Best Budget DJ Controllers For Beginners in 2024!
Are you ready to take your DJ journey to the next level but need help figuring out where to start? Look no further! Whether you’re a budding musician or an established producer, having the right setup is essential for producing and performing quality music.
This blog post’ll discuss some of the best budget DJ controllers to empower beginners without breaking the bank. We’ll cover features and functions to give you an idea of what kind of controller would best suit your needs. So if you’re looking for a great way to get into digital DJing and want something affordable but reliable, read on!
How Do We Choose the Best Budget DJ Controllers For Beginners
We select the best budget DJ controllers based on their features, affordability, and ease of use. We look for models that pack plenty of options for beginners while remaining within a reasonable price range.
We also consider factors such as connectivity options and compatible software to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.
When choosing a budget controller, you may have to sacrifice some features and functionality compared to more expensive models. However, with our curated selection below, every option offers enough performance to get started and explore digital DJing without breaking the bank.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is best for
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable option to get into the world of DJing, then the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is the perfect controller.
Why It Made our list
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is an excellent budget DJ controller for beginners. It features a two-deck design with multi-device compatibility, USB audio output, and streaming integration to ensure you never miss a beat!
With this model, you can easily mix tracks from different sources for a professional sound that won’t disappoint. It also includes intuitive controls such as cue points, jog wheel pressure sensitivity adjustment, and slip mode.
Furthermore, the Pioneer Smart Mixing feature means even the most novice DJs can sound like pros in no time with its automated track selection and beat-matching capabilities. These features make the DDJ-FLX4 ideal for anyone looking to start digital DJing without breaking the bank. Plus, you can choose various colors to suit your style and show off your DJ setup!
Everything you need to Know about It
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is the perfect dj equipment choice for beginner DJs looking to get serious about their craft. This two-deck controller provides an easy way to produce and perform quality music.
The versatile Graphite model of this controller boasts a slim design that allows it to be easily transported from gig to gig. It also has dual built-in Beat FX, allowing you to apply effects directly from the hardware in real time.
The USB audio output means you can connect up to four external audio sources, and the built-in Serato and Rekordbox software compatibility means you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional software.
Finally, the Smart Mixing feature allows you to quickly transition between tracks without any setup or pre-programming required.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
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Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is best for
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is best for digital DJs looking for a quality setup on a budget. This controller provides all the essential features to get started, so it’s an ideal choice for anyone starting with DJing.
Why It Made our list
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is a great budget option for digital DJing. It has a 2-deck design with touch-sensitive jog wheels, allowing you to scratch and beatmatch like a pro, and eight performance pads per deck for cueing up tracks and controlling samples.
Additionally, it comes with 6 quick-launch effects that give your mixes some extra flair. The built-in 24-bit audio interface connects to any DJ setup easily and offers plug-and-play USB connectivity for Macs and PCs. The combination of features makes the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX an ideal choice for our list.
Everything you need to Know about It
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is the perfect entry-level, budget DJ controller for beginners. It comes with all the features you need to get started and provides an authentic feel due to its large 6-inch capacitive touch jog wheels that emulate a real turntable.
Its dual paddle triggers are ideal for quick launch FX, and dedicated instant loop controls make it easy to customize your set.
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX has an integrated 24-bit audio interface and plugs & play USB connectivity for Mac and PC. This audio interface makes it super simple to connect other equipment, such as speakers, microphones, headphones, etc., giving you complete control over your sound.
Plus, you can access millions of tracks directly in serato dj Pro from leading streaming providers such as Soundcloud and TIDAL.
It ready to start mixing and performing, the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX sets a new standard for budget-friendly DJ controllers.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2
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Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 is best for
It is best for beginner DJs who want to mix with vinyl feel on jog wheels, anyone wanting a controller that includes DJUCED software for music searching and IMA (Intelligent Music Assistant), and those looking for an affordable, reliable controller with Beatmatch Guide and 16 pads.
Why It Made our list
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly and reliable entry into digital DJing. This controller comes with two decks, 16 pads, and a built-in sound card which allows you to mix your music without needing another sound system.
It’s also compatible with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software, and you can access advanced features like Beatmatch Guide and IMA (Intelligent Music Assistant) to help you get the most out of your mixes.
The improved jog wheels make it easy to scratch and adjust tracks as desired, while the control knobs enable precise mixing. This controller is great for beginners who want quality performance without breaking the bank.
Everything you need to Know about It
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 is an excellent choice for DJ beginners who want a reliable and budget-friendly controller. The Beatmatch Guide allows you to manually adjust tracks thanks to the light guides, while improved jog wheels make scratching easier.
You can mix using tracks stored on your computer or from music streaming services like Beatport ADVANCED, Beatsource, SoundCloud GO+, and TIDAL. The included DJUCED software also features an IMA (Intelligent Music Assistant) that helps users quickly prepare mixes by suggesting the best-suited tracks.
