So, you want to be a DJ? Excellent! There are more styles of DJing and more gear options than ever — it’s a super-exciting time to get into it. Of course, we all have to start somewhere, and these days that means finding a controller-and-software combination that best meets your needs and personality.
Picking the right gear and software the first time is critical because you don’t want to invest all your energy and effort into learning a system only to have to do it all over again later. That’s why we’ve prepared this special buying guide full of general advice and great gear selections.
Play It Smart
The first important resource to consider when making choices isn’t a hardware controller or a DJ application — it’s the DJs around you. None of them got into DJing in a vacuum, and we all lean on our friends for advice. So, ask — and learn. In a few years, you’ll be the one giving advice!
Considering that DJ rigs all perform, more or less, the same function, finding the right combination of DJ software and a controller to go with it is an extremely personal experience. No guide can capture the nuances of exactly what one controller’s jog wheel feels like or how well another’s pads rebound, but you can figure out which ones put the tools you actually need at your fingertips.
For now, ask around. If all your friends use Serato DJ, then you probably have your software all sorted out. But what controllers are they using? Why do they like them? What do they wish they had and why? Ask if you can try them out and see what you like and don’t like on your own. As with all things, you can learn a lot from other people’s experiences and from trying out as many options as you can.
What’s in an App?
Let’s take a look at some of the top DJ systems on the market today and the software that makes them work.
Algoriddim djay
If you want something amazingly affordable and portable, then Algoriddim djay is the way to go. While there are desktop versions of it, the mobile version is available for both iOS and Android. Its claim to fame is that it lets you tap into Spotify, putting virtually every track out there at your fingertips.
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch
One of the top entry-level controllers available is both super affordable and fully compatible with Algoriddim djay. It’s Numark’s DJ2GO2 Touch, and it’s an ideal option if you want a grab-and-go rig for parties where your main job is to keep the music going and the dance floor jumping.
As simple as it may appear, this down-to-business controller includes all the controls you need for a 2-channel DJ rig plus performance pads for hot cues, loops, and other DJ essentials. What’s more, it comes with a light version of Serato DJ, so you can build skills with your DJ2GO2 Touch that will serve you well when you’re ready to step up.
Desktop Apps
On the desktop side, your best options are going to be Serato DJ, Native Instruments Traktor, and rekordbox dj. Technically, these applications do mostly the same things, but then again, so do a Strat and a Les Paul. Personal preference has a lot to do with which one is right for you, but that’s not everything.
Serato DJ
Serato DJ is probably the most universally recognized of the three. Its feature set spans the art from wedding DJs who need a solid DJ-software platform for smoothly fading between everybody’s favorite tunes right up to competitive turntablism and intense beat juggling. It’s also brilliant for adding video to your rig, and there are tons of cool expansions for Serato DJ that let you make it exactly what you need it to be.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3
The single most-popular DJ controller out there is Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-SB3. This 4-channel DJ controller has it all: full-sized jog wheels, pads, effects controls, large and intuitive transport controls, and a killer EQ section. It integrates with Serato DJ perfectly and will serve you for years to come.
Traktor Pro
Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro is the go-to DJ platform of DJs who like to stray out of the box and into remix/on-the-fly music production territory. It specifically includes powerful sampling and resampling tools, stems support, and many other functions that let you get super creative. And in case you’re interested, Native Instruments also makes an excellent mobile app for run-and-gun gigs.
Traktor Kontrol S Series DJ controllers
While Traktor Pro can work with a wide range of DJ controllers, you’ll get the most out of it with a Traktor Kontrol S Series DJ controller. These range from the more conventional Traktor Kontrol S3 4-channel model to the Traktor Kontrol S8, which trades platters for sliders and displays that work with the Traktor Kontrol Remix Decks. What’s more, there are several cool add-on controllers, such as the Traktor Kontrol X1, that let you expand your rig into new territory.
rekordbox dj
Finally, there’s rekordbox dj. While rekordbox dj may be the relatively new kid on the block, it’s the go-to choice for festival and club DJs. Part of that has to do with the way you can set up all of your tracks in the management software and have them show up on every compatible device out there. This includes many devices on the upper end, where performance is key and gaffes are unacceptable. So, if your aspirations include massive venues, then getting in the door early with rekordbox dj may be your best bet.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-200
As impressive as rekordbox dj is, you still don’t have to spend a lot of money to get into it. Sweetwater happily recommends Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-200 to anyone interested in giving this platform a shot. It’s a comprehensive controller with easily accessible controls that any DJ will enjoy. What’s more, this impressive yet affordable controller supports other DJ software, too, including the WeDJ and Algoriddim djay mobile apps.
Need More Advice?
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when you’re getting into DJing. With all the options on the market for both software and hardware, it can get a bit overwhelming. If you need some extra advice finding the right DJ rig for you, then don’t hesitate to give us a call at (800) 222-4700. At Sweetwater, we get our hands on everything, and our Sales Engineers are great at helping DJs and future DJs start off strong.
