[2023 Edition] Hot Selling DJ Equipment ＆ Popularity Ranking [DJ Mixer Edition]

DJing is now one of the most popular hobbies that anyone can start due to the big hit of DJ-themed anime D4DJ and DJing apps on smartphones and tablets. Nowadays, you can find many YouTube channels that teach how to DJ, and there are DJ schools alongside dance schools in major cities in Japan. So, I feel it’s becoming easier for anyone to start DJing!

Information on Pioneer DJ official lessons!
https://www.pioneerdj.com/ja-jp/landing/dj-school/

Enjoy Home DJs - Recommended DJ Streaming channel

This article is the sequel to the previously introduced “[2021 Edition] Hot Selling DJ Equipment ＆ Popularity Ranking [PCDJ Controller Edition]”!
▶[2021 Edition] Hot Selling DJ Equipment ＆ Popularity Ranking [PCDJ Controller Edition]

Introducing the most popular and best-selling DJ mixers in a ranking format!

What is a PCDJ controller?

First of all, what is a DJ mixer? Unlike a PA mixer, a DJ mixer is a mixer optimized for playing two or more sound sources (records and CDs) at the same time, or mixing them for listening. Here are three basic featuresfunctions of a DJ mixer are three below.:

① Audio signal outputs to audience/floor, DJ booth, and headphones.
② Equipped with a fader that slides horizontally to mix and connect the sound sources.
③ Equipped with a terminal (phono level input) for connecting a cable from the record player.

However, these are just the basics. Certain genres such as house and techno are played with a rotary mixer without a crossfader. Some low-priced portable DJ mixers may not have a phono level input. For this ranking, I’m going to show you some of the most highly ranked DJ mixers rated by professional DJs! Find the perfect DJ mixer for your playing style, music genre, your budget, and other needs!

5 Recommended Popular DJ Mixers

No. 5Native Instruments / TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2

A 2ch digital DJ mixer is compatible with TRAKTOR PRO 3. The Traktor Pro 3 was the top pick for designated mixers at the DMC World DJ Championships competition, and has received high praise for its excellent performance from top class turntablists! It is equipped with a number of functions such as the built-in FX that works together with the sharp crossfader to bring the mixer from just a mixing tool into a musical instrument.

▶ [DMC JAPAN Official Interview] Native Instruments - Mixer used by DMC Champ

No. 4Pioneer DJ / DJM-900NXS2

A 4-channel digital DJ mixer that is compatible with rekordbox, SERATO, and TRAKTOR. It is a standard model that is seen in almost all professional DJ hangouts such as the large clubs and big DJ festivals. In terms of sound quality, the DJM-900NXS2 is designed for performance in the clubs. This DJ mixer achieves a clear and powerful sound so you can dance comfortably all night long. The functions fully meet the needs of DJs performing indoors and outdoors with the abundant and easy-to-use effects, and the DJM-900NXS2 also has a USB port that can connect two PCs or Macs at the same time. The central mixing section of PCDJ controllers such as the DDJ-400, DDJ-800, and DDJ-1000 is produced following the layout and knobs of the DJM-900NXS2. It is a classic DJ mixer that DJs have longed for, which makes them think, “One day, I want to DJ with this mixer and heat up the floor.”

No. 3ALLEN&HEATH / XONE:23

The only 2ch analog DJ mixer in this ranking. Although it is the most affordably priced model among the ALLEN & HEATH DJ mixers from the XONE series, the XONE:23 has an independent motherboard design that is the main feature of the series. Compared to digital mixers, the effects have been removed, but it has a good reputation for its simple operability and outstanding sound quality. The built-in low-pass/high-pass filters work well, and the EQ of each channel can totally cut the band (KILL). It is a DJ mixer that is very popular with house and techno DJs who especially like long mixes, but audiophiles who are particular about sound quality use this as a substitute for phono equalizers/phono amplifiers. This is a DJ mixer you can trust.

No. 2Pioneer DJ / DJM-250MK2

A 2ch digital DJ mixer compatible with rekordbox / TRAKTOR. It features the most affordable price (36,000 yen on the Sound House website) in the Pioneer DJ DJM series, takes the features and layout of the high-end DJM-900NXS2. This model is popular with fledgling DJs who want to have all the bells and whistles and for those who want a compact DJ booth at restaurants and DJ bars. But don’t underestimate it because it’s for beginners. It is well equipped with loads of features such as a USB port for connecting to a PC, switching the curve characteristics of the crossfader, and installing the same filter FX as the DJM-900NXS2. It also comes with free access to DJ software for managing songs on a PC and DVS (Digital Vinyl System) to play songs on a dedicated record, which is super helpful when building a practice environment at home.! The DJM-250MK2 is a popular DJ mixer meant for a wide range of abilities, from amateurs to seasoned professionals.

No. 1Pioneer DJ / DJM-450

The DJM-450 is a 2ch digital DJ mixer that is compatible with rekordbox / TRAKTOR. The big difference from the DJM-250MK2 is the effects. The DJM-450 can use 4 types of SOUND COLOR effect and 8 types of BEAT effect. It is also attractive that you can easily record DJ play by connecting the DJM-450 to a device such as an iPhone from the SEND/RETURN USB terminal with the featured app. The crossfader is equipped with the MAGVEL FADER that is also installed on the DJM-900NXS2, and the scratch accuracy and the sound sharpness are on point. The central display has clear visibility, and the vertical fader of each channel has graduation printed on it, which gives it a much higher visibility than the DJM-250MK2. The DJM-900NXS2 is a DJ mixer that can be said to be the best solution for DJs who do not want to compromise on the playing environment and operability, while the DJM-900NXS2 will break the bank at 70,000 yen.

