Buying your first (or next) DJ controller is a big step. For beginner DJs, it’s an investment that shapes your journey. With so many options, it’s tough to decide where to put your money. To save you the hassle, we’ll guide you through finding the perfect match. Covering what to buy, how to choose, and our DJ controller recommendations.
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What is the Best DJ Controller to Buy?
Deciding on the best DJ controller in 2024 comes down to what you can afford and what fits with your existing tech. If you don't have a laptop, for example, choosing a controller that relies on software might not be the best route. It's worth noting that many DJ controllers now include free DJ software, so ensure this is part of your package.
How to Choose a DJ Controller
To start, make a list of all the controllers that meet your requirements and fall within your budget. Then, take a look at customer reviews, expert opinions, and check system requirements to find a DJ controller that fits.
Whether you’re a beginner DJ at home or a club DJ playing venues, this approach will help you narrow down the endless options.
Why Choose a Budget DJ Controller?
Opting for a budget DJ controller is smart when you’re a beginner DJ. It’s common not to know how much time you can dedicate or whether you might switch mixers and software down the line. Investing heavily from the start isn’t always the best move.
A DJ setup isn’t just about the controller. You’ll need quality headphones or speakers, a ¼ inch TRS adapter, reliable USB sticks, and of course, top-notch music. Starting with a budget controller lets you allocate funds to these essentials without breaking the bank.
Things to Consider Before Buying a DJ Controller
Compatibility with DJ Software
Serato and Rekordbox compatible controllers are the industry standard for club venues and events. If you plan your sets in a different software, like Traktor, be aware it won’t transfer your cue points, playlist order, or track information.
Features and Functionality
While all DJ controllers have the same primary functions, the layout of buttons can vary. In a fast-paced live performance setting, relying on muscle memory can make or break a moment. Familiarizing yourself with the layout will help you perform confidently.
Build Quality and Portability
When taking your DJ controller on the road, durability and ease of transport are key. Most controllers aren’t waterproof, and the last thing you want is for your equipment to break in transit. Consider how robust a controller is, especially if you plan on traveling with it.
Expandability
Your aspirations as a DJ, musician, or producer can influence your choice. Some controllers offer better options for future upgrades and integration with additional equipment. Such as drum pads, live instruments, and other MIDI devices. Thinking ahead can save you from needing to purchase a new controller as you evolve.
What is the Best DJ Controller for Beginners?
Choosing the best DJ controller for a beginner comes down to what fits your budget and meets your needs. It's worth mentioning that starting with a Serato style controller will give you a leg up.
Most events use a Pioneer CDJ controller as their house mixer. Choosing a controller that uses the same software and has a similar hardware layout can smooth your transition to live gigs.
What is the Best DJ Controller to Learn On?
Traktor S2 Mk3
For beginner DJs pressing play, the Traktor S2 Mk3 is a perfect learning tool. It keeps things simple with support for only two tracks, focusing on the basics of DJing without feeling overwhelming.
Plus, the Traktor Pro 3 software comes at no extra cost. Compared to Rekordbox or Serato, it's very user-friendly with an appealing aesthetic. Thanks to Native Instruments' intuitive design, primary systems like mixer effects and loop controls can be understood at a glance.
What is the Easiest DJ Controller to Use?
Traktor S4 Mk3
Our top pick for the easiest DJ controller to use is 100% the Traktor S4 Mk3. It builds on the simplicity of the Traktor S2 but offers the ability to play up to 4 tracks at once. This opens up endless possibilities for variation, mashups, clips, and incorporating midi instruments.
You can switch from the A/B tracks to the C/D tracks at the press of a button, and adjust the channel effects in 3 different ways. If you are looking for something less complex than a CDJ, this is your best bet.
