d.4 Pro 4-Channel DJ Mixer

At first pass, Mackie's 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 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 music production console for DJs.

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.

Do It Better with FireWire
The d.4 pro mixer 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 compatibility list). 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 Mackie made sure you could connect all this gear into a d.4 pro mixer simultaneously and tie it all together. No more separate compact mixer. No more audio interface. No more mess of cables. And no more stand-alone mic preamps--the d.4's genuine Onyx mic preamps even have selectable 48V phantom power for studio mics! But Mackie 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 Mackie d.4 pro mixer's performance features include:

--An Infinium optical, no-contact crossfader with adjustable tension
--Mackie-designed turntable and premium Onyx mic preamps for superior detail and maximum punch
--Smooth 3-band analog EQ with full kill capabilities
--2 "vintage" analog filter FX
--A solid 14-gauge all-steel chassis (substantially thicker than usual)

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 Instrument's 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 timecodedvinyl 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.

Tracktion 3
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 a track count limited only by your computer's resources, 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.

The Infinium Crossfader
How could Mackie create such a killer DJ console without paying special attention to the crossfader? They 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, Mackie figured you'd want to know a bit about 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.