I entered the famous Mauerpark Fleamarket to the booming beat of party music. I spotted the DJ dancing, having a blast to his pulsating mix. My head was bobbing too. I couldn’t help it. I walked over to the booth as if I was hypnotized. I looked at his mixer and was amazed to see how tiny it was. The colours were jumping at me. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I was obsessed. I had to do find out more about it. Could something this small and without batteries really mix music?
What I found was a fun, cool, simple yet well-designed, award-winning gadget. It’s no surprise that something like this would come from the capital of cool, Berlin, where a party can happen on a random train…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISZLsc72k5Q]
How PokketMixer Started
The idea came to the founder Christian Komm at the end of 2009 on a road trip from Berlin to Amsterdam where the passengers were constantly fighting over who could play tunes from their MP3 player on the car radio.
After the trip, the trained radio and television technician worked meticulously on a mini DJ mixer that would allow flexibility – functioning without power. In 2010, the electronic circuit that enables audio mixing in a DJ mixer was combined with PokketMixer’s new passive – powerless system, and the problem was solved! Together with advertiser Robert Thomalla he built and soldered the first prototypes by hand and began sales.
How PokketMixer Works
First off, the PokketMixer is not meant to replace professional DJ mixing consoles. So don’t expect it to. This patented, super light (just 130 grams), no power supply needed gadget is a simple way to mix and fade music from 2 mobile devices and create an instant party. Anyone can easily use it.
What amazes me is how well-designed it is. No unnecessary parts, it is back to basics yet undeniably hip, a bit retro and so very Berlin. PokketMixer functions exclusively over headphone signals. Two supplied stereo cables are used to connect mobile devices or computer with music. The sound comes out of any speakers you connect and with the use of the listen-switch the headphones can be used to pre hear and cue the incoming audio from both devices. The equaliser is great at tweaking the bass, mids and highs letting you DJ indoors and outdoors, in the park, car sharing, at a house party, on a boat, or over impromptu drinks… anywhere!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL1WVhWEKHo]
I don’t know of any other passive DJ mixers, or any other mixer this small. It’s not to be taken too seriously, but at the same time it’s a neat gadget that’s undeniably cool, well-made and pretty unique. It’s certainly not cheap, but nonetheless would make a good gift for the DJ who has everything… read full review.
My favorite PokketMixer Designs
Can you guess which design I ended up getting?
DIPLO TIP: If you are using smartphones or mp3 players that were purchased in the EU you may want to look into the Pokketmixer POKKETMIXER Volume PLUS, but if you are using it with your iPad or laptop then the classic PokketMixer is sufficient. Read this to find out why.
Where to Buy PokketMixer
PokketMixer has become really popular not only for specialist stores but also in lifestyle stores around the globe. There are 7 basic colors and it is produced at an assembly line in Berlin Tempelhof. At the flagship store in Berlin right next to the famous Konnopke’s currywurst stand there are even more design options available and you can even exchange the control knobs to black, gold or silver metallic.
Stay tuned next week for unboxing pictures and a special surprise for readers.
PokketMixer Flagship Store
Mon to Fri 13.00 – 19.00 • Sat 11.00 – 17.00
Schönhauser Allee 44a, 10435 Berlin map
U-Bhf Eberswalder Strasse (U2) / Across Konnopke´s snack bar
[…] kinda cool how the smallest things can inspire us… a moment in a park and an energetic dancing DJ is what made me want to get back into music and beats…I just had to have the POKKETMIXER! I […]