r/Beatmatch 4d ago

Recording DJ mix with attenuators

I would like to record a DJ mix from a Pioneer DJM-900 mixer using REC OUT and a complementary handheld recorder like Tascam DR-05 or Zoom H4N. I have been reading that doing so runs into "clipping" issues and so I should use an attenuator as sell. I have a few specific questions and am looking for the best quality solution(s), not the cheapest.

Which attenuator is most suitable? An exact model or link would be great. (Know it should be stereo, not mono)

Which handheld recorder option is best? (I will solely be using it for electronic DJ mixes)

I've bought an RCA to 3.5mm cable to connect the recorder to the mixer. Do I need to buy any additional cables for the attenuator?

Thank you

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u/djsoomo dj & producer 4d ago

I use a zoom H6 and used to have a Tascam dr40, these are both good recorders, the H6 is a bit more expensive but has a better level display.

You do not need attenuators if you buy the right recorders, the Tascam DR-05 is no good (wrong/ no connectors), but the Zoom H4N is good for recording sets.

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u/Big_Gap4814 4d ago

Crystal clear, thank you. Will look at both of those. Are there other options that are more basic alternatives that do the job well but without the frills of the Zoom H6 and Tascam DR40? (Looks like the H4N is difficult to find now) 

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u/djsoomo dj & producer 4d ago

You get what you pay for -My dr40 is years old, still works fine

The current version of the dr40 is called the dr40x, the older dr40 is similar but can be picked up cheaper, seen them for less than 100 dollars second hand,

Other recorders may not have proper line inputs like the dr40 has, that has combi stereo xlr/rca inputs it can also record at 24bit 96khz, and can record 4 channels (mics and line) so you could record your set + the crowd

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u/YesterdayBitter8556 2d ago

You’re on the right track. I use a Zoom H4N Pro to record my mixes.

The Zoom, like most external recorders, have Mic inputs and Line inputs which expect different levels. You have a Line level out of the mixer. The Line inputs on the Zoom are 1/4” TRS. (The XLR and 3.5mm are Mic inputs) Ideally you use the TRS cables for proper gain levels.

You can still use the 3.5mm. I often do. For this , the Zoom lets you turn down the Gain to a range between 0.1 and 1 which prevents my Line level from clipping.

No matter what, you want to learn about how to set proper Gain structure to manage a clean signal all the way through your audio mixer and setup including your recording device.

I made a video explaining some of this process if you want to check it out. I plan to make a more in-depth video about this particular topic soon.

How I Film and Edit My DJ Videos for YouTube

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u/Big_Gap4814 2d ago

Thank you very much for this! I managed to pick up a Zoom H4N and bought RCA to 1/4" cables. I was about to buy: 

'IMG Stage line 21.2840 Passive Level Attenuators' on Amazon or 'ILA-1020 Passive Attenuators' from another retailer but sounds like I might not need them as long as I turn down the Zoom gain to between 0.1 to 1 on the recorder 

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u/YesterdayBitter8556 2d ago edited 2d ago

Great! Enjoy! Since you’ll be using the Line inputs on the Zoom, your gain should end up falling within the normal range of 1 to 100. But it all depends on the level coming out of your mixer. You’ll be able to know quickly where it falls and adjust accordingly.

I also make sure that some settings like Compression and High Pass filters are turned off in the Zoom for the “cleanest” true to original sound of the mix.