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Best DJ Controllers for Scratching 2024

Scratching is an art, and you need equipment that works and feels correct to you to master it. Turntables are becoming less and less popular as a scratching tool as digital gears take over. A DJ controller will always be useful, whether you are a beginning DJ or a turntable and vinyl record enthusiast who wants to spin and scratch with digital equipment. The greatest DJ controller will more easily provide you with warm tones and artistic expressions for your music mix.

Scratching is a difficult technique, and using digital DJ controllers makes it more difficult to practice. Although vinyl is still the best for scratching, some digital controllers may give you a nice flavor of it. We’ll examine a number of these choices in this article and offer our recommendation for the top DJ controller for scratching.

Physical scratching is impossible in the digital world. After all, it’s impossible to physically scratch a digital track. The most you can do is use software models and hardware implementation to produce an approximation. Because of this, not many digital DJ controllers are suitable for scratching. However, some perform better than the majority. Although they still fall short of vinyl’s scratching capabilities, they can serve as a solid starting point. These are excellent choices for anyone who wishes to add some scratching to his or her DJ arsenal, especially when combined with all the features DJ controllers have. On that topic, let’s take a look at the top DJ scratching controllers now on the market.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000

Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000 4-Deck Rekordbox DJ Controller
  • 4-deck USB DJ Control Surface and 4-channel Mixer
  • 16 Multicolor Performance Pads
  • With Dual USB Ports

If you want to make some extra money on the side and require a controller for gigs, this product is one of the better solutions currently available. A leading producer of DJ equipment, Pioneer continues to set the bar high with its goods. Despite being quite affordable, the DDJ-1000 provides really good performance.

It has a style mixer in the center that may be used to concurrently control four channels. Even while there are more costly options available, including some on this list, few can compete with this model in terms of striking a balance between price and performance.

I adore the 16 different color performance pads that come with this model. During testing, I saw that it enabled me to trigger loops, cue points, and samples almost instantaneously. The high definition LCD screen that displays waveforms for each jog wheel is fantastic. It has a built-in 24bit/44.1kHz sound card and is simple to connect to any audio system.

Setup is simple. You should get the necessary software from the manufacturer’s website as soon as you open the box. The entire process—from downloading to registration—takes roughly 25 minutes. The controller can be used when the software has been downloaded and set up. Configure your sound card and audio output after connecting it to the USB port on your laptop. Since it comes with simple to understand instructions, I also found this to be simple to complete. The ability to select music via the knob was one of the first things I noticed about the deck. The knobs themselves feel quite responsive and are solid.

The device’s Magvel crossfade is incredibly effective for scratching. As the movement is fluid, it feels wonderful. It makes it possible to swiftly switch the fader, which always makes scratching simpler. The huge jog wheels also provide ample “real estate” to make scratching quite cozy. With this choice, performance is more than adequate, and it is one of the most adaptable mixers you will discover on the market.

My go-to program, Serato DJ, is not supported by it. I was able to map my controller, though. Its lack of standalone capabilities was another problem I encountered.

This model will work for you if you want to step up your DJing. Full-sized, fully-customisable platters that are excellent for scratching are included.

This is the Best DJ Controller for Scratching in 2023.

Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ-SX2 DJ Controller

Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, 17.70 x 29.90 x 6.90...
  • Dedicated buttons for Serato FLIP
  • 4-Channel Performance DJ Controller Designed for Serato DJ
  • Updated Jog Wheel with "Hot Cue Countdown"

One DJ controller in particular has gained respect and trust from other DJs. It includes a lot of excellent features that will enable you to perform at the top of your DJ game while dazzling your audience to the greatest groove they have ever experienced. The 4-channel controller has a distinctive design and is lightweight and small in size. Although some people complain that it is overly vivid, its slickness at night is perfect.

The controller is simple to use because it includes plug-and-play capabilities. It may be used by any DJ trying to advance their profession. The redesigned jog wheel incorporates a Hot Cue countdown and four keys specifically designated for Serato Flip, which has enhanced wheel time.

The controller’s main distinguishing characteristic is its compatibility with the new Serato Flip. This provides you with fluid options to edit your tracks, such as adding lengthier intros, outros, transitions, breakdowns, and changing the speed and rhythm pattern. Additionally, it integrates beautifully with Traktor’s TSI, and you receive a coupon for a free download of the expansion pack. This controller also has 16 velocity-sensitive pressure pads in a variety of colors. They feel good and do the job, despite being a little smaller than most MPCs.

You will like the incredible amplified MIC input with an integrated audio interface as well. You would get for a condenser microphone, albeit it wouldn’t be as strong as a standalone audio interface. They could be combined for the greatest outcomes. You may connect mixers, tables, and other external equipment via the 4 channels. One further significant component is the slip mode. You can use silent playbacks to make transitions simpler.

Overall, this is a DJ controller that is well made and has excellent capabilities, making it one of the finest choices for any DJ interested in the Serato flip. This is one of the Best DJ Controllers for Scratching in 2023.

