Best DJ Controller for Beginners?

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Posted by DJStella on May-06-2019 15:49:

Best DJ Controller for Beginners?

Hey Guys!

So I’ve been thinking about getting into DJing and making it a career somehow. I find it so fascinating and want to be like one of those guys who works at night clubs and tours around the country and stuff.

I am really a little worried because it all seems so complicated, and I’m not sure if turntables are a really good idea. Like I said, I want to make this my job somehow. If possible

This is why I started looking at DJ controllers. I heard from one of my friends that Pioneer is a great brand. I found this website that compares some of the best pioneer DJ controllers, and am starting to consider purchasing the Pioneer DDJSB2 reviewed here:

https://djplayit.com/the-best-pioneer-dj-controller/

My budget it $300 maximum. This option seemed really good What do you guys think? I want to get an affordable DJ controller for beginners which doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg.

Thank ahead for all the help!

Posted by MSZ on May-06-2019 18:39:

if you dont have any humility the most basic of dj controllers will do the job, they all send stupid little data the same way with minor differences.

its better you keep researching to find out exactly what you want to achieve in djing and how you want to achieve it.

unless this is spam to promote that website, fuck me.

Posted by DJStella on May-06-2019 19:04:

Don't worry, just seeking advice here! haha! So basically what you are saying is that a $1000 controller is more or less the same as a $300 one?

What features matter the most, then, as a newbie DJ? What do I absolutely need on my controller? I will probably get a cheap one if they are all similar, and perhaps upgrade to an expensive one once I know that I will continue doing this.

Also, what software would you guys recommend? Does the software matter in terms of the controller?

Posted by MSZ on May-06-2019 19:35:

I like traktor, but i've used virtual dj and had no problems. see if the controller comes bundled with anything(it will come pre-mapped). See if there are controller mappings for your controller before-hand. There are also torrents. there are demos you can download now to see what you like best before hand. look at youtube tutorials for said software.

again find out what exactly you want to do.

what you need. a dj controller with an audio interface so you have atleast 2 channels of audio, a headphone slot so you can monitor your audio before it plays(and cue buttons that activate the monitoring), 2 mixer volume faders or rotary faders, A pre/post or cue knob that will split the audio in your headphones to monitor the premature audio and the post(these are sometimes buttons, and might not be necessary depends on the routing). a start and stop button. 3 eq knobs, even if the controller only has 2 you could map a third one if you're savvy(you dont even really need 3). do you need to control pitch? then a pitch fader. do you want to have the software sync it, then pitch slider not necessary

do you want to do fancy performances with hitting samples and vocals, then you need big square buttons to hit. Do you need hot cues, do you want to microproduce?

dont abuse the gear and it will generally last you long enough to learn on. I bought someone a numark piece of shit for $60 and it was enough to get a great mix going if you know what you're doing. but you're probably better off buying something more durable like the pioneer so you're not dissapointed and laughed on from some idiot.

Posted by Hides in Shadow on May-07-2019 19:28:

Mostly all clubs are pioneer endorsed so for a beginner imo would be a Pioneer XDJ RX mk1 second hand. $400-500

Its like having 2x 2000's Nexus and 2 channel 900 Nexus with less inputs and less screens.

On the other hand MSZ is spot on with his info.