Rotary DJ Mixer Buying Guide

It is not uncommon in the world of audio that people search for vintage gear. Some of us do it just for nostalgia, but many lucky people can testify that 50-year-old analog gear can have a warmer, more delicate sound than today's digital counterparts. With the rebirth of vinyl and turntables it is no wonder that other vintage gear is making its way back to DJ booths, often as a way to express purism, or just for the minimalistic looks. 

One way the old school is making its way back is in the form of rotary mixers. The whole concept of rotary mixers is not too different from today’s DJ mixers, they all rely on the traditional techniques of mixing, with CUE systems, EQ, volume controls, but that is pretty much it, and as the name suggests it, they don’t have any upfaders, instead they come with large rotary knobs for precise volume control per channel. Usually they will have a 2 or 3-band EQ, and they will most likely never have any kind of built-in digital effects, but most of the time, they will have those appealing large isolator knobs, for some interesting sound-coloring possibilities. Rotary mixers claim to have a unique feel, and to be able to create smoother and more subtle transitions.

Rotary mixers will usually emphasize sound quality over extensive functionality, and they will have very simplistic looks that resemble the appearance of old school radio DJ booths. Today’s manufacturers come with some very solid options in case you are looking to add a touch of vintage to your DJ setup. Let’s have a look at some!

Omnitronic TRM 202 / 402

omnitronic-trm202-trm402 mixer series

Don’t let the price tag fool you, Omnitronic’s TRM series mixers are fantastic choices, especially for rotary first-timers. They are built like tanks, and have very solid metallic rotary knobs with ALPS rotary potentiometers (Blue Velvet RK27). They not only have excellent sound characteristics, but guarantee a long service life as well. Both 2 and 4 channel versions have 2-band EQ, which might be a turn-off for those who rely on heavy EQ-ing, but the manufacturers have managed to find a sweet spot for the upper and lower frequency ranges, so mixing with them is fulfillingly smooth. 

To keep things even more purist, the TRM 202 and TRM 402 rely strictly on the volume knobs, with no TRIM control per channel. This is not uncommon on rotary mixers, most of the time you will not mix with all volume knobs at maximum, as many DJs would do with standard upfaders, the levels will be matched only with the volume knobs, so it will be a good idea to leave some headroom while mixing, especially if you alternate between LINE and PHONO sources.

Both versions have phono inputs on each channel and one MIC input. Both mixers are 100% analog, and have decent sound quality, although not as crisp as their closest rival, the Ecler WARM2, but still pleasantly warm. The isolator section allows smooth sound coloring options on the master channel, as it can either boost the lower / midrange / high frequencies, or completely eliminate them.

Besides their creative rotary features, the TRM series mixers is designed to be a perfect fit for all environments from bedroom DJs to club use, as they come with plenty of outputs (balanced and unbalanced): 1x Booth (RCA), 1x Booth (XLR), 1x Master (RCA), 1x Master (XLR), 1x Record (RCA).

The only difference between the two mixers is the numbers of channels, so the only thing to consider if you choose between the 202 or the 402 is whether you need 2 or 4 channels.

PROS:

  • Robust build quality, quality potentiometers
  • Inputs/outputs match up to club performance
  • Unbeatable price/quality ratio

CONS:

  • No TRIM control
  • Only 2-Band EQ

Ecler WARM2

Ecler Warm2 Mixer

While Ecler has been out of the business for over a decade, they made a comeback at the perfect moment, with the perfect product. With the new WARM2 Rotary mixer, they capitalized on the thing they do best: pristine sound quality. In terms of design, it is very similar to the features of the NUO 2.0

  • 2+1 channels: 2 channels with both Phono and Line inputs with a 3 Band EQ, TRIM control, and one Line (RCA) / MIC (6.3 Jack) input
  • Send/Return channel for hooking up external FX units
  • It has balanced and unbalanced master outputs and one unbalanced booth output
  • It is almost the same in size

Basically, the WARM2 is pretty much a rotary version of the NUO 2.0, adding fantastic large isolator knobs and a more sleek design, with wooden side panels. The “Alps Blue Velvet” potentiometers guarantee a smooth mix, although compared to the Omnitronic TRM mixers, you may not like the plastic knobs which also feel a little loose. This does not mean that they will not stand the test of time, as long term NUO 2.0 users can testify that they do last, it is more like a comfort/feel thing that may or may not bother you.

