DJ controllers

With the technology and software of modern DJ’ing advancing at a rate of knots it can often be a daunting experience to select the right one to suit your individual style or needs. If you already know which of the many programs you’ll be using then that’s one hurdle out of the way as many of the current controllers are optimised to be used with the various denominations of Rane, Native Instruments and Ableton software packages. There are those that are designed to be a one stop solution and will usually cater for multiple decks with CDJ or turntable simulating jog-wheels packing pretty much every feature you’d ever need for modern day DJ’ing. Features to look out for are effects controls, looping functions, dedicated EQ knobs, VU meters, and file browse, select encoders and audio record/render. These such models will usually always contain a 24bit/96kHz audio interface which often contains multiple outputs so can be used in the studio as well. If you’re likely to need an MC then most of these will also have facilities for a mic, which can usually be routed through the effects bus and almost all will work in conjunction with regular DJ set-ups or time coded vinyl. The only downside about such models is the size with many being too big to throw in a courier bag and often too heavy to be able to pass as hand luggage. Classic examples of these console style controllers are Pioneer’s DDJ T1 and DDJ S1 controllers that combine all the style, robustness and functionality of Pioneers CDJ and professional mixer range with either Traktor or Serato. Then there’s Native Instruments S4 which is the ultimate all in one accessory for Traktor Pro fans. Allen and Heath take things to the next level with their Xone 4D 20 channel digital mixer DJ controller which also lends their vast knowledge in mixer design to their controller range. Vestax and Denon are also manufacturing top grade models such as the DN-MC6000 and the Vestax VCI-300 MKII which given their innovating track record should also not be overlooked. These console styled products aren’t cheap generally and you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £400 right up £1200 for a leading brand. This might seem like a lot in today’s uncertain times but if you’re to compare this with the price of two professional turntables or CDJ’s and a decent mixer you’ll see that it’s actually quite a decent investment. If this is an unrealistic fee then there are budget alternatives that will often offer pro specifications at a more domestic price. Look out for brands like Kam and Hercules both of which have a strong reputation for keeping the specs up high and the price down low.

The next variety of controller systems on offer are those that are portable, designed with modern day luggage and DJ booth space restrictions in mind and they’ll not break the bank. Many of these such as the Reloop Contour Interface Edition, the Denon DN-SC2000 and Allen & Heath XONE:1D will contain many of the same features of the larger previously mentioned consoles, including the sound card, and jog wheel just in a smaller case meaning that you’ll have to toggle between up to four decks rather than control them simultaneously. This takes a bit of getting used to at first but once mastered is actually quicker to switch between decks than throwing your hands around a large coffin set up. There also great for hybrid set-ups as you can play regular or time-coded vinyl from a turntable, jam with CD’s plus have one of these linked up to your laptop to access your entire digital music collection. These such controllers will usually be optimised for either Serato or Traktor and normally always ship with the software so can be a very cheap way of entering the world of digital DJ’ing

Then you come to the more universal models such as the Faderfox range, or the Akai APC 20 and 40 which are designed to be used with any software systems and have lots of different knobs, buttons and sliders all of which can send and receive MIDI so in effect can be mapped to pretty much anything. These interfaces are great for use with Ableton live when there is no focus on turntable based activity allowing you to really manipulate every finest detail in your DJ or Live set. Almost all of these models will be bus powered so there is no need for a clunky DC power adapter in the bag. For our complete range of controllers click here each product contains a full specification table and you’ll be able to select the model that’s best for you.