▶DJ recording app for smartphones “DJM-REC”
[DJM REC Overview - Pioneer DJ’s iOS Recording App]

DJ Mixer Hot Selling & Popularity Comparison

Popularity Ranking	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
image
Product Name	DJM-450	DJM-250MK2	XONE:23	DJM-900NXS2	TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2
Brand	Pioneer DJ	Pioneer DJ	ALLEN&HEATH	Pioneer DJ	Native Instruments
Estimated Price (incl. tax)	¥70,000	¥36,000	¥49,500	¥275,000	¥54,800
Channels	2ch	2ch	2ch	4ch	2ch
Mic Input	1 (phone terminal)	1 (phone terminal)	1 phone terminal (XLR terminal)	2 systems (combo jack +)	1 (phone terminal)
Effects	4 (SOUND COLOR FX) + 8 (BEAT FX)	1 (Filter)	1(Filter)	"6 types (SOUND COLOR FX) + 14 types (BEAT FX)"	Macro FX FILTER FX Assign button ｘ 2
Audio Interface Function	●	●		●	●
Size (Width x Height x Depth)	Approx. 23.0 x 10.8 x 32.0cm	Approx. 23.0 x 10.8 x 32.0cm	Approx. 24.0 x 10.61 x 30.0cm(Size reference)	Approx. 33.3 x 10.79 x 41.42cm	Approx. 27.2 x 10.9 x 38.8cm
Weight	2.1 kg	3.8 kg	2.1 kg	2.36 kg	5.1 kg

If you are particular about genre and playing style!

[If you scratch] NUMARK / SCRATCH

A DJ mixer is bundled with Serato DJ Pro and DVS expansion licensing, which is a great value for DJ software. The crossfader is equipped with innoFader that boasts precise sharpness. As the name “SCRATCH” suggests, it is designed for DJ battles and performance DJs. In addition, it is currently the only one lever paddle equipped DJ mixer in this price range. You can select any effect from the 6 FX buttons in the center of the mixer and operate the effect intuitively with the paddle of each deck. CUE/SAMPLE/ROLL functions can be assigned to the four performance pads on each deck. Furthermore, since Serato DJ Pro is equipped with software-independent low/high-pass filters, and it can also be used as a simple analog DJ mixer. Sophisticated panel design, easy-to-use functionality, and an affordable price for personal use makes this 2ch DJ mixer ideal for beginners and advanced users who want to set up a compact DJ booth.

[For long mix①] ALLEN & HEATH / Xone:96

This high-end model of the XONE series DJ mixer is ranked 3rd in the popularity ranking. While a general DJ mixer has a 3-band (HI/MID/LOW) EQ for each channel, this model has a 4-band (HI/MID HI/MID LOW/LOW) EQ. The EQ can be precisely maneuvered and it allows you to insert and remove the hi-hat and mix in sticky and smooth texture. As for the characteristics of the sound, it is equal to or better than the XONE series high-end model the XONE: 92 in high quality sound, but the strength of the bass range in XONE: 92 is slightly suppressed. The mid to high range has a comfortable stretch. The DJ-friendly monitor output (BOOTH OUT) when connected to the DJ booth can be controlled by an independent 3-band EQ.

[For long mix②] Pioneer DJ / DJM-V10

This is the flagship model of the DJM series, which is a monster machine with six channels. The large number of compatible channels is attractive, but what is more remarkable is that it is equipped with a “3-band isolator”. The isolator is often confused with the equalizer, but it can completely cut (or boost) the sound of a specific band more effectively than the equalizer, so you can play with a wider dynamic range. Even now, the UREI / 1620 and Bozak / CMA-10-2DL isolators are still popular with house and techno DJs, and even used ones are sold at a high resell value. The isolator on the DJM-V10 is equipped with the same large knobs as other legendary isolators. The knobs have some give and operate smoothly. Furthermore, for DJs who are particular about their playing style, why not also use the “DJM-V10-LF Long Fader Type” without a crossfader?

A review by one of our Sound House Staff members
[Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 Review Pre-release!]

[If you really want to DJ battle] Pioneer DJ / DJM-S11

In the world of DJ battle where DJs compete, the existence of a DJ mixer and a turntable is a musical instrument itself. The operability of the crossfader, the number and ease of pressing the PAD buttons, and the ease of checking the status of the song being played are all components of playing the DJ mixer as an instrument. In 2019, DJ Matsunaga of Creepy Nuts participated as a contender in the Japan national team and won the championship at the DMC World DJ Championships world competition where DJs competed with the earlier model, the DJM-S9. The successor model DJM-S11 has functions and design that enable even higher levels of performance made possible by the newly installed LCD monitor and a more user-friendly design on the effects/PAD.

Summary

Following the special feature on PCDJ controllers, I talked about the popularity ranking and recommended DJ mixers, but I’m going to post more rankings of recommended and popular models of DJ equipment in the near future! Check out the following pages if you are interested in other top-selling DJ equipment at Sound House.

■Sound House Best Sellers Ranking
■Pioneer DJ / DJM Series Commentary & Comparison Guide
■Allen & Heath DJ Mixer Comparison Chart