It’s also our best budget pick for new DJs who aren’t interested in streaming. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 is a controller perfect for music lovers who know what they love but don’t have the musical training to easily figure out track rhythms to create seamless transitions. Unlike many audio brands that manufacture a wide variety of sound equipment, Hercules specializes in the gear DJs need to produce great sets, especially when you’re just starting out. Easy to outgrow - USB cable not replaceable Best DJ Controllers: Reviews and Recommendations Best Overall: Denon DJ Prime GO My picks considered price in order to offer ideas for beginners to pros with low to midrange budgets, and I prioritized brand quality over simply looking for the most affordable option. If you envision a total setup that looks pretty close to what you might see in a DJ booth, you’ll want to invest in a controller that gives you a multitude of options (especially if you want to include real turntables).
Price: Full DJ setups can be expensive if you’re looking at buying a set of speakers, pro DJ software, the best DJ headphones, and more in addition to a DJ controller. In addition to detailing the weight and bulkiness of my picks, I selected controllers suitable for a range of venues, from living rooms to stages. Portability: While some DJs may have a rig that takes time to assemble and a lot of space to store (such as a DJ who uses analog turntables and LPs), many DJs want equipment that’s easy to travel with to parties or shows.
This helps ensure that newer DJs can upgrade their equipment within a brand they’re familiar with rather than starting over with new gear from a cheap DJ controller that’s more a toy than an instrument.
For beginner and intermediate picks, I selected less expensive models from top brands rather than choosing lesser-known brands.
In addition to my experience as a professional musician who relies on top-quality audio gear, I considered DJ controller reviews from both consumers and audio experts to compile my picks.īrand: I focused on brands that can be found at specialty audio retailers in addition to more mainstream outlets. Best Overall: Denon DJ Prime GO - Best for Beginners: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 - Best Budget for iIOS and Android: Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 - Best for Serato Integration: Rane One - Best for Traktor Integration: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 How We Picked the Best DJ Controllers Here are our suggestions for the best DJ controllers for a range of budgets and skill levels. Whether you’re putting together a quick setup in the living room of your friend’s house or hooking up analog turntables at a club to spin vinyl, there’s a controller that makes your set look effortless.
There’s a lot to know about these complex devices, and we’re here to break down the key features from top brands and models to help you find a great match for your style.
With the latest audio technology that compresses music into great-sounding compact digital files, DJ controllers can do everything from live mixing to simulating vinyl scratching with a device small enough to fit in your backpack. Ever since Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877 made it possible for people to listen to the same performance repeatedly all over the world, audiophiles have sought ways to transition between tunes in an artful fashion. Modern DJ controllers are quality electronic devices that help you transform the music you love into a performance for listeners that reflects your signature style and skill.