Mobile DJ External Microphone Mixer Hook Up The EASY Way For GREAT Sound
- Thread starter sonic-vision
- Start date
He misses a major issue which is the outputs. Cheaper DJ mixers have unbalanced RCA outputs. However, even cheap mic mixers typically have balanced XLR outputs. You will always want to do your long runs to the powered speakers with balanced lines. The other thing is the input and output levels. RCA connections are normally designed for devices with a -10 dBv line level (0.316 volts). XLR connections are usual for +4 dBu line level (1.23 volts). If you run the mic mixer into the controller, you may inadvertently clip the AUX input even though you are nowhere close to full scale on the mic mixer.
You make some great points sawdust. I have always used XLR balanced connections . forgot , My first mixer had hi Z back in the 60's.
I think the distinction between a Pioneer DJ controller and a compact Yamaha mixer is moot. The XLR outputs on both are likely to be psuedo-balanced to make it functional for semi-pro users who often use XLR-1/4" TS cables. One is no better than the other as the master output device. A DJ using multiple mics will run into many issues that matter far more than the stacking order of these mixers.
The best advice is to use a gain-limiting or gain-sharing mic auto-mixer to feed one of the existing MIC inputs on the DJ controller. This reduces multiple gain stages in the signal path, controls the overall system level, and manages any and all active mics.
These are all legacy products and can be found for under $50 (though original MSRP may have been hundreds or thousands of $$ more.), A perfect example is: AT-MX341A Four XLR mic (or line) in to ONE XLR mic (or line) out, Internal switches let you set it up to suit your specific system needs.
The best advice is to use a gain-limiting or gain-sharing mic auto-mixer to feed one of the existing MIC inputs on the DJ controller. This reduces multiple gain stages in the signal path, controls the overall system level, and manages any and all active mics.
These are all legacy products and can be found for under $50 (though original MSRP may have been hundreds or thousands of $$ more.), A perfect example is: AT-MX341A Four XLR mic (or line) in to ONE XLR mic (or line) out, Internal switches let you set it up to suit your specific system needs.