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2 is ideal for those just starting. It’s affordable and packed with features that make it easy for beginners to start producing and performing great music.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 is best for
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 is perfect for aspiring DJs looking to take their craft to the next level. This controller is also best for DJs who want to explore the world of turntablism and battle-style DJing.
Why It Made our list
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 2-deck Serato DJ Controller is an ideal choice for digital DJs looking to get into battle-style mixing. This controller offers a 4-channel mixer with 16 pads and two decks for mixing.
It also features a mic input and tracking scratch capabilities, so you can easily transition between tracks while scratching. In addition, its dedicated effects controls allow you to customize and tweak your sound with ease. The intuitive layout makes it easy for beginners to quickly get familiar with the controller.
Everything you need to Know about It
The Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is a great option for anyone looking to enter the world of digital DJing. This budget-friendly controller includes two decks and built-in microphone input, and it supports Serato DJ software. It’s perfect for those looking to hone their skills in the comfort of their own home or studio.
You’ll also get access to incredible features like tracking scratch, which allows you to record your performance as audio files to share with friends or post online!
Additionally, this controller has an intuitive battle-style setup that makes mixing straightforward and fun. Plus, its lightweight design ensures easy transport wherever you need it.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3
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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller is best for
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller is perfect for budget-minded beginners exploring digital DJing.
Why It Made our list
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is reliable and affordable for beginners. It has a club-standard layout with an identical deck design, a two-channel mixer, and fast control of key TRAKTOR features.
It also includes jog mode with spin-to-nudge function and scratch capability, as well as beat grid and adjust mode so you can manually adjust the beat grid in TRAKTOR. Additionally, it comes with 16 RGB pads to trigger hot cues, loops, or samples. The 3-band EQs are modeled after industry standard mixer Eqs for added mixing flexibility.
Lastly, its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry around from gig to gig! The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is a great budget DJ controller for beginners. It’s reliable, affordable, and easy to use.
Everything you need to Know about It
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is ideal for beginners who want a reliable and affordable digital DJ controller. The intuitive software layout makes it easy to get up and running quickly without spending hours learning the ins and outs of mixing – perfect for those just starting!
The Kontrol S2 Mk3’s jog wheel allows you to manually adjust the beat grid in TRAKTOR; this feature is incredibly useful if you are looking to create unique mixes or mashups. Additionally, it has a classic spin-to-nudge function and scratch capability, allowing you to quickly get creative with your music.
The sixteen RGB pads make triggering Hot cues, loops, or samples easy, providing endless possibilities for sonic exploration. Finally, the 3-band EQs are incredibly powerful and mimic industry standard mixer EQs – allowing you to easily tweak your sound.
Pioneer DDJ – 400
Pioneer DDJ–400 is best for
Pioneer’s DDJ–400 controller is ideal for beginners or those looking to get into digital DJing without breaking the bank.
Why It Made our list
This budget-friendly controller offers comprehensive features that make it great for new DJs. It has two channels with dedicated Level Meters and Trim controls, 4 performance pads per channel, and an improved jog wheel for precise control.
The DDJ–400 also includes four Sound Color FX options—Echo, Filter, Noise, and Jet—for manipulating and creating unique sounds. In addition to this, the unit has dedicated buttons for Beat Jump/Loop Roll effects which offer quick access to creative music manipulation.
With its intuitive layout and size (compact enough to fit into most backpacks), the Pioneer DDJ–400 is ideal for anyone who wants to become a professional DJ without investing in expensive equipment. Furthermore, its compatibility with Rekordbox DJ software allows for incredible mixing opportunities and the ability to customize your setup.
Overall, it’s a great controller that offers beginners everything they need to get started at an affordable price.
Everything you need to Know about It
The Pioneer DDJ–400 is a great controller for digital DJs just starting. It has two channels with dedicated level meters and Trim controls, allowing you to easily adjust your levels during a performance.
The 4 performance pads per channel allow for quick access to creative music manipulation, while the improved jog wheel gives you precise control over your audio.
Along with this, dedicated buttons for Beat Jump/Loop Roll effects make manipulating tracks even easier. Furthermore, its compatibility with Rekordbox DJ software allows users to customize their setup and take advantage of incredible mixing opportunities.
In addition to its great features, the Pioneer DDJ–400 is also incredibly user-friendly. It’s intuitive layout and compact size make it easy to use and transport wherever you go. The included tutorial CD with accompanying online training videos provides in-depth guidance for users just starting. Plus, a built-in USB hub lets you connect multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to expand your setup without needing additional hardware.
The Pioneer DDJ–400 also has many other features that give DJs more control over their mixes. It has an Auto Standby mode which automatically turns off the controller after periods of inactivity, saving energy and extending the life of your equipment.
The Slip Mode feature allows you to manipulate tracks without interrupting playback, and the unit’s 4-deck mixing capabilities help DJs keep track of multiple tracks simultaneously.
The Pioneer DDJ–400 is an ideal controller for beginners or established DJs looking for a reliable budget option. Its comprehensive features make it great for creating unique sounds, while its user-friendly design makes it easy to set up and use in any environment.
