But in the current era, digital music is bigger than ever and there are official releases on popular platforms that provide quick access to any music that you want. And to control the input, you can use a powerful DJ controller. There are a few specifications of a DJ controller that are important to consider before you buy one.
Jog Wheels: Jog wheels are one of the most important parts of the DJ controllers. These are the circular platters that you see on the top of the DJ controller that mimic the functionality of a vinyl disk. You will have to interact with these jog wheels a lot while listening to music to introduce the scratch effect and to get to a particular part of the track. Audio Interface: There are a few high-end DJ controllers that also offer the functionality of an audio interface with the help of a built-in soundcard. Thus, you can connect these DJ controllers directly with your speaker system to get the output. It is much better than introducing an additional laptop or a tablet to get the Channels: The number of channels on a DJ controller simply tells you about the simultaneous number of inputs you can provide to the system. To put it simply, more channels are available on an expensive But, you should also consider your needs and get the one that is best suited under your budget.
A DJ controller is a simple piece of hardware that allows you to mix and create music. But, the functioning of a DJ controller is very complicated, and you need to be an experienced DJ to spot the better option from the masses. This is slightly difficult for those who are just entering the scene and starting to learn how to DJ. For them, we are bringing the best DJ controllers right here. Follow the Buying Guide until the end to find out our favorite picks.
Best DJ Controllers Tabulation
Best DJ Controller Reviews
1. Pioneer DJ DDJ Controller
Pioneer is a go-to brand choice for thousands of professional DJs and artists. Therefore, you will find a handful of choices coming from Pioneer on our list of the best DJ controllers. In the 1st position, we have a rather premium DJ controller designed by Pioneer. The Pioneer DDJSB3 DJ controller has a very intuitive layout which is very helpful for beginners. All of the controls are perfectly placed and symmetrically arranged so that you can easily get used to the unit. The layout of the Pioneer DDJSB3 is the same as other premium options from the DDJ-S series. Thus, all of the essential hardware such as jog wheels, performance pads, and cue buttons are present on the device. You can also add scratch sound effects for current as well as cued tracks with the pad scratch. The Pioneer DDJSB3 also has an FX fade feature that makes mixing very easy. It offers the same ease of access for professionals and beginners alike as the effect reduces volume and applies the face effect. Some additional features of the Pioneer DDJSB3 are the high pass filter, low pass filter, playback loop, and backspin. The outer body of the Pioneer DDJSB3 is made with premium material to provide extreme durability. The same goes for the jog wheels that are made of aluminum. The built-in soundcard supports 24 bit 44.1 kHz audio. Other than that, the frequency range is 20 to 20kHz and it has a noise ratio of 103 dB. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller 24 bit/44.1 kHz built-in soundcard Frequency ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz 103 dB noise ratio 1 mic input Tonnes of mixing and editing features are provided Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
Great selection of features Suitable for professional DJs Symmetrical design
Cons
The warranty should have been longer
2. Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight
Our next choice of brand is featuring a DJ controller in complete contrast to our previous choice. The next option is coming from Hercules, which is offering a very cheap option for beginners. Our 2nd choice for the best DJ controller is the Starlight DJ controller from Hercules. This is probably the best DJ controller for beginners as it is easy to use and does not have an expensive price tag. You will also get free integration with Serato DJ Lite on the Hercules Starlight DJ controller. Even though it is a cheap option, it features a built-in soundcard that powers the headphone and speaker output ports. The entire unit is powered by RGB LED lights that you can control to get the desired illumination on the board. Coming to the feature set of Hercules Starlight DJ controller, you will find bass controller, filters, hot cue modes, FX effects, loop feature, sampler support, etc. While these are the features available with controllers, there are compact pressure-sensitive jog wheels as well to control the track. As the unit has a compact form factor, it is pretty easy to carry it around as you go. The Hercules Starlight DJ controller measures only 13.4 x 3.9 x 1.93 inches, which should give you an idea of its size. It can be easily packed inside a college bag. Along with all of these features, you also get 2 years warranty period from Hercules. Best Features
