correct for my needs, I can wait on an expensive DJ analog DJ mixer. I won’t upgrade until I am doing a ton of live shows in the future. I like my Keith McMillin K-mix mixer and send that to RME Babyface for recording in the DAW. For on the fly stuff, I use my TX-6 and 1010 Bluebox but they are quirky and do not work well half of the time.
I always saw the Dj mixer as a creative tool for live composition. The model 1 nails this for me due to the nature of the filters. It’s essential for me now.
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This is how I use my DJ mixer too, it’s a way to have more freedom and exploration with how I arrange my music.
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@DaveMech I used to own a PlayDifferently Model 1 and it was really good, but I ended up getting rid of it as I needed the space and had my heart set on an SSL Big Six for the connectivity and benefits… I also had the TX-6 (which I regret selling it was so convenient). I still own an Apollo Quad TB (awesome), and a 1010 Bluebox module. The latter, I love because of the second usb c and ability to quickly record a eurorack session while filming on the iPhone (usb c replaces the mic input which is fantastically useful).
That said, I miss the DJ mixer interaction and was about to pull the trigger on another Model 1, until I saw you video on the Elara 6. I had no idea about Union Audio, never mind the Elara…
I was so intrigued by your video that I called them up and spent 30 mins speaking to one of their senior engineers. Just wow. What an amazing outfit, not only did he geek out on the internals, but it’s pretty clear the Elara is 1 level up from the Model 1 in terms of build quality and components used. While Andy designed the Model 1, A+H cost cutting made it a commercially viable product. Feels like Andy cut no corners on the Elara or Orbit series. The Elara 6 uses the incredible MUSE OPs at the output stage… The Orbit 6 is even more impressive with the 1 valve per channel design (apparently a/b’d with the legendary A+H v6 which had only 2 valve channels, and it was night and day… the Orbit blew it out of the water)… Issue with the Orbit is that it might be too bare bones for most studio setups.
Thoughts on the Elara vs Model 1??
Finally, to echo what @videomusik said, I couldn’t agree more. You can mix just as well if not much better ITB or via your audio interface card. I think for studio use, DJ mixers are fun if you enjoy the workflow, but bang for your buck either excessive or unnecessary if you have other options already there. The SSL Big Six is a beast and much better suited for my studio…
Loving this thread guys… 
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Those Union Audio mixers look amazing, especially the 6 channel rotary rack mount (which is very similar to the discontinued Xone V6 from back in the day). Wowza would I love that, but at over $6k, not happening 
The Elara 6 looks amazing as well.
I currently own a Xone 96 and a Model 1.
The Elara and the Xone 96 have a very similar layout. I was tempted by the Elara 6 as I really like rotary mixers (and you can swap out the faders easily for rotaries on the Elara), but I decided to stick to the Xone 96. I use the 96 primarily for DJing, and with Traktor the integrated audio interface is super useful.
The Model 1 is fantastic. Love the filters and sound.
Like others, I would like it more if it had a fader curve adjustment like that Xone 96 has. The faders are super sensitive at the top end. Even so, I adjusted to that pretty quickly.
My only other gripe with it is D-Sub. I get why it’s there (they didn’t have the space for all those TRS ins/outs), but those breakout cables plus the external power brick(s) make the whole setup pretty unwieldy.
I picked up my Model 1 in like-new condition for a great price.
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Interesting. I had read a lot about the fader curve but I’m not a dj so wasn’t coming from any particular preference. I like it a lot in the context of mixing as it performs to me a bit like a cross fader you can make things disappear!
Also like the d sub a lot as I’m using two samplers and two drum machines so that works really well for the six channels. The elara looks awesome hope they do one with a d sub.
since at least this summer there a no model 1 and 1.4 in stock anymore in europe and the stores write “not available amymore” and similar. the localstore confirmed that he cant get them but they also didnt get an end of production notice.
are they still sold in the us? does someone know something?
Both models are available from certain retailers in the UK. Some retailers are out of stock with more apparently arriving in January.
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ah, good to know. thanks!!
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