Omnitronic TRM-402 Review

Introduction

There are products on the market that produce a certain type of hype. It can be due to their excellent and outstanding features, originality, durability, ground-breaking nature of the product, or simply its wow factor. Among these products, few are DJ consoles specifically a mixer that is an essential piece of a DJ’s setup. It can be plugged into various sound sources and creates smooth transitions between tracks. Many manufacturing companies produce different types of mixers. One of the most common names that comes to the mind is Omnitronic.

While talking about Omnitronic (first audio brand presented by Steinigke) inventions, how can anyone forget to mention their quality product, the TRM-402 Rotary 4 Channel Analog mixer? In 2019, Omnitronic released the advancement of their previous rotary mixer (TRM-202). Omnitronic extended their concept of channels by incorporating 4 channels. This classic mixer is integrated with a 3-band frequency isolator and a rotary mixer in the form of ALPS rotary control- Blue Velvet RK27 for DJs.

The mixer is made of durable material, weighs around 10.14 pounds and measures 16.7 x 11.6 x 5.7 inches in dimension. TRM-402 is equipped with separate volume control and a booth output. With its record out feature, it is possible to record your own DJ set. It has a 22 dB dynamic output range. It provides dedicated boost and kill cut, allowing freedom to DJs to completely remove any frequency (low, mid or high) for incredible mixing. So, the use of the mixer in the club is no big deal. Incorporation of high-grade components ensures excellent sound quality and long life of the mixer.

Features

• Classic rotary mixer with 4 input channels
• Integrated with 3-band frequency isolator
• Vintage ALPS potentiometer (Blue Velvet RK27)
• EQ of 2 bands per channel
• Master output signal meter with 12 LED digits
• Retro design
• Made with high-quality components
• Dedicated boost and kill cut
• Dual inputs for DJ headphones and microphone
• Adjustable headphones output, control with split function/que mix
• Volume control for microphone
• Separate volume control for monitors.
• Excellent sound quality
• 10 inputs: 4 line (RCA), 4 switchable phono (RCA) and 2 DJ mic (XLR)
• 9 outputs: 2 Booth (XLR/RCA) with separate control level, 2 Master (XLR/RCA), 4 Phones (top and front panels – 2 each) and Rec (RCA)
• Ideal for lovers of vinyl record collectors, classic format mixers, music selectors and so on.

Technical Specifications

Omnitronic TRM-402 4 Channel Rotary Mixer

A question here arises that why 4 channels for a rotary mixer? As we all know, older mixers used faders to control the sound, but this rotary mixer uses knobs for that very purpose. Imagine having a mixer that is expensive yet does not produce quality sound. The knobs here in the 4-channel rotary mixer ensures a high-quality sound.

Flat transitions are difficult to set with conventional mixers (having faders), but the large knobs of 4 channels provide easy and smooth transitions. In a 4-channel rotary mixer, all 4 channels can be easily switched between phone sources or inputs and line. Integrated isolator along with 4 channels ensure treble and bass that creates quality mixing. Thus, TRM-402 is among the best mixers available on the market.

Omnitronic TRM 402 Test

TRM-402 look at first glance, is quite impressable. There is a power socket for the connector and a power switch at the back of the rotary mixer. Next to it you can find the first two channels strip with the connections. Also, two stereo pairs for each line are located here. In other words, each channel has its very own grounding screw.

There is XLR in the middle as a way out for the Booth as well as for the Master. As there is no compulsion to jack, XLR outputs are preferred. But if you want to connect speakers via amplifiers, master or booth, either one can be handy here. There is also a rec out option. The mixer comes with two microphone inputs for the ‘’I need a microphone’’ people. One XLR socket is located on the front left and other is located on the top. Both are connected to a potentiometer (on top) in order to control level. The LED and an on – off switch are also located on the top of the mixer. At the back, there is a microphone input on the left, and two headphone outputs on the right.

Now moving towards how you should use the mixer. Simply connect the player, set turntable gain and you are done. One important thing you should keep in mind is that level metering is only applicable to the master sum – you can fully extend and then level, but you might lose the headroom this way.

The channels of the mixer offer to equalizers – high and low, each with centre gird. Both the EQs sound soft in cut. Also, the master sounds pretty good – not scratchy. Isolator does the job of killing the extra bass and provide the required frequency of the bass. In the test, it has been proved that the TRM-402 is the perfect choice for clubs, parties and as well as homes with a reasonable sound performance.

Omnitronic TRM-404 vs 202

As we all know that Omnitronic has launched some excellent inventions including mixers for DJs. This article has mentioned all the features of the TRM-402, but it is the advanced version of the TRM-202.