Most affordable and reliable DJ controller 2 channel DJ controller RGB LED illumination Supports both Windows OS and macOS Supports basic mixing and scratching Built-in DJ audio interface Pressure-sensitive jog wheels Comes with 2 years warranty
Pros
Great choice in an affordable budget Many effects are provided Attractive looks
Cons
Not suitable for professional mixing
3. Roland DJ Controller Two-Channel with Serato Pro
Roland is one more premium brand name in the industry that has been making all kinds of musical instruments along with DJ equipment. The DJ controller from Roland is similarly high-end as its other devices. The Roland DJ controller is our 3rd choice for the best DJ controller. The reason we have put this unit in such a high place is its symmetrical design and premium features. This is a 2 channel DJ controller with a 4 deck system. There is built-in integration provided for the popular Serato DJ Lite software. And as you are buying the unit in the US, you will also receive an upgrade to Serato DJ Pro software for no additional cost. The jog wheels on the Roland DJ Controller are large in size so that they are easy to use. Also, they offer very low latency for improved performance. The Roland DJ Controller provides an optimal performance regarding scratching and other mixing effects. You also get built-in drum kits from Roland’s legendary patterns along with advanced analog circuit behavior tech. In each TR kit, you will get 8 sounds such as bass, drums, closed hat, Tom, clap, and many others. And on top of that, there is an onboard sequencer that manages the sampler input software on the go. The sampling frequency of the Roland DJ Controller is 48 kHz, whereas the supported frequency range is 20 Hz to 22 kHz. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller Many I/O options Frequency ranges from 20 Hz to 22 kHz 48 kHz sampling frequency Free upgrade to Serato DJ Pro software 8 sounds available in TR kits Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
It is offering a free upgrade to premium DJ software Comes with Roland’s legendary pattern drum kits Supports MIDI output
Cons
A short warranty period for the price range
4. Numark Party Mix II – DJ Controller
If you are not dedicated to DJing as a career option and want a simple unit for casual use and parties, take a look at the DJ controller from Numark. It is quite cheaper and will offer you almost all of the basic features. The Numark Party Mix II works with the Algoriddim djay as well as Serato DJ software. It is a USB DJ system designed for beginners and offers 2 DJ decks. It also has a built-in audio interface and plug-and-play type connectivity for a variety of platforms such as macOS, PC, iOS, and even Android. The lighting effects on the Numark Party Mix II are perfectly suitable for a party unit as the built-in LED DJ lights synchronize with your song for a much more impactful performance. Even the jog wheels are touch-sensitive so that you can get the best performance while mixing. You can get used to the Numark Party Mix III DJ controller pretty quickly as it is very simple in terms of usage. It has 4 performance pads provided for each deck, along with shortcut buttons for play, pause, and cue. There are also controllers provided for cue, loop, sampler, and filter on the Numark Party Mix II. You can also access the library with separate library control and access your saved tracks quickly. And if you are a fan of online music streaming, you will be glad to know that it supports streaming from platforms like SoundCloud, Beatport, Tidal, and many others. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller Offers software integration with Algoriddim djay and Serato DJ Suitable for beginners Built-in audio interface DJ lighting FX Dual DJ decks with touch sensitivity jog wheels 4 performance pads
Pros
Stream tracks directly from online streaming services Headphone as well as ⅛ inch main output 2 band EQ
Cons
Not suitable for professional usage
5. PIONEER DJ DJ Controller (DDJ-400)
While Pioneer is a professional as well as a premium brand, it also offers some budget-friendly choices like the following DJ controller. This is also a part of the DDJ series controllers from Pioneer. As we mentioned earlier, we have included a handful of options from Pioneer on our picks of the best DJ controllers. Out of which, the DDJ-400 model from Pioneer is a great choice for a budget-focused audience. It has a similar layout as the popular CDJ and DJM series DJ controllers. And there is also a built-in soundcard that offers plug-and-play connectivity via USB ports. Unlike most other choices, the Pioneer DDJ-400 is powered by the Rekordbox DJ software. You will get a license key along with the unit to activate the premium software. You will also find a tutorial on the Rekordbox DJ software, which will walk you through the basics of the Pioneer DJ controller and help you understand it a bit better. The frequency range of the Pioneer DDJ-400 lies within 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is standard for music production. You will be able to use the Pioneer DDJ-400 with up-to-date macOS as well as Windows operating systems. Pioneer is offering a year of warranty on the Pioneer DDJ-400, which is great considering the lack of warranty on many premium offerings. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller built-in soundcard Frequency ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz Plug-and-play functionality via USB ports Supports Windows and macOS Supports premium Rekordbox DJ software License key for the software included Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
