This DJ Mixer has some cool features that other mixers in the market do not have, such as Dual 8 second samplers, two seperate sets of effects, adjustable Q value for all EQ's and input faders, 100 storable EQ memory settings, and two assingable foot switch inputs that can be assined to trigger effects or starting and stopping samples. However, TASCAM dropped the ball on some basic features. There is latency in the response of the channel EQ's, the BPM counters are very innacurate (which makes syncing effects correctly in time with your actual source difficult), when triggering an effect to a source for the first time it misses the first beat and catches on the second (this only happens when first applying, after first time they work ok). I don't know that you necessarly can consider these anything more then quirks, because there are ways to work around each and everyone of them, but when it comes down to paying $1000 for a mixer one would expect basic technology like BPM counters to be spot on. I mean cheap mixers like those made by Numark and Gemini are able to accurately read BPM from a source so it was surprising that a TASCAM product would be so bad at it. Something also to keep in mind is that Tascam makes mention of an optional Midi-CARD for this mixer. Well the card is not available yet, and one would have to assume that if this card came to fruition that it would be sourcing its time Data from the same BPM circuitry that is innacurate at best.

Price paid

$1000

UTILIZATION

It takes quite a while to get used to this mixer, the first time you use the mixer its overwhelming so many buttons and assign switches all over the place. The placement of the effects buttons and switches are in awkward spot in my opinion. You will definitly be referencing the manual for a while till you are very familiar with the 18 or so different parameters that you can change. Fortunately the manual is very good, you quickly can find what you need to know.

This mixer is definilty geared for users who have the time to actually learn the ins and outs of the mixer. No DJ is going to be able to step up to this mixer cold and push it to its full potential. Prior experience with this DJ mixer is required to even scratch the surface, and lets face it most DJ's aren't going to start experimenting with stuff their not familar with in front of a packed dancefloor. As for build it seems solid so far, but this mixers is pretty new so only time will tell

SOUNDS

Sound Quality is good, seems to have a bit of a digital feel even when playing vinyl. Alot of digital circuitry built in hence the more digital sound. But overall it was good the EQ's are sensitive and very responsive small adjustments can really change the music. The effects for the most part sound typical of those on DJM's and EFX boxes, but you are able to create some unique sounds by really tweaking away at the effects. Its trial and error, but fortunatley you can save those settings into the Mixers memory and quickly recall them later.

OVERALL OPINION

I liked the Tascam X-9, i thought Tascam had some good ideas but dropped the ball on basic circuitry that is a necessity for todays DJ's. I would recommend checking out the DJ forums on Tascams website to see what others are saying before deciding to drop a $1000 on this mixer

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 5-, 2002)