My First Impressions of the PLAYdifferently Model 1.4
I just bought the Model 1.4 mixer from PLAYdifferently and it's changed, well, everything. It's an instrument, but it doesn't have to be an instrument. If you want to just use it as a straight up mixer, you can go ahead and do that, although if you're looking for something that is strictly a mixer, it may not be your cup of tea as it’s geared more towards performing. If you are looking for something standard, The Tascam Model 12 might be for you- it’s a unit that I just keep hearing about. Choices, choices, choices- I digress.
The Model 1.4 definitely isn’t overly complicated, but you can tell that there's a lot of love put into the unit. Every single inch, centimeter, millimeter is crafted carefully with love. Pun intended, I think that the unit does achieve its goal of pushing me to…play differently, as cheesy as that sounds. It also encourages me to get back into my DAW because of the way that I'm able to route directly into the Model 1.4 (maybe with some tasty hardware FX) which is where many producers are most comfortable composing. I actually dropped a related video on this exact topic-the interplay between DAW and Model 1.4- here it is.
In terms of audio quality, it doesn't really get much better than the Model 1.4. Every single part of the unit is fully analog; my personal favourite is the analog drive on each stereo channel. One thing to be aware of is that if you're using any sort of hardware within your setup, you're going to have to route into the Model 1.4 via RCA. Unlike many other modern DJ mixers, you're not able to plug in via USB, being that it's fully analog. It’s also worth noting that if you don’t plan on owning an audio interface, you might want to consider a mixer that supports USB.
MODEL 1.4 AFFILIATE LINKS
If the Model 1.4 is something that you’re interested in, feel free to use the affiliate links listed below to support what I do.
USA: https://bit.ly/3PMhwpZ
EUROPE: https://bit.ly/47BfQH1
CANADA: https://bit.ly/4jrpQtB
Another attraction of the Model 1.4 is the compactness of the unit. I can include it in a setup, potentially fit it into a backpack along with some other gear and scooter around town from one gig to the next. Whereas with its’ big brother, the Model One, that's just not a realistic. The Model One has two more channels but it's quite a bit bigger so I wouldn't be able to fit it into a backpack, and while the 1.4 is compact, it's fluid and functional, it just doesn't feel cramped. I have enough space for all of my controls in terms of design, ergonomics and even aesthetic. On top of this, I tend to be attracted to desktop sized synths / DAWLESS gear / clean, simple set ups, and to me, this is where the Model 1.4 feels right at home.
There are no effects built into the unit, but there are two effect sends / channel, which you can mix on an individual track basis. So as you can imagine someone like myself, coming from more of a hardware background, this is a really attractive idea. The question is though…
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Maybe you need a bit more insight- feel free to check out my first impression video of the Model 1.4 for some actual playing examples and YouTube lols. The Model 1.4 is definitely the highest quality mixer that i’ve laid my hands on and it continues to make me…play differently.