Thanks Brian for the alternative perspective here. I am one of those djs who run my system through a mixer (yes a $100 Yamaha MG06x). I do it to get more inputs, get slightly better volume (at least to my ear), and most importantly to have the ability to bypass the controller to run an auxiliary input in to the external mixer for backup in case either the computer or controller goes down. I’ve unfortunately experienced both the aforementioned. Also, I may be completely wrong on this point but that $2000 controller may be more money but only a portion of the the R&D budget goes to the mixer portion while the rest have to go in to the multiple different components that make up that controller. Yamaha’s mixer, on the other hand, was built to do one thing and focus is on that one thing. I may be off on this one here but I digress. In the end, as you mentioned, we are free to do what we want but just wanted to offer some perspective and reasoning for the other side of your proposal. Appreciate the content big homey.

I always run the sound sources into the mixer, then into the PA. I am far on the 'pro sound guy background' side, with quality gear there's no issue running the controller through the mixer. In fact, having EQ controls over the sound is a huge plus for me...I can have the controller EQ for cuts and effects, and use the mixer EQ to shape the sound as necessary.

A key thing to consider is output configuration and level. Cheaper controllers have unbalanced RCA outputs with limited voltage level (-10 dBv) vs even a cheap mic mixer will generally have balanced XLR outputs with a +4dBu output. You always want to run balanced lines at higher levels to your powered speakers. This will increase noise immunity. You also need to know the max AUX input level for your controller. If the AUX inputs are RCA, it may be designed for a -10 dBv input. Feeding your mic mixer into this could cause overload at the controller even though the mic mixer is still in the green.

I am running an Allen and Heath QU 16 and yes I am a FOH Sound engineer and your 1st signal path diagram is the correct approach

Roland 707M Controller has 2 microphone preamps with independent gain, low-cut, and noise gate on each channel. 2 Aux inputs for 2 more mics or backup input for Phone. Also, vocal FX for those 2 mics and a Anti feedback setting. I have yet to use it for Karaoke because for my karaoke setup, I don't need the controller functions and prefer my 12-channel mixer to handle the mic control on sliders not knobs.

Yay, this is the 2023 video you made for me about 5 years ago. Thanks Brian

Another advantage with your method is in case you get an oddball request, streaming music can still be recorded without interrupting the current live set recording. Gonna try this out.

Bonus about this. The way brother Brian has it running has a hidden benefit very few people have thought about. If there is the need, want or greed to sell the night's audio to a video person, the client or simply for self-criticism reasons, the audio from the external mixer, dj mixer and all mics can be recorded under seratos sound card (for those in the American market who use serato the most). Since the last step before we hit the speakers is the controller / dj mixer, we minimize the chance of ground buzzing. It serves a million purposes. Thanks for making this video when I requested it like 5 years ago Brian. You drew on a paint app and made it work. Don't take my word for it guys, run it like this for good 8-10 times and if you guys still think any of your other methods is better, go for it. It's only a recommendation, this is not a religion and there are no punishments here for these are not capital sins (should be tho)

Hey Brian greetings from Chicago. And this is where Nick Spinelli and you differ. What he was sayin that DJ-1000 does need external mixer, cause pre-amps not powerful enough. I tried it both ways and works more powerful thru external mixer.

You can knock down the line level output of a (mic) mixing board to mic level with a DI box (20dB attenuation setting or similar). We do this sometimes on larger productions to run the DJs mic through our main audio console to add eq and compression, doing this still gives the DJ the ability to use his mic input on the mixer as usual and provides us control over the mic and better sound quality

Thats only if you use the mixer for mics. Most use the mixer for better sound of the music as well so you want the controller to run through the mixer.

Sooo your mixer has a better sound card and pre amps quality wich results on a better sound quality for your speakers and that doesnt matter to you?? Just more mics? How many mics a DJ usually uses?? 1 wireless for the toast and speeches and one for the Dj. Unless is an specific event that requires more mics.

Its all depends on the controller and DJ mixer also the Powered Speaker. You can't compare a $200 controller with a $1500 and above controller to get the same sound from those cards. I have used expensive Mixers like DJM 900 Nexus 2, DDJ 1000 and recently REV 7 and never needed to use an external mixer for the extra headroom I still have clean loud music without distortion. Only time I would bring a mixer if I need more mics but to keep it simple I feel just the high end controller is sufficient for my needs.

What would be my “aux” on a Ddj1000?

Loving this series Brian. I do run controller into Mixer to PA though - because I only have RCA output from the controller. My Behringer mixer is the hub for controller, backup mp3 player, and 3 x microphones and does just fine with excellent sound quality.

I’ve used this set up once when a band wanted to run into my sound system. Other than that, the 1000 is more than capable to run alone.

I have a Rane one and a Yamaha MG10 but when ever I run the Sound into the mixer I find the audio quality not as good as from the controller

Nice to see a different method to try. I'll give it a go.

Sorry Brian but I can’t think of a time when running sound out from a controller is better than running out from a mixer. 99.9% of the time the sound card in a mixer will without a doubt be simply better than any controller.

Great vid!!! Appreciate the insight and advice

Have you tried a 2nd wired mic into rca aux so you can possibly have 2 mics on one mixer???

