DJ Mixer question?

[i.m.]

I am considering purchasing a new dj mixer. I'm primarily an emcee, used to dj out, but now I just scratch at home for fun and occasionally for a little extra production on some songs with my band Shannfab. I have a Technics SH DJ1200 'competition' mixer, that is about 9 years old actually. The fader is super butter but goes out quickly, which I guess has been the main complaint with this mixer, I have probably replaced the crossfader about 6 times, still having some problems with bleeding. I like the mixer but the fader is going out again and I can't take this shit no more.

So, I'm looking for a new mixer and was hoping for any info or suggestions. Because I don't use it that much I really want to keep cost down, looking at the 200-300 range. I like the Rane TTM 54 but turntablelab lists it at $500. I was thinking about the Vestax 06PROA, the skinny one, it's got this PCV crossfader and lists at $300. I would like to make sure that the crossfader lasts a long time and if it's smooth, I actaully cut hamster so I like the switch. Turntablelab also has this Vestax VMC 02 for $169 and you can upgrade to the PCV crossfader, not sure how much that is. I know Stanton and Numark have alot of cheap mixers as well. I'm really looking for a durable mixer that has a butter crossfader that won't go out, or takes a long time to go out.

I know that most of you cats use the big gun mixer like the Rane 56 and so you may not know as much about the cheaper mixers. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, does anyone know a spot in Austin that can lightly service some 1200s, they are about 9 years old as well, and I heard 'calibrating' them can help?

Thanks,

Ian.

[rodney13]

you can't go wrong with vestax pmc pro series - pcv faders are solid and butter - not to mention the mod for the cut in time.

the tascam xs4 & xs8 mixers are slept on. these mixers are quality - everything that you're are looking for with solid, long-lasting faders that are smooth. the mixer is basically the guts of hak-eckler mixers. the only thing tascam has discontinued these 2 mixers but can find through ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tascam-XS-8-2ch-bat ... dZViewItem

from what i hear, stanton mixers are quality - i just don't have any experience with them.

[i.m.]

Thanks Bro. I figured Vestax would be fine, but wanted to get some feedback from y'all pros. I saw several of the Ecler mixers online that looked nice but some were a bit out of my price range. My only concern with Tascam discontinued mixers is that they would be used and discontinued, I'd like to be able to still buy parts like crossfaders if needed. Thanks again Rodney, I knew Superstar Djs would come through with the knowledge.

Anyone else, please holla.

[rodney13]

a little more info on the tascam xs4 or xs8. the fader and channel faders can be interchanged and are replaced with the ecler pro-fader found in the hak 310. these replacment faders run around $60.

the alternative is to see if eb pro-xfade comes up with an installation kit for their faders.