Reloop Mixtour DJ Controller Review

One thing that all DJs know is that there is a virtually infinite amount of different controllers out there, all of them functioning just different enough that you can’t outright say that one is a copy of another.

The same goes for controllers and their different sizes. While we are generally the most interested in larger controllers, sometimes there comes a small portable mix controller that manages to make everyone stop what they’re doing and pay attention.

So is that micro DJ controller the Reloop Mixtour?

A super small and super portable hardware controller, the Reloop Mixtour is made by experts over at Algoriddim and the different djay Pro projects and platforms.

The DJ controller works best with Android and iOS tablets (like the iPad) and has a price point area that many people, regardless of their DJ experience, would find to be quite the compelling offer.

Here, we’ll see what the Reloop Mixtour can do and if it’s worth the time of anyone that regards DJing as something more than just an interesting pass time.

Is the Reloop Mixtour any good? (in short)

The Reloop Mixtour is a great option for those that don’t plan on actually performing on stage, but rather are looking for something they can use to practice their skills or develop some beats to play with before using their real DJ controller when DJing.

Reloop Mixtour: Our First Impressions

From a purely physical and first impression standpoint, the Reloop Mixtour, while certainly not “imposing” or “capable” to any real degree (especially if you compare it to any other type of controller) does at least look like it’s a sturdy piece of hardware.

While, yes, the majority of the controller’s body is still made from plastic, it’s a very tough plastic that you can tell can hold itself well enough.

Still, while it is made from plastic – and not metal cased – the Mixtour comes with an aluminum connection panel at its rear as well as knobs that are effectively bolted down onto the chassis.

The Mixtour comes with a surprising amount of heft to it as well.

No, this isn’t so heavy to give your arms a workout, it is heavy enough to surprise you as you go to lift it. In addition, the DJ controller also has an onboard VU metering feature as well as a full-sized set of controls, which is incredibly impressive when you think about the controller’s size.

The VU metering feature is great as it can be switched over between the master and PFL for an accurate gain trim pots stage.

The DJ controller is power-based, meaning you can charge up your Android or iOS device while simultaneously using it during a DJ performance.

This is also why you don’t need to worry so much about the backlit controls or the volume output area.

The Controls

When it comes to the Reloop Mixtour’s controls, it’s surprising just how great they feel.

Particularly once you’ve decided how you want to set up and position your iOS device or Android tablet, the Mixtour becomes a huge step up from just performing with a touchscreen sleek device.

Its gain controls do well for each of the channels which, when aligned with the real VU meters, offers a level of control that’s only ever found in higher-end professional DJ controllers.

The Filter Knob

The Reloop Mixtour has, as another part of the Algoriddim method, a single large one-knob filter that works to give a completely filtered/FX combo.

As mentioned, it’s a mainstay for a large number of Algoriddim’s devices and is well to be included here with the Mixtour. To use it, you’ll simply need to hold down the “Shift” button while repeatedly pressing the control FX button.

This allows you to choose the effect you want, making it a great option to play around with.

The Library Knob

The library knob works much the same way as the filter knob.

By using it, you can easily maneuver through certain tracks, playing different songs from your music library, particularly through your artwork. By pressing the “Shift” and the DJ headphone cue mode button together, you can utilize the “load” buttons for either deck while also previewing what track is currently being highlighted in your library, all without having to load it up, making the feature very useful overall.

Use With The iPad

First things first, like many of the other entries in the Reloop series, the Reloop Mixtour DJ Controller is a huge fan of the iOS and Android devices, having a particular love affair with the iOS and the iPad.

This isn’t to say that using an Android won’t work well with the Mixtour, but you can tell that its first and ideal partner is the iPad, with any other tablet option outside of that seeming more like a forced inclusion rather than an intrinsic one like the iPad.

Still, this makes the lack of an actual stand more than a bit annoying. It’s not a showstopper by any means.

