If you eagerly await the newest release from Serato and you’ve been waiting for a “no fuss, no muss” controller that doesn’t require you to bother with a lot of non-digital DJ gear, you’ll love the Reloop Terminal Mix 8. While this is a no frills controller, it does put on quite a show with tons of bells and whistles.
Those of you familiar with the Terminal Mix 2 and Terminal Mix 4, you’ll be in for a real big treat when you unwrap this controller, their best so far if you ask this DJ! This Serato DJ controller gives you the one thing you truly expect: total control.
We know it’s great and somewhat reasonably priced…but is it the DJ controller for you?
Visual Appeal
The first thing you’ll notice about the Terminal Mix 8 is that it is, well gorgeous. For new DJs this type of controller may seem overwhelming at first with the buttons, knobs and thingamabobs. The truth though is that this full metal case will give you everything you need to learn how to DJ. At the beginning you may not need everything, but once you’ve completed a few online DJ courses you’ll be glad you have this monster on standby.
But let’s get to the good stuff. This sucker is big, not as big as some (Numark NS7II, I’m talkin’ to you!) but still pretty big. In addition to a metal body, it has that alluring gunmetal face plate common with most digital DJ controllers. You can also find the requisite rubber feet to keep this big baby in place while you spin.
The design is…well it’s what you expect especially from a Reloop controller, but not necessarily in a bad way. The jog wheels are instantly recognizable and the similar design means you don’t have to re-learn where everything is just to get through a gig.
Controls
The Terminal Mix 8 has all of your standard controls: deck switch, jog wheels, transport controls, jog function, RGB pads, FX (3 on each side), loop, roll and cue controls. Then there are the standards you’ve come to expect such as volume, mic, EQ, Aux, USB and of course a power button.
Many of the buttons are backlit so you can see them even in the dim lights of a nightclub.
Performance
More than anything you want to know of the Terminal Mix 8 is easy to set up and awesome to use, right?
Well the good news is that it is. Open up the Serato box and register with the provided serial number and you can quickly and easily access the software. Thank goodness they didn’t add a disc insert for registration this way even digital DJs who aren’t so computer savvy can always be guaranteed they are getting the most updated software Serato has to offer.
Once you’ve got the administrative business taken care of, it’s time to get down to the business of DJing. What’s really great about this DJ controller is that it is incredibly intuitive even if you’re fresh from your very first DJ course. The faders and mixers are properly spaced so there’s no awkward hand positioning going on; the jog wheels are responsive, they’re big and they work perfectly with the software. What you’ll like best however is the easy one click library knob so you can quickly select a track. It’s so tightly mapped that you won’t have to worry about skipping a track or repeating the same song.
Then there are the decks. You can choose to DJ with 2 or 4 decks, and if you’re a quad-decker you have 4 independent channels and cutting down on DJ confusion.
The performance pads are spectacular, and in my opinion, great for DJs at any level in their career. They feel nice—RGB backlit, click-free and rubberized—and they’re super responsive so you can DJ with ease without having to worry about fighting with your DJ controller.
Then there’s the second most important aspect of any DJ controller: sound. The Terminal Mix 8 has incredible sound quality. The output level is more than decent; the sound is clear making this a pretty solid DJ controller and a legitimate use of money if you’re looking to upgrade some DJ equipment.
Is The Terminal Mix 8 For You?
I really love when I get to review a DJ controller and there isn’t a whole lot wrong with it. That’s the case with the Terminal Mix 8. If you don’t like it, chances are it’s because you’re a Serato snob rather than because you really need DVS compatibility. It may give you more decks and more samples than you need, but if you need to control, finger drum, juggle cue points or scratch…the Terminal Mix 8 will be your willing partner in crime once you step inside that DJ booth.
The only problem you’ll have is deciding whether or not you want to fork over about €600 or $800 for a new DJ controller. If you decide to, I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
I hope I helped you understand this Serato DJ controller. Email in the box below to get access to Free video DJ lessons that will answer all of your questions on how to become a disk jockey!
Enter your email and click “get instant access” to get your FREE video DJ lessons showing you how to be a disk jockey!
