[et_pb_section admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off”][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=”Fullwidth Header” title=”DJ CONTROLLER GUIDE” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”justified” header_fullscreen=”off” header_scroll_down=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” content_orientation=”center” image_orientation=”center” title_font=”Open Sans Condensed|on|||” title_font_size=”50″ custom_button_one=”off” button_one_letter_spacing=”0″ button_one_use_icon=”default” button_one_icon_placement=”right” button_one_on_hover=”on” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ custom_button_two=”off” button_two_letter_spacing=”0″ button_two_use_icon=”default” button_two_icon_placement=”right” button_two_on_hover=”on” button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″] [/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_slider admin_label=”Slider” show_arrows=”on” show_pagination=”on” auto=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” remove_inner_shadow=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” hide_content_on_mobile=”off” hide_cta_on_mobile=”off” show_image_video_mobile=”off” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ auto_speed=”4000″ auto_ignore_hover=”off”] [et_pb_slide background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Pioneer-DDJ-SZ-5001.jpg” alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” allow_player_pause=”off” header_font_select=”default” body_font_select=”default” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”PIONEER DDJ-SZ” button_text=”Check It Out” button_link=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/controllers/ddj-sz/”] #1 top rated digital DJ controller ! It comes with real CDJ and DJM equipment size and functionality. Built with Pioneer quality with full version software included ! [/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Numark-NV-2-5001.jpg” alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” allow_player_pause=”off” header_font_select=”default” body_font_select=”default” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”NUMARK NV” button_text=”More Info” button_link=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/controllers/nv/”] All new digital controller from Numark ! This 4-Channel Serato controller has dual built-in full color displays for real time software visual feedback. NV started shipping to dealers on October 1st. [/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Behringer-CMD-Studio-4A-5-500.jpg” alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” allow_player_pause=”off” header_font_select=”default” body_font_select=”default” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”BEHRINGER CMD STUDIO 4A” button_text=”More Info” button_link=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/controllers/cmd-studio-4a/”] Best price tag with most features in Mid-Range category ! Well built, 4-Deck control function, slim tabletop design for portability. For less than $200 ! [/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Gemini-G4V-2-5001.jpg” alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” allow_player_pause=”off” header_font_select=”default” body_font_select=”default” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”GEMINI G4V” button_text=”More Info” button_link=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/controllers/g4v/”]
ONE OF OUR TOP PICKS IN PRO-GRADE CATEGORY
A full-featured digital DJ controller with a great price tag. Large jog wheels, 4-Deck control function, performance pads and more… [/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” image=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-DJ-Controllers-2015.jpg” alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” allow_player_pause=”off” header_font_select=”default” body_font_select=”default” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”BEST UNDER $500″ button_text=”Read More” button_link=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/dj-controllers-under-500-in-2015/”] Check out the 13 best DJ controllers in the market you can buy for under $500 in 2015 [/et_pb_slide] [/et_pb_slider][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_sidebar admin_label=”Sidebar” orientation=”left” area=”et_pb_widget_area_5″ background_layout=”light” remove_border=”off”] [/et_pb_sidebar][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/DJ-Courses-Online-Banner.