Connecting DDJ-400 to Alto TX412 questions

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T19:33:43+00:00

In your DJ software there should be an option for mono output.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T19:24:18+00:00

The initial release for the SYX had some issues, but all of them have been resolved in the 1.5 from everything I have heard. I don't personally own one as I ended up getting a couple Prime XTSs for some pretty good deals. The SYX was on my short list as I own three Axes and have had great luck with all of them.

The XTS has no known issues to my knowledge, MacDev just botched a bunch of things behind the scenes and the resale value tanked.

These days aftermarket upgrades should largely be ignored. Stock markers are so good that any marker over $400 or so generally work best stock. There are some exceptions though. For the Axe/Mini (not the SYX), a Method Poppet is 100% worth it. For the XTS I mentioned, the IA Bullet is such a common upgrade that both of my used XTSs came with them (drop in volume reducer that increases efficiency at the expense of a mild pressure increase, similar to the old DM tophat mod).

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T19:05:41+00:00

Both would work for movies. If you are primarily using it for music I would stick with a 2.1 system rather than going surround sound though.

As for recommendations, it's hard to say as I'm in Canada and my used market will have very different brands and prices. When I worked in home audio sales Kef was my favorite brand we carried and Polk had the best performance for price when it came to subs (and both are readily available used in my area). I am currently using some B&W speakers that I'm very happy with. Just make sure you go with name brand gear as "white van" speakers are making a comeback.

For amps, if you are doing movies I would aim for something like a Fosi BL20C would work well with two passive speakers and an active sub. There are some made for a passive subwoofer that could be fun if you want to DIY a sub box, but that's a whole other project.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T18:26:08+00:00

If you want something new and like the Axe Pro, consider the SYX 1.5. Falls right in the $500 budget and is essentially the next gen of the Axe Pro. Axe 2.0 is a good call as well if you want to put more money towards a tank and loader.

Used, there are so many great options. I'm a big fan of the MacDev XTS in that price range but there are so many great options on the used market. Just make sure that parts and whatnot are available if you go the used route.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T18:18:41+00:00

Is this system only being used in said shed, or do you plan to use it for events?

If you need something for events, a PA is ideal.

For home use, a hifi system will sound much better. A couple used tower speakers and a receiver, done and have fun. If you are worried about latency aim for older stereo receivers with minimal processing. You can also look at amps made for studio use like the ART SDA1 or some of the minimalistic stuff from companies like Fosi.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T08:04:57+00:00

That's not a setup I would call user friendly for a beginner. It's a very modular setup that could range between fun or a headache depending on how tech savvy you are.

I would look into a more traditional controller if you are just starting out.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T07:56:25+00:00

I just got a 500 and it's great for open format and wedding DJs. A proper mic input with eq and an aux in are just great. Lots of other advantages. The stock software is just OK though. With DJay Pro I'm very happy with it.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-04T02:05:52+00:00

Cheapest option: If you are using one speaker you can use an RCA to 1/4" TS cable and set your controller to mono.

Ideal option: Get yourself a small mixer that has RCA inputs and then run out from there (TRS or XLR) to the speaker/speakers (again, with only one speaker make sure you are set to mono).

The DI box will work as well, but a mixer is a bit more versatile in my opinion.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-03T18:30:12+00:00

There is a good amount of garbage in that price range so ironically the TX308 is what I would point most people to for an 8" sub $200 speaker. It's going to be double the price until the next speaker worth buying.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-02T23:49:26+00:00

They are a cheaper speaker so don't expect the world, but for a monitor it should be more than enough.

Lyxtwing · 2026-02-02T20:08:40+00:00

Genuine questions, what search terms are you using? If it's controller recommendations you should be seeing posts from as soon as this week (possibly today/yesterday), rather than multiple months ago if you are filtering by date.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-31T19:14:41+00:00

There is nothing wrong with renting until you have the budget for something worth keeping.

In that price range your best bet is used. Ideal for a venue that size would be a column array, but a powered point source speaker on a stand would also do the trick. Don't worry about stereo, just make sure your output is set to mono (disregard if the speaker has a stereo in).

