Entering the world of DJing is an exhilarating journey, filled with beats, mixes, and the thrill of controlling the dance floor. At the heart of this adventure lies the DJ controller, a pivotal tool that bridges your musical imagination with the audience’s energy. For beginners, choosing the right controller is crucial, as it shapes your learning curve and influences your development as a DJ. This guide delves into the best DJ controllers for beginners, focusing on user-friendly features, reputable brands, connectivity options, and software compatibility. Whether you’re aspiring to rock house parties or dream of headlining festivals, finding the perfect controller is your first step towards DJ mastery.
Table of Contents
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
- 2-deck DJ Controller with Multi-device Compatibility
- USB Audio Output - Graphite
- Streaming Integration
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 emerges as a beacon for beginner DJs, blending the legacy of its predecessor, the DDJ-400, with innovative features that cater to the modern DJ. This controller is celebrated for its simplicity, affordability, and the seamless integration with major DJ software, including Serato DJ Lite, making it a versatile choice for those starting their DJ journey.
At the core is its user-friendly design, which simplifies the transition for newcomers into the world of DJing. The hardware control layout is intuitive, featuring a cut-down mixer section that still retains the essence of Pioneer DJ’s high-end models. This design philosophy ensures that beginners can easily grasp the fundamentals of mixing like a dj mixer, while also providing a pathway to more complex operations as their skills develop.
DDJ-FLX4’s sound quality is another highlight, delivering clear and powerful audio outputs that are essential for both practice sessions and live performances. This is complemented by the controller’s ability to connect with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, enhancing its versatility and appeal to beginner DJs who may be experimenting with different setups.
For those interested in scratch DJing, the DDJ-FLX4 offers responsive jog wheels that provide a tactile feel and accuracy for scratching and beat juggling. While it may not replicate the full experience of higher-end scratch mixers, it offers a solid foundation for beginners to explore and develop their scratch techniques.
The inclusion of features such as SMART CFX & SMART FADER further enriches the mixing experience, allowing beginners to apply creative effects and transitions with ease. These features, along with the controller’s compatibility with major streaming services, open up a world of musical exploration and experimentation for novice DJs.
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
- Complete Serato DJ System – DJ Controller for Serato DJ Lite (Included)...
- Visualize Your DJ Mix - Large 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with...
- Personalize your DJ Set - Six Fun, quick-launch FX with dual paddle...
Numark’s Mixtrack line is one of the most well-known names in entry-level DJing, and it has always provided a good balance of functionality at a reasonable price. The Platinum FX, the company’s most recent addition, may be the best bang-for-your-buck ever as compared to the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX.
The Platinum FX is the highest-end Mixtrack controller, including 4-deck mixing, large jog wheels with high-resolution displays, and a mic input. Hot Cues, Auto Loop, Sampling, and Fader Cuts are just a few of the great performance/remix capabilities included in the FX part of the name. A pair of useful paddle switches allow you to easily access Serato’s built-in effects. All of this adds up to a lot of potential fun, making even the most skilled DJ skills accessible.
While you’re mixing, the jog wheel screens show you important information. When you’re in the middle of a set, you won’t have to look at your laptop or computer. This capability is normally reserved for higher-end DJ equipment. Even though the screens aren’t the best in the world, they nevertheless offer a lot of usefulness.
The Mixtrack Platinum is a 2-channel controller with 4-channel mixing capabilities, making it one of the best DJ controllers for a larger setup. Each jog wheel has a huge built-in LCD panel for keeping track of things like BPM, track play duration, pitch adjustment, and more to ensure a smooth transition between tracks.
You can also swap between four distinct decks and decide which one is active at this beginner dj controller, allowing you to make your own mix tapes with endless layering possibilities. This is also advantageous because you won’t have to continually monitor your laptop, avoiding you from becoming distracted and allowing you to concentrate on actual mixing rather than song selection.
