Unless you’re DJing with traditional vinyl turntables or standalone media players, your controller is your instrument, so choosing the best DJ controller for you is one of the most important steps in building out your rig. No matter which DJ software you use— whether it be Serato, rekordbox, TRAKTOR, Virtual DJ or another—there are controllers that are optimized for it and your mixing style. While your laptop is crucial for set preparation and will function as the "brain" of your DJ setup, your controller is your centerpiece and where you’ll be doing most of your work while practicing and performing. DJ controllers come in all sizes and with various levels of functionality and I/O (inputs and outputs). Narrowing your search can seem overwhelming at first. Fortunately, we’ve ironed out the specs and have done much of the heavy lifting for you in this comprehensive guide to the best DJ controllers available.

Table of Contents

Best DJ Controller for Battle-Style DJs: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7
Best Lightweight 4-Channel Serato DJ Controller: Numark NS4FX
Best Serato Stems DJ Controller: RANE FOUR
Best DJ Controller With Motorized Jog Wheels: RANE PERFORMER
Best DJ Controller for Stem Splitting: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10
Best Ultraportable DJ Controller With Full-Featured Jog Wheels: Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Pocket
Best Ultraportable DJ Controller With FX Section: Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight
Best Battery-Powered All-in-One DJ Controller for Streaming: Denon DJ PRIME GO+
Best 2-Channel DJ Controller for Beginner DJs: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
Best Jog Wheels on a DJ Controller of Its Class: AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6
Best DJ Controller Pushing the Enevelope of Design: Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD
Best Open-Format DJ Controller With Club-Style Decks: RANE ONE for Serato DJ Pro
Best DJ Controller for TRAKTOR: Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3
Best Open-Format DJ Controller for Beginning DJs: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
Best Controller for Streaming DJs: Numark Mixstream Pro +
Closing Out Our Set

Best DJ Controller for Battle-Style DJs: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7

Why It’s Cool: With its scratch-style layout, the REV7 is tailor made for DJs who prefer the tactile feel of vinyl in a digital setup.

Things to Consider:

• Motorized jog wheels with vinyl-style control and customizable torque
• Large 7" jog displays offer instant visual feedback
• Includes Serato DJ Pro with advanced pad modes for creative mixing

Pictured: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 Professional DJ Controller

If you’re a looking for a battle-style turntable layout and motorized platters in a single-unit form factor, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 is the DJ controller for you. A truly revolutionary Serato controller, the DDJ-REV7 is the first to feature 90°-rotated turntable sections with its horizontal pitch faders at the top—known as the battle-style layout. A space-saving yet full-featured alternative to the classic two-turntable-and-a-mixer setup, the REV7 vaunts a pair of motorized 7" platters emulating Pioneer DJ’s PLX turntables, while its uncompromising full-size scratch mixer takes its cues from the scratch-standard Pioneer DJ DJM-S11.

While the RANE ONE also targets turntable-style-controller DJs, the REV7 doesn’t have a spindle—the metal rod holding vinyl in place—running down the middle of its platters, meaning you get more surface space to manipulate them. This also affords room for 3.5" on-jog screens displaying vertical waveforms, which can be zoomed in and out. Alternate display settings include BPM, artwork and the default Pioneer DJ mode that brand devotees are familiar with. Another unique feature on each deck is a reset button at the middle of the pitch fader, adjacent to a key lock and sync button. Under the pitch fader is a looping section, Slip and Censor buttons, and Instant Scratch, which allows you to load samples to its four programmable Slots.

DJs who’ve used the DJM-S11 mixer will find a minimal learning curve upon using the DDJ-REV7. Most of the S11’s features, even its width, are the same on the REV7’s mixer section. At the top you’ll find Smooth Echo, 3-band EQ, filter, trim and I/O switches for multiple DJs and phono/line on each side. In the middle, you have effects paddles and Echo FX, Spin, Flanger, Reverb, Brake and Duck Down FX selects—along with adjustable parameters, and tap tempo or auto-BPM. An effects level knob controls the extent of your chosen effect. And, of course, the Performance Pads on the REV7 are also very similar to those on the S11, with the standard professional-level Serato controller pads: Hot Cues, Loop Roll, Saved Loop, Sampler, Pitch Play, Super Loop, Saved Flip and Scratch Bank.

