With so many DJ controllers available on the market, it's straightforward to really feel overwhelmed by all of the choices when selecting the perfect DJ controller for you.
However don’t fear, yearly we replace our record, we go even additional to interrupt it down by ability degree and by funds.
Our objective right here is to make use of our 10+ years of expertise DJing to information you to creating the proper selection. So with out additional a do, let’s dive in.
Why Purchase a DJ Controller?
A DJ controller is likely one of the largest worth piece of kit you should purchase. Utilizing a controller will prevent having to purchase separate decks and a mixer, which for probably the most half, could be impractical if you happen to play in venues that don’t have a conventional membership setup.
With that stated, they will provide easy digital mixing, and if you happen to’re a cellular DJ they’re additionally an amazing house saver carrying with you (suppose weddings, home events, and so on.).
However with so many alternative manufacturers on the market, how have you learnt which DJ controller is greatest for you?
for DJ controllers and laid our private favorites. That will help you select, we’ve chosen choices from each funds vary.
What's the Finest DJ controller?
The brief reply? It relies on your funds and ability degree.
Utilizing our mixed 20 years of expertise DJing, we’ve evaluated all the potential choices, and we break down a number of key elements when deciding what choice is best for you. They're as follows:
- By ability degree: We’ve highlighted our prime picks based mostly on whether or not you’re a newbie, an intermediate DJ (we’ve obtained nice mid-tier picks too), or at a really superior stage of your DJ studying
- By Finances: We are going to suggest the best choice in case your funds is underneath $300, $500 and $1000
And if you happen to’re on this for the lengthy haul or don’t care about funds, then we’ve obtained our prime picks for that too.
Don’t have time to learn? Don’t fear, right here’s our prime picks…
Finest DJ Controllers: Our Prime Picks in 2022
| Picture | Product | Options | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
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Editor's Selection
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Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 |
|
Verify Costs |
|
Finest Standalone DJ Controller
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Denon DJ PRIME 4 |
|
Verify Costs |
|
Finest Worth
|
Numark Mixtrack Professional FX |
|
Verify Costs |
|
Editor's Selection
|
Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000 |
|
Verify Costs |
|
For Newcomers
|
Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 |
|
Verify Costs |
|
Finest for Cell DJs
|
Reloop Mixon 4 |
|
Verify Costs |
Finest General – Pioneer DJ XDJ RX2
Costly however effectively definitely worth the cash, the Pioneer DJ XDJ RX2 merely excels at each activity you set to it. At it’s core, this can be a 2 channel, 2 deck multi functional DJ controller. There have been quite a few options I actually preferred about this controller together with the massive 7 inch contact display screen and the sturdy buttons for various cues and DJ results.
Out of the field, it comes with a Rekordbox license key however this controller can also be appropriate with Serato. Choosing this up in your palms you'll be able to really feel the sturdy construct high quality. This can be a DJ controller constructed to final.
Simply wait till you sit down with this majestic beast. It’s intuitive and simple to make use of. One particular bonus is that the majority golf equipment use a model of this controller. Thus, if you happen to’re attempting to turn out to be a Membership DJ – that is the very best controller for you.
We do have some nags about it although – at it’s worth level, some customers anticipate 4 channels. Additionally, the crossfader just isn't fairly as much as snuff in comparison with the remainder of the unit.
Premium Decide – Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000
One other Pioneer DJ controller, the DDJ-1000 is our premium choose for DJ controllers. At it’s core, this can be a 4 channel controller with 2 lovely jogwheels. Every jog wheel is responsive and mechanical to your each contact. As a pleasant bonus, every jog wheel has a excessive decision show constructed into their heart. Personally, I actually just like the distinctive show selection however another DJs might not like the position – it’s not as huge as another shows.
Wish to know extra? Learn our full overview of the DDJ-1000!
Should you’re trying to apply DJing for future membership gigs, you’ll need this unit. This premium dj controller comes with prime quality DJM type results virtually mimicking the standard membership commonplace CDJ setup. For a laptop computer DJ controller, that is completely the closest approximation to a membership setup and is ideal for any intermediate membership DJs to apply at residence on.