The sound quality definitely compensates for any issue you would have, Ecler mixers are some of the best sounding mixers in their range, many users claim that they even outmatch Allen&Heath Xone mixers.

The isolator is an absolute pleasure to use, and it fits very handy between the EQ and Volume knobs, we found it more comfortable to use it this way, rather than on top of the mixer. It can definitely expand your performance possibilities by boosting or removing frequencies, creating drama in an acapella track, accentuating musical riffs or creating a tremolo effect by rapidly twisting the knobs.

It is also worth noting that with its 18 cm width it’s one of the narrowest mixers on the market, so you may find this handy if you will be carrying it to gigs, or if you have to cram it into a smaller DJ booth.

PROS:

  • Best-in-class analog sound
  • Smooth design
  • 3 Band EQ
  • FX Send/Return
  • 3rd channel with LINE / MIC input, 

CONS:

  • Plastic knobs, which feel a little loose
  • Unbalanced booth output
  • No option for 4 channels

OMNITRONIC TRM-422

omnitronic trm 422 mixer

While the TRM 202 and 402 were both a huge success, some users did complain about missing functionality, such as the 3-band EQ, TRIM knobs, Filters; more or less things that are standard on DJ mixers nowadays. Although one of the main purposes of rotary mixers is to keep things minimalistic in order to maintain a better sound quality, some DJs just don’t like to compromise on their workflow, and the TRM 422 is Omnitronic’s response for this matter.

The TRM 422 incorporates every function a DJ might need, including:

  • 3 Band EQ
  • TRIM control per each channel
  • Filter with resonance and sweep control
  • 2 MIC channels with 2 Band EQ
  • Send/Return and Master Insert
  • Separate outputs for Timecode Applications
  • Booth EQ
  • Crossfader

It is an absolute powerhouse, with no compromise. Build quality and sound quality are the same as the TRM 202 and 402. Although we did like the purist approach of the first two models without the TRIM knobs, we always kept reaching for the TRIM while testing, so it is not a bad thing to have.

The filter works in a similar way as on the more basic Allen&Heath Xone mixers. You have one single filter which you can route to any of the channels. This means that you cannot use different types of filters on separate channels (i.e. a low pass on CH1 and a high pass on CH2). We loved that it has resonance and sweep controls, and in combination with the Isolator, you can create some very cool sounds. On top of that you can hook up your favorite external FX unit via the Send/Return or Master Insert, so you have endless options for getting creative with mixes and creating tension.

We think that deciding between the TRM 422 and its other rivals should be an easy one, as it comes down to whether you enjoy the more purist looks and approach with minimal functionality, or whether you like to have the comfort of all the traditional DJ features. 

PROS:

  • The maximum functionality you can get from a fully analog mixer
  • Same sturdy build quality as the TRM 202 and 402
  • 3 Band EQ + TRIM control

CONS:

  • Doesn’t really align with the purist/minimalistic nature of rotary mixers

Hi-Level RPM6000

Hi-Level-RPM6000 Mixer

The Hi-Level Production mixers are labeled as: analog audiophile reference audio mixers. The RPM6000 embraces a clear and ergonomic user interface, and it is mainly aimed for installations, such as broadcasting stations, recording studios, or any other environment where there is no need for any specific mixer, but owners want a reliable and fantastic sounding mixer to hook up to the PA system. It is most likely not an option for festivals or clubs where DJs come with certain requirements for the booth.

The 6 channels make it easy to hook up anything, you have MIC inputs and LINE inputs on each channel, but for turntables you will need a RIIA phono card. Everything else is spot on, like the 3 Band EQ, GAIN control, andthe smooth rotary knobs for volume control. You also get two USB inputs on 2 channels, for connecting digital players. 

