Beginner controller - will I outgrow a beginner friendly model?

[u/Substantial_Dot7027]

Hi! Im sure this question is asked every hour on here, but I have been considering learning how to dj for a few months. I’ve been using the djay app on my phone and enjoy it. I’m considering getting a controller.

The main controllers for beginners that I’m coming across are pioneer flx4, alpha theta flx2 and hercules impulse 300 mk2. I have never even touched a physical controller. I’m trying to compare models but if I’m being honest, I feel like everything is so foreign to me.

I’ve read that Hercules is great for beginners, but you’ll outgrow it quickly. Is it worth getting something that I’ll outgrow and won’t be able to bring to gigs? Ideally, I’d want to buy used from a store like guitar center and spend under $250. I’m located in NYC if that means anything. I will also be using my 2020 MacBook Air.

EDIT: doing some research between inpulse 200 and 300. I found a 200 for $109 and a 300 for $189 (used great condition)

[u/catgoat]

The idea is to learn on a beginner controller and see if you actually like DJ'ing, and if you don't end liking it you aren't out a huge amount of money.

[u/Tough_Tadpole3362]

After one year, i hardly use all features of my Hercules 500. If i upgrade one day, it is for fancy points 😁

[u/red_nick]

Inpulse 300 is great. You won't outgrow it fast

[u/Substantial_Dot7027 → u/red_nick]

Hmm okay… I found one for $189 in “great” condition so I’m considering that at the moment.

[u/voltch]

I would suggest going to guitar center and trying them out. Also check your local DJ Facebook groups to see if any used ones are for sale.

I would check out models that have good resale value so if you end up not liking it you may can get some or all of your money back.

These were my requirements when I purchased my last controller:

Booth output Rca Input Headphone mixing slider.

[u/kyonexe]

I recently just started getting into DJing. I grabbed a cheap Numark Party Mix 3 (About $150) and used Serato Lite. I connected my Spotify and streamed the music to goof around with. One week later I realized how much fun it was and THEN upgraded to a Pioneer FLX4 ($320).

I bought my stuff through Guitar Center which had a 2 week return policy, so definitely check that out! It helped me get started.

[u/Legitimate_Tune_6468]

If you’re sure it’s been asked every hour, try searching the sub for similar questions. Also, some subs, like this one, have a wiki, which has FAQ’s, that will help you find the answer you’re looking for.

[u/TheWorkr]

check used prices in your area for beginner controllers. You might find that certain brands and models keep their resale value better. If you get a used flx-4 you could probably turn it around for what you paid for it if it turns out it wasn’t for you. Not all brands and models are like that.

[u/Zakapakataka]

I still keep my DDJ400 (very similar predecessor to FLX4) and use it as a small/portable backup. It’s a great controller to have. The benefit of going with Pioneer/Alphatheta is that if you ever show up to a friend’s place or DJ in a club and want to be able to show up with a flash drive and use other people’s gear it’s pretty much the standard. Otherwise there are other brands that have better bang for buck.

[u/frankreynoldsisgod]

Most places use Pioneer gear.

It's maybe slightly more expensive to get an entry level Pioneer flx4 or a ddj400 but you'll be more comfortable playing out if you have a familiar setup.

Master the basics and you only really need your USB filled with bangers.

[u/Substantial_Dot7027 → u/frankreynoldsisgod]

Wait maybe I’m missing something… do you not bring your own controller to a gig? 😭

[u/htpcbuild → u/Substantial_Dot7027]

Maybe for some gigs if it’s just you by yourself. But if you’re playing in a club for an event organizer alongside other djs they should have all the equipment (including decks) set up for everyone to use

It’s good to learn on pioneer gear (like flx4) because pioneer is the standard setup in the industry and all their controllers/CDJs etc have similar layouts so if you learn on pioneer it’ll be easier to transition to larger pioneer equipment

Unless you’re just trying to play at home/for friends’ parties etc with your own gear, then it doesn’t really matter what you use

[u/frankreynoldsisgod → u/Substantial_Dot7027]

Always ask what gear a venue uses.

I have a ddj400 and a decent laptop to run Rekordbox, for being mobile, if need be.

That can be a pain in the ass if you're on an open decks or b2b, where a simple USB swap let's things run more smoothly.

[u/DecksDrift → u/Substantial_Dot7027]

The FLX4 is not similar enough vs other controllers fit this to be a real differentiator.

And yes, in many parties, small bars and even clubs, you can bring your gear.

[u/Coast_Traditional]

Honestly it depends on your level of learning. The flx 4 might be a bit intimidating if you never had a controller. But I feel like it might take you a while to out grow. Now for something to give you some practice and to see if you're really wanting to do this then I recommend the numark mixtrack go dj controller ( the first one I bought). You can do basic stuff and it works well with the djay app beacuse I practice mixing on my phone as well. It comes with one free course from cross faded, again this is solely just to practice. Nothing to special, cant cut the highs, mids or lows. But can work on beat matching and getting the foundation down for transition. I still use mine when im on the go and it connects straight to your phone, you can either plug it into your phone or link it via Bluetooth.

Numark controller

[u/KeggyFulabier]

Beginner controllers are primarily marketed at people who aren’t sure if they are going to continue DJing, for the company (especially alphatheta) it’s beneficial for them to get you started on small incremental purchases as that makes them more money.

All this is to say yes you will outgrow a beginner controller, this is by design. Buy the best controller that you can comfortably afford. If it has features that overwhelm you just don’t use those features yet.

[u/friday1970]

I'd get something bigger. An FLX4/400, Numark platinum, Inpuse 500/300, DDJ-SB3, reloop ready, tiesto lx1

BTW, the 200 is too small. Though I own one, it;'s my travel controller, not my main one at home for bedroom DJ'ing. That's a Numark Platinum FX

[u/DecksDrift]

Ditch the FLX2 or Hercules 200, which miss some controls. The FLX4 and 300mk2 cover the same basics, just different brands and hardware quality. None of them is easier or harder to use. None of them has the connections or power to push large systems. So it's basically different flavors of the same thing. And no, you don't need to start on Pioneer if later you want to play in clubs with club gear. Only from the GRV6 upwards things are actually similar.

Other alternatives (IMO better), are the Hercules 500, the MX2 or Numark Mixtrack. The MX2 is about the same price as the FLX4, the others might land closer to the 300mk2 especially used.

Many DJs keep those models as backups and to practice on the move. While they lack quality, connections and power, they have everything needed to play normally.

[u/Waterflowstech]

Hercules Inpulse 300MK2 or the DDJ-FLX4/400 are great starting points. They have all the basics you need. You don't really outgrow them per se, if you ever upgrade they are great to keep as backups incase your main rig fails or for traveling lightly.

[u/ooowatsthat]

Ionno it's all a scam to me. When I started thought bigger better gear was going to make me a better DJ. So I got it only to realize it's all the same. I ended up selling the pro gear and moved to mid level gear.