The front panel of the REV7 offers control of up to two mic inputs with on, off and talkover options, as well as a two-band EQ and echo. There’s also a crossfader curve, 1/4" and 1/8" outs, AUX level control, and line-level or portable device switch. Reverse and Feeding Adjust change the physical resistance of the Magvel Fader Pro on the mixer. On the back panel, you have your two mic inputs, RCA stereo AUX inputs, two RCA stereo channel inputs with line/phono switches, a pair of USB inputs for laptops, a booth output and two master outputs.

Best Lightweight 4-Channel Serato DJ Controller: Numark NS4FX

Why It’s Cool: If you’re a DJ on the move, this lightweight four-channel controller offers the perfect blend of portability and professional features like dedicated FX controls.

Things to Consider:

• Four-channel mixer with dedicated filter knobs and effects controls
• 6" touch-sensitive jog wheels with on-jog displays
• Comes with Serato DJ Lite, upgradeable to Serato DJ Pro

Pictured: Numark NS4FX 4-Channel DJ Controller

A more mid-range-budget Serato DJ controller is the lightweight Numark NS4FX. Catered to event, club and livestreaming DJs in need of a versatile controller in a portable from factor, the NS4FX offers full, simultaneous control of up to four independent channels. Each deck sports premium-quality volume faders, long tempo faders, large filter knobs, 3-band EQ and a touch-capacitive 6" jog wheel with multicolor display showing BPM, pitch range and time. You can nudge the speed by touching the side of the jog wheel, or scratch by playing the top. Eight Performance Pads per side have selectable pad Cue, Auto Loop, Fader Cuts and Sampler modes to suit multiple workflows. Further customizing your mixing style is a set of crossfader assignment switches that can assign each channel to side A or B, or you can skirt the crossfader altogether.

While the NS4FX has two physical decks, a Serato DJ Pro license will let you layer channels 3 and 4 on deck 1 and 2, respectively. Then, using the Layer button, it’ll let you switch which channel you’re controlling on each side. The NS4FX features a dedicated loop section with multipliers on each deck, making it easy to create seamless loops and custom transitions on the fly. Have a blast playing with the pair of FX toggle switches at the center of the NS4FX, and intuitively manipulate your choice of six onboard software effects. In the FX section, you’ll also find wet/dry mix and beat division control, making it the creative focal point of the NS4FX.

The back panel has everything working DJs would need from a four-channel controller, including balanced XLR outs, two 1/4" microphone inputs with their own volume and tone controls, and a stereo RCA booth output. Adding to the NS4FX’s flexibility, the Mic 1 input is switchable to an AUX input, which can play music from a phone or other device. So, if you’re a livestreamer who features guests, or if you like the option of playing from external audio sources, the NS4FX has you covered. Equipped with Serato DJ Lite and two-channel mixing right out of the box, it’s upgradable to Serato DJ Pro—which unlocks full-featured, four-channel mixing and additional pad modes—with a paid subscription.

Best Serato Stems DJ Controller: RANE FOUR

Why It’s Cool: With its dedicated Serato Stems controls and robust build, this RANE controller is attentively engineered to rev up your creative flow.

Things to Consider:

• Serato Stems control gives you easy, real-time stem separation
• Sturdy construction with a metal chassis
• High-resolution jog wheels with on-jog displays, plus OLED screens above Performance Pads

Pictured: RANE FOUR Advanced Four-Channel Stems DJ Controller

No stranger to high-end build and sound quality, RANE introduced FOUR to revolutionize stem-splitting workflow with Serato. The dedicated Stems pad mode, independent Acapella/Instrumental buttons and the STEM-SPLIT feature give you the ultimate control over individual track element tweakability. RANE FOUR’s internal engine boasts 22 MAIN FX and four knob-controlled CHANNEL FX—in addition to letting you manipulate the plethora of Serato DJ software FX. Its 16 Performance Pads with OLED displays and exceptionally smooth, accurate 8.5" static touch-capacitive jog wheels with full-color screens give you a user interface that’s both illustrative and intuitive.

This four-channel controller delivers everything you’d expect from a RANE product in terms of I/O. Two inputs for line/phono sources like turntables or external decks, two mic XLR/TRS combo inputs, two headphone outputs and dual USB ports for easy set changeovers give you the versatility you need to put on a great show. If you’re a Serato DJ who wants the best in stem-splitting capability—and RANE build quality—the FOUR might just be the one for you.