Top 5 DJ Controllers Under $500: Our Picks
Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3
Price: $340
Key Features:
Full Size 2 Deck Controller
Plug and Play Functionality
(8) Performance Pads per Deck to Access Cues, Loops, Fader Cuts, and Samples
FX Suite with 40 Beat-Synced Effects
Customizable Layout
Mobile Device Compatible
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
Price: $300
Key Features:
Full Size 2 Deck Controller
Compatible with Rekordbox, Serato, and djay Software
8) Performance Pads per Deck
Plug and Play Functionality
Bluetooth and Mobile Device Compatible
Smart Mixing Feature that Automatically Adjusts Volume and BPM
Integration with Streaming Services Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, and SoundCloud
Compact Design
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Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
Price: $300
Key Features:
DJUCED Software Suggests Tracks from your Music Library (via the Intelligent Music Assistant)
Solid Retractable Feet
Mobile Device Compatibility
Plug and Play Functionality
(8) Performance Pads per Deck
Compact Design
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
Price: $220-$250
Key Features:
Compatible with Serato DJ Software
Layout Designed to Emulate Battle-Style Turntables
Large Jog Wheels for Better Scratching
Lever FX System
4 Track Layering Capability
Tracking Scratch Pad Mode
Mixed Microphone Audio to Add your Voice While Live Streaming
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Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
Price: $200-280
Key Features:
4-Track Layering Capability
Large Jog Wheels with Built-In Displays
(8) Performance Pads per Deck
Integration with Streaming Services SoundCloud and Tidal
Compact Design
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The 5 Best Standalone DJ Controllers (with screen)
Standalone DJ controllers work without a computer. It has its own software and plays music straight from USBs. Most DJ controllers need a laptop and DJ software to work. Standalone units offer an all-in-one DJ toolkit in exchange for an increased price tag.
Denon DJ Prime 4+
Price: $1,800-$2,200
Key Features:
Compatible with Serato DJ Software
Integrated Lighting Control
Standalone Embedded Sampler
4-Deck Layering Capability
Large Touch-Screen Display
Integration with Amazon Music Unlimited, Beatport, Beatsource, TIDAL, and SoundCloud
Zone Output Feature
(8) Performance Pads per Deck
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Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD
Price: $3,000
Key Features:
Compatible with Rekordbox and Serato Software
4-Deck Layering Capability
10.1-inch Touch Screen
Unique Deck Configuration
Zone Output Feature
2 Mic Inputs
(8) Performance Pads per Deck
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Numark Mixstream Pro+
Price: $700
Key Features:
Compatible with Serato DJ Software
Engine DJ OS Operating System
Built-In Speakers
Smart Home Integration
4-Deck Layering Capability
(8) Performance Pads per Deck
Integration with Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud, and Dropbox
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Pioneer XDJ-RX3
Price: $1,800-$2,400
Key Features:
4-Deck Layering Capability
Large Jog Wheels with Built-In Displays
2 Mic inputs
(8) Performance Pads per Deck
Compatible with Rekordbox and Serato DJ Software
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Denon DJ Prime GO
Price: $1,000
Key Features:
Engine DJ OS Operating System
Rechargeable Battery-Powered
Built-in WiFi to Access Streaming Services: Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, SoundCloud GO+, and TIDAL
2 Mic inputs
Compact Design
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What to Expect from an Entry-Level Controller
Beginner DJ controllers are designed to get you mixing without breaking the bank or housing too many features. Plus, most entry-level controllers come with free DJ software.
This means you can start experimenting with music right out of the box!
Build quality and ease of travel are also important. Most starter DJ controllers are built to be durable but light enough to bring to a friends’ house. They might not be waterproof or come with a case, but their functionality is always straightforward. Focusing on the basics of DJing - jog wheels, performance pads, faders, and effects. The simplicity helps you learn DJ skills like beatmatching and transitioning between tracks.
Don’t expect any advanced features like extensive effects or four-deck mixing. These features are often removed to create a cheaper model or to save space. As you grow, you might want to add more hardware to your setup. Some controllers have options for upgrades or compatibility with additional MIDI devices.
