We love DJ controllers first and foremost because they give you the shortest route to become a DJ, with plenty of essential functionality. The point of controllers is that they control the functions of your software with physical knobs and buttons, so you can mix with software just as you would with standalone mixers and players. The layout is always similar to a standalone setup, with a mixer section in the middle and jog wheels, tempo controls and hot cue/sample pads on both decks.
If you're just starting off with the concept of DJing, it can be difficult to decide which entry-level controller to choose, as most major DJ gear manufacturers now release various hardware with different software.
We can't make the decision for you, but we can help you narrow it down and give you some tips on what to look for in a DJ controller. In the €300 range, the following controllers have stood the test of time and we can confidently say they're reliable:
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 - Rekordbox and Serato DJ
- Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 - Traktor
- Numark Mixtrack Pro FX - Serato
- Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX - Serato
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 - Serato / DJUCED
- Roland DJ 202 - Serato
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 - Serato
- Gemini G2V - Virtual DJ
- Gemini G4V - Virtual DJ
THE MOST IMPORTANT HINT: CHOOSE SOFTWARE WISELY, NOT HARDWARE!
As any DJ who has been in the business for many years can attest, it is much easier to change hardware than software. That's why it's important to make the right choice from the very beginning, so that you don't have to get used to a whole new ecosystem over time. It's important to know that all the work is done by the software, with the controller you're just telling the software which track to load from your collection, how much volume to give to a particular track, what position to set the EQ, tempo etc., so that you're not doing all this with the mouse and keyboard. Most software also come with a smartphone / tablet version with reduced functionality.
Most DJ controllers are pre-mapped to a specific software, so that specific interface is what you will commit to after you buy. Although in some cases you can map a controller to other software (e.g. Rekordbox controller to Traktor), we really don't recommend it because it can cause some technical glitch, and most of the time it will not work as expected. The whole point is to plug in the USB cable and get ready to play.
The 4 most common DJ software and recommended hardware:
Rekordbox
Pioneer's DJ software, its main strength is that it can be with you anywhere, from the bedroom to the club. The playlist you create in Rekordbox, can be used with your laptop and controller, but you can also export it to a USB stick and take it with you to your gig, and play it on CDJs. With the free version the only thing you can do is to organize your music, but as soon as you plug in a Rekordbox compatible controller, it unlocks Performance Mode so you get all the basic DJ functions straight away. If you need more functionality than the basic Performance Mode gives you, you can unlock more for an additional subscription fee, such as RMX effects or Cloud Sync.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
The best entry-level Pioneer DJ controller is the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
The FLX4 is Pioneer DJ's latest answer to the question: What does an entry-level controller need to do?
The answer is EVERYTHING. With the FLX4 you are maximally flexible on the road, because it can be used with Serato DJ, as well as with rekordbox for PC and Mac. You can also DJ on Android and iOS from 2023, with the rekordbox app for the mobile operating systems.
The clean Pioneer Club layout is particularly beginner-friendly, but also offers enough options for professional users. The jog wheels are very responsive for their small size and can even be used for scratching.
The DDJ-FLX4 can also be a good option for professional DJs, as it works with the Rekordbox library, which can be exported to a USB stick and played on the CDJ. So if you want to practice at home or try out the selections you've chosen for your next gig, the controller could be a good choice.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Traktor is one of the most reputable DJ software, and it is widely used amongst everyone from bedroom DJs to legends like Richie Hawtin or Carl Craig. The Traktor PRO package can be used with simple, clean 2 deck layouts, 4 deck layouts or even sampler decks. The main advantage of Traktor is that it can be used to create extremely complex setups and can be MIDI synced with DAWs, but if you're just starting out, these are probably not what you're looking for. That being said, if you are not just an aspiring DJ, but a music producer as well, and already work in a KOMPLETE / MASCHINE ecosystem, you'll find Traktor a comfortable fit. There is also a more primitive version for tablets, the
Whatever style you mix in, the entry-level Traktor S2 MK3 can handle it all. Plus, it unlocks the full version of Traktor PRO 3, so you get an open window on everything.
The S2 MK3 is an extremely clean controller, and although it's entry-level, it's built from quality materials, the chassis is sturdy plastic, the knobs and buttons are up to the top of the range and the jog wheels are responsive, not too loose, not too heavy, and they certainly don't wobble. 4 FX knobs are included as a bonus: 1 = Filter; 2 = Reverb; 3 = Dual Delay; 4 = Flanger, and these can be triggered with 2 larger knobs below the EQ. The effects are mapped to the Traktor's internal effects, but with the S2 you can only use the 4 above, you can't assign the other built-in effects of Traktor to the hardware.
The S2 MK3 is an ideal, convenient option as a beginner DJ hardware, or as a backup for smaller parties where you don't want to carry a lot of DJ gear.
Serato
Most people associate Serato with hip-hop DJs, but it has become extremely popular in the last years in many other areas as well, with a wide range of hardware available. It is very similar to Rekordbox, but with 10 years more history, it's probably the most stable DJ software out there. It might not go as deep as Traktor in terms of functionality, but everything that is available is very intuitive to use, and extremely stable and reliable. Serato doesn't make its own hardware, but because of its popularity most manufacturers have at least 1 or 2 Serato compatible controllers, so there are more hardware options even at this range. The available version for all entry level hardware is the Serato DJ Lite, it already has everything you need for mixing.