Best DJ Controller With Motorized Jog Wheels: RANE PERFORMER

Why It’s Cool: If you love the RANE FOUR’s feature set, but crave motorized platters with big on-jog displays—and love top-notch faders—this one’s for you.

Things to Consider:

• All the wonderful features of the RANE FOUR, plus more
• Motorized jog wheels for authentic vinyl-style control
• Equipped with four PRECISION FEEL channel faders and a MAG FOUR crossfader

Pictured: RANE PERFORMER Advanced 4-Channel Motorized DJ Controller

Picking up where the RANE FOUR 4-channel stem-splitting controller left off in terms of feature set and build quality, the revolutionary RANE PERFORMER adds a pair of 7" high-torque, die-cast aluminum motorized platters to the mix. With acrylic discs that are magnetically attached to the platters, they deliver an impressively vinyl-like feel with consistently accurate response. They each also boast a high-definition 3.5" LCD screen that can show moving waveforms, deck info, album artwork and library views—plus Day Mode for unimpeded visibility during those outdoor, sunny-day gigs.

With its four tension-adjustable PRECISION FEEL channel faders, you can control your mix with the same dual-rail mechanical system as the renowned MAG FOUR crossfader. For DJs wanting that legendary RANE construction with the most cutting-edge stem-controlling features, the PERFORMER is primed to spin up some next-level magic.

Best DJ Controller for Stem Splitting: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10

Why It’s Cool: With advanced stem-splitting features, this controller is a dream for DJs who love to remix and manipulate track elements in real time.

Things to Consider:

• Solid pro-level option for laptop workflows
• Stem-splitting features give you powerful, real-time remixing tools
• Compatible with rekordbox and comes with Serato DJ Pro

Pictured: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 4-Channel Performance DJ Controller

The highly anticipated successor to the ever-popular DDJ-1000, the FLX10 four-channel DJ controller is loaded with cutting-edge features to take your mix to the next level. Compatible with both rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro out of the box, its stem-splitting functionality is built into the controller. VOCAL, DRUMS and INST buttons let you isolate the main track elements in real time, so you can manipulate your sound and blend mashups with more creative freedom than ever before. Enhanced on-jog displays offer four modes to choose from, including Deck Info, Waveform, Artwork and DJ Logo options. A first on a Pioneer DJ controller, Mix Point Link for rekordbox gives you an unprecedented advantage by giving you the power to decide what part of the next song will play once the current track reaches a predetermined point—without the need to count down and manually press play.

Other upgrades from the DDJ-1000 include an improved Magvel Fader 4-sensor system, DMX output for lighting via rekordbox, and a pair of USB-C inputs for seamless changeovers between DJ sets. DJs looking for the best in laptop-controller workflow and stem-splitting technology will love what the DDJ-FLX10 has to offer.

Best Ultraportable DJ Controller With Full-Featured Jog Wheels: Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Pocket

Why It’s Cool: While not exactly “pocket” sized, its extremely portable form factor makes it the ideal travel companion.

Things to Consider:

• Touch-sensitive jog wheels let you scratch (on top) or nudge (from the side)
• Built-in sound card with two 1/8" outs (mains and headphone cueing)
• Plug-and-play with Serato DJ Lite, which means you can stream via TIDAL and SoundCloud

Pictured: Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Pocket DJ Controller

The most affordable controller in this article, the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Pocket DJ controller for Serato is ultracompact, fitting easily into a gig bag or backpack. Built for prepping and practicing sets, as well as plug-and-play for small parties, this little gem is loaded with Serato DJ Lite—upgrade-ready for the full version of Serato DJ Pro. An upgrade from the previous DJ2GO2 model, it features touch-sensitive jogwheels with nudge and scratch functionality on the sides

and top, respectively. Its minimal yet sufficient I/O consists of an 1/8" output for speakers—and includes an 1/8" to RCA stereo cable—1/8" headphone out, and a USB connection for your laptop.

When it comes to control, the DJ2GO2 features a browse knob, which lets you select a track and load it to either of your two decks. Each side also has play/pause and cue buttons, as well as a speed control fader. Four versatile pads on both decks can control your cues, loops and samples. While it doesn’t have the EQ and filter knobs standard on larger controllers, it does have volume knobs for each deck and, of course, main and headphone output level knobs.

Best Ultraportable DJ Controller With FX Section: Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight

Why It’s Cool: This mini, USB-powered DJ controller features an FX section and RGB lighting for an added dimension to your on-the-go mixing.

