3 Ways To Connect DJ Controller To Audio Mixer (And WHY?)

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3 Ways To Connect DJ Controller To Audio Mixer (And WHY?)

Рет қаралды 92,800

Күн бұрын

In this video we show you three different ways to connect your DJ controller to an audio mixer. We also discuss the benefits of using an audio mixer, and the differences between line level and mic level.
PRICING FOR EQUIPMENT FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:
CABLES
► Option 1: RCA To 1/4" Cable: currentprice.io/ts_rca
► Option 2: 1/4" TRS Cable: currentprice.io/trs_cable
► Option 3: XLRF To 1/4" Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_trs
AUDIO MIXERS
► Mackie ProFX6v3: currentprice.io/profx6v3
► Yamaha MG10XU: currentprice.io/mg10xu
DJ CONTROLLERS:
EXTRA EQUIPMENT
► NEAT KING BEE II Microphone: currentprice.io/king_bee_ii
► Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
► XLR Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_cable
► Mic Stand: currentprice.io/desk_stand
► Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: currentprice.io/psa1_plus
► Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: currentprice.io/soundpanels
These are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission from Amazon (and others) on qualifying purchases.
BLOG POST WITH MORE INFORMATION:
► kettnercreative.com/dj-contro...
XLR CABLE BUYER'S GUIDE: kettnercreative.com/buyers-gu...
BEST SETUP FOR 4 PERSON PODCAST: kettnercreative.com/audio-mix...
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:22 - Equipment In Video
0:50 - Price & Specs
1:05 - Benefits Of Using An Audio Mixer
3:14 - Line Level vs RCA Level vs Mic Level
5:04 - Option 1 - RCA to 1/4" TS Cable (Unbalanced)
6:05 - Option 2: 1/4" TRS Cable (Balanced)
6:35 - Option 3: XLR-F to 1/4" TRS Cable (Balanced)
7:04 - Final Thoughts
STUDIO EQUIPMENT:
Editing Computer: currentprice.io/16_mpb_m1max
Camera: currentprice.io/sony_a7iii
Lens: currentprice.io/sigma_24_70
Headphones: currentprice.io/nth-100
Studio Monitors: currentprice.io/adam_t5v
Studio Subwoofer: currentprice.io/adam_t10s
Video Recorder: currentprice.io/ninja_v
Key Light: currentprice.io/keylight
Fill Light: currentprice.io/keylight_air
Uplight: currentprice.io/astera_ax5
Truss: currentprice.io/truss_black
SOFTWARE & TOOLS:
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VidIQ: geni.us/dqUyD
Riverside FM Podcast Software: currentprice.io/riversidefm
GeniusLink: geni.us/vss0P
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All information is provided using our experience and research to the best of our ability. Links, videos, and other content are shared for information and discussion only.
Copyright: 2024 Kettner Creative Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Пікірлер: 118

@DJMaSoySauce Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the very detailed and thorough explanation. This video was extremely helpful!

@TeddyG16 Жыл бұрын

Got some much needed tips I was unaware of. Much appreciated!!!

@williamrivera6818 Жыл бұрын

Omg the Yamaha mixer kicks really good I’m in love with it thanks for your info

@deejayshmoove 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for thinking of us DJ's too. VERY useful information

@cantaconmigokaraoke7966 Ай бұрын

Thank you for the video I was going crazy but with your detail explanation wow now I know what I'm doing hehe THANK YOU

@jeannelynngray Жыл бұрын

Omg! Thank you for these videos!

@johngembka7052 Жыл бұрын

Never connect XLR output of DJ controller to XLR mic pre-amp input of external mixer. As mentioned in the video, you can easily overload the mic pre-amp but a bigger reason is you don't want to turn on phantom power and send voltage back to the DJ controller.

@TheDJJimmyJam 2 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏 very much your video was very informative and can’t wait to use my Mackie pro 6 V3 with my Rev 7

@FM-ne5pz Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great video!

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@HOPCOUNT Ай бұрын

This was very helpful. Thanks.

@Cunboss Жыл бұрын

Thank you SO MUCH ! That video was incredibly helpful !

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@shaxshafic2869 Жыл бұрын

This is exactly the guide I was looking for... thanks so much Have a question though, what's the difference between using a single XLR from the right channel (R) of the controller to the external mixer and using both L-R XLR from the controller to the external mixer?

