I am a mobile dj and I need a backup when the Prime 4 fails. It has never done it, but I need a backup mixer where I can plug in an additional device like a cd player or laptop. I know the Denon Prime 4 has a really good sounding output to the master so I don’t want to degrade the sound. What is a good and also portable mixer to use as end-mixer that will be put between the Prime 4 and speakers.
The fact the Prime 4 is failing is the bigger issue here …
It will probably never, but with update 4.3.1 I had an unexpected reboot. Luckily it was at home, but a good backup device is always a good idea.
Either Homeland is sarcastic (then I didn’t get the joke) or missed the question: DJSeepies asks for a fallback option IF anything goes wrong with his primary DJ device - doesn’t matter if that is a Prime 4, Opus Quad or Stanton SCS.4DJ (lol). Every professional DJ playing in public, especially mobile DJs with their own gear, should have some form of backup.
Now, in my case, that’s the SC Live 4 - certainly more than overkill, but I use this unit for my outdoor video sets anyway, so in case of paid gigs, I just take it with me. A similar and much cheaper all-in-one solution would be the Numark Mixstream Pro, the original one (as this is the cheapest to get). Just keep a copy of your Engine library on SD card insert.
As for a backup mixer, there are some popular, affordable and compact choices, that still sound good (as there is no DSP shenanigans going on, they basically just route audio and allow for some basic EQ adjustments), like this cute one recommended from DigitalDJTips:
You route your P4 through either LN1+2 (summing L+R to stereo), or into LN3/4, and your backup device like your smartphone through the Tape-In. Should your P4 really crash, you can bridge that time while your unit reboots. Also allows for more flexibility in general, playing music via smartphone while still setting up (or packing in) your main gear.
Oh, and there are several instability reports concerning 4.3 and 4.3.1. here and on Reddit as well. My recommendation, especially if you don’t need Apple Music (the original Prime 4 doesn’t support it anyway) is to stick with 4.2 which is regarded as very stable and even works with the updated Engine Desktop 4.3.x version. Possible that 4.3.2. fixed these issues, but I personally will wait for the next 4.x release, just to be sure.
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Beat me to it man, perfect device, tape mix in for all the Aux needs and then a couple of decent balanced inputs for DJ stuff.
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I like the Zoom L6 myself. A mixer and more.
Very nice looking unit but quite dear (I paid about 30 quid for my Behringer as an open box return from Amazon) and doesnt look to have any kind of Aux/Tape mix input for connecting a phone or lower level controller.
The OP edited the post and added “it has never done it” after I replied. So it was a genuine statement, not sarcasm.
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So Mackie is a good brand? I know Behringer from the past and it added a lot of white noise to the signal (even with faders down). I know Allen & Heath was good from the past, I’m really in search of a good quality mixer which does not occupies a lot of space (as my booth is limited)
I think it’ll definitely do the job, depends how much you want to spend really.
The money is not really the issue, I want good quality sound and no extra white noise 
Have a look around on musical instrument websites, Peavey, Yamaha etc all do mixing desks.
You just need to make sure the one you get has a tape in/Aux so you can connect something like a phone to play music whilst you change over.
I’ve never personally had an issue with my Behringer device and any kind of noise.
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Ah, a sneaky post edit, my bad then. Sorry.
I’m currently investigating the Flow8 by Behringer as it would fix both my need for a end mixer and adds some decent functions for the microphone channel. Which I miss on the P4
No it doesn’t have to have tape/aux.
Pretty much any general purpose mixer will have line level inputs, including the Zoom L6 that I mentioned. They usually don’t differentiate between pro and consumer level (although some may be switchable). They cater for the difference with the gain controls.
BTW most of the line ins on the L6 are -10dbu
How would i connect my lightning to Aux cable to that without having dedicated Aux inputs?
Via a suitable cable or adaptor, like needing to connect any other source to destination.
i.e.
Mixers like this are much more likely to have mono 6.3mm jack or combi inputs than stereo mini jacks, especially at the non-garbage end of the market, so adapt as required.
There are also RCA to jack plug moulded all-in-one adaptors
(OP mentioned using a CD player, not a phone)
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And i take it the mute button on the one you shared above will do the job of the tape mix switch? as i found that quite useful for quickly switching the source on and off.
i try and avoid fiddly adapters where possible as they tend to be the first things to go missing.
Ive also always avoided any kind of RCA to Jack/XLR type cables traditionally too as i was always led to believe they are a sub-par way of connecting, but obviously this is usually trying to connect cheap gear to a balanced connection on a sound system (hence needing a sub mixer to bridge that gap).
I think this mixer will suits my needs: 802VLZ4 8-Channel Ultra-Compact Analog Mixer | MACKIE
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Basically the big brother of the one I’ve shown. Can’t go wrong with Mackie, just might be a bit overkill. YMMV.
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