The Chamsys MQ60 is a popular console that has been on the market for years. It is one of the few consoles with ultra-low latency – perfect for live use. The interface takes some getting used to, but it’s simple enough to learn in about 30 minutes or so.
There are some downsides though: there is no included automation and only 8 outputs (though more can be added). But if you need a small console with excellent sound quality, this may be your best choice.
Here are our detailed reviews of Chamsys MQ60 in 2021. Check Out!
Table of Contents
Things To Consider Before Buying The Chamsys mq60
There are many factors to consider before buying Chamsys MQ60. Some of these factors include:
Budget
The first thing to consider is your budget. DJ consoles are expensive, so it’s best to know how much you can afford. Along with this, the number of channels on the console is very important if you DJ music for more than one person at a time. Most consoles have two or three channels which will be enough for some people that DJ for themselves but not enough if you DJ more than one person at a time.
Number Of Fx
The number of fx that the console has is also important. we would say to look for at least 11 on a larger console and 5-6 on smaller consoles like the MQ60. The larger consoles like the Qcon Pro usually have LED displays, full-color screens and use external controllers for quick access to internal functions. On internally mapped or monochrome screens, the channel names are displayed in the middle of the screen.
Large Fx Knobs
The fx knobs should be large enough to control when you are performing quickly. This is extremely important when it comes to things like time code vinyl or virtual decks. The largest fx knobs will not change much about your final sound which is not good if you want to tweak your music to perfection.
Weight
Weight is also a factor when considering buying a DJ console because unless you carry the console around in the trunk of your car, you will have to lift it often. This can be very frustrating and difficult for some people especially if they are significantly overweight or lack the muscle tone to handle it.
Unless you carry the console around in the trunk of your car, you will have to lift it often. This can be very frustrating and difficult for some people especially if they are significantly overweight or lack the muscle tone to handle it. We would say that the best thing to do is try and lift larger consoles or use a small stool to stand on when you need to put your console down.
Size
The size of the console is also important. This is because space is very limited in most clubs and at many house parties. This may be one of the reasons why you are trying to DJ instead of hiring a professional, so if you have a small apartment, there are smaller consoles for this purpose.
Sound Quality
It is also important to consider the sound quality of the board and if it sounds good. This will be determined by what components you use, but there are cheaper consoles that will provide great sound for beginners without any additional hardware.
Number Of Channels
The number of channels on the console is very important if you DJ music for more than one person at a time. Most consoles have two or three channels which will be enough for some people that DJ for themselves but not enough if you DJ more than one person at a time.
Input And Output Sockets
Input and output sockets are also important when considering buying the MQ60. The larger consoles like the Qcon Pro usually have LED displays, full-color screens and use external controllers for quick access to internal functions. On internally mapped or monochrome screens, the channel names are displayed in the middle of the screen.
Durability
The size of the knobs or faders, their material, and their shape are important. The cheap ones start to bust after a while-which is not good if you have just spent a lot of money on your console, so buying one with metal faders or at least high-quality plastic that will last a long time. It’s also good to know how much your board weighs because if you are DJing often, it will get pretty heavy after a while.
Compatibility
The console also has to be compatible with the DJ programs you use. If it is not, then this will be a very difficult decision especially if you are new to DJing. This may be why many people are buying cheap controllers because they are more affordable and provide better value for money even though they may lack some features on more expensive consoles.
TV Screens And External Controllers
Some of the larger consoles like the Qcon Pro have LED displays, full-color screens and use external controllers for quick access to internal functions. On internally mapped or monochrome screens, the channel names are displayed in the middle of the screen.
Choosing a DJ console is a big decision to make particularly if you are new to DJing. We think the best thing to do is research what products are available because there are many different options depending on your budget, needs, and preference.
Chamsys MQ60 Review
Chamsys MQ60 is a mid-range lighting control console from London based company, Chamsys. It was released in 2011 and is their sixth console. This review will cover the main features of the MQ60, the pros and cons, a comparison to other lighting consoles on a similar price range, and finally whether it’s worth buying one.
Chamsys MQ60 is a lighting console for desks with 6 faders, which is the standard mid-range size. The control surface layout follows the traditional style; trackballs are on the left and right, while the faders are in the center.
Trackballs can be used to position fixtures or change parameter values like pan/tilt, color, gobo, focus, etc. There are also buttons for selecting fixtures and modifiers (e.g., color wheel).
The faders control the intensity of the fixture(s) that they are assigned to. There is a group fader that controls the relative levels of multiple fixtures at once, useful for creating fades or fills.
A big selling point of the MQ60 is the touchscreen interface. This is very useful for entering scene names, programming cues, and modifying parameters on the fly. It also makes it easy to bring up palettes by touching the relevant part of the screen (picture 2).
