Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 Review
The DDJ-FLX4 is a significant step forward, not only because it's compatible with Serato, but also works with rekordbox for PC and Mac, as well as with mobile devices and an upcoming version of rekordbox for iOS and Android. Featuring new mixing aids and effects, it sets the new standard for entry-level DJ controllers.
To find out if everything works as desired and how the new FLX4 controller performs, check out our review.
First Impression / Setup
The DDJ-FLX4 bears a striking resemblance to the DDJ-400, which, according to Pioneer DJ, it's also supposed to replace.
That's a good thing: the DDJ-400 was a very popular controller that got pretty much everything right for its price range. We see it positively that it didn't lean towards the DDJ-FLX6, which made the first attempts to bring rekordbox and Serato under one roof.
So, it's a simple two-channel controller with a slightly streamlined mixer section, which still bears resemblance to Pioneer DJ's top mixers. It features simple 4.3-inch plastic jog wheels (without lighting or display), two sets of eight monochrome, rubberized performance pads, and the usual loop, library, and level controls from Pioneer DJ.
The corners of the plastic housing are now rounded, the color scheme is dark gray instead of black like the DDJ-400, and the jog wheels have an attractive matte surface. But aside from two inconspicuous new buttons (more on that later), everything looks familiar from Pioneer DJ.
Now on the back is a USB-C port with two jacks, one for power and one for a computer interface - although the device is usually powered via bus, so there's no need to worry about power unless you also want to charge a mobile device.
Yes, a mobile device: the controller works not only with rekordbox but also with Serato DJ on Windows and Mac, as well as with rekordbox for iOS and Android, which is expected to be available early 2023.
A pleasant feature is that the microphone input is connected to the computer via the USB port, so the microphone is audible during streams (or recordings) without the need for an additional mixer, as is often the case with DJ devices (and was the case with the DDJ-400).
To set up, simply connect the controller via USB to a PC or laptop and download the rekordbox or Serato DJ Lite app for free.
No complicated driver installation or convoluted setup is required. The controller is recognized directly by the DJ software upon connection to the USB port and is immediately ready for use.
Then you can either add your local music to the DJ software or sign up for a streaming service and play online sources.
Currently supported platforms include:
- TIDAL
- SoundCloud Go+
- Beatport Streaming
- Beatsource Streaming
Using the FLX4
The FLX4 does its predecessor (DDJ-400) proud and practically has nothing to envy. Like the DDJ-400, the FLX4 is not a professional high-end device and doesn't aim to be. It's for beginners, switchers, for practice, or as a secondary device, for professional DJs who want to prepare sets on the go.
Trade-offs must be made for the performance pads. They are limited in both performance and feedback and are not as high quality as in professional controllers. The output section is also very rudimentary and offers only an RCA master output. So the FLX4 probably won't be connected to large and professional setups.
The sound quality via USB is flawless for its price range, the headphone output is loud enough for a bus-powered device.
All basic DJ functions are available, including a three-band EQ and a gain control per channel, deck VUs (but no master VUs), a reduced but functional beat FX section, and two new and exciting functions specifically for beginners.
So the FLX4 offers a solid and well-functioning foundation, like the DDJ-400, for all newcomers with everything they need to DJ digitally.
But the DJ controller also has two exciting smart mixing features, at least for beginners or simply DJs who like gimmicks and novelties. Let's take a look at these:
Smart CFX
The rotary knobs below the three-band EQs per channel are filters - so far, so good. But when you tap on "Smart CFX", they become one-knob macro effects, combining two (or more) effects together and thus enabling combinations that would be difficult to achieve otherwise.
Some completely cut the music, others enhance it. Describing the effects exactly is difficult, but here it is enough to say that they sound good and provide a lot of fun and some exciting possibilities. Those who like to experiment will get their money's worth here.
Smart Fader
Here opinions are divided. Some DJs will like Smart Fader, others will find it unnecessary. We found it overall to be a cool feature, also conveying initial successes to beginners.
When you activate the feature, your crossfader becomes an almost foolproof method to mix between any two songs, regardless of genre or BPM. And here's how it works:
You turn on the function, start playing your new song (the device ensures it's "in beat"), and then slowly move the crossfader across. As you do this, the device syncs the tracks and changes the BPM so that both tracks match, gradually shifting the BPM from the old to the new track.
Simultaneously, the basses of the old track are lowered, and as an addition, there's a bit of echo when the old track fades out. It's all designed to optimize the transitions for you without you having to do much.
The feature worked decently for us with a variety of music. As with all these things, it also depends on the hands of a talented DJ, it can be a truly convincing feature.
Conclusion
With the release of the DDJ-FLX4, Pioneer DJ has retired the DDJ-400 and replaced it with a device that will be the standard for entry-level DJ controllers for the next few years.
The controller works with the two biggest DJ programs, it works with smartphones, tablets, Mac, and Windows, it masters all the basics and has some great new features that will be especially useful for beginners and - in the case of Smart CFX - for many more DJs.
It takes some of the best parts of the weaker DDJ-200, adds the best parts of the DDJ-400, doesn't encroach too much into the territory of the DDJ-FLX6, and also offers live stream microphone support.
The FLX4 is a worthy successor to the DDJ-400 and receives our full recommendation for anyone looking for a professional entry-level controller!
By the way: The dimensions of the FLX4 are identical to those of the DDJ-400. All accessories such as bags, flight cases, and covers developed for the DDJ-400 are also compatible with the FLX4.