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”http://courses.djcoursesonline.com/?affcode=49608_fk2-suqu” url_new_window=”on” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]<script type=”text/javascript”> amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “ddi04-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “search”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “efd987e4d9c95fac0c9cee723e681293”; amzn_assoc_default_category = “MusicalInstruments”; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = “DJ Controllers”; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = “bottom”; </script> <script src=”//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US”></script>[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Beginner Controllers” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”off” icon_color=”#7EBEC5″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#7EBEC5″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#7EBEC5″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]
- Behringer CMD MICRO
- Pioneer DDJ-WeGO
- Numark DJ 2 GO
- Behringer CMD Studio 2A
- Vestax VCI-100
- Gemini FirstMix
- Hercules DJControl Instinct Street Edition
- ION Discover DJ
- Gemini FirstMix i/O
- Hercules DJControl Instinct
- Reloop BEATMIX 4
- Pioneer DDJ-SX2
- Numark 4TRAK
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 8
- Traktor KONTROL S4 MKII
- American Audio VMS4.1
- Vestax VCI-400DJ
- Denon MC6000MK2
- Numark MIXDECK QUAD
- Pioneer DDJ-SX
- Numark NS7
- Denon MC6000MK2
- Vestax VCI-400DJ
- Traktor KONTROL S4 MKII
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 4
- Hercules DJConsole RMX2 Black-Gold
- MixVibes U-MIX CONTROL PRO 2
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 8
- Traktor KONTROL S8
- Hercules DJControl AIR+
- Numark MIXTRACK EDGE
- Numark iDJ Live
- Hercules DJControl Instinct
- Behringer CMD Studio 2A
- Numark iDJ Live II
- Gemini FirstMix
- ION iDJ 2 Go
- ION DJ2GO
- American Audio ELMC1
- ION Discover DJ
- Denon MC2000
- Numark MIXDECK
- Stanton DJC.4
- Reloop BEATMIX 4
- American Audio VMS4.1
- Vestax VCI-100MKII
- Vestax SPIN2
- Traktor KONTROL S2 MKII
- Reloop MIXAGE IE MK2
- Hercules DJControl AIR
- Vestax VCI-100MKII
- Reloop BEATMIX LTD.
- Reloop BEATMIX 2
- Numark iDJ3
- Vestax TYPHOON
- MixVibes U-MIX CONTROL PRO 2
- Stanton SCS.4DJ
- DJ Tech 4MIX
- Vestax SPIN2
- Epsilon QUAD-MIX
- Hercules DJ 4Set
- American Audio VMS4.1
- Numark 4TRAK
- Vestax VCI-400DJ
- DJ Tech 4MIX
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 2
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 4
- Traktor KONTROL S4 MKII
- Gemini G4V
- Hercules DJControl AIR
- Numark iDJ3
- Epsilon Pro-Mix2
- Hercules DJControl Air S Series
- Hercules DJ Console Mk4
- Pioneer DDJ-WeGO2
- Gemini FirstMix i/O
- Gemini CNTRL-7
- Hercules DJControl AIR Street Edition
- Gemini FirstMix Pro
- Numark MIXDECK EXPRESS
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 2
- Monster GO-DJ
- Vestax VCI-300MKII
- DJ Tech DRAGON TWO
- Vestax VCI-100
- Hercules DJConsole RMX2 Black-Gold
- Numark MIXDECK QUAD
- Numark NS7II
- Gemini G4V
- Pioneer DDJ-SX
- Pioneer XDJ-R1
- DJ Tech DRAGON TWO
- Epsilon QUAD-MIX
- American Audio VMS4.1
- Reloop JOCKEY 3 REMIX
- Numark iDJ Pro
- Traktor KONTROL S2 MKII
- Behringer CMD MICRO
- Numark MIXDECK
- Pioneer XDJ-R1
- Monster GO-DJ
- ION iDJ 2 Go
- Pioneer DDJ-WeGO3
- Traktor KONTROL S4 MKII
- Vestax VCI-400DJ
- Gemini G4V
- Numark N4
- Stanton SCS.4DJ
- Gemini G2V
- Hercules DJConsole RMX2 Black-Gold
- Reloop BEATMIX 2
- Hercules DJControlWave
- Numark iDJ Pro
- American Audio VMS2
- Numark MIXTRACK QUAD
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 4
- Numark NS6
- Vestax VCI-400DJ
- Denon MC6000MK2
- Traktor KONTROL S4 MKII
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 8
- Numark NV
- Pioneer DDJ-SB
- Pioneer DDJ-SR
- Pioneer DDJ-SX
- Pioneer DDJ-SX2
- Pioneer DDJ-SZ
- Pioneer DDJ-WeGO
- Pioneer DDJ-WeGO2
- Pioneer DDJ-WeGO3
- Pioneer XDJ-1000
- Pioneer XDJ-AERO
- Pioneer XDJ-R1
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Native-Instruments-Logo1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]
[/et_pb_code][et_pb_testimonial admin_label=”Testimonial” url_new_window=”off” quote_icon=”on” use_background_color=”on” background_color=”#f5f5f5″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]For club performance, pick a controller with multiple audio input and output, also a built-in sound card.