The RPM6000 is built to last. Due to the automated manufacturing methods, there can be significantly fewer failures, and it goes through meticulous sound and quality checks before it is finally assembled.

We recommend this mixer mostly for fixed installations, where you need a stable, reliable mixer, one that is easy to use for anyone, and with absolutely no compromise on sound quality.

PROS:

  • Clean, no nonsense user interface
  • Audiophile grade sound quality
  • Easy to use for anyone
  • MIC inputs on each channel

CONS:

  • No direct Phono inputs (turntables will work only with RIIA Phono cards)
  • Suitable for DJs, but aimed mainly for broadcast / studio use

SuperStereo DN78ADB

SuperStereo-DN78ADB Mixer

SuperStereo mixers are built in the UK by Formula Sound, and they are most well known for their collaboration with Funktion One. With the SuperStereo label, they introduced a new series of high class rotary mixers, which not only deliver exceptional clarity in terms of sound, but also an attractive vintage design, with analogue VU meters, best in class ALPS potentiometers, and a cool rotary crossfader.

The DN78 is aimed absolutely for professional DJs in clubs and venues, with its stylish black fluted knobs. It has a very boutique, vintage aspect and it can certainly make its way to any environment, such as bars, record stores, or any other place where there is an emphasis on classy looks, especially with a turntable setup. 

The mixer features a valve stage - it uses vacuum tubes to increase the amplitude and power of a signal giving extra warmth and depth to the sound. The 2 stage RIAA PHONO pre-amp ensures faithful full-range reproduction of vinyl playback.

The analog stereo VU meters offer a more precise reading of signal level compared to LED meters and they also look very stylish. It is also equipped with a very powerful Isolator with +8db of boost and total cut for 3 carefully selected frequency ranges. It has 3 band EQ on both channels, and it comes with FX Send/Return, although just like the GAIN knobs, they are a bit awkwardly placed for this on the front panel. This can also be a problem if you want to embed the mixer into a table, which is quite frequently done with rotary mixers. 

The DN78 also has a high quality 32bit/384khz four channel soundcard, which is one thing we rarely see on rotary mixers since the Rane MP2015 is out of the game.

In terms of price and quality it is definitely in a higher league than the Omnitronic mixers, but it does come with a caveat. If you invest in such a mixer, it will only pay off in terms of sound quality if the entire signal chain (from your media to your speakers) is absolute high quality. Think of it like putting poor, low quality tyres on a Ferrari; it will still roll, but it will never perform as it was designed to. 

So if you are buying the DN78, make sure you have high quality media, preferably WAV/FLAC/AIFF, instead of low bitrate MP3. You will also need some speakers with great headroom in order to max out the performance of the DN78. Most likely you won’t hear anything super-special on a pair of 5” monitors. If you get everything right, you will be blown away by its fantastic sound. By its aspect, without any doubt, it is a piece of jewelry.

PROS:

  • Very vintage looking, beautiful finish
  • High-quality ALPS potentiometers
  • Mind-blowing clear sound
  • Classy analog VU meters
  • Built-in 32bit/384kz soundcard
  • Rotary Crossfader

CONS:

  • High-end of the price range
  • Gain and Send/Return knobs are placed on the front panel
Verwante artikelen
Omnitronic TRM-402
Omnitronic TRM-402
€ 429,00 € 499,00
Onmiddellijk beschikbaar
TOPSELLER!
Omnitronic TRM-202 MK3
Omnitronic TRM-202 MK3
€ 289,00 € 349,00
Onmiddellijk beschikbaar
Ecler WARM2
Ecler WARM2
€ 649,00 € 699,00
Onmiddellijk beschikbaar
Hi-Level RPM6000
Hi-Level RPM6000
€ 1.395,00
Beschikbaar op korte termijn
Omnitronic TRM-422
Omnitronic TRM-422
€ 698,00 € 798,00
Onmiddellijk beschikbaar
SuperStereo DN78ADB
SuperStereo DN78ADB
€ 2.899,00 € 2.999,00
Beschikbaar op korte termijn