You may utilize the multi touch capabilities to swiftly search through tracks or strip FX. There are 16 performance pads for loops, hot cues, and launching samples. Filter knobs are included for each channel to let you shape your sound even further. Pitch sliders are also included, allowing for even finer pitch adjustments. Tracks may be controlled with precision thanks to intelligent touch controls.
This is the Best DJ Controller for Beginners in 2024.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
- 2-deck DJ Controller f Serato DJ with Battle-style Setup
- Built-in Microphone Input
- Tracking Scratch
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 is a beginner controller that doesn’t compromise on quality or features, making it an excellent choice for those starting their DJ journey. This controller is designed with the aspiring club DJ in mind, offering a layout and feature set that mirrors professional DJ setups or simply want to enhance your party mix live like club djs.
DDJ-REV1 jog wheel displays are high-resolution screens provide real-time feedback on track details and performance features, enhancing the mixing experience and making it easier for beginners to master their sets. The jog wheels themselves are responsive and accurate, providing a tactile feel that’s essential for scratching and beat matching.
DDJ-REV1’s build quality despite being a beginner controller, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The robust construction and high-quality components ensure that the DDJ-REV1 can withstand the rigors of regular use, whether it’s for practice sessions at home or performances at parties.
The controller’s feature set is comprehensive, offering a range of tools that encourage creativity and experimentation. From the dedicated FX section to the performance pads, the DDJ-REV1 provides a wealth of options for manipulating your music collection and crafting unique mixes. The controller’s compatibility with Serato DJ Lite further enhances its versatility, opening up a world of features and music libraries for beginners to explore.
The DDJ-REV1 also shines in terms of connectivity. It’s equipped with a range of inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect various devices and set up your DJ system exactly how you want it. Whether you’re using it for a party mix live or practicing in your bedroom, the DDJ-REV1 offers the flexibility to adapt to different scenarios.
Roland DJ-202
- Two-channel, four-deck controller for Serato DJ Lite (free Serato DJ Pro...
- Large platters with the lowest available latency, optimized for scratching
- Built-in drum kits from Roland legendary pattern-909, pattern-808,...
The Roland DJ-202 is another excellent low-cost controller that rates among the best DJ controllers. The DJ-202 is a tiny package with a lot of capabilities that are beneficial for DJing, live performance, and studio production. Serato DJ is compatible with the DJ-202, and a Lite version of the software is included to get you started generating music.
The DJ-202 is incredibly user-friendly and modern, with all of the functionality of a high-end controller in a more portable package. DJing, remixing, and even composing tracks are all possible with the DJ-202. Large platters with extremely low latency, dedicated pad and transport controls, an internal sequencer for managing Serato DJ’s sampler, and even a mic input for performing are all features of the DJ-202.
Roland is a relative newcomer to the DJ gear world, but its controllers have a unique selling point: they include emulations of the brand’s classic 808, 909, and 707 drum machines. Because there are fewer controls here than on the higher-end DJ-505 and DJ-808 controllers, it’s a little more tricky to sequence those drum sounds. The large performance pads, on the other hand, are more than enough to allow users to bang out drum patterns in the middle of a mix. A mic input and various onboard vocal effects, including a gate, filters, reverb, and echo, are also included.
The dedicated performance pads support Hot Cue, Loop, Sequencer, and Sampler modes. You can apply effects like gating, a high pass filter, reverb, and even an echo on the mic input. Built-in drum kits from Roland’s renowned drum machines are also included. They include superior Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, which gives them a lot of power and realism. A bass drum, snare, closed and open hats, toms, rim shots, and claps are included in each kit.