Things to Consider:

• Smallest and most affordable DJ controller with an effects section
• Includes bass/filter knobs
• Must toggle Vinyl mode to scratch, otherwise moving the jog wheel only nudges the track

Pictured: Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight Controller

Like the aforementioned DJ2GO2, the DJControl Starlight is a fun-size two-channel Serato DJ controller. It has the same I/O and shares many similar features, like touch-capacitive jog wheels, the position of its tempo faders, play/pause, cue and four performance pads, though it does vary in a few key areas. In addition to the DJ2GO2’s feature set, the Hercules Starlight also includes bass/filter knobs, and FX functionality via a shift button for its performance pads on each of its decks. This gives you more control on the Starlight itself, so you don’t have to adjust your filtering and bass level in Serato on your laptop. Its comparative drawbacks are its lack of a browsing knob, as well as side nudging vs. top scratching functionality on the jog wheels—you’ll need to select Vinyl mode to scratch. That said, if you value having an FX section and a more comprehensive mixer, the DJControl Starlight controller may be the perfect fit for your ultraportable needs.

Another bright spot of the Starlight is the light-up feature on the bottom edge of the controller. Its multicolor LED base can be controlled to sync according to your BPM, cue point countdown, waveform color or master volume.

Best Battery-Powered All-in-One DJ Controller for Streaming: Denon DJ PRIME GO+

Why It’s Cool: With eight hours of battery life, this portable, all-in-one two-channel controller gives you the power to wow the crowd anywhere you go.

Things to Consider:

• 7" high-definition touchscreen interface lets you easily navigate
• Compatible with Engine DJ and Serato
• Stream from Apple Music, TIDAL, Amazon Music Unlimited and more

Pictured: Denon DJ PRIME GO+ DJ Controller

The next stage in the evolution of the celebrated Denon DJ PRIME GO, the GO+ gives you Bluetooth streaming capabilities. Its layout will be familiar to fans of its predecessor—Denon DJ PRIME GO+ hosts an assignable Beat FX module as well as an in-line Sweep FX/Filter to shape your sound—as well as a set of four dual-bank performance trigger pads on each deck. It also lets you make the most out of each set with access to millions of tracks from Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, SoundCloud GO+, TIDAL, Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlmited. And with eight hours of juice per charge, you’re ready to hit the road and get the party started wherever your life takes you. If Engine OS is your platform of choice and you need a portable rig with Bluetooth, PRIME GO+ is ready for action.

Best 2-Channel DJ Controller for Beginner DJs: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4

Why It’s Cool: One of the best affordable DJ controllers on that market, FLX4 delivers exceptional value with its bevy of features and Pioneer DJ heritage.

Things to Consider:

• Both rekordbox dj and Serato DJ compatibility; comes with Serato DJ Lite
• Includes two USB-C ports
• Boasts additional improvements from the DDJ-400, like Smart CFX and Smart Fader

Pictured: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel DJ Controller

Replacing the massively successful DDJ-400 as Pioneer DJ’s entry-level controller, the two-channel DDJ-FLX4 (FLX pronounced "flex," as in "flexible") takes that fundamental level of control, modernizes it and kicks it up a notch. Made to work with both rekordbox and Serato DJ, FLX4 is ideal for beginners who might be torn between the two DJ software juggernauts, and even includes Serato DJ Lite and, since it’s a Pioneer DJ product, rekordbox. Plus, as with most DJ controllers on the market, it works with Virtual DJ as well. For some helpful tips, check out our article on picking the right DJ software for your needs.

Among the major upgrades from the 400 are a pair of USB-C ports—one for the rekordbox dj mobile app, and another for charging your device. This makes the FLX4 an excellent choice for aspiring and pro DJs alike to have a future-proof controller with easy portability and mobile device compatibility. The FLX4 also hosts new effects features, like Smart CFX and Smart Fader. Pressing the Smart CFX button lets you cycle through various effects in your software, and the adjacent CFX knob adjusts how your selected effect is applied to your mix. Toggling the Smart Fader streamlines beatmatching in a way that may otherwise be complex for DJs to execute properly. It automatically alters the BPM, filters out the bass from your initial track, and introduces some echo at the tail end as you move the crossfader to your new track. This single-motion control can be very convenient for playing it safe when going for a smooth transition.