It is an affordable MIDI controller that comes with two faders, 8 knobs, 6 buttons, and pads. This is an ideal controller for DJs who are on a budget but still want to be able to perform with the most basic of equipment.
Although it is one of the most budget-friendly controllers on the market, you still get a quality product thanks to its sleek and stylish design.
Who Is Chamsys MQ60 For?
It is good for the entertainers when they have the best tools to carry out their job and entertain the audience. The Chamsys MQ60 console is a great addition for people who like creating music and sounds as it has both features.
DJs will always look for amazing equipment that they can use in entertaining people and the Chamsys MQ60 console is definitely one of those. The console can be used to change or upgrade any sound system. This console allows the DJs to trigger and synchronize lighting and video cues
The DJ can use this to create configurations that were never before possible. This is possible with the help of the software onboard and the 25-key keyboard and 8 backlit performance pads
The Chamsys MQ 60 is great for nightclubs, bars, lounges, and parties where someone needs a feature-rich lightweight DJ controller which also offers a DVS solution.
This is a great option for mobile DJs and karaoke hosts who can take advantage of the onboard audio interface. The Chamsys MQ60 console is a perfect addition to any DJ or Karaoke setup that has a USB connection available.
Pros Of Chamsys MQ60
The Mega Q-series offers many features that are beneficial to the user. The interface is really easy to use, has backlit buttons, and footswitch jacks to switch soundbanks on the fly. All the controls are laid out in an intuitive manner giving you easy access to control your patch without burying your head in a manual.
Pros of this console are that they have a very good sound, the option of being able to split 4 fx on one channel, and create a submit easily. It also offers a lot of flexibility compared to using multiple analog consoles with only one stereo aux send per channel.
Cons Of Chamsys MQ60
The cons of this console are that all the fx sends are routed to pre-fader on all channels which can be annoying when trying to send different amounts of signal to your Auxes – especially if they’re tuned differently. There’s also no EQ on the Auxes.
Features & Benefits
Design Details
The Chamsys MQ60 is a single-space rack mountable Digital Mixer, with an onboard control surface. It has a design that makes it capable of being placed in a single space and has its controls within easy reach. It is designed to be simple in use and has a fixed I/O routing meaning that it can not be changed.
The Chamsys MQ60 incorporates an onboard control surface that makes the system very compact and easy to set up, hence making it possible for live bands, DJs, and small productions crews.
This Digital Mixer has 40 input faders, 40 output faders, and 8 rotary controls that can be pressed to select options. For live performance use, the Chamsys MQ60 has 26 Control Groups for switching between groups of FX Returns or inputs.
The Chamsys MQ60 also includes a USB port which allows connection with an external laptop for Multi-track recording and effects
Configuration Options
Customers can configure the Chamsys MQ60 to suit their specific needs by getting it either in a rack mount version or in a control surface version. The system has 40 input faders, 40 output faders, and 8 rotary controls. It includes 26 Control Groups for switching between groups of FX Returns or inputs.
The Live Configuration of the MQ-60 has only 26 Control Groups as well as 36 Output Faders, which are preferred for live music performances but it can be expanded to 40 Control Groups and 48 Output Faders by adding up an expansion card which is sold separately.
To configure the MQ-60 in both hardware and software, one can also choose to get an external control surface.
The Chamsys MQ60 Digital Mixer is designed for live performance use having 80 Inputs/Outputs which are fixed meaning that the I/O routing cannot be changed by the users.
The system has 40 input faders, 40 output faders, and 8 rotary controls. It includes 26 Control Groups for switching between groups of FX Returns or inputs.
Number Of Channels
All Input and Output I/Os are balanced and floating. The input transformers in the MQ60 prevent noise when working with long cables.
The Chamsys MQ60 also includes 48V Phantom Power with 2 channels per mixer that can be turned on or off for each channel via the fader control.
Booth output is an unbalanced RCA line-level, which has to be connected to an amplifier in order to hear it when previewing mixes during DJ sets.
Lightweight And Compact Design
The Chamsys MQ60 can be rack-mounted which is something that most bands and DJs prefer. It has a compact design so it is easy to carry around when mixing at shows or in the studio.
It can easily fit in single space racks, allowing it to be set up very quickly with its external control surface still making it possible for the unit to be customized.
Compatible With An External Control Surface
The Chamsys MQ60 has an impressive master section with dedicated master faders. These can be set to either control all channels or each channel, via the GUI software.
The unit works perfectly well in a multi controller-based setup having up to four sub-masters for use by individual performers, who are not necessarily live sound engineers.
The Chamsys MQ60 has a standard MIDI protocol which means it is compatible with most control surfaces and allows such as the SAC-2, LX-3U, and LX-4 to be used with it. It even includes an onboard USB port that makes for easy connectivity.