The DJ-202 is software-wise built for Serato Lite (included), but if you own or acquire a Serato Pro license, the 202 is fully mapped to take advantage of the software’s more pro-level functions. You’re paying for the high-quality drum sounds and vocal effects, so if those appeal to you, this is a good deal; otherwise, you could get more bang for your buck elsewhere.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
- 2-deck Digital DJ Controller for rekordbox dj Software (Included)
- With 8 Performance Pads and 2-channel USB Interface
The Pioneer DDJ-400 is a fantastic DJ controller for beginners. I strongly recommend getting this controller to learn on if you want something reasonably priced and know you’ll want to upgrade in the future. This controller has a much lower learning curve than other beginner controllers, making it simple to get started with DJing. If you’re not sure where to begin, just grab this one and you’ll be OK.
Pioneer DJ is a well-known and well-liked audio solutions firm, and they provide DJ controllers as well. The DDJ-400 was designed with novices in mind and is intended to be used as a person’s first DJ controller. The DDJ-400 is a 2-channel DJ controller that includes a license for Pioneer DJ’s own DJ software, rekordbox. Learning to DJ on the DDJ-400 is simple and enjoyable. It’s jam-packed with features that will help you quickly improve your talents and feel confident using more powerful DJ controllers in the future.
The DDJ-400 is set up similarly to Pioneer DJ’s NXS2 controller, a more advanced model, so that when you upgrade, you may feel at ease utilizing a more professional setup. Dedicated cue buttons, beat FX for spicing up your mixes, CDJ style looping, and more are some of the features contained in the DDJ-400 that you’ll also find on more advanced DJ controllers.
The DDJ-400 offers a tutorial option that will help you understand the ins and outs of the controller. The training feature pairs with the integrated rekordbox DJ software to assist you in learning both the hardware and software.
You can select to hear the mix through your computer’s speakers (if it’s connected) or studio monitors for more versatility. You can also listen to the master output with headphones at the same time. The DDJ-400 is ideal for traveling and is quite sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about it becoming scuffed up in the process for the best dj controller under 1000.
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 | All In One 2 Deck DJ Controller for Serato DJ
- Next Generation Feature Packed Controller : Ultra Portable two deck DJ...
- Connectivity Covered : On board pro grade class compliant audio interface...
- Mix Control : Two physical decks outfitted with a crossfader, dedicated...
The Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 is the newest member of the Numark DJ controller family, and it was created with the professional or aspiring DJ in mind. Professional features include 100mm pitch sliders, 16 multi-function pads, and a copy of Serato DJ Intro bundled with the controller. This tutorial will show you how to download, install, and use the Moxtrack Pro 3 and Serato DJ Intro software.
When the action doesn’t stop, we make sure you’re the one in charge. We provide the muscle you need to get the job done. Mixtrack 3 will never disappoint you. Everything you loved about the Mixtrack II is still here, but there’s much more now. What’s more, we’ll provide you 100mm pitch sliders that make even the tiniest pitch adjustments a breeze, making it simple to keep two cuts in perfect beat sync without any drift. Other 60mm pitch sliders can’t compete with this level of performance. We give you a wonderful look and sound!
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller
- Jog mode: Classic spin-to-nudge function, as well as scratch capability
- Beat grid adjust mode: Use the jog wheel to manually adjust beat grid in...
- Club-standard layout with identical deck design, 2-channel mixer, and fast...
NI’s entry-level Traktor controller, now in its third iteration, is one of the most beautiful appearing devices at this price point. It’s also well-made, and seems far more professional than its pricing suggests. The S2 is a controller designed exclusively for Native Instruments’ Traktor platform. It’s made to function with both the cross-platform, beginner-friendly Traktor DJ app and the more powerful Traktor Pro 3 – and the fact that it comes with a complete license for the latter is a big plus.
While the S2 lacks the more complicated effect and sampling features found on larger Traktor controllers, there’s still plenty to get your teeth into for both novices and seasoned DJs. The S2 isn’t the cheapest starting controller on the market, but it’ll certainly satisfy intermediate DJs as their requirements and goals increase.
NI’s reimagined basic DJ controller is a knockout. The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 has a more modern and elegant look, as well as a number of useful features. With a strong, though slightly limited, range of possibilities, performance pads perform admirably. Another wonderful feature is the dedicated knobs for loop functionality. The jog wheels are comfortable to operate and can be utilized to perform scratch routines.