TRM-202 by Omnitronic has been popular among DJs of electronic music all over the world. But as compared to TRM-402, it is certainly a step below and the build quality is also lower. Talking about the channels incorporated in each, the core has remained the same, the channels have grown – 2 input channels in TRM-202 whereas 4 input channels in TRM-404. 2 channels do not produce the same sound quality as 4 channels that is why TRM-404 is much better than TRM-202 in sound value.

The TRM-404 produces a quality sound whereas the TRM-202 cannot compete it here. However, it also features a rotary mixer instead of faders. One thing you should keep in mind is that its ergonomic design is the plus point. Using Omnitronic TRM-402 instead of TRM-202, you will surely get the full hi-fi experience. the TRM-202 is relatively lighter than the TRM-402 (weighs 7.01 pounds). Also, there were few imperfections on the cover plate of the TRM-202 (likely due to paint drop residue) but these are not on the TRM-402, as we are already very much in detail.

Pros

• Classic Rotary mixer: provides excellent sound quality using knobs instead of faders
• 4 channels: provides ease and smooth transitions and ease to create creative mixing
• Retro design: ideal for classic music and conventional design lovers
• Dedicated boost and kill cut – freedom to remove low, mid or high frequency
• 10 inputs and 9 outputs
• High quality components ensure durability

Cons

• No software is included – it means you have to manage and perform all the things manually
• No USB port is included – it lacks connectivity with other gadgets such as PC or MAC
• Low price-performance ratio

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Omnitronic TRM-404 Alternatives

In case, you want to try something else but similar to the TRM-402, you can easily get it, but it will not be exact copy of the above-mentioned rotary mixer. It is obvious that certain features and characteristics will differ.

 There are several different rotary mixers available on the market. Instead of the Omnitronic TRM-402, you can use the following alternatives:

RANE MP 2015

A lot of big names have made rotary mixers over the years including Rane. It does not compromise on music mixing performance. It represents the next level of evolution and revival. The Rane MP 2015 is incorporated with 4 channels and also includes digital inputs for CDJs and USB ports. Its control, reliability, sound, and durability distinguishes it from other rotary mixers. There is also no compromise on design. The Rane MP 2015 uses a premium performance Audio 4 Pro delta-sigma modulator. The balanced differential audio input converters deliver 116 dB dynamic range. Then this input is converted to the same 116 dB output by the 24-bit audio output converters.

The Rane MP 2015 weighs around 40 pounds. Simply speaking it has the best features, best sound, best feel, best durability and reliability. It provides excellent sound quality with low distortion characteristic and wide dynamic range.

Numark M6

Another great rotary mixer to be used instead of the TRM-402 is M6 by Numark. It guarantees you a complete range of performance. It enables you to step to a 4-channel mixer. One important thing you should keep in mind is that it not only includes standard audio sources (CD players and turntables) but also a USB computer connection. It is great for weddings, parties, or clubs. The M6 provides the perfect mix using 3 band EQs. With its modern design and light weight (9 pounds), it is easy to move, ultra-portable, and robust. Radiant LED monitors all the facilities it provides. It features dedicated cue control and replaceable crossfader with slope control.

M6 has balanced input and output features for the best possible sound including multiple lines, phono and mic inputs plus booth (RCA), master (RCA), record (RCA) and ¼ inch stereo headphone outputs.  You can connect it to your PC or MAC to mix audio in from any music player software and record that with any recording application.

DDJ-SR2 Controller

The DDJ-SR2 Controller by Pioneer DJ is a great and solid choice for serious beginners with top-notch reliability and a nice set of features. It is a 2-channel portable controller. This updated version of DDJ-SR maintains most of the original features. It features multi-coloured performance pads for triggering slicer, rolls, hot cues, and many other functions. Key sync is also accessible with a dedicated control section. The build quality is exceptional. Each channel has its own trim knobs and 3-band EQs.

DDJ-SR2 weighs 11.9 pounds and measures 16.9 x 25.1 x 6 inches. It feels amazing during play whereas bright pads light up dimly lit venues. For scrubbing through a track, it comes with a needle search feature. It is easy to plug into your computer.

The DDJ-SR2 has and RCA, mic input and a USB jack, RCA or XLR outputs as well as two headphone jacks. The controller is a great update with ease of use, portability, and reliability.

Conclusion

The TRM-402, advanced version of TRM-202, is both of a high-quality feel and a stylish design. This mixer definitely has a solid place in the market. It is simply a robust product and a great sound mixer for both entry or mid-level users. This version of Omnitronic is more likely to be suited to a more modern workplace.

The product features all the qualities that a similar and slightly more expensive price bracket would contain. It is one of the cheapest 4-channel rotary mixers available on the market. After all the above discussion, we can confidently say that the TRM-402 is a beautifully designed mixer, its functions are appropriate, and the sound is perfectly good.

If you are looking to either expand your experience in DJ-ing or enter the world of DJ-ing, then the Omnitronic TRM-402 is definitely an attractive and sensible choice.