Best Jog Wheels on a DJ Controller of Its Class: AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6

Why It’s Cool: Gain remixing superpowers with Groove Circuit, which gives you unprecedented ability to manipulate drum parts on the fly.

Things to Consider:

• Compatible with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro—each with their own perks
• Groove Circuit allows drum swaps, rolls and effects for live remixing
• Club-standard four-channel layout with Smart Rotary Selector and Discover function for ultrafast navigation

Pictured: AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 Performance DJ Controller

Step into the future with the AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6, which pays homage to Pioneer DJ’s iconic CDJ media player and DJM mixer series, while introducing some seriously game-changing remixing features. DDJ-GRV6 introduces the Groove Circuit when using rekordbox, giving you complete freedom to remix drum parts live via dedicated controls—adding drum rolls, breakdowns and genre-defying beat swaps at the touch of a button. When using Serato DJ Pro, you can separate and manipulate stems with the Stems FX feature. Whichever DJ software you go with, you can use a Mac, PC—and even your mobile device with rekordbox for iOS/Android for channels 1 and 2.

The Discover button (for rekordbox only) and Smart Rotary Selector make track browsing effortless—even when your library is massive. With its club-standard layout, beautifully minimalist design (considering its feature set), generously sized jog wheels and eight performance pads, the DDJ-GRV6 ensures that whether you’re playing in your home studio or at a high-energy club, you’ll feel right at home behind the decks.

Best DJ Controller Pushing the Envelope of Design: Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD

Why It’s Cool: An ultramodern curveball of a design reminiscent of the Batmobile, this all-in-one controller is endowed with 32-bit converters, rekordbox CloudDirectPlay streaming, and an array of full-color displays above each deck and the mixer section.

Things to Consider:

• High-end components give it the best audio quality of any controller in this guide
• Mixer section loaded with Beat FX, Smooth Echo and Sound Color FX
• Comprehensive I/O, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Pictured: Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD Professional 4-Channel All-In-One DJ System

As the name may suggest, the OPUS-QUAD is Pioneer DJ’s magnum opus four-channel controller. This rekordbox- and Serato DJ Pro-ready behemoth bucks conventional design with its elegantly contoured angles, upscale rose gold- and wood-style accents, and surprisingly streamlined layout for a controller of its caliber. Boasting a whopping five displays—one 10.1" touchscreen, another two screens atop each deck and two on-jog displays, it was meant to be as intuitive as possible. Not only is it easier to use—it packs some high-end performance features under the hood, like 32-bit A/D and D/A converters for lossless audio transmission, as well as CloudDirectPlay audio streaming and Bluetooth input for any spur-of-the-moment requests that may come your way. Enhanced Beat FX, Smooth Echo and Sound Color FX give you all the mixing muscle you need to make your creativity pop, while Smart Cue lets you automatically overwrite your Hot Cue to the current cue position.

OPUS-QUAD features the first-ever pair of phantom-powered mic pres on a DJ controller, making it possible for livestreaming DJs to use condenser microphones. It also has USB-A and USB-C connections for your laptop, as well as an additional USB-A 3.2 port in the back for an SSD drive. Plus, you can DJ for multiple rooms from a single OPUS-QUAD using the zone output, completely independent from the master.

Best Open-Format DJ Controller With Club-Style Decks: RANE ONE for Serato DJ Pro

Why It’s Cool: This club-style controller merges the cutting-edge power of Serato DJ Pro with motorized 7.2" platters and vinyl-like feel.

Things to Consider:

• Motorized platters lend a turntable-like feel and precise control
• Integrated with Serato DJ Pro for professional-grade performance
• Solid build quality with a metal chassis for durability

Ready with Serato DJ Pro out of the box, the RANE ONE features high-quality components and 7.2" torque-adjustable motorized platters with quick-release acrylic discs. It’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is intuitive to use—and the ONE’s authentic vinyl-like tactile feeling and performance precision is second to none. Even its plunger-style start/stop button harkens a traditional turntable vibe. This two-channel controller features two aluminum effects paddles with latch or momentary positions, 16 performance pads, the light and smooth-moving MAG FOUR XF tension-adjustable crossfader and comprehensive I/O. Inline 3-band dynamic EQ and low-pass/high-pass filters deliver easy sonic control of your two decks. What’s more, the search touchstrip at the top-right corner of each deck lets you quickly navigate to a specified section of your track.