However, the fact that the controller so clearly is meant to be used with an iPad or tablet yet doesn’t already come with a stand is a bit of a strange decision.

Setting Up Your Controller

Because the controller isn’t all that much, size-wise, when compared to most other controllers, the setup process is pretty open and shut. Pretty much, all you’re going to need to do is wire it up and make sure all the cords are properly plugged in.

From there, you launch the DJ software before turning the controller on…and you’re done. It’s a pretty easy process to complete, with the DJ software immediately being recognized by either your computer or your iPad.

Since the Mixtour has a built-in audio interface, you can connect your speakers up to it via its RCA outs on the back. There is also a 1/8th-inch headphone jack that sits on the front face of the controller.

The djay 2 audio sections of the controller won’t let you use your iOS version sound system, so you won’t be able to use your iPad’s speakers, which sucks since it means you’re going to need to have at least some DJ speaker setup already in place.

Taking A Deeper Look – Features & Effects

Now that we’ve managed to go over some of the physical aspects and features of the Reloop Mixtour, let’s take a brief bit of time to check out any of the controller’s features and digital inclusions.

Spotify Integration

One of the more impressive aspects found with the Reloop Mixtour is, as it is a part of the djay Algoriddim app software, it comes with Spotify music integration.

This is incredible for a lot of reasons, namely that you have access to countless millions of different songs to perform to.

You can load up and play any of these different tracks, provided they are in your library, incredibly easy. All you’ll need to do is hold down the entering “Shift” mode button while tapping either of the respective “Load” buttons.

This allows you to jump around and navigate your mediate library incredibly easily, having access to any of your tracks without much issue.

Cueing & Beatmatching

When it comes to features outside of its Spotify Integration, the Reloop Mixtour is understandably a little bare. It doesn’t have any pitch controlling, nor any nudging, basically tying everything up to the Sync button if you want to beatmix and match.

Still, there are some useful control options laid out to users, namely in its four transport mode buttons, which can be made into four cues as well as erased or set.

There’s also the “track scrubbing” feature (and its included “seek” function) that lets you move through and navigate your library of different tracks.

Auto-Looping

The controller also comes with a basic form of auto-looping. This is done by either of the two “Loop” buttons, which turns the loop to whatever bar length you currently want it set to.

Then, by pressing the “Shift” button along with whatever other channel Loop or Sync option, you can either double or halve the loop lengths.

Hit or a Miss?

When it comes to the Reloop Mixtour controller, while it is certainly not on the same level as many other controllers out there, that doesn’t mean it can’t be an awesome option for those interested.

The Mixtour’s biggest strengths, like in other Reloop controllers, lie in its maximum connectivity to the iPad (and iOS software) as well as its Spotify fully Integration device.

Because the controller doesn’t come with any jogwheels or additional decks, it is understandably going to have less to offer than other options. Similarly, the lack of features or effects does mean that you’ve got fewer things to do or play with.

So, “Is the Reloop Mixtour Controller a hit or a miss?”

I would have to say that it depends on what you are looking to get out of it. If you’re more of a fan of EDM or playing with your iPad while performing, then this controller may be worth playing with.

However, for the things that it offers, most people will find that something with more use is going to be a better buy.

Simply put, based on the price, its close ties to the iPad.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Controller Is Sturdy & Durable
• Works Amazingly Well With iOS & The iPad
• Has Spotify Integration, Offering You Tons Of Music Access
• Very Impressively Priced Option

Cons

• Does Not Come With iPad or Tablet Stand
• Doesn’t Have A Lot Of Included Features Or FX button

Reloop Mixtour: The Verdict

The Reloop Mixtour controller, on its own, while impressive for what it offers, isn’t going to be all that useful for an advanced DJ with any real skill under their belt.

While it is at a great price for someone that is just getting started and has no DJ skills whatsoever, if you are interested in something that you can reasonably play with on stage, you might need to look elsewhere.

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