Plus, with its compatibility with Rekordbox software and additional advanced features, this controller can take your DJ journey to the next level.
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
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Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is best for
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is best for beginner DJs who want to get into digital DJing and need something reliable and affordable; producers are looking for a great controller setup to create quality music without breaking the bank, and musicians wishing to visualize their DJ mixes with large 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with color displays that show beats per minute (BPM), platter position, beats remaining and pitch adjustment/key.
Why It Made our list
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a great budget DJ controller for beginner DJs who are just starting and want to explore the world of digital music.
It comes with all the features you’d expect from a professional Serato DJ system, including four decks of control, a built-in audio interface, plug-and-play USB connectivity for Mac and PC, 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with high-resolution color displays, FX paddles, dedicated instant loop controls and eight performance pads per deck.
Plus, you can stream millions of tracks from leading providers like SoundCloud and TIDAL directly in Serato DJ Lite. With all these features at an affordable price, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is ideal for those who want to take their DJ journey to the next level without breaking the bank!
Everything you need to Know about It
It’s compatible with Mac and PC, allowing for plug-and-play connectivity to quickly get started creating mixes. The 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels provide a responsive feel when spinning or scratching your tracks.
The high-resolution color displays show beats per minute (BPM), platter position, beats remaining, and pitch adjustment/key, enabling you to visualize your mix in real time.
Six fun, quick-launch FX with dual paddle triggers allow you to add new effects and create unique sounds while mixing up your favorite tunes. Eight performance pads per deck allow you to access cues, loops, fader cuts, and samples quickly and easily.
The built-in 24-bit audio interface provides crystal clear sound quality when playing or recording your music. Stream millions of tracks directly in Serato DJ Lite from leading providers, including SoundCloud and TIDAL.
A mixer with 3-band EQ, filter knobs, channel faders, and crossfader lets you customize the sound for each track you mix. Microphone input allows you to add vocals to your mixes, while headphone output gives you full control over what you hear while mixing without interrupting the performance.
Easy-to-use software will help guide new users through the setup and use of the controller and connecting to streaming services. The lightweight and compact design makes taking your music on the go easy. Affordable price allows beginners to get into digital DJing without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a budding musician or an established producer, Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a great budget controller that will empower you to take your DJ journey to the next level.
FAQs
What are the features of the best dj controllers?
The best DJ controllers provide many features and functions to simplify DJing. Many come with built-in soundcards, looping capabilities, sample pads, jog wheels, and FX controls for precise control over your mix. Some even come with audio effects like reverb, delay, virtual dj, and EQs all in one package.
Do you need speakers as beginner DJs?
Yes, speakers are necessary to get the most out of your DJ controller setup. Speakers are the best way to bring your music production and performance to life. Look for a pair compatible with your system; many are available in different sizes and price ranges to suit any budget or space.
What are some entry-level dj controllers?
For busy DJs on a budget, entry-level dj controllers are the perfect choice. Some of the most popular models in this range include numark mixtrack platinum fx, Pioneer DDJ-SB3, and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2.
What should I look for in beginner dj controllers?
When shopping for the best beginner DJ controllers, you should look for features such as ease of use; sound quality,serato dj lite software and looping capabilities; effects and sample pads; jog wheels, and FX controls.
What should I look for in a beginner DJ controller?
When shopping for a beginner DJ controller, you should look for features to make your mixing experience easier and more enjoyable. Look for controllers with an intuitive design, easy-to-use software, good sound quality, looping capabilities, FX controls, and sample pads. Consider the size of your space and what kind of mobility you need when choosing between different models.
What do you need for a DJ controller setup?
A DJ controller setup can help you take your music production and performance to the next level. The right setup should include a reliable and budget-friendly controller with features like plug-and-play USB connectivity, 4 decks of control, a built-in audio interface, 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with color displays, dedicated loop controls, 8 performance pads per deck, compatibility with Mac and PC, audio effects like reverb, delay, virtual dj, EQs all in one package.
What are the advantages of a DJ controller?
A DJ controller is a great way to get started with digital music production and performance. With its ability to simplify DJing, provide sound quality, and feature looping capabilities, FX controls, sample pads, and jog wheels, it’s easy to see why this type of equipment is so popular.
In addition to the features already mentioned, many controllers have additional advanced features.
What does a starter DJ need?
A starter DJ needs a reliable and affordable controller to start their journey into digital music production. The right controller should have features like plug-and-play USB connectivity, 4 decks of control, a built-in audio interface, 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with color displays, dedicated loop controls, 8 performance pads per deck, and compatibility.
Conclusion
For DJs still finding their footing in the industry, looking for a decent DJController doesn’t and shouldn’t have to be expensive. We looked at seven budget-friendly models to help you decide which will work best for you and your scenario. Whether you’re interested in the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4, Numark Mixtrack ProFX, Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 MK2, Pioneer DDJ-REV1, Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX, Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3, or Pioneer DDJ – 400, each of these budget options offers a great toolkit for any beginner. Picking any of them will surely give your performance a professional edge at an affordable cost.