Great compatibility Beat FX effects Premium layout
Cons
Expensive for the set of features
6. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200
Hercules is bringing one more affordable DJ controller into the mix. The following choice is also a 2 channel DJ connector with exciting features. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 is also a great entry-level option suitable for those who have started taking courses in music production and sound engineering. There are some exclusive features on the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200, such as tempo alignment, beat alignment, assistant, and much more that will walk you through the basics of DJing. It also comes with comprehensive DJ software provided along with the kit. As it is beginner-friendly, you will also get an intelligent music assistant, which will help you choose the tracks. It will also suggest to you the trending tracks every day. You will definitely learn how to mix as well as produce music with the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 with the given layout. It includes various buttons and sliders that are quite similar to a professional DJ controller. And as the unit is very compact, it can also be used for night-outs and outdoor parties. You will find a year warranty period backing the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller Best choice for learners Entry-level DJ controller Includes a comprehensive DJ software Intelligent music assistant provided Professional layout The software includes tutorial videos Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
Easy to learn DJing on this DJ controller Compact unit suitable for portable usage 4 separate performance pads are provided with both decks
Cons
It has limited functionality
7. PIONEER PRO DJ DDJ200 PIONEER DJ CONTROLLER
Next, we will feature but one more DJ controller from Pioneer. But, this is one of the cheapest offerings you can find from Pioneer as it costs a fraction of premium options. The Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ200 is also a highly suitable choice for those who are looking to get into the scene. It is a lightweight and highly compact unit made with a professional design aspect. Thus, you can easily learn on this device and move onto a professional controller without noticing much difference. Pioneer has partnered with DJ HAPA to offer you 5 days of exclusive coaching videos, which can be really informative and aspiring for beginners. These videos cover many topics such as music theory, rhythm, tempo, mixing, etc. WIth Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ200, you won’t need a collection of offline music as you can directly use music streaming websites for the input. This includes some famous names such as Beatport, Soundcloud, Deezer, and many others. As for the effects, you will have access to multiple transition effects so that you can learn how to seamlessly mix 2 tracks together. There are 11 different styles to choose from, and you can use the crossfader slider to switch the tunes. There is also a year of warranty provided by Pioneer, similar to its other DJ controllers. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller A great choice for novices Works with Rekordbox DJ software Exclusive tutorials from DJ HAPA Supports online music streaming Includes 11 styles for transition FX Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
Professional layout for better understanding Lightweight and compact unit Pro layout style
Cons
It has limited functionality
8. Denon DJ PRIME 4 | 4 Deck Standalone Smart DJ Console
Denon is offering probably the most powerful DJ controller in the industry right now. The following DJ controller from Denon is a very high-budget choice and only suitable for professional DJs. If your current DJ set is slowly becoming incompatible with your needs, then it is time to get a powerful upgrade from Denon. The Denon DJ PRIME 4 is probably the only upgrade suitable for you as it is a fully-featured DJ console. Along with the DJ controller, it also offers a great replacement for additional equipment that you would ever need while making music. This is a 4 channel 4 deck smart DJ console that also comes with a 10 inches HD gesture-controlled display on the front. It operates on Denon’s exclusive ENGINE OS, which is perfect for high performance. Denon has also partnered with popular streaming services like Tidal, SoundCloud, Beatport, etc. to offer you direct wireless streaming from these platforms. The jog wheels on the Denon DJ PRIME 4 are 6 inches in size, which is quite big and best suited for professional hands. Also, the jog wheels have a capacitive touch surface to offer you a smooth experience. They offer industry-leading time stretch and key matching performance. There are also 8 performance pads available on all 4 decks. As for the features, you will get dual function weep, FX effects, and filter options. Denon is also including 3 months of premium SoundCloud subscription for free. Best Features