@DjStorm-1 Жыл бұрын

Excellent advice

@sashomedia Жыл бұрын

He definitely knows his stuff! As always nice and detailed tutorial showing the stuff in practical.

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words.

@DJ-BRY Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! I made a similar video explaining the same concept….but you definitely went into more detail. Love the content!

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

Oh nice! I’ll check it out. Thanks for the comment.

@goldensounddj5606 Жыл бұрын

Great content ,by any chance any videos available on for gain structures after connecting them on both controller and mixer i cant find any videos for gain structures in details for connecting controller to live mixer

@Rugerman205 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this incredible video! As a DJ I’ve learned so much from this channel over the years. I run Mogami RCA to 1/4 with my Pioneer DDJ-REV1 and Mogami XLR to 1/4 with my RANE ONE. Even when I DJ’d a small Music Festival I ran audio from my ProFX6v3 into the Audio technician’s connections on stage. I NEVER leave home without my Mackie. I’m looking to add the Yamaha MG06x into my arsenal for Wedding Ceremonies so I don’t have to move my ProFX6v3 or drag my 10 Channel out when I only need a few connections

@MumbleDnB 11 ай бұрын

I have the ddj flx6 and am curious if the RCA ro 1/4 into the mixer will still create an unbalance audio? And if so, is it possible to even get it balanced without an XLR direct from deck to mixer to speaker?

@MrPoyda01 9 ай бұрын

@unveiledrealitypodcast1289 I'm not 100% but I think it needs to be balanced from the mixer on?

@MrPoyda01 9 ай бұрын

So would require xlr from controller to mixer

@aleksandarbozic3486 8 ай бұрын

@unveiledrealitypodcast1289 I am also interested because I also have flx6

@djmaster1110 19 күн бұрын

I will recommand a bigger mixer

@alinposmag86 8 ай бұрын

All your videos are great, I leaned a lot, so thank you. I have a question - when I am connecting a controller to a mixer, do I need a single XLR to a single TRS ? Or they need to be 2 of each as L & R? Thanks

@spidertimi Жыл бұрын

Wow This is great info. Thanks so much. So do you mean all this while I have been clueless? 🤭 But I have to ask, What is the disadvantage (or is there any) for connecting 1/4 inch output from your controller to XLR input on the mixer? I always thought that converting to the XLR input of on your mixer was the way to go. I have the Yamaha Mg06X and right now I have been connecting 1/4inch out to XLR in instead of straight 14 inch out to 1/4 inch in.

@zefMusic Жыл бұрын

Hi .. very nice video helped me a lot .. i have a question, what if I audio out my dj software to Mackie mixer via USB and headphone output to my dj controller is it possible? My controller is buzzing when I use RCA...thankyou

@harambesstepbrother7579 Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@wimgolfcoach Жыл бұрын

No idea why you are not a bigger channel. Always very informative. I have a rodecaster pro 2, pioneer ddj 800 and speakers. Ddj 800 with left and right xlr master output. My speakers are connected to the rodecaster pro 2. How can I connect the ddj with my rodecaster? Thx for making these high quality content

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

I'll make a video on this tomorrow, if you want to wait?

@wimgolfcoach Жыл бұрын

@@kettnercreative Great! Thanks

@MashmanMusic 6 ай бұрын

Very helpful video. Thank you! One question, if I purchase the YAMAHA MG10XU , would I no longer require a audio interface for my PC like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface which you recommended in a previous video?

@vinconssier4224 11 ай бұрын

im doing this for the first time and wondering how to correctly adjust the levels and gains betwween my controller and the external mixer, looking for some good videos on that pllease and thanks

@MumbleDnB 11 ай бұрын

@SAMSYDE Жыл бұрын

I was wondering why would manufacturers build most DJ controllers with XLR output, even more commonly on the high end ones, if the signal sent by the hardware is a Line one and is made for 1/4 inputs on mixers? Is it because most people would plug their DJ controller directly in powered speakers via XLR cables? Excuse me in advance if I am completely wrong, I am just beggining to look up to DJing stuff and english is not my 1st language!!

@alexisratsch7265 Жыл бұрын

I have RCA and 1/4 inch outputs on my controller. Would it be better to use 1 TRS cable (as in option 2) or 2 TS cables (for left and right)? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

@tjayweekes3880 7 ай бұрын

As both outputs are now hitting the speakers via a mixer, will the signal from the XLR still be louder compared to RCA? Or has the mixer now levelelled them out to the same volume? Thank you in advance

@iamdjrt Жыл бұрын

Which recommend i should use for gig on ns4fx but i want to kno if i should get a ts or trs quator to use in mixer?

