Tom Talks Audio
Calling our new MXR series of products “mixers” and leaving it at that is kind of like describing the iPhone 5 as just a “telephone.” Sure, you can use the latest smart phone to make calls, but it also lets you do so much more that it’s really in a different world. This is why American Audio National Sales Manager Tom Freret decided to call the MXR products controllers, instead of mixers. In  this interview Tom takes us through some of the things we can do with this amazing new series of products.

So, you are really careful to refer to the MXR Series of products as “controllers,” not mixers; why is that?
“We did this because the term mixers is too narrow to describe what the three products in this series do to help mobile entertainers take their performance to the next level. The 10 MXR, 14 MXR and 19 MXR all perform all of the functions of mixers with the traditional DJ mixer feel, but they’re also digital compatible products that give them controller capabilities. This is why we show the MXR products with a computer in our photos; it gives a more complete impression of what they can do.”

Can you elaborate on how the MXR Series products go beyond mixer functions and also serve as controllers?
“Sure, they work as stand-alone MIDI controllers that allow you to control your professional audio software.  They’re completely compatible with all of the popular DJ software on the market today, so you can use the MXR Series of products to customize your mix and boost the overall impact of your performance.

“The MIDILOG™ channel inputs are a key element of the MXR Series. This feature gives you the option of using MIDI or analog inputs on all available channels, so you can not only exercise total control over any computer music software—you can also add traditional playback sources like turntables, CD players and media players to the mix with ease.”

That’s great from a controller standpoint, but how do the MXR Series products function as mixers?
“The beauty of this series is that you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of traditional DJ mixers to enjoy the power and flexibility that the controller features give you. The MXR products truly give you the best of both worlds.  The three models in the MXR Series all give you the tactile feel of a classic analog DJ mixer while you make cutting-edge music using your favorite computer music programs.

“The MXR Series gives you balanced XLR outputs, line/phone inputs, output level LEDs, multiple mic inputs (3 mics on the 19 MXR, 2 on the 14 MXR, 1 on the 10 MXR), stereo headphone input and replaceable crossfaders with curve adjust. These are the features you need with a professional DJ mixer, but you didn’t always find them in a MIDI controller.  The MXR series is so exciting, because it does deliver these mixer features while still being a state of the art MIDI controller.”

Any other features that make these products stand out?
“I should add that at  the core of each MXR unit is a DSP sound card with a 4-in/4-out audio interface that allows for seamless audio mixing of everything from Macs and PCs to old-school analog inputs.

“The MXR Series products also feature a low/high pass filter effect with bandwidth control to each channel, a built-in software browser, full transport controls (play–pause–cue–sync) and track load buttons—all mapped to the included Virtual DJ LE software.”

What are the differences that distinguish the three products in the line?
“Size is the immediately obvious difference. The 19 MXR is a 19 inch unit, the 14 MXR is 14 inches and the 10 MXR is a 10 inch unit. There are also differences in the number of channel and mic inputs and other features, but all are characterized by the same quality level.”

Can you give us a short description of the three products?
“The 19 MXR has 20 user-assignable, easy-to-navigate MIDI control buttons, 4 RCA line input channels, 2 phono inputs, 3 mic inputs (2 quarter-inch balanced, 1 quarter-inch balanced XLR), mic volume control, mic reverb control, Low/High Pass Filter control, 3-band EQ with rotary kills, multi-voltage operation (AC 100V~240V 50/60Hz), 10-segment VU meter, and controller mode and crossfader channel assign.

“The 14 MXR has 20 mapable MIDI control buttons, 4 RCA line input channels, 2 phono inputs, 2 mic inputs (quarter-inch balanced/XLR combos), mic volume control and talkover, Low/High Pass Filter control, 3-band EQ with rotary kills, multi-voltage operation (AC 100V~240V 50/60Hz), 10-segment VU meter, controller mode and crossfader channel assign.

“The 10 MXR features 18 MIDI control buttons, 2 RCA line input channels, 2 phono inputs, 1 mic input (quarter-inch balanced), mic volume control, Low/High Pass Filter control, 3-band EQ with rotary kills, multi-voltage operation (AC 100V~240V 50/60Hz), 10-segment VU meter and crossfader channel assign.”

How would you describe the price point that these products sell at?
“The MXR controllers are very affordable given what they offer and what they can do for your performance.  This is consistent with what American Audio is all about. We strive to bring advanced new tools to the working DJs by pricing them within reach of everyone’s budget. I think we hit a homerun with the MXR Series.”
 

For more information Contact American DJ:
U.S. Office - Tel: 800-322-6337/+1-323-582-2650 • Web: www.americandj.com
E-mail: info@americandj.com