The Best DJ Controllers and Mixers
Whether you're entertaining a crowd of adoring fans or building tracks for your latest release, a DJ console makes every part of music performance easier. Controllers and mixers have scaled up their complexity in modern years to allow artists to use computers for editing tracks with incredible speed. If you're an aspiring musician that wants to offer your audience the ultimate acoustic experience, our recommended DJ mixers and controllers are sure to give you superior sound effects and intuitive functionality for every occasion.
What to Look For
Buying a new DJ controller can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. To help you narrow down your options, we considered the devices’ overall layout, advanced features, ease of use, and price. Our favorite controller, Pioneer’s DDJ-REV1, is a fantastic and well-rounded device that delivers solid performance and user-friendly controls. For beatmakers on a budget, it’s hard to top the Hercules DJ Bluetooth wireless DJ controller. Read on to check out our favorite picks in more detail and find the right rig for you.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 DJ Controller
Pump it up
The DDJ-REV1 controller makes applying your own personal flair easier than ever. Pioneer’s controller comes loaded with mic inputs that allow you to mix your own vocals with your tracks. Whether upgrading for more control or diving into the DJ world for the first time, the DDJ-REV1’s expert design mirrors the spacious battle layout of high-end decks for maximum creative control. Hobbyists and journeymen alike will marvel at the simplicity of the setup and the ease of use that this sturdy device provides.
Pros:
- Battle-style layout
- Built-in mic input
- Comes with a tracking scratch feature
- Great for beginners
- Large jog wheels
Cons:
- May have problems connecting to Serato Pro
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch
Bold beats
Numark’s DJ2GO2 Touch works as a great addition for larger setups or as a stand-alone controller. Each of the two channels features four pads, tempo control, cue buttons, a miniature jog wheel, and leveling knobs. If you don’t have an extensive library of tracks to manipulate, don’t worry. Numark’s Serato DJ software allows instant access to popular streaming services like SoundCloud, so you always have an appropriate playlist. The plug-and-play design and backpack-sized convenience of the DJ2GO2 make it one of our favorite recommendations for musicians on the go.
Pros:
- Great for brainstorming
- Easy to transport
- Works well with any DJ software
- Can be easily remapped
Cons:
- The jog wheels have a small surface area.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 Pro Controller
Mix and match
If music is more of a full-time gig than a part-time recreation for you, having the proper equipment can be the difference between a set to remember or a disaster on the dancefloor. Pioneer’s DJ DDJ-SR2 features top-notch capabilities like a dual-level master, needle search features, multicolored performance pads, Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ controls, and more. One of our favorite components of this mixer is the large jog wheels that allow for great scratch response despite the console’s compact design. If you’re looking to take your music to the next level, this controller has the specs to take you there.
Pros:
- Has a 4-deck design
- Acts as a 4-channel USB audio interface
- Comes with DJ software
- DVS-compatible design
- Multicolored performance pads
Cons:
- Pricier than other options
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200
Power performance
If you’re in charge of the music at a party, you need to have the right tracks on hand to get everyone in the mood to have fun. Lucky for you, this intuitive DJ controller from Hercules comes chock-full of features that make it easier than ever to set the right energy for the party. It comes with light-up guides to help you know what to adjust on the fly, and it has an intelligent music assistant feature to help with choosing the right songs. It even has a unique energy control to plan out the pace of your setlist and work in songs that fit the right atmosphere. With so many innovative features in one affordable console, this DJ controller is perfect for any beginner that’s ready to party hard.
Pros:
- Features light-up tempo and beat alignment guides
- Built-in intelligent music assistant
- The energy function can pace the music at your party
- The Beatmatch Guide can help you mix
Cons:
- Jog wheels are extremely sensitive
Hercules DJ Bluetooth Wireless DJ Controller
Simpler than ever
If you’re more of a casual aspiring DJ, it can be hard to get into the right scene without spending a lot of money or acquiring a lot of different equipment. Lucky for you, this Bluetooth DJ controller makes it easy to start DJing right away without needing anything other than your smartphone. With this DJ controller, you can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth and play tracks from the built-in streaming sites on the Algoriddim Djay app without having to do any special editing or formatting. It even comes with a smartphone stand for easy accessibility. Best of all, the price is almost too good to be true. If you want an easy DJ solution on a budget, it’s hard to beat this bargain buy.
Pros:
- Great price
- Easy to connect to smartphones
- Includes a foldable smartphone stand
- It’s powered by USB
- It has a compact design
Cons:
- May be too small to use like a traditional DJ controller
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a controller and a mixer?
The main difference between modern-day DJ controllers and mixers is the ability to record and play music. Old-school DJ’ing used two turntables hooked onto a mixer, the actual tool used to create distortions and beats during live performances. Since most modern DJ equipment is an all-in-one design (and the prevalence of vinyl records has taken a hit), actual turntables could be replaced with smaller jog wheels, and the mixer could be baked into the center of the final product, known as a controller.
Can I use a DJ controller to make my own original music?
This question really depends on who you ask. For established DJs, using a controller to finish mixing two or four pre-recorded tracks is the best way to create a hit. If, however, you’re interested in using tools like Logic Pro to build individual instruments or beats with scientific precision, you might be out of luck. DJ controllers are used primarily for mixing, while MIDI keyboards can be paired with these devices to construct a song digitally, from start to finish.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.