@alexisratsch7265 Жыл бұрын

Do options 2 and 3 (balanced connections) work when connecting to an unbalanced input, such as on the Yamaha MG10XU (5/6, 7/8, 9/10)?

@ChrisMcGuire0 Жыл бұрын

could you hook up a dj controllers audio to just a audio interface such as a go xlr?

@DJClubRevolution Жыл бұрын

I have a question. I want to buy a Pioneer flx4 controller and it has an rca output and does it make sense to improve the sound quality since the rca output is on the controller? Doesn't it matter? And the quality will be better? I would like to have a clear, powerful and distortion-free sound. Regards

@andriyaniliev3344 6 ай бұрын

Thank you! My English language is not good and i need to ask something because im using flx4. If i buy some mixer is it possible to use effect pedals on it? I looking for way to use effect pedals with my flx4.

@essaysd 4 ай бұрын

I was always stubborn on using a audio mixer but you get more input options incase your controller takes a dump or battery microphone dies. I use a mackie 5 channel mixer and doesn't take much space.

@DjGCue71 10 ай бұрын

I always come out of my RCA's from my controller and in to the mixer with 1/4 inch trs. so is it better/louder to come out of your xlr's from your controller into your mixer with 1/4 inch trs?

@deejayshmoove 6 ай бұрын

Can you use the XLR and the 1/4 inch connections on the main output at the same time??

@eytzni 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for posting this video. Quick question... what would be the better or more recommended way to connect the controller to the mixer? A: XLR from the controller to 1/4 inch on the mixer B: RCA from the controller to1/4 Inch on the mixer

@DJHRIDEN 8 ай бұрын

XLR all the way as it gives the highest sound quality as much as possible try avoiding RCAs as much as you can

@DINU_R 7 ай бұрын

Can we use both xlr and quarter inch at same time for output?

@WillKenyon 8 ай бұрын

Can you do RCA to XLR adapter? Why would that not be preferred

@user-qh8qn4pk4j Жыл бұрын

Hello. Can you please advise: If Im connecting my pioneer controller to the mackie mixer, does the female xlr to 1/4inch jack have to be balanced. Or can I use a female xlr with an unbalanced 1/4inch. (for clarity, im plugging in a female xlr to the back on the controller and connecting the 1/4inch to the line inputs on the mackie mixer)

@hello_hobbs Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! In your RCA to 1/4 example you have a L and R 1/4. If you only have one 1/4 (doesn't split L and R) could you have put that one by itself into any of the line ins? Does that make a big difference in quality or anything?

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

Yes you can, you just wouldn’t get the stereo sound.

@architckful Жыл бұрын

Hola Kettner entonces si conecto del controlador a la consola con xlr a trs en el canal 3 y 4 cómo puedo ecualizar?? Otra duda, si conecto del controlador a la consola en el canal 1 y 2 (salida combo xrl/trs) puedo ecualizar??

@sagrada Жыл бұрын

What if you connect an RCA to the RCA in the mixer? Does it sound better? Or should I stay with the 1/4?

@CANTTEACHTHISLIFESTYLE 4 ай бұрын

How do I record vocal audio with a ddjrev 5 controller when all are connected?

@fleetwoodjones1225 Жыл бұрын

Hello hello hello… If I run rca into 3.5 from my controller, will I get stereo sound or mono? Just curious because on the 5/6 on the Mackie mixer I see it says line but not quite sure what type of sound I will get

@BD-zi4ml Ай бұрын

Do you not need to use cables in both XLR outputs to the external mixer. Do you only need to use one ?

@johnvizzi2553 9 ай бұрын

Where did you get the music from and how did you hook that up ?

@beb____ Жыл бұрын

Can someone tell me, if I buy this mixer and connect my DDj400 and condenser mic will I be able to record mixes and mic audio at the same time and in what program? Thanks

@__L_S_B__ Жыл бұрын

what cables will I need to plug in my DDJ-400 into a DJM900 mixer? RCA To RCA? or RCA to 1/4in

@banisterswer8161 Жыл бұрын

I'm using ddj 200 please help me on how to connect it

@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek 8 ай бұрын

Q: What happens if I have powered speakers and sub connected through my controller? I have the same mixer as displaying here. How would I run the audio mixer? I only use XLR cables

@omarzayas95 9 ай бұрын

Would like to see Mackie DLZ Creator review from you! Will it work well for DJ's mixing at home?

