A&H Xone DB4: Secret Tricks & Hacks
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- čas přidán 13. 04. 2019
- A year after the Xone:DB4 video I created went viral, a new video emerges!
This time I'm going to show you how to push the DB4 to its limits. I show you multiple performance tricks I use during my live-set, how you can use a hack to add a send/return to the DB4 (it doesn't have one officially), and how the Xone K2 via XLINK adds a lot of nice extra features to the loopers.
@00:31 - Trick 1: stuttering cut-off
@02:22 - Trick 2: delay sync on/off
@03:39 - Trick 3: change bpm manually
@04:42 - Trick 4: crossfade + fx swipe
@06:21 - Trick 5: send/return
@09:36 - Trick 6: K2 looper enhancements
First video can be found here: • A&H Xone DB4: My Secre...
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I love my DB4. Such an under rated and overlooked machine.
Hey, you. :)
It's the Daddy mate.
Me too, it rocks!
Amazing tips and tricks here that I never knew I could do on the DB4, especially around the K2. Really useful video mate, keep up the great work.
i have got to dig in with my K2. wow, that looper trick section with the new track coming in under the loop is priceless!!!
Awesome tips Dave! Thanks for the great content. These ideas will come in handy.
Just wanted to thank you for all the videos on the DB4. Recently was able to score a used one (very hard to find now). The FX options, loopers, and input matrix are brilliant. Sounds great!! While not perfect (no true send/return) it is damn close. Love that it can add extra mojo to any track when needed. Still learning and getting use to the filters/fx options and seamless transitions. Having a blast and plan to start recording live tracks soon. Still building out the studio. Thanks again - brilliant piece of kit.
Congrats with acquiring one ! Really nice :). Mine’s being repaired right now. It’s an oldy (as old as it was first released) and I’ve been using it extensively for 6 to 7 years now. Only one switch and a few leds had to be replaced. Super durable piece of kit.
Enjoy!
Thanks for this! I'm able to implement some of your tips on my Xone DB2. Much appreciated! 😁🙏👊
Nice Vid Dave, I saw your first DB4 video - and enjoyed this one too!! Cheers for your Sunday video drop!
Thank you Sonic!
Interesting and inspiring video Dave! :)
Thanks for the video, it was very helpful and I learned a few new tricks today.
And also your video is the reason I am going to buy the k2 as well. I was going to buy the db4 because I wanted to go live with ableton but also wanted to use the digitakt
Legend... thanks dave - that midi clock thing (settings for fixed bpm looper) just saved me ;) Peas...
switching to milliseconds for smoother delay change !! nice one .. thxs,
and for those that use the db4 with traktor or ableton you can sync the unit to a external midi clock also, i am on a windows machine and have loopbe installed, traktor is sending its clock to it
Its rock solid that way..
Hey mate. Do You have further Infos to this? Bought the DB4 Beast a few days ago and sycing it to Traktors Midi Clock would be awesome
awesome setup!
Great Video Dave. Thanks
Cheers Andy!
Well and again thanks a lot man! Didn´t know that Delay trick well I guess that means always RTFM for me :-) I already have a K2 so will definetly Xlink it. Awesome that you can mix them with a new Pattern. That means 4 Decks for me AWESOME!!!!!!
Yowww Likwor, glad the vid was of use! :)
Great tuto Dave! Alex Persia
Zo leer ik toch weer wat nieuws over mijn DB4 😄 Super👍🏼
i just got one of these last month, love this thing so much.. I upgraded from a DJM 500 i've had since 97. I'm still 1200/vinyl only.. Thanks for this hack re: send/return, I'm considering adding a dub siren to the set up and didn't see an obvious path.
Enjoy! It does remove the ability to use the que for headphone though ;)
@@Davemech As I look at this more, the units i'm looking at don't need send/return, just an standard in. On a general note, my current config L 2 & 3 analog, using C1/2 assigned to L2 and C3/4 to L3. I'll use C1&3 as the primary mix channels with set to kickbox and C2&4 for delays. I need to get more comfortable with looping, but this thing is crazy. I just stumbled on the "Rotary mode" - so I guess I didn't need to get a pure rotary unit for that feel. That's what I get for reading the manual!
