Whether you are new to DJing or have some experience behind you, there are some factors you need to consider when buying a DJ controller. We will go through these things with you so you can have a clear picture of what you want at an affordable price.
To help the newbies, we will take a look at entry-level controllers that come with everything you need to get you started. There are low-budget controllers if you are a bit short on cash, so you can still do what you want.
We will help so you don’t get overwhelmed with the wide range of controllers available to choose from.
What To Look For
Before buying your first or newest DJ controller, the following factors will have an impact on the choices you make. It is important to keep in mind that not all DJs are the same so choose carefully before you make your final decision.
Software of Choice
The type of software you are going to use will determine what your limits will be and how much freedom you will have. Not all types of DJ software are compatible with every mixer out there; the software options will determine what brand you will buy.
For beginners, it will be easy because they have no prior experience with certain software, so they can start from scratch. Every controller is compatible with a certain type of software; for instance, devices from Native Instruments have different compatibilities than the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3.
Those who are used to certain DJ software such as Record Box will find it difficult to change to other software. This is, in fact, the number one concern when buying a new DJ controller and needs to be considered.
There are good types of software you can use, such as Serato DJ, which is compatible with most DJ controllers. This software is available in many different versions with more advanced functions, such as Serato DJ Lite, Serato Pro, and Serato Pitch.
Number of Channels
The next important thing you need to look for is the number of channels the DJ controller has available for you to use. There are 2-channel and 4-channel DJ controllers, some of the most popular ones used by DJs.
The general consensus is that the more channels you have, the more flexibility you have to improve your overall creativity. But higher channel controllers are not always the best option, depending on what you want to use them for.
For the entry-level DJs out there, it might be better to start out with one with fewer channels until they become better. Those controllers with fewer channels are also much easier to use than DJ controllers with more channels and more features.
On the other hand, a 4-channel mixer provides you with more options and much better flexibility in choice and applications. This is for those with more experience in mixing more tracks and who are used to 4-channels and a million buttons they need to control.
More is not always better; many professional club DJs prefer the simplicity of a 2-channel DJ controller to make things less complicated for them.
Available Features
You will find that a low-end DJ controller comes with only the basic features included to get you started. This means only basic controls you need to get used to while you are still learning and practicing your DJ skills.
Any low-spec or entry-level mixer comes with just enough features and functions added to apply to the basics of DJing. Because they only come with a few budget features, these controllers are not as expensive as those with more.
A DJ controller that has high-end specs will come with more advanced features built into it to give you more flexibility for your DJ skills. Some of them, such as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6, come with 4 channels and a lot of amazing features to make your DJing much easier.
Many mid-range and high-end controllers come with a good balance between features to improve the overall output quality of the device.
Input and Output Ports
Another thing you need to consider before making your final choice of DJ controller is the input ports and output. Some of the entry-level devices come with only a few ports, such as a USB port and an RCA option.
The RCA port is the most common port you will use on your controller to add turntables and CDJs at the back. Its USB port enables the DJ to record the tracks to a laptop or computer so they can re-use them later.
The most common type of balance port is the XLR connectors found on higher-end DJ controllers as there are more output options. The XLR port is also used to add a microphone for traditional setups, and some come with more than one of them.
Most DJ controllers also have an option for headphone output so you can easily listen to your tracks and mixes.
The Price Factor
Because of different features and the number of channels, prices for DJ controllers may differ quite a bit. The higher the number of channels to more expensive the controller will be, and the same is valid for more features and functions.
If you are looking to have more features, such as a built-in audio interface to improve the sound output, you will pay more. Standalone controllers are more expensive than those dependent on a laptop to have full access to all the functions.
Controllers with fewer channels are a good option for beginners, so you don’t have too many controls to worry about while learning. Most low-end modern controllers come with all the basics added, making it easy for beginners to get started without too many hassles.
If you are working on a tight budget, you should consider getting yourself a controller with only two channels and basic functions.
Is This for the Long Haul?
Do you want to go into DJing as a career or do you just want to do it as a hobby to practice with friends? Whether you will stay with this for a long time also determines what type of DJ controller you will buy.
If it is not for the long term, you should consider buying an entry-level and cheaper model of DJ controller. If this is going to become a life-long job, then you should think about investing in a good quality controller with most features included.
Good quality, all-in-one DJ controllers with most features will be an excellent choice for those who want to make it a career. The high-end controller comes with everything you will ever need and more but will cost much more than an entry-level mixer.
What You Want to Use it For
The final and very important thing you need to consider is what purpose you want to use the DJ controller. If you are going to use it for clubbing and performance DJing, you will most probably only need a two-channel controller.
If you want to use it for weddings where you will make use of many features and channels, a four-channel controller is the best option. But that is not carved in stone; you can easily use a two-channel mixer for most functions and DJ applications.
If you don’t have the budget, you can always go for the one that suits your budget and upgrade later as you become more successful.
Protection for Your Controller
It is important to keep your investment protected when it is not in use, and that can be done with a protective case. A hard case is, most of the time, the best choice if you travel a lot with more chances of accidental damage.
Hard cases are more expensive than your standard soft carry cases, but they provide much more protection for your DJ controller. Some DJ controllers come in protective cases when you buy a new one, but others do not come with one.
It may cost a few extra bucks, but it is necessary to protect your hardware from accidental damage when storing it or traveling.
Summing it Up
What you need to look for when looking for a DJ controller can be summed up in a few pointers to make it easy:
- The software compatibility of the controller
- Number of channels you are going to use for your DJing
- What features are included with it, and do you need all of them?
- Input and output ports to add some versatility to your skill
- The price factor, especially for beginners
- Is this a long-term investment for you?
- For what type of DJ application do you need it?
- Keep your investment protected with a carry case
Buying Your First DJ Controller
We have a few tips you will need if you are new to DJing and want to buy your first controller to get started.
Test the Controller
Try the device you are interested in before you settle to buy one; it is good to try out a few models and brands. This way, you can get a feel of what you are looking for in your DJ controller and which one feels the best for you.
What Types of Effects Does it Have
Most controllers come with an FX section you will find at the top of the layout, which every beginner would want to try out. Make sure it comes with basic effects and such things as looping to back up your sets and tempo control with the fader.
Brand Value
It is almost certain that if you take DJing seriously, you are going to upgrade to something with more features later on. Not all brands have a high resale value, so you need to make sure you invest in the right brand.
To get some value back when you sell it later, you need to do some research on the resell value of your DJ controller.
Current Level of Skills
This may not sound important, but you should not allow your skill level to determine your final choice. You will improve your skill in time, and if you choose the wrong device, you may regret it later, which may hold you back.
Conclusion
Now that you have more information and are equipped with the right knowledge, you will make a much better choice when buying your controller. Hopefully, this article will help you on your way to becoming a very successful DJ and inspire you to use the best options.
