If you’re looking for the best DJ controller for beginners, trying out some of the best inexpensive DJ controllers for newbies is an absolute must-do.
Top-end machines come with great performance, and due to that, they also come with a hefty price tag. So, when starting out, we definitely recommend trying the more financially affordable best DJ controller options out there.
There are plenty to choose from and in this article, we have a look at some of the best beginner DJ controllers.
Here are our top 5 of the best DJ controller for beginners, let’s go!
1. Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
Best for connectivity options and build quality
Channels: 2
Pad FX: Yes
Weight: 2.1kg
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 is a USB-powered 2-deck controller and certainly ranks as a best DJ controller for beginner top pick contender. It gives the new beginner DJ some fun features for mixing.
Unlike a lot of beginner DJ controllers, the DDJ 400 comes with a good set of FX, looping functions, Hot Cues, and sampler options.
The controller can certainly be used by the more advanced DJs looking for a backup controller or the beginner DJ just starting out.
The controller’s options are basic but effective. The Pioneer DDJ 400 has a headphone jack for your headphones monitoring, direct to USB or standard RCA & 1/8 inch output for external speakers, and a ¼-inch mic out.
The DDJ 400 also comes with the Rekordbox DJ software.
DJ Tech Reviews has a dedicated review on the DDJ-400 which you can find by clicking here.
2. Pioneer DJ DDJ-200
Best for smartphone and tablet connectivity
Channels: 2
Pad FX: Yes
Weight: 1.16kg
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 is an incredibly easy-to-operate micro DJ controller that’s compact, lightweight, and very affordable. It also comes with an innovative smartphone or tablet application, WeDJ. It’s the perfect DJing device if it’s your first time getting your hands on some decks.
Pioneer DJ’s ios and android smartphone software WeDJ are easily paired to the controller through Bluetooth. Fear not, put any worries about Bluetooth lag away; this device and the WeDJ application are incredibly responsive.
DJ Tech Reviews has a dedicated review on the DDJ-200 which you can find by clicking here.
3. Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
Best for choice of FX and IO options
Channels: 2
Pad FX: Yes
Weight: 2.3kg
The Numark Mixtrack is a fantastic DJ controller for beginners and one we are very fond of here at DJ Tech Reviews. It is built around the Numark Mixtrack Pro technology that introduced countless DJs to the possibilities of MIDI controllers.
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX has everything a budding DJ needs to develop their skills and unleash their inner-DJ potential.
The 24-bit 4-deck controller includes a dedicated section for effects, high-performance job wheels, and so much more. It’s a cracking machine!
4. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Best for Traktor integration and simplicity
Channels: 2
Pad FX: Yes
Weight: 2.3kg
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller is here to deliver as a quality, reputable and affordable best beginner DJ controller device. It’s certainly not the most advanced controller on the market, but it will give you a lot of punch for a low budget.
It’s a lightweight and compact controller that will give you everything you need to improve your DJ sets, and learn more DJ skills without breaking the bank!
DJ Tech Reviews has a dedicated review on the Kontrol S2 MK3 which you can find by clicking here.
5. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
Best for Serato integration and filter control
Channels: 2
Pad FX: Yes
Weight: 2.3kg
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 was created to run the DJUCED and the Serato DJ Lite software. This makes it a great choice for beginner DJ controllers and starter DJs who are working on developing their DJ skills.
The Hercules Inpulse 500 features a high-quality build and durable design, with a high-performance metal backing plate and it even has extendable feet.
If you want to learn more about this budget-friendly controller from Hercules, you’re in the right place.
DJ Tech Reviews has a dedicated review on the Hercules Inpulse 500 which you can find by clicking here.
What are the best DJ Controllers for Beginners?
For the money and sheer usability, Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-200 offers a fantastic combination of value and features for new DJs. Pioneer DJ’s entry-level WeDJ app not only allows newbies to DJ on the go but also offers a simple DJ platform to get you started straight out of the box.
This particular DJ controller for beginners maintains the feel of the more superior Pioneer DJ models, which allows the novice DJ to step up easily and smoothly to a more advanced DJ setup.
Two Different Types of DJ Controllers for Beginners
There are 2 different types of DJ controllers out there. Modular DJ rigs and all-in-one DJ controllers. They achieve the same result but are set up very differently.
Modular DJ Rig
You can still use traditional DJ setups to control the DJ software
Modular DJ rigs are made up of multiple machines including DJ mixers, DJ turntables, CD players, drum machines, and sometimes even a computer to run DJing software.
In this modern age of DJing, this type of setup is becoming less popular but some people still do still stick by it.
It’s not a bad setup, but it does take up more space, there is more equipment to haul around in your DJ backpack with you.
However, if you are a new DJ and don’t have the money to spend on a more advanced DJ controller a modular rig is simple and easy to use.
All-in-One DJ Controller
DJ Controllers like these are more affordable and easier to use
An all-in-one DJ controller combines a mixer, turntables, and DJ software into one machine.
Most all-in-one DJ controllers have a multitude of performance pads and buttons that can be used to control the on-screen interface of DJing software on your supporting computer.
Some all-in-one controllers also allow you to work in standalone mode without a computer connected to them.