Customizable
This Digital Mixer is a standalone system that does not require a computer to run audio. The unit can be customized using the Eucon protocol or via MIDI from any controller.
In addition, the user has access to an open architecture with provisions for various I/O options and expansion cards. The cards provide additional preamps, AES I/O, analog insert capability, and 32 outputs. This allows the user to configure the unit to suit their specific needs.
Chamsys MQ60 Digital Mixer is a very simple digital mixer with only 40 input faders which are fixed meaning that the I/O routing cannot be changed by the users.
Alternatives
Denon DJ PRIME 4
[amazon box= “B07MGJGPMM”]
Denon DJ PRIME 4 is similar to the Chamsys MQ60. It has a built-in screen for browsing and cueing music, effects, some loops work on it as well as some slicer/autos. It also works with Traktor but you need to buy different timecode discs or vinyl since it doesn’t support standard Serato ones. Also, it uses its own kind of timecode.
The PRIME 4 is in general a better controller than MQ60. It’s not that hard to use and many people like it because it has 3 high-quality effects built-in and 2 different decks (it works as a mixer too). It doesn’t come with the sound card so you’ll need to connect an external one if you want to use it for mixing.
If you want a controller with screens and full Serato DJ Intro compatibility this might be a better choice than MQ60. However, many people prefer the Denon because the jog wheels are smaller and they don’t feel as good in use. On MQ60 you have speed dials so if you plan on using effects, loops, and other advanced stuff this controller might better suit your needs.
American Dj Scene Setter
[amazon box= “B00075Q5HK”]
American Dj Scene Setter is more like a standalone controller and it comes with its own sound card and mixer. It doesn’t come with software (you’ll need to buy Numark DJ Intro separately) but if you already have it the American Dj Scene Setter is a more affordable choice than Pioneer DDJ SB2, although not as good for new users.
The materials used for the construction of the unit are of high quality and it does feel solid. The buttons on jog wheels work okay but they don’t feel good when scratched, especially when compared to Pioneer DDJ SB2 which has rubberized jog wheels surface that offers a more pleasant scratching experience.
The unit has a long USB cable so you don’t have to worry about not reaching the computer with it. It also comes with a headphone stand and decent headphones, which is a nice touch if you don’t already have something that works for you.
American Dj Scene Setter is more of a beginner controller but many people still use it even when they have moved to more advanced equipment. It’s a good choice for beginner DJs that want something more than just an entry-level controller but also don’t want to spend too much money on it.
G-MARK GMX1200
[amazon box= “B07MPBJWGH”]
G-MARK GMX1200 is a new, powerful midi lighting desk. This is one of its kind in the market. We are the first to introduce this new generation desk with many cool features, that will make your life easy as a midi operator.
G-MARK GMX1200 has studio-size channel faders, which gives you a smooth and accurate response. It’s been designed for the best mixing experience. The surface is also very solid and sleek. The desk has a good weight to it, which means you can trust its built quality, making it last for years to come.
The desk is pre-mapped with our famous “Pyro Show Designer”, software. This desk is ready right out of the box, to use with Pyro show designers. It’s one of the few decks out there, which enables you to use popular lighting and midi control software.
The desk comes with a powerful “midi router” feature, which will become an irreplaceable part of your pyro show design. This is one of the best features we have ever built in a desk. It’s unique and intuitive – programming becomes easy and extremely fast. It’s like having a powerful midi engineer with you, working for your show in real-time.
It also enables you to make complex lighting layouts in minutes and store them as presets, without requiring any programming skills. Once programmed it’ll work the same every time; no more tinkering around when programming new shows!
FAQs
How many channels does it have?
The MP60 has 60 mic/line input channels and 6 auxiliary inputs. It also includes 16 XLR outputs, 8 of which are sent masters that can be assigned to any output or used as Cue sends or direct outs.
Can I customize this console to my preference with extra features and accessories?
Yes. Chamsys can install or assemble your MP60 with your choice of rack mount rails, additional power supplies, I/O racks, custom lighting, and more. They also offer a huge range of optional extras such as faders, meters, and custom control knobs.
What information can I see from the console’s VFD screens?
The VFD displays relevant channel, aux, and master information as well as a scrolling CD text display. A K-Mix Master section provides an Overview plus Input / Output metering and monitoring.
Conclusion
The Chamsys MQ60 is a revolutionary new product that will change the way you play your favorite music. This speaker system features an innovative design with many impressive specifications, including Bluetooth connectivity and two built-in subwoofers.
The Chamsys MQ60 has patented technology to deliver high-definition sound in any room of your home or office without distortion, all while being aesthetically pleasing at the same time. If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, then click on our website today!
