DJ controllers with iPad support have been few and far between and often lacking features. However, with the release of the Mixon 8 Pro, there is finally a comprehensive option for iPad-focused DJs.
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro offers an expansive set of features. It works perfectly as a stand-alone mixer, a DJ controller with a laptop connection, or a mobile unit with an iPad connected.
We’ve been testing and reviewing DJ controllers for years and know the ins and outs of all DJ gear, from beginner choices to pro-grade club gear. In that time, we’ve developed a comprehensive testing process.
As long-time DJs, we also have an extensive network of fellow enthusiasts and professional DJs that we rely on to give us extra insight. This combination of hands-on experience and industry knowledge gives us 100% confidence when recommending a product. The results of our tests on the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro are below.
Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
Overall Rating (8/10)
What We Liked
What Could Be Better
↓ Table of Contents
ToggleFeatures
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro offers an extensive list of features and is the most impressive mixer released by Reloop. Let’s dive into what this aggressively priced hybrid DJ controller provides.
Mixer Section
We’ll start with the heart and soul of any DJ controller: the central mixer section. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro opts for a logical yet unique approach.
The central mixer section features a four-channel mixer with dedicated EQ controls for each channel. As expected from a high-quality mixer, you can access a 3-band EQ and Gain controls. Supporting this is a Low/High pass filter for each channel.
The Mixon 8 Pro is the top-tier choice from the Reloop controller lineup.
Each channel also features level meters, but with just five lights, it isn’t as granular as some other options offer. Regardless, you can comfortably monitor the levels of each channel, and the much longer Main Level Meter offers an excellent visual representation of overall output levels.
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro differs from the competition by adding paddle FX to a four-channel mixer. Paddle FX are fun to use, but they are often only featured in two-channel mixers, so this is a slight departure from a traditional setup.
Comprehensive four-channel central mixer section.
The central mixer section also features volume control for the Sampler, a large browse knob, Cue Mix and Cue Volume knobs, and Booth and Master volume knobs—everything you need at your fingertips.
The crossfader feels good to use and is capable enough for scratch DJs to feel comfortable. There are better crossfaders on other controllers, but Reloop has nailed the balance between functionality and price.
Jog Wheels
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro features 5.85-inch (149mm) redesigned jog wheels with a high-profile edge and a metal surface finish. The jogwheels also feature onboard displays with track information and stylus position.
Capable jog wheels with built-in screens.
The jog wheels feel good, but the smaller size might be a dealbreaker for some DJs. In practice, though, I had no issue executing basic scratch routines. Slip and Vinyl mode options complete the flexibility but there is no tension adjustment available.
The jog wheels fall a little short in the quality of the onboard displays. Don’t get me wrong; all the vital information is available, including BPM and tracking time remaining or elapsed. But the dated appearance harkens to a different time, and other DJ controllers offer more modern-looking jog wheel screens.
Software
The software selection is impressive. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro unlocks the full version of Serato DJ Pro, but some features will require purchasing the Pitch ‘n’ Time and Flip expansion packs.
I’m a big fan of Serato DJ Pro as a software platform, but the expansion packs bother me. It made more sense in the past, but with many of these features deemed essential to modern DJs, I’m surprised they are behind expansion pack paywalls. It’s a minor gripe but worth considering when factoring in the value proposition.
Access to two high-quality DJ software platforms.
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro also offers seamless integration with Algoriddim djay Pro, including the Neural Mix features for isolating drums, instruments, and vocals in real time. Stem control is the new hotness, so I’m glad to see onboard options and integration here.
Finally, you can access millions of tracks directly from the software if you have a Tidal, Soundcloud, Beatport Link, or Beatsource Link subscription. Apple Music integration is also available.
For iPad users, the djay Pro app is superb and among the best DJing apps available today, with steady updates and refinements. If you intend to use your iPad, you’ll be ready to go right out of the box.
Build Quality & Design
Regarding build quality, the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro exceeds my expectations for a controller at this price point. It is still a hefty investment, but few controllers offer such a robust and dependable DJ controller at this price.
The metal panels add heft and rigidness miles ahead of the total plastic DJ controllers that dominate around this price point. The knobs, pads, and buttons are all superb. The pads, in particular, offer excellent feel and response.
High build-quality and a professional design.
Connection points are secure, and the 24-bit audio interface delivers excellent sound quality. Latency is also ultra-low. The metal play and cue buttons are also up to the rigors of frequent use but could be more attractive.
However, I’ll admit I have one major issue with Mixon 8 Pro: the mirrored decks. Perhaps I’ve spent too much time with DJ controllers from the competition, but the mirrored approach instantly makes me think of the previous generation of controllers. How much this makes a difference to you will depend on personal preference, but I would have preferred a non-mirrored layout.
Aesthetic appeal is subjective, so take any criticisms with a grain of salt. But there is no denying that the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro does live up to its name with a more mature and refined design approach that ensures it doesn’t look like a toy.
Tempo Controls
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro features long tempo faders with enough resistance to make granular movements. Manually beatmatching is a breeze.
Long tempo faders in a mirrored layout.
Below the tempo faders, you’ll find buttons for Key Lock and Key Sync, and the ever-popular and controversial Sync button is available above both Cue buttons towards the bottom of each deck. I have no complaints in this area; everything I expect from a modern DJ controller regarding tempo controls.
Performance Pads
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro doesn’t hold back and offers ample performance features and modes. Underneath each jog wheel is a set of 8 color-coded pads with an excellent drum pad feel.
Large pads with an excellent feel and response.
