Is this mixer substantially better than the xone96?
If I don’t use the DB4 as a sound card, does it still have the headroom issues?
Model 1 and xone 96 are simply very different in terms of how they operate. Model 1 uses filters to sculpt sound, xone 96 EQ sections. So “better” is very subjective and depends on which workflow you prefer.
Regarding DB4: Using DB4 as a sound card or not does not have an influence on its headroom. There’s also no headroom issue at all. It’s just the nature of digital mixers in general that there is a less forgiving headroom. Peaking channels or the master will have a negative influence on the sound and is a no-go. So you have to keep your levels in check. A.k.a. proper gain staging is needed.
With (most) analog mixers you can push the levels a bit and clipping can even result in a pleasant form of overdrive in some cases.
In case of Model 1, the entire signal path inside is balanced. Which gives this mixer huge headroom. Which is nice.
In all cases managing your levels / gain staging is important. DB4 sounds super clean and great, just have to keep your levels out of the red xone (pun intended)
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Between the Model 1, Xone92, and DB 4, you only use the DB4 for performance correct?
What other mixer do you use?
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I had the xone 96 twice and sold it twice in the end for various reasons, not because I didn’t like it. I’ve used DB4 most of the time and am currently back to using it mainly for performance yeah. My studio mixer is BigSix. I had Model 1 briefly as a lone. It’s really good. But same as with the 96 I just miss the input matrix and loopers of the db4 and bottom line in my case that is more important than the analog summing, which I can mimic by using analog heat / oto boum.
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I wasn’t aware the faders are exponential, this is good to know, never been a fan of the Xone fader curve.
Seems QC is a bit hit or miss at Play Differently’s. More food for thought though…
Thanks all for chiming in 
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That’s maybe the price to pay if something is hand built in the UK (by Audiotonix (mother company of A&H, SSL, etc), cf. the video on the Model 1 manufacturing plant posted earlier in this thread), rather than mass-produced elsewhere… 
Edit - link: https://youtu.be/c12TE38-fA0
Well snap… they point out that the QC guy “is away but will be right back” 
Im real close to getting a 1.4.
On most xones you can change curves 
QC for china build products like xone 96 still happens in the UK.
By modifying the fader’s PCB’s, not?
No. There’s an actual switch on the front panel on the 96, PX5, DB4.
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Aah yes, ok! Most of my Xone experiences are “92” related. It seems you can modify the 92’s fader PCBs to get a linear response. At least that is stated in the 92’s service manual.
To get back on topic, the Model 1(.4) doesn’t have this switch nor is there any documentation about modding the fader PCBs.
Weird faders very touchy I wouldn’t recommend this mixer in your DJ set up
It may be your secondary mixer for production purposes as I mentioned, but I still didn’t like those strange faders specially when you try to fade out from the mix!
I get it you get to the top and then you have a little more touch to make it louder. Boom!!!:))) oh shit what am I gonna do when I try to fade out of the mix hmmm:))
I even thought about putting tape over the faders so they never move.
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But you can put the octatrack to send fx, that mitigates the no looper quiete ok. But i agree that a input looper is highly desirable, i have not tried to use live input decks in tracktor, to see if they allow to loop the input.
I’ve been using the 1.4 for a while now and really pleased with the sound and build. Until this weekend I’ve only used it with instruments, but just received a new Serato box so I’ll be using it to dj with as well. Initial experience djing with it was very pleasant compared to the digital Rane I’d been using. Maybe I’m imagining it, but tunes sound better through this thing. Seems easier to mix/match vinyl with digital too.
Ordered model 1.4. Push 3 really threw a curveball into my previous live set plans and my head is finally exploding again with ideas for a live performances. Model 1.4 seems to be the perfect match for push 3. I’ll definitely drop a video on the setup plans next month or so 
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Model 1 was co-developed by Richie Hawtin, check out his video(s) on the development and thoughts behind it…
Oh I’m well aware of that 
not new to this mixer.
Oh for sure, this was meant for the public… 
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Ah 