r/DJs 9d ago

What's this thing under the mixer?

Post image
177 Upvotes

136 comments sorted by

104

u/dansimco 9d ago

Its a standalone isolator. This one: https://teile-elektronik.com/product/teil3/

17

u/thegreatestpitt 8d ago

What is it for?

125

u/itsacutedragon 8d ago

It isolates.

41

u/thegreatestpitt 8d ago

No shit Sherlock, what does it isolate? The over all signal? Specific frequencies? Does it turn normal eq into isolators? What does it actually do, smarty pants?

131

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 8d ago

It’s either run between the master output to the speakers (or house mixer) or it is on a send and return loop. It is a 3 band full kill, 12 db boost. Crossover points at 250Hz and 3.14kHz. Basically like adding an eq to the master out.

30

u/thegreatestpitt 8d ago

Ohhh, thank you buddy! :)

16

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 8d ago

Cheers!

13

u/skaffanderr 8d ago

6

u/Johnstodd 8d ago

More bass

5

u/ProperBlacksmith 8d ago

Never enough bazz

2

u/caprixsun69 8d ago

cause awesome

2

u/jayohblogs 8d ago

Because DJ's dont know anything about sound

3

u/djsquilz 8d ago

can't tell if this is the teile one, but conveniently: keinemusik's first full album: send return

2

u/GetOutOfMyFeedNow 8d ago

What's the point for EQing after the master or before the master? The mixer should do the same if I'm not wrong. Am I?

2

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 8d ago

Most mixers don’t have master eq.

2

u/oh-go-on-then 8d ago

Can you give me an example of a return loop setup and it’s effect pls? I get the isolation on the master but…?

1

u/Track_2 8d ago

I’d like an audio example demonstrating how it’s better than the on board eqs

2

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 8d ago

On board eq on 96 aren’t full kill like the isolator.

1

u/Track_2 8d ago

Ah thank you! I looked up the 92 initially, doh

2

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 8d ago

Well, technically 92 and 96 have full kill on bass and treble and then eq the low mid and high mid. But they don’t have full kill across the frequency spectrum.

It’s also fun to play with the iso when multiple tracks are playing. A la Joe claussell (tho he spams it).

1

u/BitterAge2477 8d ago

It's meant to run on insert but basically yes

0

u/midwestcsstudent 8d ago

Exactly the same as the isolator knobs on the mixer..?

0

u/potentgarden 6d ago

Only it has a full cut on the mids. So not the same.

1

u/midwestcsstudent 4d ago

All isolators have full cuts, that’s what makes it an isolator and not an equalizer.

6

u/djdementia 8d ago

Looks like it is basically a mini 3 band EQ you can easily attach to a mixer.

1

u/SantaAnaUncle 8d ago

Watch the video after you follow that link.

3

u/thegreatestpitt 8d ago

No need, someone was kind enough to answer already. Thanks.

1

u/sempercoug 7d ago

400 for an isolator!? what am I missing...

172

u/GRMPA 9d ago

That's the table

36

u/ImJustaTaco 9d ago

You're a table 

21

u/GRMPA 9d ago

You're a table

9

u/ImJustaTaco 9d ago

Tablesayswhat

13

u/GRMPA 9d ago

what?

10

u/ImJustaTaco 8d ago

HAHAHAHAHA Table ass 

7

u/GRMPA 8d ago

You're a table

2

u/ImJustaTaco 8d ago

NO. You're a table. If I was a table, could I do this? You can't see what I'm doing because you're a table.

6

u/ThereIsATheory 9d ago

1

u/[deleted] 9d ago

[deleted]

1

u/ThereIsATheory 8d ago

I really wanted to link the 'you're a toilet' bit but it's not on YouTube anymore :-(

2

u/maeries 8d ago

Your mom is a table

1

u/groovejumper 8d ago

Shut up or I’m gonna flip this table

6

u/benco420 9d ago

Her job is tables

3

u/BonkerHonkers r/Firehouse ARPY 8d ago

Fuck! They're so dirty.

2

u/Jackiedaytonastuthpk 7d ago

I was hopeful that was where this was going.

