DJ mixer

Hip hop DJs and turntablists use the DJ mixer to play record players like a musical instrument and create new sounds.

DJs and turntablists in hip hop music and nu metal use DJ mixers to create beats, loops and so-called scratching sound effects.

The other points along the crossfader's path produce different mixes of A and B. DJ mixers typically have phono preamplifiers to hook up turntables.

In some cases, such as when a DJ is performing a set at a club for dancers that is also being simultaneously broadcast over the radio or television system or recorded for a music video or other show, the output from the DJ mixer is plugged into the sound reinforcement system and into the main audio console being used for the broadcast and/or recording.

Some DJ mixers can take batteries, which enables users to mix songs outside or away from electric power sources, with the output being plugged into a portable boom box or other battery-powered sound system.

DJ mixing played a key role in the development of the African-American style of hip hop music.

Many smaller Jamaican DJs utilized DJ mixers to mix music that reflected their daily struggle in society.

It was not until Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" in 1983 that the turntablism movement was recognized in popular music outside of a hip hop context.

In the United States, Black artists who rose to fame/influence were regarded as entrepreneurs in their respected communities and inspired their counterparts who faced the everyday struggle of racism.

Countless times, young black men in the urban scene were refused of the opportunity to establish their DJ careers through gigs and live-performances.

DJ equipment not only assisted in the ability to transition songs, but also played a large role in gender dynamics within the club scene.

The utilization of DJ mixing technology allowed DJs to cater to larger audiences and not leave out a particular group.

Using microphone mixers plugged into turntables, Ricky could find creative ways to chop beat patterns without the need of modern mixing technologies.

Many young aspiring Black DJs along with Ricky pioneered other workarounds, advancing DJ culture and technology.

A Numark DM2002X Pro Master DJ mixer. This three channel mixer can have up to three input sound sources. The gain control knobs and equalization control knobs allow the volume and tone of each sound source to be adjusted. The vertical faders allow for further adjustment of the volume of each sound source. The horizontally-mounted crossfader enables the DJ to smoothly transition from a song on one sound source to a song from a different sound source.
DJ Qbert in Rainbow Warehouse in Birmingham (Video with close-up photography at the DJ mixer, though without sound). From 1:36, heavy use of the crossfader can be seen.
An iRig Mix DJ mixer
A disc jockey performing at the 2009 Air Force Ball. With one hand he is manipulating a vinyl record on a turnable; the other hand is controlling the mix with a DJ mixer.