@@eleeut haha yeap, welcome to the wonderful world of db4 tweakability. Have you looked at the routing possibilities for the fx (pre/post fader, pre/post eq) ;)
And you can simply switch inputs per channel on the fly while you are playing, so you can loop a channel and then duplicate the input to another channel and play a different track on the same deck.
It's a gift that keeps on giving.
Dave Mech haha, the more I look the more I find. I did get the pre/post fader feature but not pre/post eq yet. The matrixed input feature is amazing. You can just mix with just one source practically. Yeah... there is so much more that what I had been used to. Finally getting hip with the times. Thanks for these DB4 vids - they are definitely helpful. Now to figure out if i can get bigger knobs for the dry/wet controls for “rotary mode”.
I just bought a DB4 a couple of weeks ago and now getting a K2 tomorrow. :D I'm all about breaks, dnb, techno, and minimal. I just discovered this channel. Ill defiantly keep an eye out for more videos from you. Subscribed.
Welcome! And enjoy that awesome mixer :)
Great video
Cheers Johnathan!
Hi Dave, love your affort and work, thanks a lot for that....I was watchin your DB 4 with exitment ;- ) now Im left with some question, which one would you choose if you take only one, and why? I got an interesting offer for a PX5, but my feeling is the dB 4 is much more reach of the effects if I not wrong.....but I love Analog Gear and Sound, have some mixer like an Urei 1601 E and old but very nice Pioneer DMJ 909 ( has also great effects)...thanks for your opinone in advance...Cheers, Chris
Nvm I just asked in another video what mixer you have and now I know haha
I just found a DB4 super cheap. Can’t wait to try this thing out!
Nice! Wonderful piece of kit :)
Thanks for your Videos. I have the db2 and was wondering, if there is also a possibility to control its effects by a k2?
Cheers
Great Tips Dave, I am wondering if it's possible to cue in headphones the effects before go live in main output.
Thanks! No unfortunately that is not possible. But it's not really needed either once you are familiar with the fx section
Dope video Dave! Great tips!! Question, what if you do use the headphone cue. Is there a work around to still use the send/return setup you talked about? Thx!😎
You could always plug in a headphone, but you'll hear what you que and thus send to the external fx. No workaround for that unfortunately:)
But you can move the knob from cue to mix so you can still “monitor” via headphones. Just not cue...
@@thedrumunkey8582 nope. You'll mix in the mix to the phones signal and send that to the record out.
Dave love your stuff ( UT vids and your live act) inspirational! What would be the most important loss, if i purchased the px5 instead of the db4?
Cheers wanker! ;)
The px5 is more a traditional kind of DJ mixer. So for djying it's nice. If price range is the issue you might be interested in the DB2 which comes much closer to the DB4 in terms of workflow and features. Hope this answers your question!
Dave Mech thanx for your response, udaman. It appears to me that the the loop/ freeze feature on the db4 is HUGE in terms of live playing . Would u agree?
It's very nice. It's a pretty simple looper without the k2 but I love it. Creating a one bar loop of a groove sometimes crates a whole new happy accident groove. Playing with the filter and fx and then mixing in something new, is just wonderful
Dave Mech 🙏🏼to the mech monster
Great vid Dave. Quick question. When I activate a flanger effect, it doesn’t start from the same point like other mixers. It basically starts anywhere if you know what I mean. For example i have 16/1 selected and activate the effect it’s as if it’s already been playing so can start half way through the downward spiral instead of at the top. Hope you get what am saying here. Any advice?
hey Dave, great video!!
i have have the Digitakt i really love it!!
I am struggling to make transitions between patterns because of the track levels does not stay the same in-between patterns
so if i lower the level of a track to 50% and move to the next pattern the track will jump again to 100% in the next pattern,
is the Rytm mk2 doing this too?
or do i miss something here?
