2 - cue mix on Rodec MX180 mk2

It's not a secret, i do like records. Those little rounded pieces of plastic that happens to be a good support for analog waveform.

But more importantly, i like, and even more with times passes, old analogic sound gears.

In this regard, i use a Rodec Mx180 mk2 as my main mixer, between two must-have Technics SL1210 mk2.

I also have a Rodec MX180 mk3. But i do not use it that much nowadays.

It's a wonderfull pieces of Belgian hardware that brings me so much joy, just remembering all the great DJ using it inside clubs in Belgium back in time (90-00). It was almost everywhere.
sometimes the mk3 instead, or some others from the same brand.

As much as I like it, there is one missing feature compared to modern mixer. a way to listen to the main output (cue mix) in your headphone. So you can control your mix without returns (or complete them for better accuracy).

In practice you can listen to all the channels where PFL switch is on (Pre Fader Listening), but nothing “post fader”.
(This is different on MK3).

Some may wonder why ? This is why you get returns in club dj booth after all.

well, two reasons:

you can bring your headphones with you and be used to them. but you cannot change the returns on some places
i do have Tinnitus. I got it 6 years ago in a club. that's bad. but i now manage it and for god sake, i'm not going to give up on mixing because of that.

That said, both points leads me to at least be used to in ear mixing, pre and post fader. So in places where sound level is low od mid, i can use the returns, but when it's way to loud, i can protect my hearing with in-ear monitor AND listen to the main mixe.

Some other will also wonder: dude, all the clubs are now equiped with Pioneer or H&H mixers that provides this out of the box.

That's true, but i do want to continue practicing with my gears, and also sometimes i go out with my rodec for friend's parties.

Enough chit chat, the trick is simple:

just wire the master output 2 OUT Cinch with the channel 4 DAT in.

and then, just listen the main mixe by PFL on this channel.

of course, set the master output fader at max and adjust the level for your ears by using the red gain button on this cue mix channel, once and for all.

The only drawback is that you effectively lost one channel out of 4.

but, i would say who needs more than 3 technics record player in it's setup ?