This is perfect for when you want a more, dare I say it, authentic feel as giving you the ability to want to play music from CDs or USB drives.
If you’re looking for a complete standalone DJ controller, then click here to read our review of the top 5 best standalone DJ controllers available today.
Best DJ Controller for Beginners: Some Common Features
A modern-day DJ controller will have all or a mix of the following controllers:
- Control panels with knobs, switches, jog wheels, performance pads, or pitch faders.
- Deck status, sound levels, FX, and other characteristics are communicated via screens and multicolored lighting.
- Based on the kind of ports it has, it can send sound and MIDI data to computers, effects mixers, or PA units.
- Some of the latest DJ controllers also have controls for tablet and mobile apps.
Compatibility
How compatible do you want your equipment to be with your DJ software and/or your other equipment? If the controller, for example, isn’t suitable for your Mac or PC computer, you’re in trouble.
On the other hand, there are many devices in the market that are functional with almost anything.
Cable Outputs or Inputs
It’s critical to double-check that the device has all the inputs you’ll need. Ensure it has at least one USB port connection so you can link it to the laptop.
Jog Wheels
To begin with, you’ll need jog wheel platters that are large, responsive, and not too touch-sensitive. The jog wheels should be constructed of aluminum or another resilient metal. With the jog wheels, you’ll be capable of beatmatching, skipping through songs, and changing the track tempo. As well as a host of other more advanced tricks and skills!
3 band EQ Filters
The vast majority of DJ controllers will also have 3-band eq faders. These faders or knobs are designed to increase or decrease the volume of the audio’s maximum levels. Alongside volume faders, you will also find three separate EQ knobs. The three levels are high, mid, and low-frequency bands.
You can independently control these levels by manually adjusting these control knobs.
Choosing Your DJ Software
Picking the correct DJ software for your Mac or PC is an important factor in beginning to learn the art of DJing. DJ software allows you to adjust, blend and manipulate your audio files.
The software provides a whole range of virtual controls, trigger samples, and much more to allow you to shape your sound.
Again, most all-in-one DJ controllers come with some sort of lite version of popular DJ software for you to use. These will be fine for beginners but if you’re more advanced you’ll definitely want to upgrade to the full version.
There are many different pieces of DJ software to pick from. Let’s have a look at them
Serato DJ
Serato DJ is a sophisticated, popular, and dependable platform that works nicely with various forms of music. It has always been a big hit with scratch DJs. It comes in two different formats. Serato DJ Lite and the advanced version, Serato DJ Pro.
It’s very user-friendly, and the visual waveform interface is easy to control and read. It shows you the waveforms in real-time with EQ and has a beat editor that really makes you feel like you’re really mixing and scratching. A very competent piece of software indeed.
rekordbox
Pioneer DJ produces rekordbox DJ, which is arguably the most well-known brand of DJ software. It can be found in many DJ studios, bedrooms, and venues across the world.
In a nutshell, rekordbox DJ is a DJ software that is meant for organizing one’s music library, creating playlists, and preparing tracks to be exported to a USB drive. It can also be used for performing live with a dedicated Pioneer DJ controller.
Rekordbox DJ also comes with a variety of methods to keep track of your library and take care of everything before stepping into the DJ booth.
Traktor Pro
Native Instruments is a major player in the DJ hardware and software industry. They are the creators of the world-famous Traktor Pro. Traktor was certainly one of the original major DJ software so it comes with a great and long track record.
The software is a sophisticated program that controls onboard Native Instruments controllers. It’s also great for making beats, drum machines, rearranging parts, and playing freestyle.
Virtual DJ
Virtual DJ is a popular choice among mobile DJs because of its portability (it runs with almost any gear). It has a large following and many supporters, but it has never received the same recognition as its rivals.
What makes Virtual DJ so appealing to so many people, is how user-friendly it is.
You can use the basic features of Virtual DJ at home for free, which is excellent if you’re just starting to learn. As your DJ skills progress, you can also further customize your experience with third-party extensions, customizations, and compatible hardware.
FAQs
How Much Should I Spend on My First DJ Controller fro Beginners?
You may not believe this, but $400 could land you a very good beginner DJ controller. There is a bundle of suitable controllers aimed at the entry-level market. Prices range from $120 to $1,000’s. It really does depend on how much you are willing to pay at this very early stage of your DJ career. We would suggest starting small and work up to the more advanced DJ gear!
Can I DJ Without a Mixer?
A splitter can be the answer if you can’t buy a sophisticated audio connection or mixer. It essentially merges the left and right channels into a single mono stream, leaving the other channel free for monitoring in the headphones.
What DJ Equipment Do You Need to Start?
Headphones, laptop, MIC input, DJ controls, audio interface, monitor speakers and accessories like USB or hard discs make up a common setup. The kind of DJ essentials needed is determined by the space available for your DJ gear, budget, and what type of DJ you aim to be.
The Verdict
As you can see there are so many beginner DJ controller machines to choose from and many factors come into the equation when picking the best DJ controller for beginners. We hope this article has given you an insight into how to purchase the best DJ controller for beginners, hopefully, it achieves that.
Be sure to check out all the supporting articles linked above. We go into a lot more depth about each one of these best DJ controllers for beginners.
May your DJ journey start here! Happy DJ controller shopping!
