Understanding the functions of the XLR Outputs as well as the different types of cables in DJ controllers or mixers would make it easier for DJs to set it up during events. One of the problems that most DJs have is that they completely focused on how to mix, scratch, loop, and use all effects but forget to familiarize themselves with the audio cables.
It is always important to remember that not all DJ controllers, mixers, workstations, or any music equipment for that matter are created in the same way. For that reason alone, knowing each cable is essential, particularly the XLR outputs. XLR cable is capable of reversing the audio signal’s polarity to eliminate noise throughout the line.
There is such a thing as a balanced and unbalanced audio output for DJ Controllers. It is crucial that you know the difference to be able to choose the right DJ Controller that is worth the money you are going to spend. When you look at music consoles, there are cable inputs and outputs marked in front or at the back. These are vital in transmitting the sound. There are two output audio types in DJ controllers, one is RCA, and the other is XLR. It represents the unbalanced and balanced sound output.
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Difference Between Balanced (XLR) and Unbalanced (RCA)
The RCA consists of only two wires, none for grounding, with just two conductors at the very end of the cable. When it is used, the sound output is usually muffled, has noise, and loses audio quality when it travels through the cable, and the longer the cable is, the quality of the sound diminishes. As a result, it is called unbalanced.
The XLR, on the other hand, is the very opposite. It consists of three wires and called balanced since the output sound would come out clearer as the third wire is used for grounding purposes. It eliminates the extra noise when the signal is transmitting through the cable reversing the signal polarity. Due to this added shielding of noises, the price of DJ controllers with XLR cable technology is a bit more expensive than those with RCA cable, but this is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Best XLR Output's DJ Controllers
Here are some of the DJ Controllers with XLR Outputs:
Last update on 2021-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Denon DJ PRIME 4
Balanced Outputs: Dedicated XLR zone outputs: 2 x XLR (master), 2 x XLR (booth).
A powerful standalone DJ system is the best description for the Denon DJ Prime 4. Imagine having under the control of your fingertips a 4-deck DJ Controller equipped with its own 10-inch touch screen for easy track monitoring and visual display of feedback. There is no longer a need to connect it to a laptop or iPad. To access your huge collection of music tracks library, a SATA drive bay is available to use. The back-lit performance pads add a party vibe along with the two jog wheels. If there is a need to add more impressive sounds such as synth, bass, drums, and the like, there are four assignable input channels to make it possible. One of the amazing features of this Denon DJ Prime 4 is that during live events, the DJ can easily transmit a different playlist on another venue while simultaneously playing music on another room through the independent zone output technology. It can even handle DJ lighting as well as video control via StagelinQ integration.
It is an all-in-one, play, and plugin ready to go DJ controller that offers a smooth engine for importing music libraries from different software including rekordbox, iTunes, Traktor, and Serato DJ. Music streaming is also possible either via data or the venue’s Wi-Fi.
2) Pioneer DDJ-1000 4-channel Rekordbox DJ Controller
Balanced Outputs: 1 Master (XLR) 1 Booth (1/4 inch TRS Jack).
If you are familiar with Pioneer’s flagship NxS2, you will notice the similarity of the club layout design with the Pioneer DDJ-1000 4-channel rekordbox DJ Controller. It is a 4-channel controller that was specifically built with the rekordbox DJ software in mind. There were compatibility issues from its predecessors, but now there is smooth transferring of music from libraries, and there is fluid selection of tracks via the rekordbox ‘related tracks’ feature.
The two huge jog wheels also serve as a display monitor for visual feedback of everything going on with the tracks. Instead of going back and forth with the controller and a laptop, the DJ can easily view everything with a glance on the LCD screen position in the middle of each jog wheel. The USB ports make connecting between devices easy, and the 16 colored performance pads are good on the eye when triggering hot cues and loops.
The club layout is well designed, with each section properly placed on the console. The highly improved fader offers more durability for intricate use. It weighs lighter than most controllers, so it is perfect for mobile DJs who are always on the go.
3) Pioneer DDJ-800 Rekordbox DJ Controller
Balanced Outputs: 1 Master (XLR), 1 Booth (1/4 inch TRS Jack).
The price tag for a DDJ-1000 4-channel can be a little bit steep, and this Pioneer DDJ-800 Rekordbox DJ Controller is a more affordable option. Instead of a 4-channel controller, you get a 2-channel, which is just enough for most DJing gigs. It does have the same club layout design, and most of the popular features such as Sound Color FX, Beat FX, EQs, along with the same jog wheels with an LCD display in the middle of each wheel and the 16 back-lit rubber performance pads for layering of effects such as hot cues, sampler, loops and the like. It also has a plug‑and‑play capability when integrating to the rekordbox dj software via PC or Mac computer operating systems. The license key for the software is included in the box.
The Pioneer DDJ-800 Rekordbox DJ Controller is lightweight hence perfect for mobile DJ events.
4) Numark NS6II Serato DJ controller
Balanced Outputs: Master Stereo XLR outputs.
This is another DJ controller with 4 channels that can connect other devices to it, including turntables, and other external music equipment. It is also specifically created with the Serato DJ in mind. It is very similar to that of NS6 but with more additional features and functions. Numark made sure that it enjoys the amazing features of a premium DJ Controller while maintaining a smaller and lighter design that is perfect for mobility.
The LCD screen on the center of each jog wheel is quite limited but still a great feature, thereby making it an alternative to having to look at the laptop for info. However, they are not as advanced as those screens found in DDJ-1000. The basic features include 3-band EQ, crossfader, 8 MPC performance pads with dual functions for a total of 16 pads, a 100mm pitch fader, dual USB ports for additional connectivity options, and two six-inch jog wheels with capacitive technology along with a standalone mixer.
The solid quality built of the Numark NS6II Serato DJ controller is reassuring, particularly for those who will be transporting it for gigs. It can be a daunting experience for beginners, but seasoned DJs will immediately enjoy all the features and the layout design. Granted that other DJ controllers are more advanced, but the low price tag is impressive enough, given that it has premium features.
5) Denon DJ MC4000
Balanced Outputs: 2 x XLR (master out), 2 x 1/4″ (booth out).
This is a 2-channel DJ Controller built with two Microphone Preamps, a USB Audio Interface along with touch-sensitive Jog Wheels, and dedicated Pads. It comes with a straightforward layout design that would be easier to master compared to other controllers with complex designs. The pads are dedicated to certain functions. Everything is simple but powerful enough to ensure that DJs can easily mix, scratch, and loop sounds as a standalone device or used with popular DJ software such as the Serato DJ. The license key for the software lite version is included in the pack. Aside from the Serato, the Denon DJ MC4000 is also compatible with Algoriddim djay 2 and Virtual DJ.
The sampling section in the middle of the console is just perfect as it offers immediate access to quick triggering, especially if you have a huge collection of samples in your library. The solid steel construction is an advantage during unintentional rugged handling whenever setting up in different venues. One of the best features is the affordable price tag. It is simple, dependable, and portable.
Last update on 2021-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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