This two-channel controller also has a lot of connectivity choices. Both balanced and unbalanced master outputs are available. There’s also a microphone input. The built-in sound card is capable and produces high-quality audio. The Traktor S2 Mk2 is one of the best beginner DJ controllers, thanks to Traktor Pro 3 software. It’s also a great backup system for Traktor DJs.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200
- Learn the Basics of Djing With the Controller'S Exclusive Features: Tempo...
- Comprehensive Djing Software Included: Discover the Basics of Djing With...
- Choose Your Tracks Easily with The Intelligent Music Assistant, and Its...
Whether you’re a budding DJ or a seasoned pro, the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 will come in handy. It also comes with the DJUCED DJ software, which is compatible with the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200’s small design. The Inpulse line from Hercules is aimed squarely at beginning DJs. They’re not only inexpensive and simple to use, but they’re also designed to teach you how to mix.
The controllers come with Hercules’ DJUCED software, which includes built-in video tutorials and a light guide on the controller itself to show you what each button performs. These tools are combined with visual “beat align” guides to help visualize the synchronization of your two decks, as well as a “Intelligent Music Assistant” tool that will automatically recommend the next track to keep your mix moving.
The controller hardware is a little toy-like, and there’s no meaningful connection with any of the big DJ apps, unlike most of the controllers in this roundup (Serato, Traktor, rekordbox). However, the price is really reasonable, and for young aspiring DJs, this could be exactly the ticket.
You can use the DJControl Impulse’s twin deck design to perform track browsing, vinyl-style cueing, and pitchbend capabilities. These are also conceivable due to the fact that the wheels are capacitive jog wheels that are also touch sensitive. The brightening up of the rainbow performance pads indicates the four control modes of the DJCONTROL Inpulse, which comprise sampler, FX rolls, and hot-cues. There are around 8 of these pafs. The intelligent music assistant (IMA) that is included into this DJControl Inpulse 200 would be ideal for a beginner.
It also contains tempo instructions that show you how to move the tempo for a fader effect in the right way. It doesn’t stop there; the beat align also demonstrates how to move the jog wheels in the most efficient manner. The DJControl Inpulse comes with a headset.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 – 2-deck Digital DJ Controller with USB/Bluetooth Connectivity
- Lightweight and compact with a pro-style layout it’ll help you learn to...
Pioneer’s CDJs are the industry standard, and their extensive variety of mid- and pro-level DJ controllers routinely outperforms the competition. The DDJ-200 is a stripped-down version of these higher-end devices, with jog wheels, a simple mixer, and performance pads that look and feel professional without overwhelming novice DJs.
The DDJ-200 may be used with Algoriddim Djay, edjing Mix, or Pioneer’s own rekordbox and WeDJ programs in terms of software. The latter is an iOS/Android software with some excellent educational features targeted at bringing newcomers up to speed on the fundamentals of DJing. Stepping up to the more pro-featured rekordbox software also provides a wonderful path into sophisticated mixing.
The DDJ-200 is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing it to connect wirelessly to mobile devices or computers, and its power requirements are low enough that it may be powered by a portable USB charger. Users can also use the WeDJ software to mix music from SoundCloud Go+ or Beatport LINK, albeit both services require separate subscriptions.
The lack of an audio interface is a noticeable drawback, requiring a separate device for a full master out/headphones DJ setup — which is reflected in the low pricing. However, a split audio wire is included in the package, allowing for a basic workaround for monitoring tracks for the best dj controller under 400.
Numark DJ2GO2 Complete USB DJ Controller Set
- Get them Gifts They’ll Remember this Holiday Season; The perfect DJ...
- Ultra Portable, Feature Packed; Compact 2 channel Serato DJ Lite (Included)...
