Loading... 291 view(s)
If you’re looking to get into DJing, one of the first pieces of gear you’ll need to purchase is a DJ controller. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of DJ controllers available to purchase can be overwhelming! You might be wondering what features are important or whether or not you’ll need to purchase any additional equipment to get started.
In this quick guide, I’m going to give you an overview of 3 very popular entry-level DJ controllers that pack in the essential features for the novice without costing an arm and a leg. I’ll break down the important features of each controller and who it’s best for. These smaller controllers are simple to use and set up for the new DJ. They are perfect for practicing your skills and even hosting small parties at home for a live audience.
Numark Party Mix
Up first is the most affordable DJ controller in our list, the Numark Party Mix. This compact controller is small and lightweight – perfect for portability if you want to practice on the go. Despite the low price tag, it includes many of the most important buttons and sliders that you would want on a DJ controller – hot cue pads, pitch faders, a crossfader, and even jog wheels! Like all of the controllers on this list, it’s completely plug and play. Just download your software, connect to your computer, and you’re good to go.
Speaking of software, the Party Mix comes with Serato DJ LE, helping you learn the ins and outs of one of the most popular DJ programs on the market. The controller has built-in audio outputs as well as a headphone output so that you can monitor your mix without any additional hardware needed. One of the more unique features of the Party Mix, however, is the built-in light show! Whether you’re practicing in your room or throwing a party for friends the included lights will create an awesome atmosphere to help you get in the zone. The Numark Party Mix is perfect for those that are just looking to test the waters with DJing and see if it’s for them.
Pioneer DDJ-SB3
Stepping up in price a little (not too much though) we have the Pioneer DDJ-SB3. Pioneer is an absolute powerhouse in the DJ controller world, with their flagship models being the go-to choice for many mobile DJs. The DDJ-SB3 inherits many of the same features and design choices from the higher-end models, so as you learn and grow you can transition to a different controller with ease. Pioneer’s controllers are also rock-solid reliable, so you can count on it lasting for years.
The increase in price for the DDJ-SB3 comes with a few key differences. The jog wheels are larger, with more surface area to place your hands and learn to scratch and manipulate your music. There are a total of 8 performance pads to accommodate more hot cues, effects, and loops. You also get a full EQ for each of the two channels as well as level meters to keep track of each song’s volume. Along the top, you’ll find dedicated effects buttons so that you can free up your performance pads for other tasks. The build quality is a touch nicer than the Numark, although it’s still primarily made of plastic.
Pioneer has also created some really unique effects for the beginner DJ. One of these is Pad Scratch, which allows you to reproduce scratch patterns modeled after DJ Jazzy Jeff by simply pressing the performance pads. FX Fade is another effect with its own dedicated button that will make transitioning between tracks easier than ever. Like the Party Mix, the DDJ-SB3 has a built-in soundcard with dedicated audio and headphone outputs and simple plug-and-play connectivity. You also get a microphone input so you can start to work on your MC skills and be able to make announcements at your events. The DDJ-SB3 is a controller that I would be perfectly happy taking to an event and gigging with, even after owning the flagship Pioneer DDJ-SZ2. It’s that good!
The DDJ-SB3 is perfect for those who want to get into DJing with plans to upgrade to bigger Pioneer controllers down the line.
Denon DJ Prime GO
Last but certainly not least we have the amazing Denon DJ Prime GO. While it has the highest price of the controllers in this list, it certainly offers you a lot of band for your buck. I just referred to the Prime GO as a controller but in reality, it’s a console; it can be used entirely independently without a laptop. Denon’s PRIME GO software is built-in and has become very popular with users of their more expensive controllers. Using a USB drive or SD card loaded with tracks you can mix on the go without having to haul your computer with you. It’s also battery-powered, making it truly one of the most portable mixers on the market. The lithium-ion battery inside is rated for up to 4 hours of performance, perfect for the new DJ. The build quality is robust and includes metal jog wheels. If you’re planning on going beyond bedroom DJing and hoping to get out and perform at events, having a durable controller is a must. The Denon DJ Prime GO is going to be able to withstand the bumps and scrapes of travel better than the other two controllers on this list (although you should look into getting a case for whatever controller you choose).
Looking at the top face of the controller you are going to see a LOT of features. You’ll get the typical EQ, crossfader, and performance pads that we’ve seen before. However, something you won’t see on the other controllers in this list is the large 7 inch HD touchscreen. This beautiful display allows for gestures to navigate your music collection, load tracks, search through your library, and tweak your playlists on the fly. It also allows you to see your waveforms and adjust the information available to you at your fingertips. Did I mention the PRIME GO also has WiFi capability? That’s right, you can connect it straight to TIDAL and have access to their 60+ million songs without your laptop. If you’re like me and a little sketched out by WiFi at an event, the PRIME GO also has a wired connection option. Other great features include a dedicated auto-loop button and an FX section.
The PRIME GO also has loads of connectivity. You get not one, but TWO microphone inputs that also have their own EQ controls and talk-over function. Both of the microphone inputs are balanced (XLR connection), something a working DJ loves to see. The abundant connections continue, however, with both balanced XLR and RCA outputs. You also get a booth output section so that you can have a separate output for your own personal monitoring. Lastly, there is an aux input to plug in another laptop, a phone, or any other line-level source. Talk about a lot of connections! Additionally, Denon DJ is well-known for its superior audio quality, so rest assured that the sound is going to be crystal clear.
Combining everything mentioned above, it’s easy to see why the Denon DJ Prime GO commands the highest price of the three controllers. It’s perfect for those that want access to the most amount of features and connections and ultimate portability.