Best DJ Controllers in 2022

Last update: December 9, 2022

Can I learn to DJ on my own?

Sure, you can learn to DJ on your own, but it will be more difficult than if you had someone to help guide and teach you the ropes. Having a friend or professional DJ mentor will make the learning process much easier and quicker. However, if you are determined to go it alone, there are plenty of online resources and books available that can help you get started. Just be prepared to put in the extra time and effort to master the craft.

Can you DJ with just a laptop?

Yes, you can DJ with just a laptop, but it may not be the best idea. A laptop can be a great tool for a DJ, but it can also be a hindrance. If you're not careful, you could end up damaging your laptop or your music collection.

Can you DJ with Spotify?

Yes, you can DJ with Spotify. All you need is the right software and an account with Spotify. Once you have those two things, you can start DJing with Spotify.

Do DJs still use CDs?


Khanka Hard Travel Case Replacement for Numark DJ2GO2 | Pocket DJ Controller Review:


I recently discovered this case through a Reddit thread and ordered it right away. If you have the recently announced HORI Split Pad Pro for the Switch and you're having trouble removing them so you can use the tiny, flimsy joy-cons again, plus you also prefer to carry your Switch around with you, look no further than this case!The only thing it lacks is an additional pouch, zipper pocket, or other storage option for my games. At the moment, I simply place them behind the gray foam. Oh, and disregard the gap in the gray foam in my photo. To make room for my games, I tried to carve out a few nooks towards the rear. I didn't succeed.Although I understand that this isn't the case's intended use, since this is on the Internet, you never know who might read it in the future and think, "Oh snap, that's precisely what I need!" Enjoy my review, Internet; here you go.



Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black (DDJ-SB3) Review:


This small controller is fantastic! They claim it is for beginners, however I began DJing in the late 1990s with two Technic 1200 turntables and hauling vinyl boxes. I gave away all of my old dj equipment, stopped frequenting clubs, and focused more on music production, but recently I've been itching to play around and make some mixes once more. I didn't need anything particularly pricey and sophisticated because I wouldn't use it very often, but this device actually offers a lot of functions! I use Djay Pro, which integrates Spotify, with this. Some people claim it's incompatible, but it's actually perfectly compatible; it's just not yet mapped out by default, so you have to do it yourself. Algoriddim will undoubtedly get it officially tuned up soon, but it does function. If you're interested, I have this connected to a Macbook Pro 2016 model and Rokit 6 studio monitors with no sound or humming issues. 5 Stars!! highly suggestable



Pioneer DJ DJ Controller (DDJ-400) Review:


It was down to this or the RB3. I selected the DDJ 400 since it included a rekordbox software license and was made to resemble as closely as possible the professional Pioneer club CDJs that are now available. I began with a Numark Party Mix, but I outgrew it and realized I needed something more sophisticated, with more features and functionalities, to accomplish my goals. I considered every controller in this price range from Pioneer, Roland, and Numark before deciding on this. When it comes to the design and features of a controller, this is probably close to what you'll use in a club setting. It's also adequate for a beginning DJ who wants to develop to more complex DJing techniques. has all the buttons, pads, and knobs required for the majority of effects and functions. If you ever want to play in a club, learning and practicing on this helps you become used to the higher end Pioneer CDJs. There are several how-to videos on YouTube for this controller to help you out.I strongly advise.



Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum Controller Review:


The more I use this controller, the more I like it. You can use and modify all those instruments and effects as if you were using hardware if you own Komplete and other NKS-compatible software, such as Arturia Pigments and their modeled soft synthesizers.I was pretty much clueless back then. I detested working with computers and software. I was essentially a hardware person. That gap was greatly closed for me thanks to Maschine. I have the impression that I am using a genuine instrument. The Mk3 and jam work wonderfully well together in terms of physical experience. I can close my laptop and play, compose, and have fun 98% of the time. The knobs are terrific, the slider is amazing, and the pads are by far the nicest I have ever owned.I use the mk3 as another type of instrument to spark creative thoughts. I also play the guitar, bass, and synths. I often hear comments from people who expected a midi controller for their digital audio workstation but were disappointed. That would be the case if that were your only motivation for purchasing this. Get pushed in that situation. Just a small percentage of its applicability for when you have all the components of your track and want to finish it with some vocals and mix it in your preferred daw is related to its capacity to act as a controller with daws.More than simply a midi controller, it is much more. And when used with Maschine and other NKS enabled apps, it performs best. You get audio previews of every preset with NKS and all of Komplete, plus visual icons on your controller screen. Its primary function is not to be a daw controller, therefore if you are only using it as a daw controller for Ableton, you are missing out on so many awesome things. Consider it an instrument or interface that you use with NKS-compatible software from Native Instruments. By the way, their soft synths and effects actually sound incredible. Since you already have Komplete Select, you can upgrade for a lot less money. Komplete is fantastic. If that sounds excellent, you'll probably enjoy it as well.On YouTube, Loopop has some incredible films that highlight all the fantastic features of the Mk3 and Jam. To see if this is for you, check them out.