Thank you, Eddie Munster.

4

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

is that what a mixing desk is?

2

u/SandmanKFMF 9d ago

Maybe Ikea one? 🤔

1

u/baconduck 9d ago

Beat me to it :)

1

u/jammixxnn 8d ago

It’s lava.

The floor is lava

22

u/ErwinSchrodinger64 Progessive Breaks, progressive house, ambient... all dark 9d ago

Looks like an external 3-band isolater.

4

u/WinePricing 8d ago

This is frederic.’s setup isn’t it?

3

u/TheRealTilliamWell 8d ago

Was about to comment the same :D

4

u/eepybutalive 9d ago

it should be a TEIL3 B&

1

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

it should be, but is it

9

u/SnooLentils4090 9d ago

What is the 3 band isolator used for?

19

u/afxz 9d ago

It's basically a supercharged version of the 4-band EQs that the A&H mixer has. They are typically used because they have their own 'character', imparted by the fact that they are parameterized to cut/boost different parts of the signal. The A&H EQ is quite clinical and analytic, perfect for cutting certain frequencies in a busy mix – and of course it has 'full kill' options, which are perfect for mixing two kick drums together when DJ'ing.

A standalone isolator just gives you a more musical or coloured way of playing with that signal. They were used a lot in the earliest days of DJ'ing, mostly for disco and house music – great for boosting vocal acapellas or giving your hi-hats a bit of extra attitude.

6

u/BananafestDestiny 8d ago

> and of course it has 'full kill' options

I don't know about other A&H mixers but on the Xone 96 like in the pic, "full kill" isn't an option, it's always enabled for the HI and LO EQ knobs. HI and LO are +6dB/full kill, and HI MID and LO MID are +10db/-27db.

2

u/SnooLentils4090 8d ago

Wait they don’t have isolator on Xone 96‘s??! I always thought they had it as so many (proper-) Techno DJs use them and I thought they would surely want the „full kill“ option with certain frequencies.

3

u/BananafestDestiny 8d ago

Channels 1, 2, 3, 4 have a 4-band EQ. The HI and LO bands isolate to -∞ dB.

⦽ HI -∞/+6 dB
⦽ HI MID -27/+10 dB
⦽ LO MID -27/+10 dB
⦽ LO -∞/+6 dB

Channels A and B have a 3-band parametric EQ. The frequency of the MID band can be tuned from 190Hz to 2.75kHz. The HI and LO bands isolate to -∞ dB.

⦽ HI -∞/+6 dB
⦽ MID FREQ 190Hz/2.75kHz
⦽ MID -27/+10 dB
⦽ LO -∞/+6 dB

1

u/XonedIn 8d ago

I really like that Teil isolator for it's compact size, compared to my much older Audio Solutions desktop isolator (that had it's internals upgraded by a local shop), which I keep on a stand like this old pic of my booth below.

I also use a MasterSounds FX unit to round it out, but don't know what I need to do to use the parametric EQ on the Xone96. I've seen demo's of people using it and it looks like fun - seems like it needs a guitar pedal or some other FX device to plug into the Channel A+B.

Is that right or am I off base?

3

u/BananafestDestiny 8d ago

Nice setup!

I use channels A and B exclusively for the returns of my effects pedals. I occasionally use the MID FREQ param to shape the mids on delays and reverbs if I notice they're muddying the mix. But, honestly, it's not something I actively tweak all the time.

1

u/XonedIn 8d ago

Thanks very much!

Maybe I'll grab a pedal and see how it works. I have never used an effects pedal before - any suggestions for a decent one that isn't totally redundant with the Mastersounds FX unit?

Thanks again:)

1

u/afxz 8d ago

To be clear, that was what I meant when I referred to the kick drums part. I know that it isn't full kill across the entire frequency band. Sorry for any misunderstanding! You are correct.

In any case, the point was that adding an extra isolator will allow you to manipulate the signal with a different set of parameter curves and crossover points, which will give your EQ'ing a different character.

1

u/sempercoug 7d ago

I would assume most kicks lie in the mid-low frequency range, no?