Roland DJ-808

Roland Four-channel, Two-Deck Serato DJ Controller...
  • Exclusive design collaborated with authentic Hendrix featuring the original...
  • Featuring custom designed Hendrix inspired imagery on the ear piece shields
  • Equipped with both bluetooth wireless and analog wired connections

If you want to upgrade to a high quality, you should acquire this, especially if you are a DJ producer. It is the closest controller you will find to an integrated system that fuses traditional digital DJing with creating or step-sequencing. You will enjoy using it and appreciate its recognizable drum sets because Roland is in it.

The controller boasts a rock-solid construction and numerous premium features that provide dependable performance (typical of Roland). For the most demanding sets, it has professional hardware, including, among other things, intuitive knobs, faders, RGB buttons, customizable curves, and a built-in phono pre amp. In order to maximize the capabilities of Serato DJ Pro, the controller has been meticulously built. You can rapidly tune it for a specific deck thanks to its specialized Serato Flip loop buttons and key sync.

You may advance your skill as a producer or DJ with the turntable, synth, and microphone connectivity that is built-in. You can quickly sync your DJ sets or other creations with a variety of fascinating musical elements to the tracks in Serato DJ Pro with only a single USB connection.

The DJ-808 contains a specialized vocal processor called VT (Voice Transformer) that may significantly alter your voice in addition to a high-quality MIC input. Additionally, it contains an auto-pitch feature that will adjust any incoming signal’s pitch to fit your Serato songs. With the controller’s built-in TR drum machine and 16 step sequencer, you can create the most recognizable drum sounds, from hi-hats to floor-rattling booms. With Serato DJ Pro, they both keep in time. Your imagination is the only constraint, so you can combine different drum sounds and make different drum sections.

In conclusion, with top-notch hardware and software that gives professional quality and performance, this is one of the best DJ controllers for scratching.

Numark NS7III | 4-Channel Motorized DJ Controller

Numark NS7III | 4-Channel Motorized DJ Controller...
  • 4 decks of Serato DJ software control; built-in 4-channel audio mixer
  • 2 variable-torque motorized platters with high-resolution MIDI tracking
  • Touch-activated knobs produce ground-breaking control of filters, EQ, and...

This side of analog controllers, the Numark NS7III has the greatest scratching implementation. It’s not quite as easy to use and smooth as vinyl on a record player, but it’s fairly close. The large turntables provide a realistic scratching simulation. Additionally, it has many other fantastic functions that make it a superb all-purpose controller for any serious DJ.

It initially has a similar appearance to earlier DJ controller versions from the firm. But this model has displays, unlike earlier generations. The displays are attached to the device’s back using clips and seem incredibly durable. Despite being constructed of plastic, they feel really luxurious when in use. The device is really simple to set up. In my tests, I was able to complete it without any difficulty. The screens need to be wired to the console and lip on to it first. It is the console that gives it power. At the back of the screens is a USB port as well.

It is simple to use. The set’s controls make it simple to use. You can DJ without utilizing your laptop’s screen thanks to the screens. The Serato DJ software is arguably well implemented on the Akai Pro pads than I’ve seen. The knobs give special characteristics that are exclusive to this model and are quite responsive. The turntables are the highlights. These 7-inch turntables are comfortable, as they should be. They are constructed of vinyl and real slip mats. So, if you’re looking for a DJ controller for scratching, this is a product you’ll enjoy. Serato DJ installation is the first step and is really simple and easy.

For any Digital DJ that desires a vinyl and spinning splatter experience, I highly recommend this alternative. It’s a great gadget that works well with the outstanding Serato DJ software. As a result, it is justifiably regarded as one of the best DJ controllers for scratching.

Denon DJ MCX8000

Denon DJ MCX8000 | Standalone DJ Player and Serato...
  • Includes revolutionary Denon DJ Engine standalone technology
  • 2 USB inputs for Engine playback in standalone mode
  • Includes 4 deck Serato DJ software

Due to its stunning aesthetic and versatility as a standalone device and MIDI controller, the Denon DJ MCX8000 stands out to many as the greatest DJ MIDI controller for scratching. In other words, even if your laptop breaks down in the middle of a set, you can still play music.

DJs seeking a standalone or hybrid setup can utilize this controller because it features USB inputs and the ability to connect to software. The best part is that you can control four decks, giving you plenty of room for scratching. The durability of this controller is another excellent quality. This controller’s metal case makes it very difficult to break. Additionally, it has a limited manufacturer’s guarantee that will help you safeguard your investment for many years.

People think this is the best digital DJ controller for scratching because of the standalone feature and the reasonably low pricing. On each deck of the MCX8000, there are 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads. Additionally, there are numerous built-in sound effects and Serato is available for you to upgrade. The fact that this controller is not packaged with the complete version of Serato is a significant drawback.

You won’t need Serato in the first place if all you want from this controller are its stand-alone functions. The controller stands out among its rivals as maybe the most robust DJ scratching controller.