Shifting onto the technical specs. The DDJ-1000 has 2 core decks (proven above). Every deck has a jogwheel and show, deck choose buttons, efficiency pads, pitch controls, and transport controls.
Inputs/Outputs
- XLR and RCA output
- 1/4″ Sales space outputs
- RCA phono/ line enter jacks
- 2 Microphone inputs
- 2 USB sockets
- 1/4″ headphone output (on entrance of unit)
- 1/8″ headphone output (on entrance of unit)
Whilst you could also be a bit involved in regards to the jogwheel shows, don’t be. Every show is excessive decision and appears completely attractive on the unit. In my thoughts, these are 10x higher than the standard outdated LCD display screen on the prime/center of the controller.
General, if you happen to’re a membership DJ who makes use of a laptop computer or a DJ on the lookout for a critical controller for apply and gigs, that is completely the DJ controller to get. That is the right controller to bridge the hole between a DJ membership setup and a house setup.
By Talent Degree
For Newcomers – Pioneer DDJ-400
Cheap and ideal for newbies, the Pioneer DDJ-400 is one DJ controller I all the time suggest to new folks coming into the house. This 2 channel controller works excellent alongside Rekordbox and is a good way to learn to DJ with out breaking the financial institution.
Notice: We’ve written a complete article on the perfect DJ controllers for newbies. Should you’re simply beginning out, learn THIS.
The DDJ-400 comes with a free license key for Rekordbox to get you mixing out of the field. It incorporates a good easy straightforward on the attention format and is aimed on the newbie DJ simply beginning out. With all the important controls together with a 3 band EQ with trims, and library browse and monitor load so you'll be able to maintain your palms on the {hardware} and off the mouse.
Learn our full overview of the Pioneer DDJ-400 right here.
It additionally options responsive 5 inch tremendous contact responsive jog wheels that allow you to scratch, spin, and cue tracks. 8 efficiency pads for decent cues, beat loop, beat leap, sampler, pad FX, and keyboard. It even has beat FX identical to those on the flagship DJM mixers.
One factor that I actually like in regards to the DDJ-400 is the truth that Pioneer have listened to buyer suggestions and added longer pitch faders. Should you evaluate the fader size to the DDJ-RB above you’ll see what I imply. This implies newbies will have the ability to get a extra exact beatmatch identical to utilizing a costlier controller.
You’ll even be pleased to discover a looping panel on the prime identical to on the costly CDJ gamers, or larger priced controllers. Beat FX are chosen contained in the Rekordbox software program however totally managed on the beat FX panel on the mixer.
General this can make an amazing first controller and with the extra superior controls just like the beat FX and looping panel; you’ll have a better time transitioning to the membership commonplace tools when it comes time.
Finest DJ Controllers by Finances
Our Decide for underneath $500 – Numark Mixtrack Professional FX
Numark are one other producer that has loads of expertise within the DJ sport. They have been the selection for my first funds set-up a few years again!
That is nice dependable controller for newbies and even cellular DJs on a funds. It’s additionally nice for home events or smaller venues. This makes the record for the greatest DJ controller for DJ’s on a funds.
This controller is constructed to work completely along with Serato DJ. It comes with the free Serato DJ intro model of the software program and is improve prepared.
The Mixtrack Professional 3 presents a easy plug and play USB connection to connect with your pc or laptop computer. You’ll additionally discover a single pair of rca outputs on your audio system or amplifier.
You should utilize the contact delicate all metallic jog wheels to nudge your tracks for beatmatching identical to the costlier controllers. And they're really actually good for scratching. In addition they have LED’s that gentle up the platters for darker settings, they usually look actually cool!
Utilizing the efficiency pads you'll be able to set loops, auto loops, and samples. You even have a sync button to auto beatmatch, one thing to assist out the newbies. Or you should utilize the lengthy pitch sliders for the standard methodology. The pitch faders have been a bit tight to begin with however they loosened up after a number of days. General they really feel fairly good and it’s very easy to manually beatmatch utilizing them.
