Top 5 DJ Controllers Under $500 In 2016

by | Jun 19, 2016 | ARTICLES

Best Budget DJ Controllers For Beginners

 

When it comes to choosing the right equipment for beginner or hobbyist DJs, making the right decision may not be easy. You would need to go the whole nine yards to pick the most suitable and budget DJ controller for your needs so that you don’t have to throw it in garbage and spend a lot of money again.

I owned and performed on many different brands of players and DJ control units in several years, therefore can easily tell if this or that brand would be a good investment if I decide to buy it. Its build quality and parts is most important for me. Cheap equipment doesn’t really make you a good DJ, let me tell you.

I listed 5 different digital DJ controllers from the most popular brands below (Pioneer, Denon, Numark and Gemini), which are known to make the best DJ gear on mother earth. They are all around or even under $500.

Keep in mind that all these controllers are the best sellers of each brand I picked for you. Here we go, 5 selected DJ control units that you can buy for a very reasonable price and own for a long time.

 

 

 

DENON MC4000

Best Deal With Top Quality For Your Money
  • Denon MC4000 is the best deal for your money, no doubt. Rock solid metal frame, professional quality parts and many features that most expensive controllers have.
  • This is a 2-channel Serato controller which comes with Serato Intro in the box. Also user upgradable to Serato DJ. Not only that, MC4000 is compatible with other software like Traktor 2, Algoriddim djay Pro and Virtual DJ 8 too.
  • What I like with MC4000 is the build quality, 100 mm pitch sliders, touch-sensitive jog wheels, balanced main and booth outputs, split cue feature on headphone out, very detailed and dedicated controls all over the controller.
  • Don’t hesitate to own this Denon if you look for the best for your money’s worth.
  • Check It On:  AMAZON  |  EBAY  |  AMAZON UK

PIONEER DDJ-SB2

Top Brand With Unbeatable Price
  • Pioneer is the most popular name for DJs and DDJ-SB2 is one of the most affordable beginner-level controllers in its product line. It also is a Serato controller.
  • DDJ-SB2 is relatively small in size and very portable which is good if you intend to easily carry it around, even in your back pack. Of course, control surface and naturally buttons and knobs are a bit squeezed too.
  • If you like the Pioneer style and a big fan of the brand, go for it. It is ideal for home use and beginners. Audio outputs are limited, though.
  • Check It On:  AMAZON  |  EBAY  |  AMAZON UK

NUMARK MIXTRACK PRO 3

Numark's Best Selling Beginner Level DJ Controller
  • Alright folks, here is the best seller of all DJ controllers, the legendary Numark Mixtrack Pro 3rd Edition. It definitely should be on top of your list. Many features that most similar devices don’t have. Also improved a lot compared to the previous versions.
  • If I were you, I’d prefer it because of the multi-function touch strips, 8 performance pads on each deck, full range pitch sliders, nice big jog wheels and the Prime Loops Remix Tool Kit included in the box.
  • Keep in mind that audio output is single, not many options for sound connectivity. Other than that, perfect for the beginner DJ.
  • Check It On:  AMAZON  |  EBAY  |  AMAZON UK

GEMINI G4V

Most Features And Functions You Can Get
  • Gemini G4V is for sure the most advanced controller with the best possible price tag. This is the professional level which you can’t really buy from other brands with that kind of money.
  • G4V is a 4-channel controller unlike the other devices we listed above. It has a metal body, not plastic, one of the best jog wheels out there, full audio outputs in the back, 8 performance pads on each side and many more features you can only see on expensive controllers.
  • Here is the deal; If you wanna get the most with the least, this is it, G4V. A pro DJ equipment you can afford.
  • Check It On:  AMAZON  |  EBAY  |  AMAZON UK

PIONEER DDJ-RB

Pioneer's Entry Level Controller For Rekordbox Software
  • DDJ-RB is the beginner-level controller of Pioneer’s Rekordbox controller series. It is similar with DDJ-SB2 with the exception of software. At least size is the same.
  • If you choose this controller, it means that you would commit to the company’s own Rekordbox software. There are good reasons why you should choose it too.
  • You see pro-level controls like jog wheels and Play/Cue buttons just like the more expensive ones have. Multi-functional pads, LED volume meters, separate MIC out and level control are some of the features DDJ-RB offers.
  • Again, if Pioneer is your choice in brand name, this will be a good pick for you. Very affordable in price.
  • Check It On:  AMAZON  |  EBAY  |  AMAZON UK

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