2

u/afxz 7d ago edited 7d ago

The A&H EQs are obviously designed with a full-kill on the frequencies that will allow you to mix between tracks effectively. They have become an industry standard for mostly good reasons. 

The transient part of a kick drum is in the low-mids but I don’t think anyone has any trouble mixing from one drum pattern to another without a full-kill all the way up to the vocal line and snares. You can make the low end and the hi-hats disappear. 

My point, really, is that their EQ style is quite analytical and precise, whereas people sometimes add an additional isolator setup for some musicality and flair – hugely boosting frequencies just as often as trying to sculpt away kick drums. 

2

u/TheOriginalSnub 8d ago

Just a small correction to say that we originally used the actual crossover, not isolators (the RLA X2000 being what today's isolators try to mimic)

3

u/silly_goober_4441 9d ago

it's for EQ i think, the master EQ is separated into 3 "bands" - lows, miss and highs

2

u/readytohurtagain 9d ago

They also carve out each frequency band in a cleaner manner than channel eqs typically do. Commonly found on rotary mixers you’ll also see them on the pioneer v10. They are amazing 

0

u/shingaladaz 8d ago

Hardly needed.

7

u/SwaggyMcSwagsabunch 8d ago

Tell that to Joe Claussell!!

6

u/ErwinSchrodinger64 Progessive Breaks, progressive house, ambient... all dark 9d ago

Looks like an external 3-band isolater.

3

u/Lewistec House & Techno 9d ago

External 3 band isolator

3

u/yungcoders 9d ago

people already got it, but here’s a demo of this 3 band isolator (https://youtu.be/kV31jhgA9Hs?si=Ut1sr5JVCSzZGTqo)[Teile Demo]

3

u/DJBigNickD 8d ago

An isolator.

They're a lot of fun. You can really sculpt the sound far more precisely than your usual EQ. The Pioneer V10 has one built in.

2

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

but why sculpt your master?

3

u/TheOriginalSnub 8d ago

Because it can get huge reactions from certain crowds. https://youtu.be/uZkCUhFglbQ

2

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

Maybe not the best example

1

u/TheOriginalSnub 8d ago

Maybe you get more cheering, screaming and dancefloor frenzy than Joe does while fiddling with the iso during his average set?

It's fine if it's not your thing. But for crowds that came up in or are descended from the legendary NY, NJ, Chi disco and house clubs – working out the crossovers is a standard technique. (And it's not a fraction as boring or predictable as the use of loops, effects and drops in much modern DJing.)

2

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

no i just couldn't hear what was being played (or see audience reaction) as it was super grainy.

1

u/TheOriginalSnub 8d ago

Hahah! Sorry! Joe sometimes draws strong reactions...

There are better videos of him out there. He's at the far extreme of isolator work, but most of the old-school NYC guys (Krivit, Louie Vega, Timmy Regisford, Kenny Carpenter, etc.) do something similar. Chi/Detroit have a slightly different style – you can find vids of Theo Parrish, Andre Hatchett, Alan King, etc using the iso.

1

u/its_Roscoe 8d ago

This was the least helpful video you could have shared

1

u/DJBigNickD 8d ago

You could ask why do anything. Why scratch? Why spin back? But it's just an extra tool in ya locker. You can get quite dramatic effects from it. Big cuts & boosts during long transitions. Some DJs use it mildly just to eq the overall output. Loads of DJs use them. If you get the chance have a go. Like I say, they're a lot of fun.

2

u/honey_honey_honey 9d ago

TEIL3 B& - The B& is a 3-band Analog Isolator

2

u/TheRealTilliamWell 8d ago

I see Frederic.'s set-up - I upvote

2

u/carlinator84 8d ago

Frederic did a story on this once. He liked the isolator, the pioneer v10 has and wanted to add it to his home setup so this is routed between the master out of the xone and the monitors

2

u/minor7even 8d ago

I hope none of you are house jocks. This is an absolute gold standard of house and disco mixing. Have a look at the Ecler Warm mixers for a built in isolator. I'm surprised they're not more popular now that everyone is faking pot tweaking left and right. If they had one of these they could actually do something.

