Pioneer DJ FLX-6 Controller Review
If you take pride in yourself, you DJ with Pioneer equipment!
After all, their multimedia CDJs and DJM mixers have established themselves as the undisputed standard in clubs.
When it comes to DJ controllers, on the other hand, the wheat separates from the chaff, as many consoles are compatible with various DJ software like rekordbox, Serato DJ Pro, Traktor, or VirtualDJ, so the hardware alone does not make the buying decision.
The DDJ-FLX6, on the other hand, enters into a dual partnership, both with the
in-house DJ software rekordbox and with Serato DJ Pro, for both
of which Pioneer DJ provides the license code.
Furthermore, the four-channel controller presents a professional appearance at first glance. The finely crafted DDJ-FLX6 can truly compete, at least in terms of size. With generous dimensions of 676 x 346 x 69 mm, it almost rivals the flagship DDJ-1000.
At 3.8 kilograms, it is, however, decidedly a lightweight - a first indication of certain savings, which we will discuss later. The control surface is undoubtedly adorned with Pioneer DJ's signature. Thanks to its generous dimensions, the top panel appears very tidy and ergonomic.
Impressive Jog-Wheels and New Effects
Among the buying arguments for the DDJ-FLX6 are undoubtedly its Jog-Wheels along with
the On-Jog display with a diameter of 20.6 centimeters, which, in terms of size, are comparable to those of the
CDJ-3000. They occupy almost two-thirds of both decks, at the expense of the dimensions of the
typical Pioneer DJ Cue and Play buttons and the Performance Pads, whose sixteen monochrome illuminated pads measure
"only" two square centimeters. In addition to the normal modes Hot Cue, Beat Jump, Beat Loop, and Sampler, Pad FX,
Keyboard, Key Shift, and Sample Scratch are also assigned to the pads.
Each deck is also defined by a six-centimeter-long Pitch-Control, including the Sync and Master Tempo buttons, a dedicated loop section, and the button for the Jog-Cutter, a Jog-Wheel effect that simulates Scratch effects. You should pay particular attention to the large rotary knob to the right of the Loop section - the Merge FX. Behind it are four combined effects that generate Build-Ups via a Rotary-Encoder.
The DDJ-FLX6 is marketed as Pioneer DJ's most affordable DJ controller with a four-channel mixing unit.
Consequently, the mixer includes not only four line faders with crossfader, but
also a gain control, a three-band equalizer, and an LP/HP filter knob per channel. For visual signal control,
there is a three-colored level meter composed of five LEDs next to each sound adjustment. For the quality sound
of a Pioneer DJ product, there's also the popular Beat FX unit, but unfortunately, it's been somewhat
economized. The controller utilizes the six effects of the respective software, but Pioneer DJ only provides a
single button to cycle through the effects.
You can assign beat adjustment to every channel, including the master, with a simple button press and vary its intensity via a knob. To scroll through the library and load tracks into the decks without using the laptop keyboard, the controller reserves a browsing unit above the trimmers. A special touch: by using the combination of the individual load buttons with Shift, you can sort the library by four different attributes (BPM, track, key, artist). Pressing the load buttons twice activates Instant Doubles. In the same area, there's also a knob deciding whether the fourth channel should play the sampler. A knob for the master and the booth output complete the mix section.
Compromises on connectivity options
The back of the device is somewhat disappointing, as there are only two outputs protruding from the chassis - one for master and one for booth. This somewhat diminishes the otherwise professionally looking controller. Only the USB port, a 6.3-millimeter jack with volume control for the connected microphone, and an integrated Kensington theft lock complement the connection panel.
For those who might miss the power connector plus switch in the list of connections, they're not there, as the controller gets its power exclusively from the laptop via USB. On the front side, there are two headphone jacks (3.5 and 6.3 millimeters), with respective volume and mix knobs, as well as the microphone output knob.
If rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro are downloaded and up to date, both programs immediately recognize the controller, allowing you to start using it right away. Since Pioneer DJ doesn't constantly reinvent the wheel but keeps features in their proven places, Pioneer users quickly get accustomed to the DDJ-FLX6. There's nothing to criticize in terms of quality. On the contrary, especially the jog wheels impress both in terms of touch and functionality.
Although the rotation resistance of the wheels isn't
adjustable, it's appropriately dosed, making it easy to handle all DJ skills.
We somewhat critically evaluate the smooth, glossy surface, on which every fingerprint is quickly visible. The Jog Cutter is intended for DJs without any scratch experience. Don't expect miracles from its simulated short baby scratches, but it's still a valid effect.
Effective Mixing
Even more successful are the Merge-FX, which truly boost the energy level to escalate the crowd. Turned at the encoder, as the intensity rises, the "Rise" effect kicks in, then pressing the push, for example, the effect is ended by an echo-out. The controller offers four presets, which can be adapted both by the riser and the drop in the rekordbox menu.
Even with the smaller, only blue illuminated Performance Pad, you can trigger quickly and with no latency for example the Hot Cues, but not dynamically sensitive to intensity. Among the performance modes, we already mentioned the Sample Scratch, which loads sounds from the sampler into the decks lightning-fast, to scratch with them or to use the Jog Cutter.
The effect unit offers a little surprise, because when Shift is pressed, the Release-FX (Echo, Vinyl Break, and Backspin) additionally come into play alongside the software effects. The mixer unit enables ergonomic handling, without getting in the way while tweaking the controls, after all, there is enough space between them, even for larger fingers.
Due to the Cinch outputs, not much pressure is to be expected from the console, but thanks to the built-in 24Bit/44.1 KHz Audio Interface it delivers a harmonious and transparent sound appropriate to the price.
Conclusion
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 is a four-channel DJ controller compatible with both rekordbox and Serato DJ-Pro, which stands out mainly for its lavish jog wheels in CDJ-3000 size and the Merge FX.
At just under 600.00 euros, the DDJ-FLX6 is considered an entry-level model among four-channel controllers, but not a bargain.
Furthermore, it scores with its fully equipped and easy-to-use mixer section including Browser and BeatFX unit.
For software operation, licenses for both certified programs are included, for Serato DJ-Pro even including the Pitch'nTime extension and FX Pack.
Professional users might be bothered by the lack of pressure from the Cinch output and the limited output options.
Otherwise, we can recommend the FLX-6 if you want to be present in both DJ programs and are looking for a truly flexible, non-standalone controller.