-over to see if it could fit your workflow better.

Just my 3 cents as usual.

Disclaimer: I am a fan of the Yamaha’s for the purpose we are talking about, I am not endorsed in any way! LOL

Depends a little on your sub and tops, but most of the time the subs will have L/R inputs, a HPF and L/R outputs. Some subs will have both thru and high pass (hpf) outputs (i.e. 4 XLR outputs), by looking at the picture of yours, it has only two and you need to set the switch for HPF thru/LPF sub to on.

You take the balanced Jacks and go to balanced XLRs to the sub (both L/R), set the sub switch correctly and then XLR thru outputs to XLR input on your tops.

The inputs on line 3/4 (keyboard) are not balanced, but this isn’t usually a problem as the line signal is lots hotter than the mic inputs and thus less sensitive to interference. Also most keyboards don’t have balanced outputs anyway. You can always opt to run a keyboard (if the distance is big) through a DI box.
However, since that input isn’t balanced, you might as well hook up your SX2 from it’s RCA outputs, just like you would the SB. Unless you move more than 6-7 feet away from the mixer, it should be fine. If you were to take a controller to a club you will most likely have to hook up to a house mixer using your RCA anyway.

While I love A&H and have worked with several of their mixers, the AG06 and ZED06 are in different universes.

As I said, I use my AG03 on my desk as external USB soundcard for my PC with my KRKs hooked up to it. As you said you don’t gig often, but practice a lot I guess, this could work for you as well.

1 word of caution, only 1 of the two mic channels has phantom power! I don’t really advice using condenser mics in DJ environments anyway, but just so you know, you can only use one condenser. Dynamic mics are no problem obviously. If you don’t need two MC mics, I’d hook my DJ mic up to the Yamaha as well. You will have the compressor option, better EQ (4-channel FULL PARAMETRIC!!! and HPF) and even reverb should you want to use it. Tip: buy a good mic (not necessarily expensive, Rode for example have wonderful mics that run circles around “good ole” Shure SM58s for less money) that has a magnetic on/off switch. That way you don’t have to touch the mixer when you want to say something in the mic. Just flip the switch and off you go.

Lucky for you your realization is not correct 😀

If you look at this picture you will see the RCA connectors (channel 5/6) and matching gain knob (right under the aux connector with the CD icon) on the AG06:

https://www.decks.co.uk/productimages/l-78647-m-29374-en-pr-5.jpg

Also for your benefit and the other readers thinking about getting an AG-series mixer, this is the picture of the FX/EQ tool for the AG mixers. It clearly shows the compressor/EQ/FX/Guitar Amp options. It’s pretty exceptional to find this level of setup parameters in such a small mixer. True, you need the PC to make it work, but it’s a small tool and can run background to anything really. Or you can set it the way you like before a gig, hit save and quit the tool. The settings are then stored in the unit. Using the comp/eq and effect and such buttons switches them on and off.

http://macprovid.vo.llnwd.net/o43/hub/media/1110/10772/Fig03.jpg