Hey i have the pioneer flx10 with 2 15 inch EVs speakers and a 12 inch EVs sub with a yamaha mg12xu whats the right way to connected everything to have better and cleared sound

Here's an idea take the DJ controller your mixer and get a dbx box for example run your DJ controller into your mic mixer output from the mic mixer into a dbx box use the main three outputs for your speakers

Great video Brian, what about if I have a entra level controler like the SB3? I haven't saved up enough for the professional controler.

Brian would you recommend this way for streaming on Twitch using a USB Mixer?

Taking it all with a pinch of salt - if you had a blind test with setup #1 and setup #2 behind a curtain and only the speakers out front, I'd bet handsomely that 99.999% of people couldn't identify which is which.

The DDJ 1000SRT has RCAs in the back. Assuming Master out is running to the tops, are you saying to plug rcas into the mixer

I get the point, direct the music audio source to the amplifier/speaker as short as possible, limit the extra links. but it only applies to those that prefer to use a DJM (aka line/phono/aux) mixer, majority of SRS nowadays skip the line mixer they don't use it at all. so its laptop to multi channel mixer to amplifier/speaker. I myself as a user of behringer all in one PA (eps500mp3) has to go straight laptop to PA (no line mixer needed). most SRS i know also has the driverack EQ etc built in to the mixer (ex soundcraft ui16 etc) so yeah audio source to all in one mixer to amplifier/speakers. this only applies to DJ's with similar setups to sir brian, aka dj's who use DJM's ^_^

I do it the other way as I use drum machine etc. But also running it this way if my controller or laptop has issues (never happened yet) I have a back up laptop to continue the event.

Why though? If I have a mixer why not run the entire system through it. 1. More mics 2. Controll bass separately 3. Extra line for Video Grapher 4. Effects on Mic 5. Better control overall

Nice video keep them coming I was wondering if I can plug instruments in my mixer also will they sound good . Thanks 🤗

Not sure what running a mixer out just for mic control helps out with. How does that make mics sound better or easier to control? You’re better off using your aux out to go direct into subs. Then at least you have a separate sub volume

🤔 now I'm gonna have to experiment. Good info!

Based on my personal experience there are two types of DJ based on the way they use to connect to the speaker systems: First the RCA DJs unbalanced sound and for sure they will see a great sound out of the cheap mixers. In the other hand the XLR balanced sound in my opinion this group should go direct to the speakers and let your professional controller do it's magic. Both groups also have to zero level their sound at the controller output and speakers then play with the gain on each channel to also sound at Zero level. That are my personal five cents to collaborate on this topic.

Nothing wrong with either way, but realize a lot of controllers don’t have a dedicated line in with its own volume control. To use one of the line ins, you lose a channel on your controller. Maybe it’s more common on 2 channel boards than 4 channel boards. If you use all 4 channels, this could be a limiting factor.

Hey Brian allways love to watch your videos by the way will the Xlr to rca cords cause buzzing noise ?

In my opinion external mixers have better outputs for connecting sound system i may be wrong

hello Brian , I like to know how I can connect a Bluetooth audio mixer plus a BBE 282ix to my Bluetooth powered speakers ? So everything sounds without wires?

I agree with the "keep it simple" line of reasoning. The key to good sound is, simplicity and balance. Don't drive one device at 100% out and another at 10%. Run them both at 50%. Balance, my friend. I do mine the more traditional way and then through an effects rack, then into my speakers but, I'm an old school guy like yourself.

I have a BBE 282ix maximizer with a Pioneer SX2, and planning to buy a MackieProFX10v3. How would you suggest I set this up? Your input is greatly appreciated.

what would be the recommended connections for a controller like a pioneer ddj sb3. that only has one usb and one rca

That mixer has 2 mic same as the ddjsrt in that case don't use a mixer pioneer are known to have poor quality sound card unless you jump to the 2k and above equipment I tried it on my ddjsx3 and the bass off of it was weak then connect it to the mgu10 big difference Another option

I m curious: Right now i do the Mixer into external Mixer into PA thing. One thing i like about it is, if I have to reboot my system, I use my Smartphone into external Mixer as a backup. This happends around once every 10-15 gigs - so Not all the time, but it will happen. The blame probably goes to Phase but nevermind. How do you handle that type of situations with your mixer setup.

Can you post a pic but with an amp added thanks

So you're saying a controller has better outputs that a mixer? ...That has not been my experience😎

my controller don't got a aux NS6ii. What I got to do

Good idea! 👍

What mixer or controller has mic aux out?

Definitely going to try this!!!

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this doesn't make sense...especially if your DJ Controller only has RCA outs. RCA outs are already -10 DB and without running through the mixer, you get no gain and the sound quality and levels suffer. You also can't add effects on the DJ bus.

AH HA!!! I have done this for years! I was afraid I would be laughed out of social media. I don't believe a $90 mixer is better than a $1400 DJ controller.

I never run my $2,000 mixer into a $100 line mixer to get "better" sound. Thats the dumbest thing i hear from djs. Yes its louder and has more channels but the quality goes way down. go out from rane one directly into speakers is how i do it. Sounds great.