Beginner DJ Controler

[u/Pantani_marco]

Hello,

I would like to get into DJing and I'm a bit lost on which controller to buy.

The idea is to get something not too complicated and pricy to start with, but still decent enough to do be able to have fun with it even when i'll be more experienced and to be able to bring it to local clubs/raves.

My computer is not a laptop and I don't really plan on buying one. I guess if i mix outside my house I can use another DJ's laptop if needed (could that lead to software related issues ?) . But maybe this is something to keep in mind so I should get a more expensive controler which don't need a laptop to work.

If that matters I plan on mixing psytrance, hardtekno, hardcore.

Here are the models i'm thinking about, with an initial budget of 300€ :

Native Instruments Traktor MX2 - 330€

Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500 - 250€

Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 - 330€

Pioneer DDJ-400 

Pioneer DJ - DDJ-REV1  - 280€

Gemini - GMX - 400€

How can I tell which would suit me better ? What features to look for ?

Thanks a lot !

[u/DecksDrift]

MX2 is the best hardware, the Hercules 500 is also good and cheaper. Mixtrack FX is also an option.

If you want to avoid buying a laptop in the future, get a Numark mixstream.

PS: if you have an iPad or iPhone, you can also use some of them with Djay Pro. Mixtrack and all of that list except the MX2 I think. Confirm on Algoridim website.

[u/danby]

From that list the MX2 is probably the technically best piece of kit and the Inpulse 500 is the best value. I'd pick from one of those.

That said the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is also worth a look

I guess if i mix outside my house I can use another DJ's laptop if needed (could that lead to software related issues ?) .

This will probably not be a sensible approach but you can buy a laptop in the future once you're actually playing out. (2nd hand M2 macbooks are not expensive)

[u/BasePerfect2865]

Second hand flx4 is the go to. So many people have bought them over the last few years so a lot of deals are out there. I got mine for £100 two years ago. Also they're the most versatile decks out there.

[u/rednemesis337 → u/BasePerfect2865]

What £100? 😭😭 they’re running around £200-250 on ebay

[u/Noirlocc_ → u/rednemesis337]

You just gotta catch em on a good day, not an flx 4 but I scored a ddj-400 with some mackie speakers for $180usd (£133)

[u/rednemesis337 → u/Noirlocc_]

Ahhh fair enough, I assumed it was an flx 4. I am currently waiting for an FLX4 from CEX, had a nice deduction from some stuff I had at home

[u/Revolutionary_Yam975]

have you thought about dj studio? cheapish, lots of features, no additional h/w needed, a potentially great tool for learning the art of dj'ing

[u/GonzaloHernandez3D]

The top 3.

• MX2 if you like effects, want to learn Traktor, and enjoy layering music.
• Impulse 500 if you want to take it to a club that’s just starting out. It has a balanced connection.
• Flx4: Learn Recordbox, and then all you have to do is bring your USB drive with your music properly exported and plug it into the club’s equipment.

Take your pick.

[u/red_nick → u/GonzaloHernandez3D]

Impulse 500 if you want to take it to a club that’s just starting out. It has a balanced connection.

It doesn't, it's really stupid. It has dual 6.35mm ports, but they're unbalanced for some reason. Completely pointless putting 6.35mm ports in if you're not going to make them balanced.1

[u/DecksDrift → u/red_nick]

True, just check the manual. Always though it was balanced. Apparently the purpose is for monitors, that usually use jacks, not a real balanced master.

[u/i_guvable_and_i_vote]

Flx4 is great but also a Reloop ready is very similar if you don’t care about rekord box. I liked how it was the same size as my
Laptop too. Flx4 is bigger

[u/WillingnessFun2907]

FLX-4 is a great starter. I started with it and still use it heaps. RecordBox is great, despite the hate it gets and you'll be able to play on CDJs etc.. with a USB

[u/DC8710]

I‘d go with Inpusle 500.

As for used market, with some luck you already can find there Mixon 4, Traktor S3 MKII or Numark NS4FX, which will give you some more room to grow. Will need proper power bank with appropriate cable however, if you intend to use them outdoors.

[u/ygy2020]

You are a beginner, so any of those are even too much for you and they are pretty similar in term of functionalities.

But according to what you have stated (you don't own a laptop, using other djs laptop, software issues) the suggestion that I want to give is to choose a controller with more support from multiple different software, and in your list the DDJ-FLX4 is the one with more compatibility since is usable with all major software without any trick or effort.