My son fancies himself a rapper and loves to put music together in unusual ways using online software. I thought a real mixer would be a good way to encourage him to continue experimenting but I don't want to spend a ton of money. What would be a good mixer to get a beginner?

Below is a website that contains a listing of several different types of mixers and what you can do with each. I am a newbie myself so have not had any experience with any of these yet.

http://www.hobbyprojects.com/A/audio_mixers.html

Thanks for the guide but it wasn't particular helpful for what I'm looking for. I have a Pioneer DJM – 700 Mixer that I use in my part-time weekend DJing gigs but I don't want him messing around with that. It cost me just under a grand but I don't want to spend anywhere near that for him to basically play around with.

I thought there were free places that offer trials for their software that you could check out first? What about those to see if this is something he (not sure of the age here) is going to 'stick with it'?

The Denon DNX-100 is a good starter mixer I have heard. It is discontinued now but they still go used on eBay and at places like Guitar Center all the time- I see them when I'm there shopping for stuff.

Solid quality but not pricey at all... Great for beginners.

Why don't you go in for a Gemini mixer? It is supposed to be great for a beginner, especially because you can get a replacement crossfader at very low rates. Moreover, you can easily access the crossfader panel without taking the entire mixer apart. Really preferable for a beginner! If you want to go in for the best brands, you could check out Rane, Pioneer, or Ecler.