With the popularity of DJing as a job or hobby increasing every year, major brands have developed a variety of options for new users. Entry-level DJ controllers offer a balance between functionality, ease of use, and affordability.
DJ Controller Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do DJs Download Their Music?
DJs often use SoundCloud for free music, mashups, and sample packs. On SoundCloud, artists use download-gates and require a follow or repost to download their song.
Besides that, iTunes, Beatport, and Bandcamp are the most popular music marketplaces.
Since downloading tracks from YouTube leads to poor audio quality, buying WAV or MP3 files from these platforms is ideal.
How to Use a DJ Controller for Beginners
Once you've got your music, you'll need to start learning how to use your new DJ controller.
Start by analyzing tracks in your DJ software. Any new song added to your library will need to go through this process.
The next step is to get familiar with song structure so you know when to press play. For beginner DJs, genres like house, techno, and drum and bass can be helpful. These genres usually have more repetitive patterns, making them easier to mix.
Once you understand how to use your DJ controller, it's time to delve into the basics of DJing. Including (but not limited to) beatmatching by ear, loop controls, and use of audio effects. Combining these skills in your own way will be the bread and butter of your DJ sets.
Vinyl DJing vs Digital DJing
Vinyl DJing, or turntablism, is the father of modern DJing. This involves mixing tracks using physical vinyl records on a turntable. Along with track selection and style, this artform involves a different skill set. Scratching samples, using fades, and beat juggling are all more common in vinyl DJs.
Both vinyl and digital DJing have their charm, choosing between them just depends on your preference and style.
Other DJ FAQs
What Does a DJ Controller Do?
A DJ controller is the tool that lets DJs mix music using software and various buttons, knobs, and job wheels. It pulls tracks and playlist details from a DJ's USB, serving as the audio workstation for live performances. Some controllers are standalone, while others paired up with DJ software on a laptop. This gear allows DJs to manipulate music in real-time, allowing every set to be unique.
Why Use a DJ Controller?
If you're passionate about music or have watched a DJ perform live and wondered how they do it - a DJ controller is for you. It's an awesome hobby that's become more accessible than ever. With seemingly endless educational content online, the DJing community is welcoming and supportive. Plus, who knows? You could find some fun adventures or even a career path along the way.
What DJ Software Do Professionals Use?
Professional DJs use Rekordbox as their software of choice. This is because it's designed specifically for Pioneer DJ mixers and controllers. As we mentioned, Pioneer CDJs are the industry standard for live performances.
Before you can use your music on CDJs, you need to analyze and format each track within Rekordbox. Which leads many DJs to use it as their primary software out of convenience.
Why Do DJs Wear Headphones?
DJs wear headphones to cue up the next track in their set without the audience hearing.
During this time, they match the tempo of the upcoming track with the current song. This helps to create seamless transitions between songs, and keep the energy high. For this reason headphones have become an essential tool for professional DJs.
What is the Best DJ Controller for Scratching?
Like buying your first mixer, the best DJ controller for scratching depends on your budget and what features you need. For reference, some of the most popular turntables on the market today are the:
Rane Twelve
Reloop Elite
Pioneer DDJ-Rev 7
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3
All of which were designed with scratching and turntablists in mind. Focusing on emulating the experience of using traditional vinyl records. However, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 was developed in collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff. With its unique Pad Scratch feature and large jog wheels, its a standout modern turntable.
What is the Best DJ Controller According to Reddit?
Reddit users have weighed in on the best DJ controllers in many threads. According to Reddit, the best budget DJ controller for beginners is the DDJ-FLX 2-channel mixer.
“It’s the perfect beginner controller for getting familiar with Serato or Rekordbox and all of its features” (u/Wanderlust).
On the other hand, some reddit users claim that the best controller to learn how to DJ in clubs is the Pioneer XDJ-XZ. The primary benefit being that this standalone DJ controller mirrors the club-standard setup.
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