Pictured: RANE ONE Professional Motorized DJ Controller

Using the ONE’s six FX buttons, you can select the effects you want to manipulate on the paddles just below. Its dedicated loop section is ripe with endless creative possibilities, complete with x1/2 and x2 multiplier buttons. Optimized for Serato DJ Pro and its expansions, each deck features the Serato-familiar Hot Cue, Pitch ’n Time, Saved Loop, Roll, Sampler, Slicer and Scratch Bank buttons. The ONE includes Serato Pro DJ—eliminating the need to pay a subscription for use on this controller. This offers an enticing blend of classic turntable feel with up-to-date flexibility and control.

True to RANE form, ONE’s back panel features pro-level connectivity that some other controllers skimp on. ONE includes XLR booth and main stereo outs; stereo RCA master out; stereo RCA Deck 1 and Deck 2 inputs, switchable between line and phono; stereo RCA AUX in and two XLR/TRS combo microphone inputs. It also includes a pair of USB-B ports for plugging in a couple laptops. The front panel gives you deck contour and reverse controls, a crossfader contour knob and reverse switch, as well as 1/8" and 1/4" headphone inputs. It also features dedicated mic level and 2-band EQ knobs, in addition to cue mix and level knobs with a split function.

Best DJ Controller for TRAKTOR: Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3

Why It’s Cool: The latest in a longtime favorite platform in the digital DJ world, TRAKTOR KONTROL S3 MK4 is primed to churn out your best mixes with control over Traktor’s formidable stem separation, effects and on-the-fly remixing features.

Things to Consider:

• The best controller for Traktor software that money can buy
• Motorized jog wheels have adjustable torque and haptic feedback
• RGB light rings and small high-resolution displays with real-time track info

Pictured: Native Instruments TRAKTOR Kontrol S4 MK3 DJ Controller

TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3 is Native Instruments’ flagship controller for their renowned Traktor Pro 4 DJ software. As is the case with NI software, fully compatible third-party peripherals are rare if not nonexistent, so it stands to reason that no manufacturer makes better optimized hardware for Traktor than Native Instruments. The S4 MK3 does away with the mirror image decks as seen on its predecessor, the S4 MK2. Both decks have the same layout, as is now the standard on DJ controllers. The Play/Pause and CUE buttons on both decks are now on the lower-left corner; eight performance pads—which can trigger hot cues, samples or stems—are in the middle below the display screens, and the long tempo fader with its very fine adjustment capabilities is on the lower-right part each deck on the MK3. The tempo fader’s key locking feature in Traktor works well with S4, which keeps the pitch the same when you’re slowing down or speeding up a track. The adjacent Master button turns key locking on or off, while the Sync button will synchronize to the other deck—the type of sync is determined on your Kontakt software. Holding the Shift button while pressing Sync will lock the tempo, letting you isolate pitch control with the fader.

While there is no control vinyl or slipmat on the S4’s jog wheels, they deliver a familiar feel for vinyl DJs, and the learning curve is minimal. Holding down the Jog button enables jog mode, which "tightens" and "loosens" the jog wheels—a spinning light around the jogs will indicate the sensitivity level for nudging or scratching. The S4’s innovative Haptic Drive feature lets you know where the cue point is in the jog wheel, which can be especially useful since there’s no display on the jog itself. The display is just below the jog on each deck, and shows the name of the track, BPM, waveform and time left on the time, loop length and loop position. Each deck has two transport modes. The first is FLX (pronounced "flux") mode, which follows the position of the playhead in the track’s timeline as you scratch, and then returns to the song as if it had been playing all along once you’ve finished scratching. The other transport mode is REV (reverse), which plays the track in reverse for as long as you hold down the REV button. REV mode can be combined with FLX mode to be used like a censor.

To understand the mixer section of the S4, we’ll start with the inputs and outputs. The back panel I/O contains RCA and XLR stereo main outputs; TRS stereo booth out; two stereo RCA phono/line inputs, for decks A and B; two stereo RCA line inputs, for external decks C and D; ground; a 1/4" Mic C input; USB-A port and USB-B port for your laptop. The Mic D input, headphone outputs and crossfader controls are on the front panel. With its C-A-B-D channel layout, the mixer can accommodate two mics, though they’ll take up the C and D channels when flipped live via the "EXT" (external) button, so it’s important to plan your set accordingly if you intend to use a mic. While channels A and B are normalled to S4’s left and right decks, you can also patch in a pair of CDJs or turntables—phono switches are available for channels A and B—and use the EXT button to switch between those external sources and your onboard decks. Below each channel’s Gain knob and Line/Mic or Line/Phono EXT buttons are your FX arrows, which let you assign your chosen effects to either or both decks. You can then manipulate them on the four knobs of the FX section on either deck.