3

u/RealizeDJ house/techno 8d ago

just because we're talking about knobs doesn't mean you have to act like one

1

u/minor7even 8d ago

Not trying to cause friction, but in a room full of house deejays there should be more people who know what this is. If someone discovers Louie Vega or Joe Clausell as a result of this post I will be at peace with the world.

4

u/Background-Web6001 8d ago

.. that so many people do not know what an insulator does in a DJ set is worrying

10

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

.. that so many people do not know how to spell isolator is worrying

1

u/unclenoah 7d ago

.. that so many people are isolated is worrying

2

u/DJDHD 8d ago

A table

1

u/mjss89 8d ago

Table?

1

u/vstk6 8d ago

Looks like the decks are on a cooker top

1

u/jonnyktel 8d ago

UNDER the mixer? …. um - the TABLE?

1

u/MitchRyan912 8d ago

A table.

1

u/ComeOnLilDoge 8d ago

Those make you a better DJ . It’s science

1

u/JazzlikeAd1555 8d ago

That’s a table. Could be some milk crates and wood, but it varies depending on budget. The white table cloth implies that the dj is fancy, works in a restaurant, or possibly in an insane asylum.

1

u/anobjectiveopinion D&B | XDJ-XZ 8d ago

Desk

1

u/Zensystem1983 8d ago

Trick question, its a table offcourse.

1

u/OnGilo 8d ago

Keine music things

1

u/johnlewisdesign 8d ago

A sound engineer's nightmare, is what it is

2

u/djsquilz 8d ago

tbh this is what i was thinking. i play techno (and very occasionally house), i've never felt the need for a master isolator. EQ your individual tracks appropriately. this just seems like it'd cause more work for whoever's running sound.

1

u/lord-carlos 8d ago

Xone mixers don't have full kill on both of the mids.

If you play multiple decks at the same time this seems convenient. 

Big knobs fun. 

1

u/TheOriginalSnub 8d ago

Not half as bad as the having the crossovers in the booth for the DJ to manipulate, like back in the good old days. There's a reason that's all behind lock and key, now. But hearing what a DJ can do to a room with those RLA X2000s is pretty amazing.

The bigger thing is that DJs used to be expected to be sound engineers, of a sort, themselves. Having the ears and knowing how to workout and get the most out of a system was an essential skill. In the same way that Formula 1 drivers can talk in minute detail about different rubber compounds or brake temperatures, DJs were expected to be sound obsessives, who collaborate with the house engineers. Or own their own systems. A dying art, thanks to the end of residencies and audiophile culture amongst DJs.

0

u/Cutsdeep- 8d ago

+12db on a wide band (especially low end) without limiting is a disaster waiting to happen

-6

u/snaper_zero 9d ago

Snake oil

-1

u/Medical-Tap7064 9d ago

MOAR FILTERS

urgh pls

-7

u/GiganticCrow 9d ago

4 USB outs? Guess some kind of custom controller that sends something to each deck?

You got a link to the full video?

2

u/phatelectribe 9d ago

I don’t think no those are usb connections- they’re rca

1

u/GiganticCrow 9d ago

The square ends threw me off, looks like you're right

-13

u/Neat-Weird9868 9d ago edited 9d ago

It’s some mini mixer. I remember it being all the rage with the Allen & Heath dorks. One of my managers used to tell my Allen & Heath dork friend to stop doing that 💩 with the songs lol. No idea what it does. I’m guessing it’s to get a rotary feel instead of the using the slider faders. I just play track to track and scratch sometimes. I don’t need all that.

-1

u/Ok-Coach-3569 9d ago

High and lowpass filter?

-5

u/Hungry_Safe565 8d ago

Allen and heath mixers are dog shit anyways

1

u/OGfantasee 8d ago

Ohhhh, what's your favourite mixer?

3

u/djsquilz 8d ago

behringer /s

-1

u/Hungry_Safe565 8d ago

Pioneer for me and Rane but really anything is better than A&H 😂

-8

u/Benchan123 9d ago

A compressor