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Stanton-Logo1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]
[/et_pb_code][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Epsilon-Logo1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”] [/et_pb_code][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Vestax-Logo1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]- Vestax SPIN
- Vestax SPIN2
- Vestax TYPHOON
- Vestax VCI-100
- Vestax VCI-100MKII
- Vestax VCI-300MKII
- Vestax VCI-380
- Vestax VCI-400
- Vestax VCI-400DJ
- Numark 4TRAK
- Numark DJ 2 GO
- Numark iDJ Live
- Numark iDJ Live II
- Numark iDJ Pro
- Numark iDJ3
- Numark MIXDECK
- Numark MIXDECK EXPRESS
- Numark MIXDECK QUAD
- Numark MIXTRACK
- Numark MIXTRACK EDGE
- Numark MIXTRACK II
- Numark MIXTRACK PRO
- Numark MIXTRACK PRO II
- Numark MIXTRACK QUAD
- Numark N4
- Numark NS6
- Numark NS7
- Numark NS7II
- Numark NV
For enhanced features and usability, buy a controller with full version software.
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Gemini-Logo.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]
- Gemini CNTRL-7
- Gemini FirstMix
- Gemini FirstMix i/O
- Gemini FirstMix Pro
- Gemini G2V
- Gemini G4V
- Gemini SLATE
- Gemini SLATE 4
- Behringer B-CONTROL DEEJAY BCD2000
- Behringer B-CONTROL DEEJAY BCD3000
- Behringer CMD MICRO
- Behringer CMD Studio 2A
- Behringer CMD Studio 4A
- Reloop BEATMIX
- Reloop BEATMIX 2
- Reloop BEATMIX 4
- Reloop BEATMIX LTD.
- Reloop BEATPAD
- Reloop JOCKEY 3 REMIX
- Reloop MIXAGE IE MK2
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 2
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 4
- Reloop TERMINAL MIX 8
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Denon-DJ-Logo1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]
[/et_pb_code][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://digitaldjinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/Hercules-Logo1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code”]- Hercules DJ 4Set
- Hercules DJ CONSOLE 4-Mx
- Hercules DJ Console 4-Mx Black
- Hercules DJ Console Mk4
- Hercules DJConsole RMX 2
- Hercules DJConsole RMX2 Black-Gold
- Hercules DJControl AIR
- Hercules DJControl Air + S Series
- Hercules DJControl Air S Series
- Hercules DJControl AIR Street Edition
- Hercules DJControl AIR+
- Hercules DJControl Instinct
- Hercules DJControl Instinct Street Edition
- Hercules DJControl MP3 LE
- Hercules DJControlWave
It’s not an easy decision to pick the best DJ controller for yourself.
There are over 100 to choose from.
Read the following topics and brief explanations to better understand what makes the difference among all those devices and how you can make up your mind.
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Career / Hobby ?
What is DJ’ing going to be for you ? Just to have fun at home, in your bedroom or pursue a real career ?
Your decision will determine what kind of DJ controller you’d need. If it is only for home and hobby use, a control device with basic controls and no audio interface would be enough, at least. Just a USB connection to your computer will do the job. If you plan to develop and advance your DJ’ing skills and have the opportunity to play somehow to public, then you should consider a DJ controller which comes with a built-in sound card and audio outputs.