The Digitakt patterns don't share settings indeed. One thing you could try is change the workflow a bit. You can use pattern mutes, which are saved in a pattern. So when you tradition to a next pattern that track could be muted. Or prepare the next pattern so that track starts at 50% so when you lower it on the previous pattern it will go smoothly.
The Rytm uses kits. Kit settings are change across patters where that kit is active. So then that would work yes :)
Thanks Dave to take the time to answer me!! I will probably go for the Rytm mk2 this will fit me better. Big thumbs up 🤙🏻
great video want to change the way I mix now... we all get the same music but want to be able to add different sounds and effects to the songs to PLAY DIFFERENT.. do you like this mixer better than the A&H 96
Db4 is my go to mixer and simply a dream machine. I perform only hardware live sets so only my own work and db4 is like a substitute for a laptop to me. Xone96 would probably my choice if I were a dj.
These videos are amazing, thanks man. I have a question though: can't you do all of that with other mixers too? More specifically, what are the features that make de DB4 unique? Thank you!!
Cheers!
Not really no. The unique features (and especially the combination of them): input matrix, dedicated looper per channel, dedicated FX section per channel, switchable ew section with a HP+LP setting. Plus 2 high quality modelled to analogue filters. Etc. Etc.
@@Davemech Thank you os much, that was really helpful
@@somefreelog Ialso have another, older video about the db4 where I show all that in detail :)
@@Davemech Awesome, will check it out thank you!
Dave Great Tips! I was taking back by the fact that there are no send and returns. Your work around looks good but for dj-ing I need the headphone channel. Any Idea 's or is it just impossible to hook up a KP3 to this mixer and mix vinyl ?
Unfortunately no other send return hack to use the kaoss pad. You could use it on the master out or use it on the booth out, 100% wet en return it to one of the inputs. That way you create a master send fx. Cheers!
Nice. Heb zelf een DB2 en Digitakt. Nooit beseft dat de DB4 zoveel meer uitgebreid is. Groeten uit Zeist
sick vid. En wat een track ook man dope af
Dank je wel man!
Hi Dave, with al the effects in the DB4 do you use the Electron Heat anymore?
Certainly. the analog heat is wonderful as warming unit. And the way I use it now opens up a lot of sound design possibilities for my live set.
how about the sound of the mixer in general? I know it's digital, why don't you slap the AH on the master to glue everything together?
The sound of this mixer is very very good. I can still do that by routing every channel to the AH. It just gives me way more flexibility live this way. My previous routing was indeed AH on the master. But it has downsides . Plus you can't really go mental with modulations that way. Changing a distortion circuit also results in a click etc. So you can't do that when it's on the master out. Cheers
Mr Mech you're probably one of the few people that could really answer this, do you enjoy the workflow more from a Digitakt + mixer (like this or PX5) or simply using an Octatrack? Thanks.
Purely from a workflow standpoint: digitakt + mixer would have my preference. From a learning perspective as well. Don't know if this will be your first elektron instrument, but if it is, octatrack will prove to be much harder to learn. Digitakt + a mixer like px5 is a lot fun. Add a little looper like the boss rc-202 and you could do a whole live set. Cheers :)
@@Davemech Awesome thanks so much for the response! Ya I've been loving the digitakt for the last six months and at times feel the need to upgrade to the OT mainly for the arranging. But either way will want to incorporate a performance mixer. Love your setups and choices of gear really appreciate your content!
Great vid. You’re past vid sold me on the db4 last year. I’ve managed to figure out pretty much all the ones you found. As it seems, perhaps like me (although I’ll my Rytm or Nord drum looping setup) you’re more concerned with fx and performance tweaks than “mixing” tracks (ie multiple turntables), I’d like to suggest you try putting the db4 into “rotary mode.” Then you use the dry/wet knobs as levels and the slides as fx dry/wet. I find that it gives better/finer control of level mixing AND gives more rapid ability to slam fx in/out with the faders. Just a little suggestion.
I'll try it out :) cheers
Where can I get parts for this mixer.. All my effects on/off buttons are acting up and work when they want and ch1 select is the same..
