Modern DJs — novices and veterans alike — have more creative options than ever. Whether you were raised on real turntables or you want to perform unique sets with cutting-edge technology, getting into the world of digital DJing has never been easier. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best DJ controllers available — and, if you’re just starting out, this article will guide you when buying your first DJ controller.
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch 2-channel Serato DJ Controller
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch combines with Serato DJ Lite software (included) to bring you a hands-on DJ experience that you can fit in your backpack. Jog wheels, sync and cue buttons, and a crossfader give you ample control over your music. And, despite its small size, the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch manages to include a built-in audio interface, complete with separate outputs for your headphone mix and main mix. Beginners have everything they need to start mixing tracks on their laptop, while Serato DJ pros can use it as a simple, portable solution for prepping sets.
Learn more about the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 4-deck Serato DJ Controller
Developed in collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 puts ample control under your fingertips in a portable, USB-powered controller — it’s even equipped with an audio interface and a microphone input. It’s perfectly integrated with the included Serato DJ Lite software and makes a powerful controller for the full version of Serato DJ Pro when you’re ready to upgrade. Aluminum jog wheels offer the feel of pro-level DJ controllers, while its Pad Scratch and FX Fade functions enable creative scratch effects and track transitions.
Learn more about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 4-channel DJ Controller
If you’re not interested in controlling track playback via jog wheels, then you’ll appreciate the comprehensive control the NI Traktor Kontrol S8 offers. By leaving off the platters, the Traktor Kontrol S8 adds a pair of large color displays, dedicated controls that mirror Traktor’s Remix Deck layout, performance pads, and a whole lot more. You even have mixer-like control over each of Traktor’s four decks, including 3-band EQ, effects, and channel faders. Combine all this with a high-quality, 24-bit/48kHz audio interface and Traktor Pro 3 DJ software, and the Traktor Kontrol S8 is a performance-ready DJ controller.
Learn more about the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8
Reloop Mixtour 2-channel DJ Controller
Designed for tight integration with algoriddim djay Pro software, the Reloop Mixtour controller equips you for DJing with your computer, iOS device, or Android device. And, thanks to complete Spotify integration, you’ll have over 20,000 tracks at your fingertips. Despite its small size, Mixtour packs two channels worth of mixing, EQ, effects, transport functions, cueing, syncing, looping, and more. And its built-in interface offers separate outputs for your headphone mix and your main mix. If you’re looking for maximum DJ potential in a minimal footprint, the Reloop Mixtour fits the bill.
Hercules DJ DJControl Inpulse 500 2-channel DJ Controller
Designed from the ground up for use with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED DJ software, the DJControl Inpulse 500 delivers pro-level DJ control at an affordable price. In addition to supporting two DJ decks in your software, the DJControl Inpulse 500 packs an extra hardware input for external music players, drum machines, and synthesizers — you can even apply a filter effect to the external audio independent of the software. You’ll also have access to a ton of tracks via streaming services — Serato DJ Lite supports TIDAL and SoundCloud GO+, while DJUCED supports Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, and Qobuz. In other words, you have the control you need to perform and a near-limitless selection of tracks to choose from.
Learn more about the Hercules DJ DJControl Inpulse 500
Roland DJ-202 4-deck Serato DJ Controller with Drum Machine
Roland has played a huge role in the evolution of modern electronic music, so it’s fitting that their DJ-202 offers more than your typical DJ controller — specifically, a built-in drum machine featuring legendary drum sounds from Roland’s TR-808, TR-909, and other TR-series grooveboxes. An onboard sequencer also controls Serato DJ Pro’s sampler for tempo-synced beat creation. And that’s in addition to all the controls you’d expect to control a four-deck rig, complete with large platters, dedicated pad and transport controls, and a mic input with integrated vocal effects. Complete with a copy of Serato DJ Pro software, the Roland DJ-202 offers big performance potential.
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 4-deck Serato DJ Pro Controller
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 makes it easy to create tuned/harmonic mixes, thanks to deep integration with Serato Pitch ‘n Time, the leading solution for high-quality time stretching and pitch shifting since 1998. You can change the keys of your tracks without changing the tempos, making it simple to structure your sets harmonically. You can also automatically sync the keys of different tracks during a mix and even instantly reset a track to its original key after changing keys. Multicolored performance pads give you access to Hot Cues, the Roll function, the Sampler, and much more via various pad modes. And, because it includes Serato DJ Pro and Serato Pitch ‘n Time software, all you need to get started is your laptop.
Learn more about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 2-channel DJ Controller
Equipped with a pair of prominent jog wheels for precise beat-matching and scratching, the Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 is a smart choice. With its club-standard asymmetric layout, advanced mixer effects, and multiple jog wheel modes for advanced track control, it’s the perfect match for the included Traktor Pro 3 DJ software. And its high-quality audio interface with a mic input, a headphone output, and main line outputs ensures you perform with the full potential of your source tracks. Factor in a connection for iOS devices, too, and you’ve got a fun and capable DJ controller indeed.
Learn more about the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 4-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller
Loaded with two unique jog wheels, 4-deck control with individual channel controls for each deck, and Pioneer DJ’s unique Merge FX, the DDJ-FLX6 is a full command center for your DJ performances. Merge FX aims to enable you to effortlessly switch between different genres, making it easy to transition tracks and built your set to a crescendo — you can even layer in a custom sample to trigger when you drop the beat. With comprehensive hands-on control, a built-in audio interface with mic input, and included Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro software, you’ll be performing advanced sets in no time with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6.
Learn more about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6
Join a New Generation of Digital DJs
We’ve barely scratched the surface of how advanced DJ controllers are these days, and what you need to achieve your creative vision is individual to you. These DJ controllers have impressed us at Sweetwater for a variety of reasons; but, when it comes to finding the best DJ controller for you, why not give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700? Many of us are DJs ourselves, and the rest of us sit next to those DJs. So, let us know what your performance goals are, and we’ll be happy to point you toward the best DJ controller to meet them.