You will need the Serato DJ PRO if:
- You want to buy Expansion Packs (e.g. DVS, FX, etc.)
- You want to create playlists (in the standard version you have to choose from your library)
- you want to use 8 pads instead of 4
- You want to change the Display Mode
- Want to use more effects and combine them
- Want to use Slip Mode/Beat Jump functions
- Also, in our opinion, THE BEST TRADE-OFF: with the Lite version you can't record mixes within Serat, which is a must for beginners because it's the best way to keep track of your learning progress
The best beginner Serato hardware:
Numark Mixtrack PRO FX / Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
Numark hardware is famously good if you're looking for value for money. Both controllers have a great build quality and can be a great choice when learning to beatmatch, as they have a pitch fader almost twice as long as any of their rivals. The advantage of the Platinum FX over the PRO is that you can assign up to 4 decks to 2 channels, the jog wheel has a display on it that shows BPM, track status and other useful info, so you'll have to look even less at your laptop screen. However, if you can do without these, the PRO is a more budget friendly option. Both controllers have 6 FX knobs, the usual pad buttons, 3-band EQ and filters.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
While the strength of the Numark controllers is their long pitch fader, the Hercules Inpulse comes with 2 giant jog wheels, and a sturdy metal chassis with fold-out feet in case you want to lift and hide cables underneath. Aimed specifically at beatmatch learners, the Beat Match Guide feature helps you know which way to turn the jog dial to get your tracks in sync. It also gives you 4 FX knobs, filter knob, 8 performance pads, loop functions and everything you need to start mixing.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
As we move on to a more specific category, the DDJ-REV1 is designed especially for scratch DJs. Although a Pioneer DJ product, it's not made for the Rekordbox. The REV1 replaces the DDJ SB3, which was also equipped with various scratch functions, but still looked more like any traditional DJ controller. The REV1 clearly follows the battle mixing layout, with the performance pads positioned above the volume faders, the pitch fader on top of the jog dials. Understandably, it doesn't have motorized jog wheels like its big brother the DDJ-REV7, but it's still a solid option for battle/scratch DJs and the jog dials are pronouncedly good.
Roland DJ-202
The Roland DJ 202 is a 2-channel controller that lets you control up to 4 decks, but its main strength lies in the TR-909, TR-808, TR-707, and TR-606 drum kits that you can incorporate into your sets. Each TR Kit comes with 8 notes: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Tom, Rim, Clap, and Ride. The sampler has a separate volume control and you can also control it with the Onboard Sequencer to make beats on-the-fly. The Roland DJ 202 is especially recommended for those with a strong focus on performance, wanting to add unique beats to their mix and transitions.
Gemini G2V | Gemini G4V
Virtual DJ is one of the oldest DJ software around and although it may not have the visual appeal of Serato or Rerkordbox, it has all the important features you need, even some advanced ones, such as stems, which allow you to interact different musical elements of a track independently while DJing. On top of that, the standard version is free to download and the paid version can be bought either with a monthly subscription or a lifetime license with unlimited updates.
Virtual DJ doesn't have its own hardware, but many controllers can be used with it in plug&play mode, such as the Gemini G2V and Gemini G4V.
Both controllers come in a very robust metal chassis with pressure-sensitive jog wheels and XLR/RCA outputs, so they can handle even larger sound systems. The faders, knobs and buttons are of extremely high quality. FX controls are configured for Virtual DJ and there are quick-control knobs forHot Cue, Autoloop, Sampler and Manual Loops. The only difference between the 2 mixers is the number of channels, as their names suggest, the G2V can control 2 channels and the G4V can handle 4 channels simultaneously. In addition, both controllers can be mapped to Traktor.
Conclusion
Choosing your first DJ software and hardware may cause some confusion, but it's also an exciting process. Before you settle on any hardware, we recommend that you do a bit of research first, check what functionality you need exactly, which software you can see yourself using in the long term, and what your friends are using.
Just like if you had to choose between a gamer console, you would probably not go for an Xbox if all your friends used PlayStation, unless you always play by yourself.
If you're planning to mix in standalone mode with CDJs in the future, Rekordbox is the best possible choice because you can export your playlist to a USB stick and use the full functionality of CDJs in the club and in the same time, have a stable, reliable DJ software on your computer.
If you like the Native Instruments ecosystem, endless connectivity and functionality, Traktor is a great choice, but at the entry-level you're only getting a full-featured controller. Traktor is also highly popular amongst techno and tech-house DJs because of the extensive loop controls.
If you want a bit more hardware choice, Serato offers plenty of options and is especially beneficial if you want to scratch. It is also a very stable and intuitive software, and can be used in various visual modes (more club-like, or more battle-mode).
If you are not looking for any specific ecosystem, and don’t care too much about the interface, but want to enjoy all the functionality, then Virtual DJ could be the perfect choice as it can be mapped to mostly any controller.
Whatever choice you make, most controllers hold their value pretty well, and it is highly recommended that you find the right software on this level. We can promise that all hardware mentioned above will provide maximum fun for their value.