You’ll have access to various performance pad modes, though some require expansion packs. Mainstays include Hot Cue, Loop Roll, Saved Loop, and Sampler.
You will also have tactile access to Pitch Play, Saved Flip, Slicer, Scratch Bank, Looper, Neural Mix, and Touch FX, and you will have ample freedom to incorporate a broad range of performance-based routines into your DJ sets.
FX Controls
Over the last several years, I’ve seen a lot of evolution in FX features on DJ controllers, with various manufacturers experimenting with what they deem the ideal layout.
Reloop’s approach is a firm middle ground that offers DJs the best of the two competing approaches. You’ll have access to the popular and fun Paddle FX, but there are also dedicated FX units on each deck.
Dedicated FX Units and FX Paddles.
Paddle FX makes incorporating FX into your sets exceptionally easy with a simple flick to switch on or hold and release. FX units offer more granular control over FX, including Wet/Dry and Beats/Parameters.
I’ve used both styles over the years and, depending on the situation, have opted for one over the other, so I appreciate having access to both styles on this controller. Access to Low/High Pass filters is also a mainstay that I am glad is present.
Looping Controls
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro gives you access to solid Looping controls via dedicated buttons to set In and Out points (when holding Shift) and an Auto Loop button.
Increasing and decreasing the loop’s length is easy via 1/2X and 2X buttons, and a handy Loop Length indicator panel provides instant visual feedback.
Although some might prefer larger buttons, these looping controls are functional and easy to use. Likewise, some might want an encoder for loop manipulation.
Connection Options
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro offers immense connection flexibility. For a controller at this price point, Reloop leaves no stone unturned to give DJs maximum flexibility.
You can utilize the unit as a stand-alone mixer with inputs for both digital and analog sources. Want to add some media players? No problems. Want to mix with DVS? Easy to do.
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro features USB-C connectivity.
Two Master Out options ensure you have the flexibility to use balanced or unbalanced outputs. XLR for balanced and RCA for unbalanced. A TRS Booth Output completes the flexible output options.
The Mixon 8 Pro also offers dual audio USB inputs and USB-C support for seamless and effortless integration with Apple devices, including Power Delivery support.
Professional grade connection options are available to tackle any setup configuration. But Reloop takes it further with a dedicated docking station for your iPad, which can even handle a full-size 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
If you want maximum flexibility or use an iPad as a core part of your setup, there is no better DJ controller on the market.
Dimensions
Four-channel DJ controllers demand space, but Reloop has done a good job of conserving space thanks to the smaller jog wheels and the intelligent placement of buttons. It feels a little cramped, but not to the point where it doesn’t encourage a smooth ergonomic workflow.
A solid mid-sized DJ controller.
The unit weighs 12.56 lbs. (5.7 kg), so it isn’t the heaviest controller out there, but it has enough heft to give it a premium feel. This is mostly thanks to the extensive use of metal.
Value
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is far from a budget controller, but its value proposition is superb. Few controllers offer these features and flexibility while retaining a very approachable price.
It is also impressive how robust the controller is considering its price point. If you want a feature-rich and dependable controller without the eye-watering price tag many competitors display, the Mixon 8 Pro is an excellent buy for bargain hunters.
Maximum Choice
Often, DJ controllers with a lower price point will have compromises that impact what you can use the DJ controller with. This could be reduced connection options, software choices, or features.
A DJ controller like the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro smashes these perceived barriers and offers many options. As you evolve as a DJ, your gear evolves with you.
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro gives you ample flexibility to explore different platforms.
Access to two top-tier software platforms with high-quality iOS apps means you can use a laptop or iPad without complicated workarounds. Likewise, having access to multiple inputs and outputs opens the door to mixing with DVS, extra media players, or vinyl, meaning the only barrier is your own creativity.
So, the next time you consider a DJ controller, take some time to factor in where your DJ journey might go and ensure you buy a controller that can help you adapt and change as your DJ journey evolves.
Alternatives
There is a lot of competition in the four-channel DJ controller market. And while I can firmly recommend the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro there are some enticing alternatives you should be aware of before committing.
Pioneer DDJ-FLX10
The Pioneer DDJ-FLX10 is well known as the premier choice for four-channel DJ controllers with a club-style layout and large jog wheels.
- Comprehensive 4-channel mixer and extensive FX controls.
- Superb jog wheels with screens and feel adjust options.
- No iPad dock, and more expensive than the Mixon 8 Pro.
Rane Four
The Rane Four is another excellent controller for Serato DJ Pro. It features large capacitive jog wheels and tight integration with Serato Stems.
- Spacious layout with ample controls at your fingertips.
- High build quality and excellent jog wheels.
- Only two paddle FX and no dedicated FX Units.
Traktor Kontrol S3
The Traktor Kontrol S3 is a viable alternative if you want something much cheaper. It has a refined and logical layout and solid full-version DJ software for iOS DJs.
- Four channels and an easy-to-follow layout.
- Balanced and unbalanced connection options.
- Limited Pad Modes and FX features.
Our Verdict
Reloop has undoubtedly elevated its game with the Mixon 8 Pro. This is the most comprehensive DJ controller for iPad DJs. Still, even for a traditional setup, it delivers all the essentials and more.
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro also expertly balances features, build quality, and price. It’s an enticing package with a price tag that is noticeably cheaper than many of the other options. It could be better, but it’s hard to beat at this price point.
It is an outstanding controller for any DJ who wants to use an iPad while still having access to all the bells and whistles other 4-channel DJ controllers offer.
Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
Overall Rating (8/10)