[DJ_Nik_Gnashers]

Some great advice in this thread ppl...
I would like to add (because nobody has mentioned it yet) that the allen & heath mixers have ANALOGUE filters which are much better than the digital ones on the vast majority of other mixers (like pioneer) and that is why they the filter is so much better (compare an analogue synth from the 1970's to a modern digital one for phatness and get the same result).
The people that say the behringer is no good should remember how cheap it is. £120 for a brand spanking new one. You get 4 channels, fx, and lots of buttons (some ppl like kills) which is amazing value for money. I have had mine 3 years and its 100% perfect still using original crossfader too, you just have to learn how to clean the faders and rotary pots when they start to make crackle sounds, its not hard to do. I would love a an A & H or DJM800 but I do not have a spare £1000 to spend on a mixer.
Final point - I do like the DJM400, 600 and 800 but the 500 does not have a rotary knob to fade between cue/master on the headphones / cue channel. If you mix with monitors then sure no problem but if (like me) you mix completely in headphones, then the DJM500 is a pain in the ass lol !
If you learn how to clean your faders and rotary pots, and treat your 'cheap' mixer with care, then it will last years.