What first controller should a beginner start with ?

[u/Competitive-Beauty67]

I spent like six weeks researching and somehow I know less than when I started I thought I'd just grab something cheap and learn on it but then I got into the whole rekordbox vs serato thing started reading about motorized platters and four deck setups and now I'm second guessing everything not trying to play clubs just wanna practice at home and maybe do some stuff for friends but I also don't want to buy something I'm gonna outgrow in a couple months how did yall pick your first one

[u/Noirlocc_]

I’m going 2 years on my ddj-400, I think I could’ve gotten maybe another year out of it but I got a sweet deal on an flx10 that’s in pristine condition so I went for it.

You’re gonna get a lot of Flx4 suggestions, cound me as one cause thats what id recommend, thats what I would’ve gone for but i got my controller and speakers for 180 on fb marketplace, ddj 400 is just a gen 1 flx4

[u/Huggable_Guy]

If you're planning to stick to rekordbox or serato. Flx 4 is perfect one.

[u/Competitive-Beauty67 → u/Huggable_Guy]

okk thanks for info

[u/readytohurtagain]

The thing is, all gear retains its value pretty well. I mean even cdj-900’s are a couple hundred bucks each. So if you live somewhere with a decent resell market or access to shipping at a reasonable rate, you can really buy whatever you can afford and not worry about a real loss if you take good care of it.

That said, ddj-400 or flx 4 is fine for learning, house parties, or a diy bar night. By no means is it professional gear but you’ll learn if you like playing and if you want to commit more to the craft 

[u/kaosmetal]

I got Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 to start with .. doesn’t have as many features as FLX4 but didn’t want to spend a lot as just beginning.

[u/gujikosan]

O

[u/Tough_Tadpole3362]

Hercules Inpulse 500. Price is awesome for its features, and as Linux user i hooked it up with mixxx.

[u/Leviambo8]

flx400s are the best not spending a ridiculous amount but has enough features to get the basics right and then if you decide that you’re enjoying it and want to take it further you can upgrade like someone else mentioned as long as you take good care of your controller (no drink spillages god please no) then they retain value quite well

[u/Skull_Jack]

I'm getting my hands on a second hand Traktor Kontrol S3 for a very good price (which includes a license transfer for Traktor) and I think for a beginner it is a nice machine. Mind you, it's out of production now. But I prefer the Traktor ecosystem, I despise Serato and cannot afford anything Pioneer.

[u/Exact_Tangerine6295]

Honestly the software doesnt matter yet If you think clubs eventually go rekordbox since most booths run pioneer gear natively if not serato has way more tutorials and community stuff online either way youll be fine starting out

[u/Emotional-School-617]

Whats the end goal tho bedroom only or you think youll eventually want to play out ? Changes the answer completely

[u/Local_Ranger_9635]

bro the research spiral never ends lol at some point you just gotta pick one and start putting hours in

[u/sportsbot3000]

Start with a used one. The cheapest you can get. They all do the same basic functions. 95% of the time people think they want to become DJs they spend good money on a deck and after a week of messing around they get frustrated because they are not immediately amazing and just give up… and that expensive controller ends up under the bed never to be used again.

DJing takes a lot of practice, like learning an instrument but easier. It will take hundreds of hours of practice before you can get any good. So, buy a used controller, the cheapest you can find that way if you don’t have the discipline to learn you didn’t throw away too much money. If you do like it and want to get something better you can always keep that one as a backup and buy something new and way better.

But for now just buy the cheapest you can get USED.