2 channel v 4 channel mixer? This is easily one of the most asked questions we get here at DJ Tech Reviews.
One of the more surprising questions that many beginner DJs don’t even think to ask is the number of mixer channels they ideally need for their audio player. It’s a simple area that is often overlooked when considering different features and functions. Many times, a DJ will accept however many channels their respective mixer offers, whether it’s 2 or 4.
Still, a 2-channel and a 4-channel mixer are not the same. There are things offered with a 4-channel mixer that you may feel are vital whereas there’s just as likely a chance that you’ll see what a 4-channel mixer has and think that it’s way too much for what you need at the moment. Knowing what the difference is between the two options, and understanding what you need to put out the best DJ performance is crucial and can’t be emphasized enough.
In this brief overview, we’ll go over what a 2-channel mixer is as well as a 4-channel mixer. We’ll also go over how they compare to one another as well as which of the two you need right now, and whether or not you should move up to a 4-channel, or move down to a 2-channel.
2-Channel Mixers
When you think of an item having “2” of something over “4”, the immediate knee-jerk reaction is that the thing with “4” has got to be inherently better than the thing with only “2”. And, while that is certainly true in many cases, that isn’t always precisely accurate. In the DJ world, while most would expect that 4-channel mixers would be the standard, with 2-channel options only being for those with no money, that’s not true.
In reality, it’s 2-channel mixers that are the gold standard of mixers, being the place that every DJ does (or should) start with.
Great Entry-Level Price
Probably the first aspect of 2-channel mixers that makes them a compelling option is the fact that they are much less expensive when compared to 4-channel mixers. This makes them great options for those that are starting in the DJ field and don’t have a ton of money to invest in.
Just keep in mind that there are certain mixers out there that are so inexpensive and so cheap that they’re pretty much worthless. These are often at such an “affordable” cost that you may feel like you’re getting a steal. In truth, the mixer will either not do what you need it to do or will fall apart. In either instance, any savings you think you’ll have made are going to be wiped out (and then some) in constant repairs or by replacing it for a higher quality mixer anyway.
The simple point is that you should get the highest quality 2-channel mixer you can afford. Even this will almost always be considerably less than even the lowest quality 4-channel mixer, so you’re going to be saving when it comes to cost.
Ideal For Smaller Spaces
Alongside its cheaper prices, 2-channel mixers also require much less space compared to 4-channel mixers. These units are great for beginners that don’t have a particularly huge home studio already set up. This is also true for DJs that are simply in smaller spaces, beginner or otherwise.
You also want to remember that a mixer unit is just a mixer unit. When you add in the two turntables, your laptop, and the speaker (or studio monitor) setup, you’ll find that there’s not a lot of space for you to play with. A 2-channel mixer allows you to capitalize on whatever amount of space you have much more effectively than a 4-channel mixer.
Fewer Things To Stress Over
Following right after the benefits offered to those with a smaller space, 2-channel mixers also give a DJ fewer things to stress over and worry about while performing. Most people don’t think that, with 4 channels (or more) to be consciously aware of, a DJ has much less time to focus on any particular area for more than a second or two. This means they run the risk of accidentally making a mistake or, at the very least, not putting as much focus on fading and mixing tracks.
By using a 2-channel DJ mixer, a DJ can keep as much of their focus on the task at hand and less time struggling to keep every area functioning correctly.
Great Resale Value
Another high point when it comes to 2-channel mixers is that they are incredibly great when it comes to re-selling them as second-hand mixers. This is because beginner and veteran DJs alike are all looking for great deals. These deals are much more difficult to come by when we’re talking about 4-channel mixers, as people are much less likely going to sell them.
2-channel mixers are very easy to re-sell because everyone starting needs something smaller to get before upgrading. This is also one of the reasons why 4-channel mixers are more difficult to find, as a DJ is much more likely to re-sell a 2-channel mixer than the larger and more expensive 4-channel mixers.
4-Channel Mixers
Seen as the “step-up” from the 2-channel mixer, 4-channel mixers are used by DJs that are trying to connect multiple audio sources at once. This can range from turntables, CDJs, beat pads, or even some controllers. 4-channel mixers offer a host of benefits that, simply put, are incredibly difficult (if not impossible) for a 2-channel mixer to perform simply because a 4-channel mixer has more options to play with than the 2-channel mixer.
Increased Variety & Creativity
One of the first major benefits that come from using a 4-channel mixer over a 2-channel mixer is the increase in variety and creativity options. A DJ can play quicker mixes, as well as do acapella vocals. They can also better leverage the plethora of different available devices that they can connect to. This means, rather than just two turntables, they can also connect with an acapella device along with a beat pad. This ultimately leaves a 4-channel mixer with a ton of different functions and variety for their respective DJ.
The 2-channel mixer’s greatest weakness is its lack of flexibility. That means a 2-channel mixer won’t offer the same creative ability and lack of limits as a 4-channel mixer when it’s time to perform on stage.
Better Future Planning
This may seem like a stretch at first, but let me explain. When it comes to DJing, the reality is that technology is constantly evolving, growing, and changing. This is the case in everything, but even more so true when we talk about DJ equipment. This is because every year, new changes are made to the pre-existing devices out there. The controllers that came out today are vastly different than the ones that were released only 5 or 7 years ago.
Why is this important to the 4-channel mixer? Because, if there’s anything the newer developments will be able to link up to, it’ll be a 4-channel mixer. That means that, for anything new that comes out, DJs with a 4-channel mixer will be able to benefit from it faster than everyone else.
Are There Mixers With More Than 4 Channels?
If you’re new to the DJing space, you may believe that 4 channels are the most a mixer can have. In reality, some mixers can hold 5 channels, 6 channels, 7 channels, or more. These are usually a lot less common than the 4-channel and 2-channel options, but they are out there and are available if you’re to spend the extra money to buy them.
In most instances, if you’re going to any club or venue that has a mixer, it’s going to be a 4-channel mixer, with a few super popular places having more. This is because venues understand that the more a DJ can use while performing, the more enjoyable the listening experience will be for the crowd.
2 Channel v 4 Channel Mixer: The Verdict
Whether you’re starting as a beginner DJ or have already been in the field for a while and are curious if you should upgrade to a larger mixer setup, it’s important to know how 2 and 4 channels mixers compare with one another. Simply put, a 2-channel mixer is a mixer that can run a set of turntables while a 4-channel mixer can run a set of turntables alongside a pair of other devices.
By knowing what you need for yourself right now and understanding whether or not you should upgrade to a larger mixer setup, you can better determine how to make your DJ performance the best that it can be, both technically as well as creatively.