4 channel DJ controller Adjustable FX parameters Free SoundCloud premium membership for 3 months 4 deck support Large touch sensitivity jog wheels Partnership with popular music streaming platforms Dynamic looping functions
Pros
There is a 10 inches HD display on the unit Serato DJ Pro support included for free Powered by ENGINE OS
Cons
Best suited for professional applications only
9. Gemini Sound G2V Professional Audio Interface
If you are looking for an affordable 4 channel DJ controller, don’t worry. The only other 4 channel DJ controller on our list is offered by Gemini, which is quite cheaper than its competitors. The Gemini Sound G2V Professional Audio Interface might be a cheaper DJ controller in comparison with other options, but it is still a 4 channel DJ controller with many great features. It also offers premium performance from 2 physical DJ decks and 4 virtual software decks. There are 16 multi-functional performance pads as well provided on the top of the jog wheels. Talking about the jog wheels, these are touch-sensitive units similar to other premium options. There are pre-mapped FX controls available on the station so that you can get the desired FX effect right at the time of mixing. As we mentioned earlier, this is a 4 channel DJ controller and mixer that also offers a 3 band EQ along with gain and filter controllers. These are some of the most common features of premium-grade DJ controllers. There are dedicated hotkeys provided for cues, loop, and sampler functions. There is an LED monitor which will offer you an accurate representation of the visual feedback. The overall frequency range for the Gemini Sound G2V Professional Audio Interface is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and it has a 24-bit depth. It also supports 16-bit sampling and is backed by a year of warranty from Gemini. Best Features
4 channel DJ controller 24-bit Bit depth Frequency ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz 16-bit sampling rate AUX RCA line input Balanced XLR, master, and RCA Booth output Touch-sensitive jog wheel
Pros
Comes with 8 multifunctional pads LED monitor for visual feedback Multiple input and output options
Cons
Does not have an LED display
10. RANE ONE – Complete DJ Set and DJ Controller
Rane is also a very premium brand on our picks that is offering a high-quality DJ controller for you. Alongside the DJ controller, you can also find various other DJ equipment from Rane, such as rotary mixers and players. Here is yet another complete DJ system that is definitely worth the significantly high price tag. The Rane One offers you a complete DJ system backed by Serato DJ Pro software available for free. The unit features 2 deck control along with dual USB connection support so that you can connect up to 2 laptops at once. As for the effects, it consists of 6 quick launch FX effects. There are dual metal paddles provided along with dedicated loop controls to make the mixing very easy for you. With each deck, you will find 8 performance pads that are color-coded so that you can easily remember the function of each pad. The jog wheels on the Motorized Platters will be your personal favorite options from now on as these are 7.2 inches wide wheels and offer a vintage vinyl disk feel. There are quick-release acrylic disks on the jog wheels that will offer you a turntable-style setup. It comes with a 3-band EQ with filter controls and MAG FOUR crossfader so that you can mix songs matching your style. Altogether, the Rane one is a great choice if you wish to get the feel of vintage DJ mixers. You will also get 1 year warranty period on the Rane one. Best Features
2 channel DJ controller Powered by Serato DJ Pro software Offers 2 simultaneous laptop connections 6 quick launch FX effects 8 Performance pads for each deck Vintage feel on the jog wheels Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros
3 band EQ with filter controls Inhibits MAG FOUR crossfader 2 inches motorized platters
Cons
More features should have been provided at this price
Buying Guide For The Best DJ Controller
With each of our options, you will find a brief review where we will talk about the device and its specifications such as the number of channels, I/O ports, durability, etc. If you wish to know more about DJ controllers, we have a buying guide for the best DJ controller. Apart from the features mentioned above, there are a lot more things that separate good options from average ones. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial for you to take a look at our buying guide and decide based on the information given here. Instead of picking out the best features, you should focus more on the features that are more useful for you. This way, you can find a great DJ controller for yourself without spending a fortune.