Update to this.. I fixed the problem and got myself a djm v10
@@Gunner11763 and, are you enjoying the v10?
@@Davemech yeah it brilliant...
How would you go about using the db4 effects inside of ableton live ??
You can route things in a way that you can send the audio from an ableton channel into DB4, then in USB routing settings within DB4 choose PFL (pre fader level) or AFL (after fader level), then in ableton choose the corresponding input. Hope this makes sense. I might do another video sometime where I show this.
@@Davemech yeah that makes sense alright man.. Thanks a million
Back in the late 80's when I listened to pirate radio.
The Hip Hop records being played, the beat would drop then continuosly hum.
I've always wanted to replicate this as I have these Hip Hop records.
Would this mixer enable me to achieve this??
Also they would stop that record during play and the part they stopped would echo or reverb at different lenghts.
Yes :) of by hum keep on looping then yes. It has a looper per channel and fx section per channel. You could even route 1 input to multiple channels for layered fx :)
@@Davemech thanks for the info man, appreciate it!
Sounds like the turntables these records were played on weren't grounded. That's probably the hum my friend.
Hi Dave, I feel that my xone DB4, emits little volume, compared to the xone 92... Is it a configuration issue?
Any chance you are using the booth out on the db4? In the settings go to booth settings. It has a trim option which might have been set to something negative?
It’s so bizarre, the looper used to sync perfectly but now it doesn’t do perfect loops with my digitakt. No matter what I do…I wonder what happened…I have the k2 as well!
Just saw bpm has to be set to midi in the menu! Must’ve accidentally changed that!
can i have alll cue , lights on at teh same time. hearing all channels. my mixer seems to b one channel at a time, which i thiought was diffenrt to where it was a few weeks ago. i have just rented it out so im not sure if somone has changed the settings..
HP settings sorted it myself ...cheers
Why did A&H discontinue the DB2?
How does it compare to the db2 and px5?
Px5 is ver different. More a traditional mixer. It has one fx u it and a send fx which is nice. And its audio path is analog.
Db2 is the little brother of the db4. 2fx units compared to one for each channel and a looper per channel on the db4. Db4 has more routing possibilities as well and the option for a filter per channel. Db2 can set its fx units in series which is pretty cool
If you want to k ow more about the db4 I have an in depth video on my channel where I go over pretty much everything.
good morning, thank you very much for your videos. I wanted to know, is it true that firmware 2.2.3 exists?
Cheers :) 2.2.2. is the latest. Maybe there's a 2.2.3. floating around unofficially but it won't be a big firmware update but rather a minor fix in that case. So you're not missing anything
@@Davemech what a shame, I would like a firmware that has more loop measurements (8.16.32) and that has more choice in the various types of effects (like Pioneer)
Hey Dave - just seen that A&H discontinued DB4....while Apple made a new OS Big Sur.... Do you know if DB4 works with it? Any workaround ? Thanks for your advice as always :)
Hi, yeah it's discontinued. Dr doesn't work with big sur unfortunately. The hardware of the db4 isn't able to work with it so there was not firmware fix possible. On windows and Mac osx older than big sur it works fine 👍🏻
@@Davemech would it make sense to put some soundcard in between...or any other hardware like an audio interface? Thanks Dave!
@@Davemech from A&H: We had confirmation from the third-party driver developer Ploytec, that is not possible to run the DB4 with Mac latest software and hardware releases. We, therefore, regret to inform you that active support for this product now ceases at Catalina with driver 3.49FYI, this driver will not run on Big Sur.
It seems that Apple's advancements with the new M1 processor and OS11 have made certain technologies, such as the DB4 incompatible. The DB4 is ten year old tech, which deployed a 15 year old chipset. As a result from all this we have had to now sadly discontinue the Xone:DB4.
Please note, Apple still offers support on High Sierra, Mojave, and Catalina. We recommend sticking with one of these platforms to remain compatible. Alternatively, for up-to-date Mac OS integration we recommend seeking third-party interface alternatives and using DB4 analogue connectivity.
