Ecler Warm2 Review

After 13 years of hiatus, the popular Spanish manufacturer Ecler returns with its brand-new rotary mixer WARM2. Ecler has always been known for its excellent sound quality and minimalist design, primarily used in the private domain rather than in clubs.

Currently, the WARM2 is the only DJ mixer produced by Ecler. After experimenting with it, we consider it a promising product that remains faithful to the characteristic warm sound of Ecler mixers (as the name suggests).

Since most rotary mixers today largely mimic the tactile feel of old-school rotary mixers, we expect a vintage device like this to have a solid metal construction, and that's exactly what we get with the WARM2. Additionally, there are a few wooden side panels that emphasize the classic appeal of this mixer. For those willing to trade the vintage look for a bit more space, these can also be removed, providing an extra 2 centimeters of clearance on the sides.

From a quality and tactile perspective, the plastic knobs of the EQs don't quite match the robust metal construction, but since it's an analog mixer, this is understandable from a technical standpoint, as the plastic knobs interfere less with the mixer's sound.

The tactile feel is very similar to that of the Ecler Nuo, and we can confirm that the knobs of the Nuo have proven themselves over the years, so we're not concerned about this aspect of the WARM2.

The extra-large volume controls have a wonderfully smooth, linear curve, just as one would expect from a rotary mixer. The positioning of the master and cue VU meters between the volume controls is a bit tricky, as we usually look for them on the top of the mixer, but given the limited space, this was an obvious choice.

Directly above the volume controls are the ISOLATOR controls, which are an essential element in this type of mixer.

Those who haven't explored this function will surely wonder why an isolator is needed when EQs are already present?

The crossover frequencies of the isolator differ from those of the EQs. They are mainly used for sound coloring rather than mixing. The crossover frequencies for the WARM2 are 300 Hz (low-mid) and 4000 Hz (mid-high).

Additionally, the WARM2 features an additional third channel that can be used as a MIC channel or via the LINE input. It has a 2-band EQ and a TRIM function, and its volume control is located directly below the EQ. Speaking of the MIC channel: the WARM2 has a very rare feature for DJ mixers: it provides 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones.

The WARM2 allows us to connect our preferred effects via the SEND/RETURN channel, with both main channels having SEND controls.

The I/O section is very well-equipped for such a small device: 1x Master XLR output, 1x Cinch BOOTH output, RECORD output (labeled as: HOUSE); 2 headphone outputs (3.5mm and 6.3mm jacks).

DJs who play with vinyl will not be disappointed by the phono preamps, which have a very balanced sound and deliver a clean signal.

Overall, the WARM2 is nothing but a top-notch 2-channel rotary mixer, with premium sound quality, as warm and bright as the place where it's manufactured: Barcelona.

It's a mixer that respects the legacy of Ecler mixers, and we hope to see a WARM4 with 4 channels very soon.