Build Quality
Along with the specifications and features, you should also look for a durable and long-lasting build quality on a DJ controller. By far, you must have noticed that the DJ controllers are not cheap at all, and replacing one every now and then is not an economical choice. Therefore, you need to get a DJ controller that can survive harsh usage and is also suitable for traveling with. While it is quite easy to get an idea about the build quality of a DJ controller by looking at its warranty, form factor, and price range, you should still consider thorough research before getting one for yourself. Better build quality is very important for the jog wheels, control dials, and control sliders.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a crucial part of a DJ controller as it directly deals with the creativity of your unit and how many devices you can connect with it. While some users simply wish to mix a couple of songs at once, some like to give an extra touch by including vocals and other sound effects. For that, you should look into getting more channels and input options in your DJ controller. This way, you can also connect multiple input devices such as a mic to a DJ controller and get creative with your unit. The connectivity also deals with the output of your DJ controller. With more output ports, you will be able to plug in more devices such as headphones, speakers, etc.
Features
The functionality of a DJ controller is basically what you are paying for in the first place. This is the factor that separates premium quality DJ controllers from basic entry-level options. The features available on a DJ controller actually represent what you can do with your songs. This includes various effects and a controlling slider that you can use to change various parameters on the input track. The features also include hardware on the DJ controller, such as an additional screen, realistic jog wheels, and touch or gesture-based controls. You Should prefer a DJ controller that offers you high functionality rather than the looks and design. This way, you will be able to get more out of your system for its lifespan and won’t need additional hardware to get more effects. Also, you are probably going to use the same DJ controller that you will be training on, so it is wise to get a highly featured option in the first place.
Size and Form Factor
Unlike stationary audio systems, DJ controls are often moved around, even when you are using them in your house. There are a lot of external parameters such as power input, speaker placement, cable length, etc., that will force you to relocate your DJ controller from time to time. Therefore, getting a compact and portable DJ controller is a wise option if you prefer a lightweight option. But keep in mind that due to insufficient size, manufacturers aren’t able to provide you top-of-the-line features in a compact unit. Therefore, you will be receiving lesser features and small-sized jog wheels. Larger systems, on the other hand, will offer you much more benefits but at the cost of lack of portability.
Supported Software
DJ controllers are a little bit different than DJ mixers and other DJ equipment. These are controllers that control the parameters of certain software which you are going to use while making music. In the current era, introducing samples and effects is very easy as you can simply connect the DJ controller with powerful software and get plugins that offer tonnes of samples in a digital format. While most DJ controllers are versatile and work with almost every DJ software, some have limited functionality and only work best with the software manufacturers intended for you to use. You can also find some DJ controllers that include licensed or free-to-use software bundled in the package, which makes things even easier for the user.
Conclusion
In case you are not familiar with DJ controllers, these are instruments used by DJs to create music by either simply mixing tracks or by using professional DJ software to add additional effects. The DJ controllers are designed to be easier for using so that DJs can use them on the go for live performances. You can also get a preview of music before getting the output via headphones so that you can make sure that the output is what you want it to be. You will find the best DJ controllers in our article today. We have picked these options based on various important facts that you can read about in our buying guide for the best DJ controller. Thus, it should be easier for you now to make a choice. Based on the same details, we are presenting some ideal recommendations right here.
4 channel DJ controllers are quite rare, especially if you are looking under a specific price margin. Thus, our first recommendation will be the Gemini Sound G2V Professional Audio Interface. This is a 4 channel DJ controller with MIDI support and 16 multi-functional performance pads. Gemini also offers a year of warranty on these controllers, which is pretty good. The DJControl Starlight from Hercules control is one of the most affordable DJ controllers and an ideal choice for beginners who wish to start learning sound development and DJing. It has touch sensitivity jog wheels and a built-in sound card, which is pretty decent at this price range. You will also get the longest warranty period compared to most other choices. If you have already used various types of DJ controllers and cannot find the one that suffices for your needs, worry not. The Denon DJ PRIME 4 also offers 4 channels along with a 10-inch wide touchscreen display for even more detailed mixing information. It works on 24-bit Denon DJ legacy audio format so that you can make high-quality music.
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