A master audio output enables you to connect to sound systems. For those with a plan of being a real professional DJ, we recommend buying a more sophisticated DJ control unit with advanced controls. You may not need each and every feature at the beginning but will definitely use them in the future.
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Size
Small sized DJ controllers are preferred for portability and being easy to transport. The disadvantage of a light controller is that it has less in it. More features and specs mean more weight. If you like to pack everything in one bag, choose a small-size DJ controller, but don’t expect too much from it.
You can find some among IOS Ready controllers and in the beginner category on our website. Most of the pro-grade DJ controllers are fairly large because of having a lot of knobs and buttons on. For example, Numark NS7II, one of the highest rated, is almost 30 inches wide and 34 lbs in weight. Size means more functionality and features.
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Software
DJ software bundled with equipment is usually in two categories: Lite and Pro versions. Some controllers are feature packed with a lower price tag on it. The reason is that they have lite or LE version of the software and there is an upgrade fee for its full version. You may end up paying from $100 up to $200 or more for the upgrade.
Consider this when deciding for your device. If you DJ for hobby, you may never need the pro version, then LE is just fine for you.
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Features
What features are we talking about here ? Hot cue, loop, effects, slip mode, crossfader adjust and so on. Being a professional DJ would eventually require using all these features at some point. It also enriches your mixes in a unique way.
Some of them may exist on the software but not on your control surface. If you prefer the ease of accessibility, you should choose a controller with those control knobs and buttons included.
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Quality
Build quality of your controller is a factor of good DJ’ing. If the controller is extremely cheap, then this means quality is low. It may not mean much to you now, but believe me, high-end products make a difference in DJ’ing.
We rated all controllers for their build quality and you can check it on each product page.
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Your Style
Your DJ’ing style also determines what kind of equipment you should use. What is it ? Straight mixing or scratch ?
All DJ controllers are suitable for regular mixing styles but not scratching. If you plan to be a scratch DJ, you will need large jog wheels and a good crossfader on your controller.
Prefer one with crossfader curve adjust feature. For those who like to perform live mixing with effects and samples, we recommend controllers equipped with performance pads.
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Audio Interface
This is an important option on a DJ controller. Having no audio interface means not being able to connect to either speakers or headphones. We highly advise our readers to buy DJ controllers with built-in sound cards. If not, there may be an additional cost for the external audio circuit unit.
Professional DJ’ing requires multiple audio inputs and outputs on a device in order to fully function. Check the Input/Output section of our product reviews to see how many that controller has.
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Mixer Section
Your controller will either have a 2 or 4 channel mixer section. How many channels to have all depends on your needs, there is no advice from our side. One thing we can recommend is that you’d be better off with channel faders than knobs. Also having full EQ on them is always preferrable.
For professional use, please look for the ” Standalone Mixer ” feature which means individual channels may also be connected to external devices like CD players or turntables. Usually, 4-channel controllers with DC or AC power source have the standalone mixer function.
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Power Source
USB, AC or DC adapter powered ? If your controller is USB powered, this means it consumes your laptop’s sources. USB connections have power limitations at some point (like 500mA, etc). Bedroom and hobbyist DJs are just fine with USB powered controllers.
No risk of having to restart your system if it crashes. We can’t say the same thing for pro setups. You wouldn’t have the luxury of taking your time to reboot everything including your controller in the middle of a gig. That’s why all pro grade DJ controllers are either DC adapter or AC powered since they consume decent energy sources.
We recommend that you buy an externally powered device unless you just keep it in the house.
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External Media Input
Some DJ controllers are “All In One” systems. You can control DJ software and play CDs and USB media at the same time, even connect turntables with time coded vinyl.
If you prefer such a device, then check the product titles under “Also Plays CD / USB Media” section on our main page. Such complete controller/player combo devices are a good choice in terms of having multiple backups to your DJ set up.
Even if your computer software fails, the rest is all up and running, thanks to external power option.
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