Are you a nightclub DJ in Los Angeles? Are you looking to build a toolkit that allows you to mix from two turntables and a computer library while mixing in a digital audio workstation and a synthesizer? Like most electronic instruments, DJ gear is highly technical, and with high price tags, you most likely need to figure out what you want before you buy and try. Before you buy a DJ controller it would be worth it to read up on what you want it to do.
A beginner digital controller with Serato or TRAKTOR will get you spinning in no time, but if you have more advanced needs or aspirations, ask yourself what your goals are before you buy. While many controllers with multiple channels are compatible with using separate turntables or CDJ systems to control your tracks, scratch with, or sample from, some are better at it than others.
For club-ready kits make sure that you have the outputs you need. Some users may also require multiple zones of outputs; this is especially important if the controller will frequently be hooked up to PAs and speaker sets.
This way, while one turntable played a track, the DJ could ready the second turntable for play, line up the track, and cross fade it into play using the mixer. Modern DJ controllers often work as a combination of mixer and turntable, using spinning disks that simulate spinning vinyl to control audio play, and crossfading between digital tracks. Digital vinyl systems allow DJs to control their software with the hardware that DJs have been using for generations. This means using turntables or CD DJ systems with time coded discs to control the software.
A generation of performers used CD-powered DJ systems. There is no de facto best DJ software. Some work with multiple DJ softwares, but many are designed specifically for one software system. DJ controllers come with an exciting and deep pool of options. Choosing the best controller can be tricky. In the end, your controller should reflect what you want to do. Looking to buy the best roller skates? Check out all the indoor and outdoor skates these great skate brands offer, then choose the perfect pair.
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Written By Gareth Page. Published Oct. Pioneer DJ. Future On Wax This mixer and DJ controller has one foot in the analog world and one foot in the digital. Featherweight Party Champion This controller is a powerhouse with mobility.
New Tools This electronic music tool offers an intuitive and extraordinary level of power over the Ableton suite. A loose crossfader is ideal for scratch enthusiasts. Volume faders should offer a good level of resistance.
This helps to comfortably adjust the level of each deck. Level meters also help keep your mix out of the red. These should be easy to see and provide a clear indication of your levels. Extra features like filter knobs, browse controls, or FX controls are bonuses that you should also consider. Performance pads that allow you to set hot cues and further manipulate the tracks you are playing are also something to look out for.
If the gear you are looking at is lacking in some of these areas you may not be able to progress your skills beyond basic mixing. Another question worth asking is how many channels you need. Much like budget, this will instantly narrow your choices. All DJ controllers are either 2 channel or 4 channel. If you are a new DJ I suggest sticking to two channels.
Once you have mastered that you can look into an upgrade if that is where you want to take your mixes. The software that comes with the controller can also help narrow your choices. If you already have a preferred software platform it can be annoying to have to switch to a new platform.
Unlike professional DJ equipment, most DJ controllers require software and a laptop. If you are a new DJ the exact platform is not as important. What is worth looking into is whether the DJ controller comes with a full version of the software or just an intro edition. Having to upgrade software is a hidden expense that may not be in your budget. As for what software is the best that is debatable.
The other consideration here is if the controller can operate standalone. This opens up the option of not requiring the use of a laptop with software.
This can save space in your DJ setup. If this option is available the quality of the onboard software is very important. In this situation, it is best to have access to both options.
That way you can adapt to your preferred workflow. Another thing to consider is the connection options the DJ controller offers. DJ setups vary with so many speaker options available. Having the right connection options becomes very important if you have a particular set of speakers in mind. Extra connection options for microphones or external hardware is another consideration.
The cheaper the controller the more likely it will be to have limited options. For most beginners, this is not a big concern. But, if you are an established DJ or looking to upgrade this a key area to investigate. Having flexibility here is important. The other section to consider is the quality of the jog wheels. For scratch DJs, this will be the most important part of the controller. Latency, platter size, and feel all come into play here. While not the same as turntables you can still execute scratch routines on a controller.
Touch-sensitive jog wheels are ideal. Usually, more expensive DJ controllers will have better jog wheels. Keep this in mind when setting a budget. There are a few key brands that produce the best DJ controllers. Pioneer DJ is the most well known since they also dominate the club scene. Denon is another excellent brand with great controllers.
Numark and Native Instruments also have a long history of making excellent DJ gear. There is no single best DJ controller. The needs of DJs are wide and varied. One controller will be perfect for one DJ while not ideal for another. The combination of large jog wheels and the familiarity with the Pioneer club-standard gear set it apart from the rest.
And all of that at a reasonable price. But, all the controllers in this list are quality controllers that meet a specific need. Commissions may be earned from links on this page. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More Got It! Last Update: August 28, The Best Rated Controllers. Image 1 of 4. Image 2 of 4.
Image 3 of 4. Image 4 of 4. Connectivity: 2x USB 2. Channels: 4. Deck control: 4. Analogue inputs: 6. Analogue outputs: 3. Software: rekordbox DJ full license included.
Image 1 of 3. Image 2 of 3. Image 3 of 3. Connectivity: USB 2. Software: Traktor Pro 3 full license included. Reasons to avoid - Users of previous versions may feel a little lost. Analogue inputs: 5. Analogue outputs: 4. Digital connectivity: None. Reasons to avoid - Color FX could get old quickly. Roland DJ Channels: 2. Analogue inputs: 3. Software: Serato DJ Pro full license included. Reasons to avoid - Looks a little garish. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8.
Analogue outputs: 2. Reasons to avoid - No jog wheels.
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