- Connectivity Covered; On board audio interface with 1/8 inch headphone...
Numark’s redesigned DJ2GO is one of the most feature-packed DJ controllers on the market in terms of size and capabilities. The device’s compact form factor makes it almost pocket-sized, yet it still has room for two jog wheels, a crossfader, a built-in interface, and four performance pads for each deck. This is best beginner dj controller for both children and adults, and it has enough functionality to be utilized by a professional DJ on the go. This DJ Controller is exceptionally light, weighing only 11 ounces! It measures 17 x 3.4 inches and is just over an inch thick, making it highly portable. Most notably, the width measurement is extremely small, which may fit a variety of folks based on their own setup and style. I
It’s difficult to overstate how compact and light this DJ Controller is, and it’d be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to move around with it without feeling bogged down. It also lends itself nicely to being a second unit in terms of cost, as it won’t break the bank. There’s a compromise to be made here. You can’t have extreme portability without sacrificing essential features, such as controls. Because they can’t be full size on this unit, you’ll have to accept that if you want to consider the Numark DJ2 GO2, but that’s to be expected.
As a result, the jog wheels are plainly fairly small, and mastering them will take some time. Because there isn’t enough physical space to make them any longer, the faders are also shorter. You also don’t receive the same range of control options as you do with larger controllers for identical reasons. It’s a good one to get acclimated to, and it’s a fantastic alternative as a backup or for those on a tight budget. It comes preloaded with Serato Intro software, so you can start learning right away for the best dj controller under 200.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 DJ Controller
- Intuitive layout, all of the features were designed to be where you need...
- Add scratch effects to cued and currently playing songs without a turntable...
- Mixing is Seamless with the FX Fade feature .5 inch durable aluminium jog...
The Pioneer DDJ SB3 is the third in a line of Serato DJ controllers from Pioneer. It’s also a terrific backup for seasoned professionals, drawing inspiration from Pioneer’s more expensive models. For an entry-level controller, the mixer portion is well-equipped. Quick cuts will be a breeze with the crossfader’s modest weight. You can keep your channels out of the red using two channel faders and individual VU meters. However, because there is no master VU meter, you’ll have to rely on the software to keep your mix from going into the red.
Above the faders is a comprehensive 3-band EQ that lets you regulate low, mid, and high frequencies. As a result, you’ll be able to fine-tune your mixes for the best transitions. The addition of a high and low pass filter knob gives you even more control and versatility while mixing. There are also dedicated gain knobs for controlling the volume of each channel.
Serato DJ Lite is included with the Pioneer DDJ-SB3. To begin with, this basic version of the software is adequate. It gives you access to all of the essential features you’ll need to get started DJing. The problem arises when you want to start expanding your talents and use all of the features. You’ll need to upgrade to Serato DJ Pro at this time. If you do decide to purchase the DDJ-SB3, keep this additional cost in mind for the best dj controllers under 500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should beginners look for in a DJ controller?
Beginners should prioritize controllers with an intuitive layout, responsive jog wheels, and essential mixing features like EQs and faders. Software compatibility and connectivity options are also crucial for a seamless DJing experience.
How much should I spend on a DJ Controller?
You may be surprised to learn that $400 can get you a pretty nice novice DJ controller. A set of suitable controllers is available for the entry-level market. Prices range from $120 to $1,000. At this early stage in your DJ career, it truly depends on how much you’re willing to pay. We recommend starting modest and working your way up to the more complicated DJ equipment!
Do I need a mixer?
If you can’t afford a sophisticated audio connection or mixer, a splitter may be the solution. It essentially combines the left and right channels into a single mono stream, freeing up the other channel for headphone monitoring.
What DJ equipment do I need to start?
A typical setup includes headphones, a laptop, a MIC input, DJ controls, an audio interface, monitor speakers, and accessories such as USB or hard disks. DJ necessities are defined by the amount of room available for your DJ gear, your budget, and the style of DJ you want to be.