Numark DJ2GO2 | Ultra Portable Two Channel DJ Controller for Serato DJ Intro Featuring A Built In Audio Interface With Headphone Cueing, Pad Performance Controls, Crossfader and Jogwheel Review:


I've had mine for about ten hours, and I still find myself playing with it. I am a traditional DJ who switched to digital DJing three years ago. I primarily use the DDJ-SR and NS7 III controllers. I'll use my "portable" DDJ-SB2. Although the SB2 is smaller than the others, using it is still difficult since it is still not truly portable. OVER THE TOUCH PAD, THIS FIT ON MY COMPUTER! Headphone cueing, a surprisingly good sound card, and all the other essential functions (including the dreadful sync, 4 cue spots, auto loops, manual, and sampler) WARNING For jogging, use the "jog wheels." NOT at all itching. It is difficult to combine tight LONG beats with short pitch faders. accurate but "clickie" buttons. No EQ or effects. comes with Serato DJ Intro, but it also functions if you already own Serato or wish to buy the full version of Serato DJ (or map another DJ program). (A more recent version of Serato is required, though.) decent construction. Would I want to use it for a five-hour mobile or club gig? Actually, no. Would it be a nice backup in case your equipment malfunctions? YES, PLEASE! A backup set on your iPhone is better than this. YUP!Look, it's enjoyable! A "Hey...we're gathering at my house. Can you play some music?" is the most appropriate response. (I don't even need to stop at home since my laptop and DJ2GO2 are already in my backpack.) You can carry it with you because to its LESS THAN 12 OZ weight and compact size. SUPER for establishing extremely precise cue points and loops. Want to experiment with a new mix without using your primary equipment? GREAT! Want to test your interest in DJing at a reasonable price? ($80?) really excellent choice Want to perform impromptu music anywhere with a portable speaker? You might find this useful.Perfect? No way. Practical, inexpensive, surprising sound, and a ton of fun with a small environmental impact? You probably won't be able to do much better.



Hercules DJControl Starlight | Pocket USB DJ Controller with Serato DJ Lite, touch-sensitive jog wheels, built-in sound card and built-in light show Review:


Check out some of the other reviews posted here by folks who got this item for free from Amazon but don't appear to know much about DJ technology or what to anticipate from it. Professional DJ here, and I'd want to weigh in. I purchased this controller only for amusement and to test it out. I didn't know what to anticipate from it, but I was pleasantly delighted beyond belief. This controller comes with Serato DJ Lite, about which another reviewer complained since upgrading to DJ Pro would be expensive and questioned Serato's reliability. Serato DJ Pro is widely used and respected by professionals, and even though Lite has fewer features and encourages upgrading to Pro, it is still excellent software, so its flaws shouldn't reflect poorly on the controller itself. Especially since a Pro license is only $100, making your total investment $180 - an incredibly affordable price for a functional DJ setup, given that a single Pioneer CDJ costs around $600. Anyway, as soon as the Starlight arrived in the mail, I plugged it in and started mixing. The pitch faders and knobs feel quite high quality, comparable to those on a much more expensive controller. Although not exceptional, the audio output quality is comparable to the headphone jack of a typical smartphone. I saw other reviews where people were upset about not being able to use Bluetooth headphones, but this is unjustified because I am not aware of any DJ equipment that has Bluetooth output, primarily because Bluetooth audio has lag and quality restrictions. The LED lighting, which is undoubtedly corny but is a nice touch and could appeal to new or very young DJs, is the final issue that needs to be discussed. Overall, I would suggest this item to anyone wishing to begin DJing or giving their kids the opportunity to do so (assuming they have access to a Windows or Mac laptop). Always remember to take online reviews with a grain of salt when purchasing any DJ or audio equipment. Some reviewers lack the knowledge necessary to determine if a product is good or terrible, yet still give it a positive or negative rating. There are several reliable websites where you may get information and ask queries.