On the prime you’ll see the multi operate contact strip that Numark are calling the strip search operate. This allows you to seek for a sure level in a monitor with a single contact of the strip. The strip search additionally permits management over results and their perimeters. The controller has no in-built results in order that they’ll be chosen utilizing the software program, after which managed with buttons and the strip search.
The strip search is an efficient operate, however I believe it’s a bit restricted in its talents. I’m certain Numark might have given it a number of extra jobs to do in the event that they’d thought of it extra.
The mixer presents a 3 band EQ and a library search operate to go looking your tracks. This allows you to discover your music and choose it with out taking your palms off the controller to make use of your mouse.
You’ll additionally discover a microphone enter to maintain the cellular DJ’s and aspiring MC’s pleased. And it has VU meters to maintain these ranges in examine, one thing essential everybody particularly newbies.
General a easy controller, very gentle and portable, and coming in at an amazing worth. This controller will make the right setup for newbies, or aspiring cellular DJ’s on a funds.
Finest DJ Controller Beneath $1000 – Pioneer DJ DDJ-800
So what do you hand over for that worth distinction? Not all that a lot. Let’s begin with a very powerful stuff. To start with, the DDJ-800 is just 2 channels whereas the DDJ-1000 is 4 channels. Most newbie to intermediate DJs are pleased with solely a 2 channel controller however as you progress in ability, you could wish to take a look at 4 channel choices.
The DDJ-800 has a capacitive jog wheel. The DDJ-1000 has a mechanical jog wheel. And I received’t lie, the mechanical jog wheel DOES really feel higher whereas spinning. However is it definitely worth the $400 extra? The jog wheels on the DDJ-800 really feel a bit lighter whereas spinning than the DDJ-1000 however I obtained used to it fairly rapidly.
There are some huge advantages to the DDJ-800 over the DDJ-1000 although. Coming in at 10 kilos, the DDJ-800 is 25% lighter than the DDJ-1000. Whereas not an enormous distinction, this might be essential if you happen to’re restricted on house or prefer to journey loads along with your DJ controller.
So which do you have to use? Effectively, if you happen to don’t completely want 4 channels and the capacitive jog wheels aren’t a deal breaker for you, that is the controller to select. General, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a DJ controller underneath $1000, the DDJ-800 is a barely smaller, lighter, and cheaper DJ controller to select up at this time.
Finest for Cell DJs
Reloop Mixon 4
The Reloop Mixon is my best choice for the perfect DJ controller for cellular DJs and for DJs who wish to use their cellphone or iPad for DJing.
This DJ controller was one of many first to combine plug and play performance with the djay app and Serato DJ. For cellular DJs, house and portability is of the utmost significance. On this capability, the Reloop Mixon 4 excels. It’s light-weight and small permitting you to take it with you wherever you play.
Whereas it’s simply transportable, this cellular dj controller doesn't lack in energy. There are 8 totally different efficiency modes together with distinctive FX modes to assist you to incorporate totally different DJ results into each channel.
The controller has the power to concurrently cost your gadget when you combine. The Mixon 4 even has its very personal docking station so to match an iPad PRO (12.9”) instantly onto the highest of the controller.
Stand out options of the deck part are very massive jog wheels, that are very good certainly, and vibrant RGB efficiency pads. There’s an auto sync button, key lock, and an results unit.
The 4 channel mixer part presents a 3 band EQ with beneficial properties and filters. The channel filters may even work along with the consequences operate on the deck part with the contact of a button. This works nice and is a combo I haven’t seen earlier than.
It additionally boast separate channel VU meters, good easy and tight up faders, a free crossfader, and extra. The inputs/outputs embody a XLR, 1/4″ jack sales space, 2xRCA out, 2x headphone inputs, and 2x miscellaneous inputs.
With a sturdy construct, loads of options, and it’s portability, total, the Reloop Mixon 4 is the right companion to any touring DJ.
