What’s the best scratch mixer? We know the correct answer.
Getting the right sound is extremely important in a DJ setup. Scratch mixers create a boundary between a home music system and a DJ booth. Being the centerpiece of DJ setup, it is worth knowing what you require from a scratch mixer and what is available for your budget.
Labeling the best scratch mixer is a complicated job. Considering the mixer is wrong or right depends on personal preference like the sound of EQs, effects, filters, and the requirements of the particular setup.
With gain controls, EQ, and several channels, you also need to focus on the fader. The fader should have a solid built and have a sharp cut to perform effectively. Here we have compiled some of the best scratch mixers on a budget so you can pick the one you need.
Best Affordable Scratch Mixers
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Numark M2 - 2-Channel DJ Mixer (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Roland DJ-99 2-Channel DJ Mixer (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Behringer Pro Mixer DX626 3-Channel DJ Mixer | Check Price |
 | Numark DJ2GO2 Touch DJ Controller with a Mixer | Check Price |
Numark M2 – 2-Channel Scratch DJ Mixer (Editor’s Choice)
Numark M2-2 Channel scratch DJ mixer is a perfect combination of functionality and elegance. If you are looking for a scratch mixer that is easy to use and features core functionality, you can go with Numark M2. This mixer has all the essentials required to hit the stage with confidence.
Numark is robust as it has solid steel chassis offering reliable performance. It can be used anywhere from mobile DJ systems to clubs and everything in between. M2’s arsenal of inputs makes the mixer all set for anything your setup demands. M2 is made for CD players, DJ turntables, and any other line source virtually with its line/phono switchable RCA inputs and two-line RCA inputs.
M2 connects to the PA system seamlessly and records performance with record RCA and dedicated master output. It assimilates easily with your requirements. Catering for vocal performance and announcement is a breeze with A 1/4″ mic input with dedicated gain and EQ.
M2 provides you all the necessary tools to meet the demands of your audience. On each channel, it has three-band EQs along with slope controls and crossfader reverse.
Roland DJ-99 2-Channel Scratch DJ Mixer (Close Runner-Up)
The Roland DJ-99 is a two-channel mixer with a superior finish celebrating TR-909 Roland’s iconic drum machine. The custom-designed Roland DJ-99 features a pro-grade mini Fader crossfader, 3-bad EQ per channel, and DVS dedicated output. It is popular among DJs all across the globe and loved by professionals and novices alike.
This scratch mixer has a lot of flexibility with great filters and EQs. It is an affordable option and a real top-of-line scratch DJ mixer that works well after decades of use. The design of this product is for everyone who wants class and quality.
Whether you are a novice seeking to get into the fantastic world of DJ or searching for the no-compromise unique scratch DJ mixer for DJ setup. The brand has a special status in the DJ mixer world and strives hard to provide competitive products at affordable prices. Roland’s scratch mixer is worth your attention when looking for a solid battle mixer from a reputed brand.
Behringer Pro Mixer DX626 3-Channel Scratch DJ Mixer
The Pro Mixer DX6263 is a high-quality professional DJ mixer with a three-channel design and integrated beat per minute counter. The dual-rail crossfader is exceptionally smooth with up to 500,000 life cycles for uninterrupted fun. The manual talk-over function allows you to work in several imaginative and new ways. It has three dual input stereo channels with gain and three bands EQ. The Pro mixer DX626 is simple to operate and assists your creativity. This scratch DJ mixer also has a BNC gooseneck lamp socket.
Kill EQs can be significantly lowered and can be increased, which is extremely useful for fading a range of frequency for a music track. In addition, you can use the switchable first channel for the manual talk-over function.
The Pro Mixer DX626 BPM counter ensures an effortless transition from one to the other track, making the session successful. BPM counter calculates the tempi of tracks where the right display shows the tempo on channel 3, and the left display shows the tempo on channel 2.
The PFL mix option enables you to preview music without disturbing the master signal. The three buttons CH-1, 2, and 3 determine the headphone signal source. You can preview the individual channels or listen to them simultaneously. You can get a perfect view of the board by connecting a 12 volt BNC lamp that is commercially available.
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch DJ Controller with a Mixer
Numark DJ2GO2 is a pocket-sized portable DJ controller with two decks that can scratch and mix. It has a built sound card, crossfader/mixer, Serato DJ ready, and a headphone output so you can fit it perfectly in the laptop or DJ laptop stand. The mixer gives you all the tools required to prepare, practice, and perform in different settings like parties, home, and the DJ booth.
DJ2GO2 offers connectivity in all situations, depending on what your gig demands. It has a 1/8″ connector and RCA cable, connecting to the DJ mixer, speakers, audio mixer, or recording device. It has all the power of a high-end DJ controller, so you should not get fooled by its mini size.
You will be mesmerized by all the essential features of the DJ mixer in this controller. It has everything that enhances your performance to another level.
The mixer has flare, cut, and chirp with precision. This powerful yet small DJ controller has a built-in sound card with a headphone output for cueing, load knob, browse, and performance pads for sampling, cue-point, and DJ effect.
FAQs About DJ Scratch Mixing
Do DJs Have to Scratch?
Scratching produces unique effects and sound by moving a record back and forth on a turntable. Crossfader on a DJ mixer is used to cut between records. Scratching is one of the essential skills that are must-have for DJs. It emerged in the 70s during the origination of hip hop music; however, you can use it in different genres.
Importance of Scratching
Scratching has now become the culture of djing, and it is a necessary skill for serious DJs. Moreover, this great skill undoubtedly gives the best impression.
Scratching is a crucial part of the history of DJing. Before beat sync buttons and DJ controllers, a person cannot be called a DJ unless knowing scratching. Learning the scratching skills is one of the best ways to pay homage to the DJs, and it will also increase your reputation as a DJ.
You put a lot of effort into crafting the mix that you are going to play when Djing. Good performance needs carefully planning the build-ups, cueing the right songs, mixing in key and whatnot. Scratching an untrained person means you are pressing buttons, but the crowd appreciates a complex scratch technique. The audience loves it when you get little creative. Every time you show off scratch, the crowd will become crazy for sure.
Scratching is the best way to express yourself as it showcases your personality. The songs you choose to play during the set give a better understanding of your taste. With scratching, you can add personal flair to your performance. Scratching is like spices in food as it brings different flavors to it. You can add personal seasoning to your performance.
Scratching is not superficial, but it is worth learning. Becoming a master by learning to scratch is not an easy task. However, it is super exciting and rewarding when you are on stage. Moreover, you do not need to invest a lot of dollars to entertain the crowd.
Some DJs can’t scratch because of two main reasons like some do not want to invest time and effort to learn this skill, while other DJs who play different genres do not want to incorporate scratching into their sets.
However, do not stop yourself! We insist you learn the scratching skill, but it is up to you that you do not use it during your performance. However, learning this skill will open new doors to other music genres. Scratching does not require any particular setup if you already have a DJ setup. You need only two DJ turntables, a mixer, along a crossfader. You can perform scratching with the CDJs or the DJ controller but get some sounds, records, or samples to start with.
So, the Best DJ Scratch Mixer Is…
With the technological advancements in the music industry, electronic music is now at the forefront, but DJs still have their way. When choosing the best scratch mixer, you need to consider many ins and outs. More I/O means more future-proofing because of more flexibility.
For a novice DJ, two channels seem enough, but the third or fourth deck is worth considering for more creativity in the future. Numark M2 – 2-Channel Scratch DJ Mixer from the list is making its place among the best scratch mixer as it is simple to use and features full functionality.