Best Open-Format DJ Controller for Beginning DJs: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1

Why It’s Cool: Beginner DJs looking to explore battle-style techniques will love this controller’s intuitive layout, with its large jog wheels and centralized controls.

Things to Consider:

• While it’s a Pioneer DJ product, it’s expressly made for Serato
• It includes Serato DJ Lite, upgradeable to Pro if you want to take advantage of all the REV1’s features
• Budget-friendly intro to the world of club-style Serato controllers

Pictured: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Serato Performance DJ Controller

The DDJ-REV1 is Pioneer DJ’s entry-level open-format Serato controller. It’s a two-channel battle-style layout, beautifully streamlined in an easy-to-use format. While many other controllers can feel cluttered for newbie DJs, the REV1 was designed to bring beginning scratch DJs into the world of open-format mixing. The mixer section features two sets of eight performance pads, with the classic Serato-friendly labeling. One of its unique features is the Tracking feature, which will automatically cut your sound in and out as your scratch, freeing up your hand that would normally be on the crossfader. Another is the Level/Depth knob, which can control your choice from three effects per deck—as well as onboard beat control. The DDJ-REV1 comes with Serato DJ Lite, upgradeable to Serato DJ Pro if you want the full feature set that this controller offers—like Beat Jump and Roll. With its stereo monitor output, microphone input and headphone out, it’s ideal for open-format DJs in search of a rig for practice or small gigs. If you aspire to get the REV7 eventually, but can’t swing the cost, the REV1 is the perfect introduction to that battle-style turntable-inspired workflow.

Best Controller for Streaming DJs: Numark Mixstream Pro +

Why It’s Cool: Ideal for DJs who prefer to stream their music, this controller offers standalone operation with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing access to millions of tracks without the need for a laptop.

Things to Consider:

• Integrated Wi-Fi lets you connect to TIDAL, Beatport and Amazon Music Unlimited, as well as Philips Hue and Nanoleaf for lighting
• 7" touchscreen for intuitive navigation and control
• Built-in speakers for monitoring without external monitors

Pictured: Numark Mixstream Pro + All-In-One 2-Channel DJ Controller

Built for the ultimate flexible workflow, the Mixstream Pro + lets you stream from a multitude of streaming services, including TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go +, Dropbox and Amazon Music Unlimited—with ultrafast track analyzing to get your BPM, album artwork and other metadata loaded and showing on your 7" multi-gesture, high-definition touchscreen. Its onboard Wi-Fi, built-in speakers, Philips Hue and Nanoleaf smart home lighting integration make for a truly all-in-one system, perfect for livestreaming, throwing parties and DJing small events. The included Engine DJ OS firmware lets you DJ with or without a laptop, though you can prepare your sets on your Engine DJ software on your laptop. The Mixstream Pro + is also compatible with both Serato DJ—and lets you use Serato DJ Lite for free—and Virtual DJ software, which can be purchased outright or paid via subscription.

The two-channel Mixstream Pro + features a pair of 6" platters with Smart Scratch, which keeps you on beat after you scratch. The FX section lets you choose from four effects, and manipulate those with the two adjacent toggle switches. Its I/O is comprised of a 1/4" mic input, stereo XLR and RCA outputs, two USB-A ports and an SD slot for laptop-free DJing, one USB-B port for a laptop, as well as 1/4" and 1/8" headphone outputs on the front panel.

Closing Out Our Set

With this list of some of the most popular DJ controllers on the market, you can start to whittle down your search by the features you need and the ones you can do without. Or maybe you’ve already found your perfect match and are raring to start the next chapter of your DJing journey. Of course, you’ll also need a good pair of DJ headphones, monitors and potentially a PA system as well as lighting and stage effects to complete your setup—depending on how far you want to take your DJing. For more information on setting up your live DJ rig, check out our article. Whatever your experience level or budget, our knowledgeable associates are standing by at your local Guitar Center store or call center to assist. So, come in or call in, and let us help you find the right DJ controller for you and design your dream rig.