At first pass, Mackie's new d.4 pro 4-Channel DJ Production Console may look like a typical, albeit very handsome, DJ mixer. But that's pretty much where any similarities between it and other DJ mixers stop. Because by combining unrivaled multi-channel / multi-track FireWire computer connectivity, superior studio-quality sound, Onyx mic preamps, massive routing capability, and Traktor Scratch certification, the d.4 pro distinguishes itself as the first mixer worthy of being called a DJ production console.
Specifically, the d.4 pro brings its professionalism courtesy of premium studio grade VCA-based analog circuitry, two of Mackie's flagship Onyx mic preamplifiers, audiophile-grade phono preamps, an Infinium contact-free crossfader, sweepable analog filter effects, true wet/dry stereo aux send, and XLR balanced main outputs. So you get studio-quality sound, Mackie's hallmark "built-like-a-tank" construction, and enough flexibility to place it at the center of any professional performance or serious DJ/remixer studio.
TRAKTOR SCRATCH CERTIFIED
Products that have been deemed "TRAKTOR SCRATCH Certified" are premium quality mixers with integrated audio interfaces. The objective of the program is also to serve customers who prefer an integrated mixer setup to the mobile and versatile solution provided by TRAKTOR SCRATCH using its external AUDIO 8 DJ audio interface.
Products selected for TRAKTOR SCRATCH Certification meet the highest standards for professional sound quality and seamless integration within a TRAKTOR SCRATCH DJing set-up.
DO IT BETTER WITH FIREWIRE
The d.4 pro is the first DJ-style console to offer onboard 14x8 FireWire connectivity with 24 bit/96kHz sampling rates. So you can plug directly into your FireWire-ready Mac or PC (Mac OSX 10.3.9 or higher, Windows XP, SP2 or higher), and start spinning all your digital music files from iTunes, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live and more (see sidebar). The d.4 pro's FireWire connectivity also lets you record your sets and original music productions directly to your computer without any additional hardware. This makes it a complete solution for building mix CDs, recording podcasts, broadcasts, or any one of dozens of other applications.
PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE PARADISE
A small DJ/remix studio typically includes turntables, CD decks, a beat machine, a keyboard, a computer, microphones and sound modules. So we made sure you could connect all this gear into a d.4 pro simultaneously and "tie it all together." No more separate compact mixer. No more audio interface. No more mess of cables. And no more standalone mic preamps the d.4's genuine Onyx mic pres even have selectable 48V phantom power for studio mics! But we didn't sleep on the d.4 pro's performance features either, so you'll be equally at home using it in the club.
In addition to its super straightforward layout, the d.4 pro's performance features include:
Why should you care about these components? Because they contribute to the legendary sound quality and durability which have become Mackie hallmarks.
SCRATCH YOUR DIGITAL MUSIC FILES
Like the flagship d.4 pro, the d.2 pro is among a small handful of audio interfaces that's Certified Traktor Scratch Ready. What's this mean? By upgrading the d.2 pro with Native Instruments Traktor Scratch software, you can mix and scratch digital music files on your computer using your standard turntables and CDJs with specially coded vinyl and CDs. While other DJ mixers require additional hardware to interface with special timecoded vinyl control records and CDs, the d.2 pro is set up to interpret Traktor's external timecode directly, allowing you to pull up your entire digital track library, right on your trusty ol' 1200s. Find out more about this amazing software here.
TRACKTION 3
Tracktion 3 software When its time to start making your own beats, the included Tracktion 3 music production software has your back. The production hardware bundle, easy-to-use software gives you unlimited track count*, and it comes loaded with a staggering library of loops, instruments, and stunning effects. Designed around a simple, single-screen interface, Tracktion is the fastest, most powerful way to turn your musical ideas into finished songs. Go to the Tracktion 3 page and get all the details.
*Track count is only limited to your computer's resources
THE INFINIUM CROSSFADER
How could we create such a killer DJ console without paying special attention to the crossfader? We couldn't. The d.2 pro's Infinium contact-free crossfader delivers precise, ultra-smooth response for years... no matter how much you scratch. And without the risk of dust and grime deteriorating its audio performance, this crossfader will sound as good in 10 years as the day you bought your mixer. Featuring an adjustable tension control, which can be set using a small screwdriver, the Infinium crossfader's feel can be customized to be as loose or tight as you desire.
AN ANALOG VCA DESIGN
VCA Design For the tech-heads out there, we figured you'd want to know a bit about the the d.4 pro's analog circuitry. Specifically, the d.4 pro uses an all-analog Voltage-Controlled Amplifier (VCA) design with ultra high-performance components, tuned to provide the maximum headroom and lowest noise of any mixer in its class. Thanks to this VCA design, the d.4 is immune to the deterioration in sound quality that often plagues traditional DJ mixers. Dust particles and the general crud of life wrecks old-school faders but VCA faders power right through these obstacles night after night, year after year, to deliver rock-solid performance with zero audio degradation. VCAs also let you fine-tune the curves of the faders to perfectly suit your style, and even reverse them via conveniently positioned controls.
* All software and hardware trademarks mentioned on this page are property of their respective owners.
Features:
- Premium 4-channel DJ Production Console with analog VCA circuitry
- Built-in 14x8 FireWire connectivity for multitrack recording and playback on Mac or PC
- 45mm Infinium "contact-free" optical crossfader for years of use
- 2 Onyx premium mic preamplifiers
- Mackie-designed turntable preamps for ultra-low noise and maximum punch
- 4 stereo program channels with CD, Phono/Line, and FireWire input select
- 3-band EQ per channel w/ complete kill filters and blue backlit knobs
- 2 "vintage" analog filter FX for on the fly transitions
- 4 position routing switch per channel for maximum flexibility
- Additional zone and booth outputs
- "Planet Earth" Power Supply - no need for power converters anywhere
- XLR main outs with mic/line switch for easy stage integration
- Crossfader features Resistance and Curve controls
- Advanced cueing section with split cue function
- Separate mono/stereo booth out
- true wet/dry stereo aux send for real-time performance fx via analog or firewire
- Individual program meters plus main out meters
- Traktor Scratch certified for live scratching of digital music files on Mac or PC