Chuck Van Eekelen

Can you get your hands om another NV2, perhaps at a dj/music store? That would make a definite case for your unit being faulty.

You are right about that Maxy, I was too focussed on the DVS bit and forgot that Serato still is a bit picky about brand/model hardware it supports LOL.

Not sure what “all the hardware” you would not need to connect with a DJM as opposed to using a controller instead though?

Take out the DJM, insert an SX2 or MCX8000, connect the same things (laptop/TTs/speakers) and play. You can’t do DVS without a laptop, so no advantage there. And the only difference between the mixer and the controller is the size.

Clearly OP needs to figure out what his current and intended future workflow is/will be and what solution would fit best (yes or no the option to ALSO use regular jogwheels, handy if you want to do a quick gig without lugging heavy TTs around :-)).

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.

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

It sounds like you have a bit to do before being ready for a set Being a musician will be an added bonus.

I would suggest checking out the “How To Digital DJ Fast” course. It will teach you a lot in a short time and make it easier to start thinking about how to create your own set-up.

http://www.digitaldjtips.com/dj-courses/how-to-digital-dj-fast/

Correct, I should have said SX2 (the only model now available new).

Well, technically using your current setup for DVS should work. Either Serato (relatively expensive with a minimum of the Denon DS1 sound card) or Mixvibes (much lower price, apart from the FX quality a lot alike to Serato and works with any old 4-in/4-out sound card.

Clearly you will be shelling out money for timecode vinyls (they wear out reasonably fast, so this requires some upkeep financially. And you will want an option to trigger some things in the software, like FX, loops, cues etx. There are various options for that like the Akai AFX or Reloop Neon. You might already conclude that this is becoming a bit of a mess with all those separate units and such.

Alternatively you could look at a DVS-compatible controller and hook your TTs directly up to those. You don’t need the sound card (built-in to the controller), you don’t need separate controllers for your software, AND you get two extra decks with jogwheels. If you decide you like jogs better you can easily leave your big bulky heavy TTs at home in the future or you can keep having a mixed setup.

Controllers that come to mind are the Pioneer DDJ-SX, DDJ-RX and Denon MC7000 and MCX8000 (this last one can be used as standalone unit for backup purposes). They all come with either full Serato or RekordBox licenses (although you might have to buy the DVS upgrade). You could sell of your mixer and in total not have to spend too much and be set for all eventualities.

Hope that helps some.

My three cents as usual.

Welcome to the forums.