Best new DJ mixer 2024: AlphaTheta Euphonia
As 2024 draws to a close and we look ahead to 2025, we’re bringing you our picks of the best new gear this year, from synths to DJ mixers.
In a relatively quiet year for new DJ tech, one category has seen more new releases than any other. While we might not have seen many new turntables or headphones, we’ve been inundated with new DJ mixers, from traditional designs to fresh new takes.
It almost seems unfair to pit cutting-edge designs against vintage-inspired audiophile models and updated modern classics, so first let’s pay credit to a few honourable mentions. Allen & Heath’s Xone:92 benefited from a mk2 update, a rare honour for any DJ mixer but one which is justified by its enduring popularity. The mk2 version is effectively a full production run based on the limited-edition 25th anniversary model, making a series of subtle but important improvements to the original design. Filters have been tweaked, now engaging without any pops, while pre-amps have been tweaked for better sound matching. A new custom innoFader adds precision and durability, while the response curve of the channel faders can now also be adjusted to taste. All in all, a worthy update to a legendary design.
Towards the more affordable reaches of the market, three notable rotary mixers were released this year. Headliner’s R2, Omnitronic’s TRM-222 and Ecler’s WARM4 all represented great value at their respective price points, from entry level through to mid-range respectively. The Omnitronic in particular felt like a real sweet spot for home DJ use, coming in at under £550 and offering a substantial step up in features from the hugely popular TRM-202 MK3.
Winner: AlphaTheta Euphonia
But if we have to narrow it down to a single winner, we’re opting for the AlphaTheta Euphonia, an intriguing release which helped signal the ongoing transition process from Pioneer DJ to the AlphaTheta brand. AlphaTheta’s first releases have shown a commitment to innovation, helping to push forward the attitude which helped establish Pioneer as market leaders for DJ tech. The Euphonia combines digital and analogue, retro and futuristic elements into an intriguing new approach.
At heart, the Euphonia is a clean, neutral four-channel mixer, but it’s complemented by elements like a three-band isolator and a Rupert Neve output transformer which colour the sound and introduce character. The lower section of the mixer feels fairly straightforward, while the upper section represents the areas where AlphaTheta are pushing boundaries with the design and features. The isolator itself is a key part to the Euphonia’s approach, but it’s also interlinked with the Pioneer-style effects section in a unique way. The frequencies are designed to “control and highlight the kick, melody and rhythm bands” in AlphaTheta’s words – quite standard stuff, really – but the ‘Boost Send’ buttons work alongside the channel sends to control effects via the isolator. It’s a fresh and exciting way to perform, showcasing the way that mixers can still offer new creative approaches.
The Euphonia is very much a premium product, but what exactly can you compare it to? At £3,249, it sits almost exactly half way between the hand-built, audiophile-friendly ARS Model 9500B and Pioneer’s four-channel DJM-A9, which represents the closest thing to an industry standard club mixer. If you’re drawn to the combination of digital tech, analogue warmth and playability then the Euphonia meets all expectations. A fascinating glimpse at what might be a future model for DJ mixers.
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