@kettnercreative 9 ай бұрын

I have one on the way. I'm VERY excited to get my hands on it. I think it will work well for DJs at home, I also think that a DJ could limp at a live event with it. It's built/designed more like a live sound audio mixer and I think it's going to be faster to use than the RCP2.

@charliesalsa4327 4 күн бұрын

Excellent but how I go from there and connect my power speakers a little confused

@paulwnek5146 10 ай бұрын

Hi Do I need amplifier for tractor controller , Mackie pro fx6 v3 and subs 800W each and two 300W side speakers?All those speakers are not powered,

@TheDavidnator10 10 ай бұрын

My controller only has RCA output so would I need something else to achieve a balanced audio?

@jankristensen7884 Жыл бұрын

hi, how to connect an amp to this setup?

@scarcorleon 10 ай бұрын

can I hook my Hercules Dj air controller to Rode caster 2??

@skysavvydrone 3 ай бұрын

Hey there, this is great. Can you elaborate on why you wouldn't do xlr to xlr? You made that point at 4:32 but it wasn't entirely clear why that would be the "last choice." Thank you once again for the video!

@tombyrnerocks 42 минут бұрын

Yeah I wanted to know this too.

@sylvaindalancon4587 3 ай бұрын

c bien de brancher le controleur ou la table sur une sortie line mais les enceintes ont les branches ou sur la table externe

@photoflashmontreal1721 Жыл бұрын

Hi! Kettner. I am now using Scarllet 2i2 connected to the computer to record myself singing. But I'm not very good at post-mixing, so I want to use a hardware compressor when recording. Do you think Volt167's compressor is much better than ProFX10V3's? Will the compressors on both devices be toy grade?

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

I would say that the Volt176 has a better compressor, and is better overall if that's what you're wanting to do with it.

@prouddaddyofdos Жыл бұрын

So what cable would u recommend for the best sound quality? Maybe u mentioned it & I just missed it. Thank u in advance.

@rigopina5344 Ай бұрын

Mogami by far

@LuisMorales-iv8ml Жыл бұрын

How do I connect it to my speakers?

@djkebbe Жыл бұрын

youre missing one BIG point for djs , often u come with an external dj controller like nmumark . and already there is a pioneer dj mixer at the venue, is then ok to ad rca cable for balance ? thanks

@steadymanos Жыл бұрын

I have a MG10XU, on Channel 1,2,3, and 4. It says Mic/Line on it. Can I connect my controller using an XLR balanced cable. You mentioned it may clip, but I have the PAD and HPF pushed out. I don't hear any clipping. Can I use it like that or do I still need a female XLR to 1/4 balance cable?

@wilsongyimah8290 15 күн бұрын

I have the mg 12 xu and I press down on the PAD buttons on channel 1 and 2 where the XLR cables from my controller is connected, and I hear no clipping or distortion either. XLR to XLR from controller to mixer is okay as long as the PAD buttons are pushed in.

@polo5569 Жыл бұрын

So why don't you recommend connecting XLR to XLR from controller to the mixer? I have a Yamaha mg06x mixer and want to connect that way. If i do, should i press in the pad buttons?

@RunTFC Жыл бұрын

I've been searching for the answer to this as well.

@kendrickdgomez Жыл бұрын

Hi, I've been using my DDJ-400, i.e RCA to XLR (Channels 1 & 2) inputs to the Mackie. Sound is great, but I do want to know if it's safe for my equipment. Would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

There are three reasons I don't recommend (or show in this video) using RCA from your Controller to XLR on your mixer. 1) You're wasting your good microphone preamps for no reasons 2) The 1/4 inputs are designed for inputs like a DJ controller 3) There is a risk that phantom power can come out through the xlr mic inputs on your mixer and hurt the outputs on your DJ controller.

@kendrickdgomez Жыл бұрын

@@kettnercreative Thanks for the tip, will definitely look into these 👍🏻

@deejay_bl3ss567 Жыл бұрын

what controller is that please

@DjGCue71 6 ай бұрын

How do you conecte 2 dj controllers to 1 mixer?

