Anyone who values his work as a DJ, mixes with some kind of equipment from Pioneer DJ.
After all, their CDJs and DJM mixers have established themselves as the undisputed standard in clubs.
When it comes to DJ controllers, however, the wheat is separated from the chaff, as quite a fewconsoles have one single option for DJ software. Most controllers come with either Rekordbox,Serato DJ Pro, Traktor or VirtualDJ, so the hardware is not the only factor in the purchase decision.
The DDJ-FLX6, however, partners on the one hand with the in-house DJ software Rekordbox,on the other with Serato DJ Pro; Pioneer DJ provides a license code for both.
The four-channel controller also looks professional at first glance. The high-quality DDJ-FLX6 can truly measure up, at least in terms of its size. At 676 x 346 x 69 mm, it almost rivals the flagship DDJ-1000. With its 3.8 kilograms, however, it is truly lightweight - the first indication of certain savings, more on that later. The user interface undoubtedly has Pioneer DJ's signature layout. Thanks to the large dimensions, the top panel looks very tidy and ergonomic.
Impressive jog wheels and new effects
One of the DDJ- FLX6's selling points is undoubtedly its jog wheels and on-jog display with a diameter of 20.6 centimetres, which are on a par with the CDJ-3000 in terms of size. They take up almost two thirds of both decks, which is somewhat at the expense of the dimensions of the Pioneer DJ-typical cue and play buttons and the performance pads, whose sixteen single-colour illuminated pads measure "only" two square centimeters. In addition to the usual Hot Cue, Beat Jump, Beat Loop, and Sampler modes, the pads are also assigned with Pad FX, Keyboard, Key Shift, and Sample Scratch.
Each deck is further defined by a six-centimeter pitch control including sync and master tempo buttons, a dedicated loop section, and the button for the jog cutter: a jog-wheel effect that simulates scratch effects. Special attention should be paid to the large knob to the right of the loop section - the Merge FX. Behind it, lays a combination of four effects that create so-called build-ups via rotary encoders.
The DDJ-FLX6 is advertised as Pioneer DJ's most affordable DJ controller with a four-channel mixing unit.
The mixer not only comes with four line faders and a crossfader, but also with gain control, a three-band EQ, and an LP/HP filter knob for each channel. For visual signal control, there is a three-colour level meter with five LEDs next to each equaliser. The popular Beat FX unit is also part of the good tone of a Pioneer DJ product, although it has been somewhat skimped on. The controller accesses the six effects of the software, but unfortunately, Pioneer DJ only allows one button with which you can navigate through the effects.
They can be assigned to each channel, and also to the master, adjusted by the beat at the touch of a button and changed in intensity via a rotary knob. To scroll through the library and load tracks into the decks independently of the laptop keyboard, the controller comes with a browser knob above the trim knobs. A special feature: by pressing the individual Load buttons with Shift, the library can be sorted according to four different attributes (BPM, track, key, artist). Pressing the Load button twice results in instant doubles. In the same field, there is a slider that decides whether the fourth channel should play the sampler. A knob for the master and the booth output complete the mix section.
Shortcomings in the connection options
The back of the unit is a little disappointing, as only two outputs come from the housing - an RCA master and BOOTH. This degrades the professional-looking controller a bit. You can connect to your computer via the regular USB B port, and connect a microphone through the 6.3 mm jack socket, with attenuation control. There is also a Kensington anti-theft lock and that sums up the connection panel.
For those who miss the mains socket and switch from the list, there is none, as the controller draws its power exclusively from the laptop via USB. On the front you will find two headphone jacks (3.5 and 6.3 millimeter), volume and mix controls and the microphone output knob.
If both Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro have been downloaded and are up to date, both software will recognise the controller immediately so that you can get started. Since Pioneer DJ is not constantly reinventing itself, but features are in their tried and tested place, Pioneer users can quickly come to grips with the DDJ-FLX6. There is nothing to complain about in terms of quality. On the contrary, the jog wheels in particular are haptically and functionally convincing.
Although the rotation resistance of the wheels is not adjustable, it is set to the right degree, so that all DJ skills are easy to master.
We are somewhat critical of the smooth, shiny surface, on which every fingerprint is quickly visible. The Jog Cutter is intended for DJs without any scratch experience. You shouldn't expect miracles from its simulated short cut baby scratches, but it's certainly good as an effect.
Effective DJing
Even more successful are the merge FX, which really raise the energy level to make the crowd escalate. Turn the encoder to start the "Rise" effect with increasing intensity, then press the push to end the effect with an echo out, for example. The controller offers four presets that can be adapted from the Riser as well as the Drop in the Rekordbox menu.
The smaller performance pads, which are only illuminated in blue, can also be used to trigger hot cues quickly and without latency, but they are not velocity-sensitive. Among the performance modes, we already mentioned the Sample Scratch, which loads sounds from the sampler into the decks at lightning speed to scratch with them or to apply the jog cutter.
The Effects Unit offers a little bit of surprise, because when Shift is pressed, the release FX (Echo, Vinyl Break and Backspin) come into play in addition to the software effects. The mixer unit allows ergonomic handling with generous space between the knobs, with space between them, even for larger fingers.
Due to the RCA output, not much signal pressure can be expected from the console, but thanks to the built-in 24Bit/44.1 KHz audio interface, it delivers a harmonious and transparent sound that is appropriate for the price.
Conclusion
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 is a four-channel DJ controller for both Rekordbox and Serato DJ-Pro, which stands out above all due to its lush CDJ-3000-sized jog wheels and Merge FX.
At just under 600 euros, the DDJ-FLX6 is considered an entry-level model among four-channel controllers, but not a bargain.
It also scores with its fully equipped and easy-to-use mixer section including browser and BeatFX unit.
For software operation, licences for both certified software are included. It even includes The Pitch’n Time expansion and FX Pack for Serato-DJ Pro.
Professional users might be a little bothered by the lack of XLR outputs and the low output signal.
Otherwise, we can recommend the FLX-6 if you want to use both Rekordbox and Serato, and are looking for a really flexible, non-standalone controller.
