Digital DJ equipment has evolved alongside digital music libraries and developments in streaming, setting up today's DJs to be far more sonically equipped—all while carrying a fraction of the gear that would have been required for a gig a decade ago. When pop culture moved away from the initial solution of CDs into a new age of digital files, virtual DJ software appeared with controllers to match.
Even with the advances in software being readily available on laptops, tablets, and phones, most gigging DJs still prefer a tactile mixing and scratching experience, and that's where controllers come into play.
With so many new controllers from top brands such as Pioneer DJ, Rane, Numark, Native Instruments, and Reloop—all at various price points and capabilities—it may be hard to choose which one suits your needs. Buyers also have to note which DJ software they will end up using, which is crucial when it comes to deciding on the proper product—after all, not all controllers are compatible with every DJ software program.
Let us help you decide which controller is the right deck for your next gig.
Mixtrack Platinum FX is fully mapped to Serato DJ, a leading DJ software. For the main decks, it has 6" capacitive touch jog wheels and 16 multifunctional performance pads for rapid triggers like auto loops or beat stutters. Serato's effects can be controlled using the paddle triggers, which are great for making creative transitions. In addition, there are quick-access buttons to key effects like echo, reverb, flanger, and phaser.
This two-channel deck is designed to simulate the feel of Pioneer's pro-level PLX and DJM-S turntables and mixers. The pitch controls are positioned horizontally above the decks, similar to how scratch DJs flip the turntable in a "battle-style" position for optimum scratching and beat juggling. The performance pads and levers sit center on the mixer, allowing you to easily add effects while in the middle of a blend.
Made exclusively for Native Instruments Traktor Pro, the Kontrol S4 offers easy plug-and-play functionality, fully (and easily) complementing the app. S4's most distinctive feature is its stem control, a unique Traktor Pro feature, which allows you to insert up to four distinct stems such as the vocals, drums, or synths onto the remix pads. This controller also has various connection options that allow you to connect turntables, CD decks, instruments, and MIDI equipment into your setup.
This flagship 4-channel controller is designed & co-developed with Serato & Algoriddim and features an effects engine designed by iZotope. It's fully compatible with Djay Pro and includes all of Serato DJ Pro. Like all of Reloop's controllers, the Mixon has plug-and-play compatibility for iOS devices, allowing DJs to link streaming services Djay's library. In addition, Mixon is fully mappable to Djay Pro's AI Neural Mix app, which lets DJs isolate, play, and remix individual portions of multiple songs in real-time.
Thanks to the DDJ-1000's full, adjustable CDJ-sized jog wheels, it feels like you're playing a complete NXS2 system (a much more expensive setup). It features the new Beat FX and a handful of the most popular Beat and Sound Color FX from the DJM-series mixers. This controller has four inputs, which lets it be a standalone mixer for additional CDJs or turntables. Be aware that this DDJ-1000 is only compatible with Pioneer's Rekordbox and Virtual DJ software. Look for the DDJ-1000SRT if you want this controller but want to use Serato instead.
The Rane One is a forward-thinking controller design that opens up new possibilities for DJing on a digital platform. It has motorized 7" platters with acrylic disks and adjustable high/low torque settings that give it the feel of a turntable. It's also equipped with Rane's superior mixer technology centerpiece: an Ultra-light Mag Four Crossfader with performance pads fully mapped to Serato's effects and sample bank. The mixer also has phono inputs to support traditional decks if preferred.
Prime 4 is a four-deck standalone DJ system—currently the only one on this list capable of playing four decks of music at once. A 10.1" multi-gesture touchscreen allows you to search quickly, select, and view waveforms for perfect beat matching. In addition, a dedicated XLR Zone output lets you play music in two rooms simultaneously—either the same or an entirely different track. With lots of connectivity options, streaming capabilities, and compatiblity with Serato DJ, Virtual DJ, and Rekordbox playlists, the Prime 4 is an incredible, premium option.