Finest Standalone DJ Controller
Denon Prime 4
The Denon DJ Prime 4 is solely a beast of a DJ controller. With a fully large 10 inch contact display screen, that is the perfect standalone DJ controller cash should buy. That includes a stable metallic construct with 6 inch jog wheels and 4 decks, DJs will have the ability to completely combine their hearts out with this piece of kit.
Ditch the laptop computer or USB drives, this standalone dj controller comes with a in-built exhausting drive to assist you to retailer your music on the controller. Should you want additional capability, you'll be able to plug in further USB drives or SD playing cards.
For mixing, this deck options 6 inch metallic jogwheels that simply really feel wonderful whereas mixing. With 4 channels – every with devoted crossfaders, 3 band EQs, and achieve knobs – you’ll have the ability to combine nevertheless you need.
For inputs/outputs, the Denon DJ Prime 4 can’t be beat. One semi-unique side is the Zone output on this controller. This lets you assign a selected channel to play in a unique space. Undecided what you’d use this for? How about taking part in some chill music within the lounge when you DJ the primary social gathering? Aside from that, different inputs/outputs embody 2 XLR inputs for microphones (with particular person management), 4x RCA line in, RCA/XLR grasp out, and inputs for 1/4″ or 1/8″ headphones.
The large overwhelming function of this standalone controller is the huge 10 inch touchscreen on the unit. That is actually distinctive and the most effective causes I like to recommend this as the perfect standalone dj controller. On conventional standalone controllers, many DJs miss their laptop computer display screen. With the Denon DJ Prime 4, you’ll have a giant display screen proper in entrance of you – excellent if you wish to make adjustments to the setlist or select new songs on the fly.
Most cost-effective DJ Controller
Hercules Inpulse 300
Subsequent up we now have the tiny Hercules Inpulse 300 which is only for enjoyable.
Nevertheless it’s nonetheless the perfect DJ controller for underneath $200!
And presumably the lightest DJ controller weighing in at lower than 1kg! It’s so gentle, I felt prefer it would possibly float away if I had let go!
This can be a very low-cost choice for those who are interested by DJing. And a good selection for people who don’t want to spend an excessive amount of cash till they're certain that they are going to get pleasure from mixing.
It may be nice for those who have the odd home social gathering, or to soundtrack birthday events and so on.
The Inpulse 300 is available in at lower than $200 and presents nice worth to get you off to a begin in DJing. It’s very small at solely 26.5 cm broad and you might simply carry it in a backpack to get to the social gathering.
It comes bundled with DJUCED 40 DJing software program. And it presents a easy plug and play function. This implies you'll be able to simply join straight to your pc/laptop computer utilizing the offered USB cable.
The deck part presents very small jog wheels, and I imply VERY small! However amazingly they provide the capacity to scratch! It has 4 efficiency pads per channel, and play/pause, auto sync and cue buttons.
The two channel mixer presents a 3 band EQ with filters, a library browse knob, and extra.
General, a enjoyable little controller with extra options than you’d anticipate from first impressions.
Don’t anticipate this controller to carry out on par with different controllers on this overview, it’s been added for enjoyable and as a really low-cost newbie choice.
My impression is that the Intuition P8 is designed purely for one off DJ’s taking part in at home events. Or perhaps undecided newbies, or those that identical to a little bit of straightforward mixing enjoyable each from time to time.
You may most likely even train your children the right way to combine utilizing it. However for the worth it’s a enjoyable little controller that may obtain the fundamentals of blending and add loads of cool extras to your combine.
Discover the Proper DJ Controller for You
Do you continue to have questions on the perfect DJ controller for you? There are a variety of elements that go into selecting one.
If you'd like customized recommendation from our crew of DJs, please signal as much as our e mail record.
Should you reply to any one among our emails along with your questions, we’ll reply inside 24-48 hours.
Should you purchased a DJ controller on account of this text, tell us! Depart a remark or e mail us along with your choose and we could hook you up with a particular shock!