@sorcerykid 10 ай бұрын

He says there are links to all the products shown in the video, yet under "DJ CONTROLLERS" it's blank even though there's clearly a Numark DJ controller of some sort in the video?

@alessandroraisaro165 Жыл бұрын

Can I add an external mixer (not Pioneer) to a dj controller using Rekordbox like Flx4 and be able to play with it or do I need a Pioneer mixer ?

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

You don't need a pioneer mixer.

@alessandroraisaro165 Жыл бұрын

@@kettnercreative So I just need to connect any mixer like Yamaha to my pioneer Flx4 (with Rekordbox) to be able to mix ? Even if the mixer is not compatible with Rekordbox?

@superdad8274 Жыл бұрын

May i ask why you would not go out of the XLR from controller to mixer?

@youngxmarvolous 11 ай бұрын

He was showing you options, some controllers only have rca outs. They vary from mixer to mixer

@superdad8274 11 ай бұрын

@@youngxmarvolous oh ok. Thank you

@superdad8274 2 ай бұрын

Does it matter if you use only 1 output from controller to mixer?

@lovegospelgurijalavijaykum7896 Жыл бұрын

Connect Audio Mixer To Phone can I mackie mixer 6 channel

@OxygeneAirTime 11 ай бұрын

Informative video. I'd like to know if the Mackie could be used with a controller to connect not only a pair of speakers but also, at the same time, a 3rd speaker which would be used as a booth output (because the controller does not have it's own booth output)..?

@DJPrimo4Real814 Жыл бұрын

I've two question: what's the difference if any between running balanced and unbalanced RCA - 1/4 into the studio mixer? Is either better than the other?

@jonvenusti Жыл бұрын

did you watch the video? balanced sounds better with wire runs over 15 feet.

@eddielova Жыл бұрын

How come you did not recommend going XLR from the controller to XLR on the mixer?

@dj_finesse209 Жыл бұрын

More headroom with trs to mixer

@djintenseevents 8 ай бұрын

@@dj_finesse209why is that? Why would TRS be better than XLR

@djintenseevents 8 ай бұрын

Xlr on the mixer is for the mic and it is not line level

@dcclubhousemusic Жыл бұрын

Why would you use or not use an RCA to a Single XLR cord to connect your DJ Controller to your ProFX?

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

I avoid RCA to XLR because RCA outputs are line level and the XLR inputs are mic level. So the signal coming from your DJ controller is more than what that input is expecting. This could lead to peaking, distortion, clipping, and bad sounding audio. Also, I don't like "wasting" my XLR inputs on line level inputs. I like to use these preamps for microphones. Plus if you use the 1/4" line level inputs, your audio mixer will automatically pan the left/right channels to the left/right to preserve your stereo mix/effects.

@dcclubhousemusic Жыл бұрын

Thank you for that explanation. As always I appreciate all your input and content that you produce.

@GoDuBois Жыл бұрын

@@kettnercreative On my Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer , all 1/4" inputs are unbalanced. Would you use these unbalanced inputs before using the XLR inputs? Can any one answer this? thank you

@bisayagaming60 Жыл бұрын

What dj controller you used?

@psychomayhem Жыл бұрын

Yeah?

@SehxualPanda Жыл бұрын

Numark NS4FX DJ Controller

@georgeogrady449 Жыл бұрын

Dj mixer all in one to other mixer d400 to other mixer sx live mixer

@d.jkellzworldentertainment9561 Жыл бұрын

TO ME I PREFER BALANCE CABLES

@dannyboydick1 11 ай бұрын

Hello. With the 3rd option (XLR FMEALE TO 1/4 INCH) do you need 2 of those wires ? Or is 1 okay ? Thanks

@FIGHT101TV Жыл бұрын

ima dj here in texas thanks for the info..question. i have RCA to XLR one for the left an one for the right...so should i get RCA to to the TS cable for better sound quality? because my speakers do clip alot when i have it loud

@kettnercreative Жыл бұрын

I think this video will help: kettnercreative.com/dj-controller/how-to-get-more-volume-from-your-dj-controller/ Your limiting factor is the RCA output. It is 10-14dB quieter than a 1/4" or XLR output from a DJ controller. If you connect to an audio mixer, you can boost it an extra 10-14dB using the same speakers.... WHICH IS MASSIVE.