A complete DJ setup is built out of a mixer and two tabletop players or decks, which for beginners might be a bit intimidating and a bit expensive. An all-in-one DJ controller basically combines all three parts in one convenient unit, setting up DJs with a compact alternative that's often easier to use and comes with a lower price tag. These days, you can get ultra-simple DJ controllers designed for beginners as well as extensive controllers for professional gigging DJs.
DJ Controllers from Big Names
Since they're perhaps the biggest name in the DJ world, any beginner DJ looking for their first controller will come across Pioneer DJ. With a Pioneer DJ controller, you always know you've got something good, but the problem is - you'll have to pay for it. For more limited budgets, there are more accessible entry-level models like the legendary Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 and DDJ-400, but if you want more choice, Hercules offers more models for beginners, mobile DJs, and even kids and offer them at even cheaper prices. Then there's Numark, who makes more affordable professional and beginner DJ gear that, in terms of functionality, seeks to do things a bit differently.
Cheaper Beginner DJ Controllers
If you're starting to mix for the first time you don't actually need that much gear. Keeping things simple makes sense, since it's easy to get lost when you're sitting behind a controller loaded with big jogwheels, LED displays, an extensive FX section, crossfader options, RGB pads, sample pads, loops, and so on. A smaller controller with limited options will give you everything you need to master the tricks of the trade. All you'll need on the side is a good music library on your computer and some free DJ software so you can link it with your controller. You'll be able to find plenty of online tutorials for beginner models which will take you through all of the functions your controller has to offer.
Professional Standalone DJ Controllers: No Laptop Required!
Does every controller need to be connected to a laptop and DJ software? Not always. You can also get standalone DJ controllers, which are usually more expensive and come fully kitted out with features you don't often get with a standard DJ controller. Most standalone models come fitted with a large touch-sensitive screen for navigating an internal media player to play back tracks loaded in from a USB stick or SD card. This means that, while standalone controllers can be hooked up to a computer, they don't have to be. All you need is a USB stick loaded with your set.
DJ Controller Software: Serato, Traktor, Rekordbox & More
If you do need to use DJ software, which software is the best? In the DJ world, opinion is divided because at the end of the day, the right software for you will be the software that matches your personal playing style. However, you'll always need to check which software will be compatible with your controller. So, when you're picking out your controller, pay attention to the kind of software it comes with or the kind of software it's compatible with. You can find all of this info listed in the specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Controllers
What's the best DJ controller?
The best DJ controller will depend on what kind of controller you want. Do you want a standalone model that doesn't need to be hooked up to a computer? Do you want to use specific DJ software and need your controller to be compatible? What kind of extra functions do you want from your controller? Are all those extras really necessary for what you want to do?
What's the best DJ controller for beginners?
A simple DJ setup is made up of a DJ controller, a set of DJ headphones and maybe a set of DJ monitors. You use the DJ controller to mix tracks, and with your headphones, you check that the two tracks are nicely mixed so you can smoothly transition between one track and the next. The DJ monitors basically amplify the sound so the crowd can hear what you're doing.
How much does a DJ setup cost?
For less than £200 you can get started with a DJ controller and a set of headphones. For a fully kitted out, professional DJ controller the price can quickly rise to around £1000 or more. The most popular models are priced between the £200 and £500 mark.
How do DJ controllers work?
DJ controllers have three sections: a central mixer section with two physical decks on either side. Both decks will have a jogwheel, RGB pads, a play/pause button, and other features for controlling the track loaded into the deck, while the mixer section is where the signals of both decks are combined - this is where all the mixing magic happens.
Which DJ controllers work with Spotify?
Unfortunately, Spotify stopped working with DJ software developers in 2020. So if you already use Spotify, you can step across to another service like TIDAL and import all of your Spotify playlists. TIDAL supports integration with a lot of DJ apps.