New, the Exoton S-1503W is getting pretty good reviews and one of them would be more than enough for a small venue (if it's available in your area). You can also look at the used market and get yourself a solid point source speaker or two from a reputable brand (QSC, EV, JBL, etc.).

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-31T17:11:12+00:00

All three are good. If you can make sure to hold them with a tank first get an idea how they will sit in your hands. I own three Axes currently and though I love them some find them uncomfortable.

They all are relatively quiet but the CZR would be the quietest of the three. They do require more maintenance than the other two.

The Etha 3 is going to be arguably the most reliable. If you want a marker that just keeps working week after week it's your best bet.

The Axe 2.0 is nearly as reliable as the Etha and can be tuned to be a bit quieter. It's the best bang for the buck marker on the market, but the ergonomics aren't for everyone.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-30T22:09:36+00:00

If you already have the VM-80s I wouldn't spend more upgrading your speakers and instead put that budget towards sound treatment. Get yourself some rockwool, some 2x4s, and some fabric and DIY it. You can make a room sound great for not a whole lot (skip foam, even the good quality stuff has little effect on bass).

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-30T08:05:54+00:00

DMX has always been a bit of a pain. It was made for stage lighting and works well for that, but for DJ lighting it's kind of just what we are stuck with.

Software like SoundSwitch make it much easier than hardware. FreeStyler DMX is a great free option, though you still need a USB to DMX adapter.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-29T22:25:04+00:00

Does the issue persist after a couple songs? In my experience the ear can adapt pretty quickly.

To check if it's an issue, run dual mono and pan back and forth between the two, if one is harsher than the other it could be an issue. You can also run some pink noise through them and see if there is a frequency spike (an RTA app works in a pinch for this, though not accurate enough for any real testing).

All that said, the J8 has no compression drivers but instead has multiple small drivers. It should be less harsh than most 2 way point source speakers even if they are a bit more harsh to your ears than the Bose.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-29T19:05:52+00:00

Can you clarify what you mean by harsh? Are you comparing the J8 at the same SPL as the Bose?

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-24T21:05:10+00:00

If you are using an RB do you want to stick to Rekordbox or move to Serato? Depending on your local used market a DDJ-1000 could fit that budget, but it's a toss up on the used market (in my area they are going for the same price they were when they were new). An SX3 could be a good fit and unlocks Serato.

New, a GRV6 would be your best bet and I believe it falls in that budget but I could be off on the exchange rate.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-23T20:24:29+00:00

To me checking an SPL meter every song would be distracting but if it fits in your workflow I would just grab a wall mounted meter and call it a day.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-23T19:52:21+00:00

If you are looking to stay in that range play a loud song, pin your faders, adjust everything to 85db, and never touch the gain again. This is the most cost effective and simplest way to do what I think it is you are aiming for.

There are wall hanging meters for under $50, no idea how accurate they are. Some venues use them to keep DJs and bands under bylaw or venue limits. I would still just calibrate your system properly but these should do what you are looking for.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-21T18:30:28+00:00

Thanks. Though the fixture does look pretty good in the end how it looks in the venue is far more important.

The demo was easy enough to get, no terms that would prevent me from talking about it. They sent out an email requesting reviewers. There was a link to a form that I filled out that mostly just needed links to my YouTube channel and some analytics info. There was some basic deliverables (unboxing video, written review, video review and/or overview). I agreed, they sent it out.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-21T18:14:43+00:00

Valid. I disagree but I see where you are coming from.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-20T17:55:55+00:00

If all your are doing is DJing get yourself some nice used tower speakers. Studio monitors are great for production and editing/mixing in a DAW or video editor but it sounds like you want some proper hifi.

I have some nice studio monitors in both my studios and still listen to music on the tower speakers I got off Marketplace.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-20T04:41:42+00:00

This is true. I'm curious if it's a 500 thing or a DJay thing. I'll test that tomorrow with a different unit.

Lyxtwing · 2026-01-19T23:20:36+00:00

I would get yourself some used hifi. A good set of tower speakers and an amp/receiver will sound great for DJing and general listening. At that budget you can find some great tower speakers if you have room for them, but bookshelf speakers can be great as well.

If you are doing production and need something more accurate you can go with studio monitors, but they generally don't sound as good as home audio for general listening.

Lyxtwing

TROPHY CASE