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This PLAYdifferently Model 1 & Model 1.4 review was produced by David Michael, host of The Passionate DJ Podcast. [/alert]

Introducing the PLAYdifferently Model 1 and Model 1.4 Mixers: Richie Hawtin’s Brainchild (Transcript)

The Model 1 and 1.4 mixers by PLAYdifferently are fully-analog DJ mixers that seek to change your overall approach to mixing. The Model 1 has 6 channels, and the more recent (and compact) Model 1.4 has 4 channels. Outside of that, the units can be considered to be identical. 

To start, let me just say that it took me way too long to finish this particular review. I wanted to put some real thought into this one. These mixers demand that you think differently about how you DJ. Therefore, I wanted to make sure I did it justice when it comes to how to use these mixers conceptually.

Part of the whole fuss of this mixer is its focus on sound quality, thanks to its fancy, warm, analog circuitry. When I first started putting together this video, I realized that my house mixer and distant speakers weren’t really doing it justice.

The Model 1 and 1.4 mixers sound good enough and are transparent enough, that they will make you notice flaws elsewhere in the chain. This is the first time that I started to notice that the piece of input gear was vastly outperforming the piece of the output gear.

So, I eliminated as many obstacles as I could connecting my trusty-powered QSC speakers via short, high-quality XLR cables, and putting them fairly close to my ears. And, that’s how I’ll be performing the rest of today’s review

Who This Mixer Is NOT For

Rather than talk about who the Model 1 and 1.4 mixers are for, it’s likely way easier to talk about who they are not for. And we can figure that out by examining what the mixer doesn’t have.

Let’s take the crossfader, for example. There isn’t one. Nor is there a way to adjust the upfader curves. That rules out most hip-hop DJs, or anyone who wants to scratch. 

With no mic inputs, it’s clearly not meant for mobile DJs, or anyone who needs to stop the music for an announcement.

It has a robust send/return system, but this is used in place of onboard FX, it’s not exactly aimed at DJs who like to work within the box. There is no flanger, spiral, reverb, or anything like that built into this mixer.

It also lacks an onboard sound card. There are no USB ports to be found, thanks to a focus on fully analog circuitry. And MIDI? Don’t even think about it!

These mixers aren’t aimed at traditionalists, whatsoever. You’ll quickly notice there’s not even a  typical LOW-MID-HI EQ on the individual channels. Other than the main mix, your audio-shaping duties will be performed by a set of (resonance-free) filters.

PLAYdifferently Model 1/1.4 Overview

You’re either wondering, “who on earth is this for?”, or… you just realized it’s your dream mixer. And that’s exactly why this hardware company is called PLAYdifferently. 

Forged by Andy Rigby-Jones (former lead designer at Allen + Heath), in collaboration with techno pioneer Richie Hawtin, the company was founded from the belief that the tools used to mix and perform should be as creative and as unique as the artists who use them.

So today we’re going to take a deep dive into Model 1 and 1.4. I’ll explain its unique filter and EQ situation, give a demonstration on what it’s like to mix on a PlayDifferently mixer, and finally… talk about who this mixer is even for.

The Competition: Model 1/1.4 vs DJM-900NXS2, XONE:96 and MP2015

Probably its main competitor would be the Allen + Heath XONE:96. It’s similar in price, and offers some more modern touches, while still giving particular attention to sound quality (and having deliciously-clean filters). It has a four-band EQ, which gives you that sense of precision, without making your DJing any more confusing.

Other considerations might be the Rane MP2015, which is a fully digital rotary mixer, and of course, the tried-and-true Pioneer DJM-900NXS2.

Thoughts On The Model 1 and 1.4

As you can see, the Model 1 and Model 1.4 mixers are niche products. They serve a very specific kind of DJ, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

That’s something I can really appreciate, it makes no apologies about what it is. It’s confident in its own existence. I really respect this approach.

Although these mixers are clearly meant to break from convention, they’re also designed to be timeless. There aren’t any cliche or recognizable onboard fx that will date the sound of this mixer in 10 or 20 years… rather, it gives you a solid send/return system so that it can grow with you while remaining the heart and soul of your DJ setup in the years to come.

These mixers will always sound good in the right hands, even in 40 years. Products like that tend to hold their value, and they tend to have a cult following.

This is the perfect “love it or hate it” mixer.

There are two kinds of DJ who find value in these mixers:

• Purists who want a fully analog experience (vinyl audiophiles)
• DJ/producers who like breaking songs into pieces to create something new

The PlayDifferently mixers are intended to be used like musical instruments. And like a musical instrument, its intent is clear, specific, and limited. But for the right DJ, this mixer will be everything.

The Model 1 and 1.4 make absolutely no compromises. This proves to be both their biggest strength, and their biggest weakness.

Investing in one of these mixers is a move that could prove to be a bit anti-social. The PlayDifferently mixers require you to break out of your normal way of thinking especially when it comes to its lack of multi-band EQs.

Buying yet another DJM-900NXS2 may not be as exciting as something like the Model 1, but the entire appeal of a “traditional” mixer is that it adheres to a certain set of recognizable standards.

These mixers create entirely new standards, which is great. It’s just that you might have to teach your friends how to DJ on them if you like to get together with your buddies and mix. Some DJs will just flat-out refuse to use something this weird.

These mixers are ideal for loner DJs… or very dedicated duos. It does include that easy-to-use dual cue system that will link across multiple mixers, so that’s worth bearing in mind.

The independent low and hi-pass filters themselves are intuitive and make a lot of sense. They are extremely clean sounding and if you’re like me, you’ll do the majority of your blending using these per-channel filters.

That can actually deliver “rotary mixer vibes”, which certainly isn’t a bad thing. Especially since the channel faders have all their action in the very top of the range, it’s almost like the mixer is really encouraging you to mix in this way.

I really feel, however, that giving the up faders a more linear curve (or, giving us the ability to adjust it) would have opened this mixer up to a much wider audience. Having to make tiny movements in the very top of the fader range feels like losing precision, not gaining it.

Outside of these minor gripes, it’s hard to find anything else to complain about when it comes to the PlayDifferently mixers.

Conclusions

This is a mixer that rewards subtlety. It’s for DJs who like moving their hands slowly across a mixer, and performing surgery on music (rather than making chop suey).

If you like to close your eyes, get lost in warm analog sound, and make subtle (but important) tweaks to your mix rather than cut and scratch and rearrange it on the fly the music doesn’t get much sweeter than when played with these top-quality mixers.

The DJ Hookup is one of only a few authorized dealers of the Model 1 and Model 1.4, so if you’re interested, [call to action]

Today’s review and video presented by David Michael of Passionate DJ. Follow their YouTube channel for more great DJ hardware reviews, tips, inspiration, and more!

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