Investing in a DJ controller opens new doors. They are lightweight and portable and work directly from a laptop. They have numerous features to enhance any set, and the days of lugging all your records around are gone with the controller able to access vast libraries of music files.
Here are the best DJ controllers available today.
Q: Can I DJ With Software Only?
Yes, you absolutely can! However, you will miss out on the tactile pleasures of the controller and the fluid movements a DJ needs. Pressing buttons, bumping jog wheels, going yee-ha on the crossfader, and seamlessly adding effects are all benefits you will miss out on.
The layout is familiar, with everything being where it should be. However, the most remarkable thing about the design is how Pioneer manages to keep things lightweight and portable despite the controller’s large, robust build. The buttons and faders are sturdy, and aggressive battle mixers certainly don’t need to hold back. Everything feels like it can take a bit of punishment.
Additionally, the full-size jog wheels are solid and mechanical. There isn’t even a hint of cost-cutting in their design. They have adjustable resistance and feature colorful LCD screens. Essential information you might want to keep an eye on, such as BPMs or waveforms, is just a glance away on these screens. This information is customizable and allows you to engage with your dance floor better, as there is little need to go back to your laptop while mixing.
The mixer section is logical and comfortable. Each channel has a three-band equalizer with the trims and meters where they should be. The channel faders are sturdy, and the Magvel crossfader is robust enough for even the most energetic scratch DJ. Add to this an insane amount of excellent FX and loop options, and you have a set-up ready to take down any dance floor.
They are robust and have adjustable torque, so you can get the resistance you are used to. They also feature touch strips that allow you to “drop the needle” anywhere you choose. They are a good size, too. At 7.2 inches, they are not quite the size of a 1210’s platter, but they still feel right. The eight standard and non-gimmicky performance pads that feature on each deck, including the popular Scratch Bank from Serato Pro DJ, allow you to get creative.
Serato is the preferred software choice for this controller. It comes with Serato DJ Pro, and installation is simple. However, Mac and iOS users might want to use it with Algorridim’s djay Pro AI, and it is also plug-and-play compatible with Virtual DJ.
It’s an ultra-compact two-channel controller that is so lightweight and transportable that you could even slip it into a deep pocket to take to the party. The layout is simple, and the functions are basic. You get two smaller-sized jog wheels, pitch controls, a crossfader, and cue, sync, and play buttons. There are even basic pad functions to set up hot cues, use auto and manual loop controls, and even a basic sampler to experiment with. Pretty much everything you need, and more, to get started.
It works with Serato DJ software, and purchases include Serato DJ Lite. Download the software, plug in your headphones, speakers, and controller, and away you go. Once you master mixing on this little tiger, you can quickly move up to more advanced controllers with even more fun features.
Small, high-resolution RGB displays show essential and customizable information to help you keep an eye on things. However, the most significant buzz regarding the features of this controller is the haptic-force feedback from the motorized jog wheels. When scrolling through tracks, you can feel the beats, cue points, and loops which further reduces the need to look at your laptop. These features keep the DJ in the moment and thoroughly engaged with their audience.
Native Instruments controllers are only compatible with Traktor software. This one comes with Traktor 3 Pro software, which you can download once you have registered the hardware. It’s an excellent software ranked right up there with the best and offers high-quality audio and creative DJ features.
The controller features new Mixer FX on each channel. A single knob gives simplicity and control to the most popular effects. They can aid in long transitions and ensure the DJ has as much fun as the dance floor. Additionally, you can use the four FX banks for more subtle effects, while you can adjust the crossfader curve to suit your DJing style.
It doesn’t feature the haptic drive with which the S4 is currently creating a buzz in the DJ world. Still, with its much more economical price tag, it’s hard to expect it to have advanced features like that. What it does have is ample-sized jog wheels perched above a bank of performance pads with a well-laid-out mixing station between them. This simplicity means you can focus more on pleasing your listeners and mastering the basics. Advanced features can wait because having fun is essential to being a beginner DJ.
The S2 maintains the simple-yet-effective Mixer FX button, which is serious fun once you get into it. In fact, most of the features are simplified and may disappoint more experienced users. However, for beginners and anyone that wants to cut out the faff and just party, it’s an excellent model to consider.
However, the best feature is undoubtedly the built-in Roland TR-S drum machine and 16-step sequencer. It features classic genre-defining kits from the TR-606 up to the TR-909. Together with samples from the Serato sampler, you can essentially remix tracks live or even create your own drum-infused tunes. It even features a midi output that enables you to add and use other electronic instruments. This addition opens up a whole load of new avenues for live performances.
Make no mistake, this is a premium piece of equipment and an excellent choice for live gigs. However, it’s available at a mid-range price, and bedroom DJs who have moved on from the beginner stage will also have years of fun and learning with the variety offered by this controller.
You get the same familiar club-style layout, and the jog wheels also sport the highly-useful color LCD screens. You can customize these to feed you essential information while performing. However, the most obvious difference is the size and weight. The DDJ-800 is both smaller and lighter by about 25% in size and around a couple of pounds in weight; a clincher if portability is a big issue for you.
Another difference is the number of channels. The DDJ-800 has two channels compared to the four that the DDJ-1000 sports. However, if you only intend on using two channels, there is little point in splashing out on equipment with four. The jog wheels on the DDJ-800 are also lighter and smaller, similar to those you would find on other mid-range machines. However, you can adjust the resistance with the Feeling Adjust feature to get the required tightness. Battle mixers and scratchers should note that the crossfader is pretty standard on the DDJ-800, unlike the supreme Magvel the DDJ-1000 offers.
Sound quality is the same, and you can also use this machine as a standalone mixer, just like the DDJ-1000. All in all, if you need a high-quality two-channel DJ controller at a lower price, this could very well be the one for you.
Trying to do all this with a mouse is a daunting task. However, if you just want to blend mixes in your bedroom for a few friends, it is fine to use the software only; just don’t expect any serious battle mixing and quality scratching to take place!
Q: Which Software Is the Best for DJing?
The biggest player is Serato with rekordbox, Virtual DJ, and Traktor Pro also extremely popular. Each one has more or less the same basics, but they also have different features you need to consider.
Serato is a popular choice among scratch DJs and battle mixers. It’s also a good choice if you intend on using visuals in your sets as you can add on an excellent video plug-in to the app. Traktor Pro is almost exclusively aimed at electronic music DJs, Virtual DJ is highly versatile and compatible with just about any controller despite licensing issues while rekordbox is exclusive to Pioneer.
There is other DJ software to consider, such as djay Pro AI from Algorridim, which is gaining popularity with Mac users.