Alternately, as you suggest. It is also possible to use a third-party interface and use the analogue connectivity of the mixer. For Traktor, you can use the A6 or A10 cards. But we would highly recommend consulting NI on what support is offered on these products.
@@vedrandj2999 yeap. It's unfortunate but is what it is. External sound card could work but db4 doesn't have individual analog outputs per channel. So you'll be stuck with main out and cue out.
@@Davemech what about just having the external sound card like the NI Audio 6 splitting the Traktor signal across 4 channels and using it as a regular mixer? That should be ok no?
Will that K2 method work with the K1 as well?
Jup! K1 is the same. It just doesn’t have the audio interface
@@Davemech awesome thank you so much!
I was only thinking the last day it's stupid you can't change the timing of the effects on the db4
Any idea why the WET DRY KNOB is controlling the overall channel volume/level..?
You have the mixer set to rotary mode. Look for it in the settings.
@@Davemech thanks alot bro...much appreciate it.
Broowoo..any idea why the PEAK led lights red in the EQ fader mode, even when no sound is inputting through channel..? Normally thats for overly hot signals, one would think..
@@aliasghar907 you sure there is no signal input? Gain not all the way open? Also make sure riaa mode isn't on.
Is there any chance to use mic with fx?
Yeap you route that mic channel either to the main mix or to input 1. And then you could use the 4 main channels as fx and loop channels.
@@Davemech Sorry mate... would you explain it how can i route mic channel to input 1? I don't understand...(
@@aki3933 there’s a switch on the mic channel below the ‘mic on’ button
@@Davemech Omg..i'm so blind... thanks mate!😄
Give me 10 years and I still wouldn’t understand how that mixer works😂
Only just worked out the 92 😆
@@markyruss 😂
You make me salivate about this mixer... i wonder if A&H will make an updated one of these.. probably will be magic if they do.. just sayin...
Indeed, let's hope so :)
Pro tip : you can watch series on KaldroStream. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.
@Byron Aarav yup, been watching on kaldroStream for months myself :)
Tiesto brother?
Surprised the DB4 wont take midi sync in.
Yeah would've been nice if it did. I just change the midi clock manually which works fine, even in live situations.
What is affiliate links?
If you buy a db4 through my affiliate links (see my gear section in the description) you will automatically support me as a small percentage of the sale will go to me. Won't cost you a dime and you'll be supporting me :)
OK I see. I will actually buy it via bax shop with delayed payment (db4 with the K2) sorry. But it's a good offer though🙏
Cause I think your videos are really helpfull. This one will really help to get things started. Thank you very much 🙏
Glad you enjoy the vids :) have fun with your db4!
Why is the DB4 in the affiliate link so cheap?! Is it dodgy? Or should I buy it????
It has been discontinued so it wasn’t available on either affiliate link (Amazon ones). I removed those Amazon links as theyvwere old and I don’t participate in the Amazon affiliate program anymore. Currently Thomann and perfect circuits
Best,
Dave
Waarom geen octatrack? Of klinkt de db4 veel beter??
Zijn niet echt te vergelijken. De een is echt een dedicated mixer en de octatrack een groove box die ook te gebruiken is als een mixer. Erg anders qua layout. De fx ennde sound van de db4 zijn ook beter inderdaad. De fx zijn studio grade .
You can do the stuttering trick easy in Traktor.
Certainly
A very expensive FX processor...
...and mixer, and filter per channel and freely routable multi-mode master filter times two and input matrix and sound card with very flexible routing options and a 4x looper and very flexible fx engine with studio quality fx and sound engine.
Think you pushed send a tad too early so I finished it for ya 😉
@@Davemech ok I left out the filter... I've looked into using DJ mixers with hardware & I do agree the FX are great. But not everyone can afford an A&H just for filter & FX.
@@palindromeAU it's more than just fx and filters though, that's the point. Db4 has many features no other DJ mixer has (see my other db4 video for an overview). And compared to something like a pioneer Nexus it's not that expensive. It's a lot of money yeah, but you get a lot for it as well at high quality. :) You get one second hand for a lot less by the way.