Pioneer DJ Smart DJ Controller (DDJ-200) Review:


Yes, this was the first controller I purchased, and I quickly discovered that I needed something more because it only had USB and USB lookup in that was all mine. I went through a few and finally found someone out, and I believe I'm going to be keeping so, but for a beginner who doesn't know and he doesn't learn quickly, it's wonderful; for someone who doesn't plan on making any sort of type of career out of it, it's the ideal one, and you can't



Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 | Portable USB DJ Controller with Beatmatch Guide, DJ Academy and full DJ software DJUCED included Review:


Our eight-year-old son, who adores music, wants to create his own. This was a gift for his birthday. Although the demonstrations on how to use the software make it look really simple, our 8-year-old just wants to play around with it, and it works beautifully. The software was simple to install. We're ecstatic beyond words. Get the case to go with it without a doubt.



Numark Party Mix | Beginners DJ Controller for Serato DJ Intro With 2 Channels, Built In Audio Interface With Headphone Output, Pad Performance Controls, Crossfader, Jogwheels and Light Display Review:


I am aware that the Party Mix has been available for some time, but no one else seems to have left any helpful reviews elsewhere, so I was forced to figure out a lot of the information myself. I initially used a Numark Mixtrack with an external sound card, but after seeing this on sale for $90, I decided to try a professional solution. It was easy to set up and integrate into my VDJ 8.2 build, at least until I tried to maximize productivity.I remapped the controller by making CUE the shift key and assigning a secondary function to the majority of the keys (ex. Pitch reset for sync, filter for gain, etc). Even though it often takes a long to get the desired results, coding was rather simple after I became accustomed to the style being employed.Regarding the item itself, it has excellent construction for something so cheap, although I would have preferred the following modifications: Better pads (without clicking buttons), a separate USB cable, slicker knobs and crossfaders, and touch-sensitive jogs (not that you can scratch on it to begin with, but I tried to make it work).The "program 3" that apparently properly flashes to the beat (as opposed to with the bpm) would also benefit from being easier to map, and at greater levels, it typically just flashes a solid light, suggesting that it is voltage controlled, or whatever most circuits of that type are run.Despite its shortcomings, I don't want to compare it to my friend's Pioneer DDJ-SX or any of the Numark Mixtrack controllers. Although I made adjustments to get the best out of the Party Mix with this controller, it was almost humbling since I started to concentrate less on effects and more on the fundamentals, which I had honestly forgotten while working on the MIDI mapping and my playlist tweaks.I'll continue to add to this as I go and, if I can, try to respond to inquiries.


Do I need a mixer to DJ?

No, you don't need a mixer to DJ, but it can make your life a lot easier. A mixer allows you to control the volume of each individual track, which can be helpful when you're trying to create a smooth transition between two songs. It also gives you the ability to add effects to your tracks, which can add a lot of interest and variety to your sets.

Do Pro DJs use controllers?

Yes, many professional DJs use controllers in their sets. Controllers offer a convenient way to control the music and sound effects, and they can be very helpful in creating a more polished and professional sound.

How do DJs mix songs?

When DJs mix songs, they use a variety of techniques to transition between tracks smoothly. This can include fading out the end of one song and fading in the beginning of the next, using EQ to match the frequencies of the two songs, or using special effects like delays and reverb. By carefully planning their transitions, DJs can create a seamless flow of music that keeps the dance floor moving.

How do I choose a DJ controller?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a DJ controller. The first is the size and portability. If you are a mobile DJ, you will want something that is easy to transport. The second is the number of channels. More channels means more control over your mix. The third is the type of mixer. Some DJ controllers have a built-in mixer, while others do not. The fourth is the price. DJ controllers can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The fifth is the warranty. Some DJ controllers come with a one-year warranty, while others

How long does a DJ controller last?

DJ controllers are built to last. Most are made with durable materials that can withstand years of use. However, the lifespan of a DJ controller also depends on how often it is used and how well it is cared for. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend the life of your DJ controller.

How quickly can I learn to DJ?

Assuming you have zero experience in DJing, it would take you at least 3-6 months to learn the basics of DJing. This includes learning how to beatmatch, scratch, and mix tracks seamlessly. The learning process could be shorter or longer depending on how quickly you pick up the skills and how often you practice. If you're dedicated to learning and become a quick learner, you could potentially learn the basics within a few weeks. However, it takes most people several months to become proficient in DJing.