10 Best DJ Controllers in 2023
Plato said that music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. DJ controllers enable you to create quality music and sound effects perfect for mobile and club performers, providing entertainment and relaxation to the audience. These products incorporate various features such as onboard sound effects, digital mixer, LED display, touch-capacitive design, multiple audio interface, and microphone input, allowing you to produce professional and high-quality performance.
The following list and reviews of the top ten DJ controllers enable you to understand every product better by providing the devices’ features and descriptions. The buying guide presented below allows you to gain better insight into the significant factors to consider when shopping. This knowledge can lead you to navigate this busy market with ease and ultimately purchase DJ controllers that fits your financial plan, preference, and needs.
List of the Best DJ Controllers in 2023
10. Denon DJ MC7000
This DJ controller includes Pro Software suite including four free downloads such as Flip, Pitch ‘n Time, Serato DJ Pro, and Video, helping minimize your expenditure since you need not buy the counterparts separately. The Software enhances your creativity to empower your remix, musical, and visual style, leading to satisfactory performance. This DJ controller features two USB audio interfaces that allow two DJs to play together, enabling a seamless hand-off without interrupting the music.
The construction has a 4-channel digital mixer with two microphone inputs, 24-bit audio, XLR booth, and RCA inputs, providing dedicated controls and connections for a professional performance. The product incorporates dual 6-inch platters with rotational LED displays and a touch-capacitive design, allowing you to use the feedback and optimize track manipulation performance in real-time.
Features
- Dimension: 14.88″ × 26.14″ × 2.68″
- Weight: 15.43 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Hardware Interface: Dual USB
9. Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2
This DJ controller comes with two microphone inputs, allowing you to use it according to your preference by selecting between the ¼ TRS jack connection or the XLR connection. The product combines with rekordbox video that enables you to stream live recording from a USB camera or load images and videos from your computer, letting you add FX and text overlays in real-time. This device incorporates a MIDI connection that will allow you to use it as a controller for DJ software, making it convenient for different users.
This DJ controller provides maximum flexibility because it features two Line/Phono inputs that link to portable players, analogue turntables, or CDJs. The design includes a large 7-inch full-color touchscreen, delivering efficient visual reference during mixes, adding to your convenience. This DJ controller gives you scope for creative flair using its channel faders, EQs, and eight multicolored performance pads that provide instant access to Hot Cues, Beat Jump, Slip Loop, and Beat Loop.
Features
- Dimension: 20.9″ × 32.4″ × 8.2″
- Weight: 24.9 pounds
- Performance Pads: 8
- Hardware Interface: USB
8. Hercules Universal DJ
Hercules DJ provides a quality product featuring the DJUCED 40 Degree function that will allow you to share your playlist with the audience and ask for votes on their favorite tracks. The DJUCED Master application ensures you can comfortably see the votes in real-time, enabling you to customize the music and cater to your guests’ needs efficiently. This DJ controller comes with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology and is compatible with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, enhancing your convenience when controlling the mixes.
The quality package comes with a cable that will allow you to connect your tablet or smartphone to the external source input, enabling you to add samples and EQs according to your needs. This product’s app features My Extender module that lets you create loops and FX combos, facilitating creativity and professional effects. This DJ controller features mixing controls for two separate decks and built-in audio interface with headset and speaker outputs.
Features
- Dimension: 18.7″ × 10.5″ × 1.9″
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Hardware Interface: 3.5-mm Audio
7. Gemini GV Series
This DJ controller incorporates an LED monitor and eight rotary controls with backlight that provide excellent illumination with visual feedback, enhancing your convenience in the dark. The design features 16 multi-function pads to facilitate creativity, making it suitable for different users. You can efficiently utilize the 24-bit Mac/PC audio interface to playback, record, and monitor your music for a professional performance.
This DJ controller has advanced sampling controls and extensive loop settings to ensure you can comfortably apply tools like Key-Lock, Cue, Fader, Auto-Loop, On-the-Fly Loop, and Loop Roll. The ergonomic design provides direct access to the Filter, EQ, and Gain controls, allowing you to fine-tune the sounds conveniently according to your style. You can quickly connect this product and entertain your audience using the inputs, outputs, bundle of faders, AUX, and microphone inputs.
Features
- Dimension: 8″ × 5″ × 12″
- Weight: 10.19 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Hardware Interface: USB
6. Numark Mixtrack Pro DJ Controllers
This DJ controller comes with six sample packs from Prime Loops providing more than 380 quality instrumental loops, one-shots, and drum kits, making it perfect for beginners. This convenient package enables you to minimize your expenses since you need not spend on tutors or buying the samples separately. The high-resolution 5-inch jog wheels ensure to matches your mixing style, enhancing your creativity and performance.
This DJ controller integrates 16 multi-function backlit pads with different modes, enabling you to add flair to your experience by controlling the sample playback, auto-loop, manual loop, and cue points. The ergonomic 100-mm pitch controls and multi-purpose touch strip facilitate dynamic FX management and strip search. This DJ controller incorporates an onboard audio interface with dual headphone outputs and the main output for convenient connection to PA systems and mixers.
Features
- Dimension: 9.1″ × 1.1″ × 21.6″
- Weight: 3.98 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Hardware Interface: USB
5. Hercules DJ Controller Inpulse
The high-quality plastic materials incorporated in the structure ensure you have a high-strength and hardwearing DJ controller that will adequately serve your needs for a long time. This durable quality helps save on additional expenses that you would otherwise need for regular repairs or replacements. This DJ controller integrates eight multi-function pads and eight modes, enabling you to operate the roll, hot cue, and FX sampler according to your needs.
The product comes with built-in tutorials that remove the need to hire a tutor, making it ideal for beginners. This DJ controller is compatible with Windows 10, 8, and 7, and Mac OS 10.11 or higher, allowing you to operate it with different devices. You can efficiently activate the Intelligent Music Assistant and get the best music suggestion to entertain and satisfy your guests.
Features
- Dimension: 12.59″ × 7.66″ × 1.77″
- Weight: 1.86 pounds
- Performance Pads: 8
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0, 2.0
4. Numark Party Mix DJ Controllers
This DJ controller has dimensions measuring 7.75″ × 12.8″ × 2″ and gives you small-scale proportions that you can comfortably place without taking too much space. The product weighs 1.76 pounds, providing a lightweight variety that you can effortlessly handle during transportation, making it ideal for various outdoor and nighttime events. This DJ controller comes with four pad modes ensure you have maximum control of cue points, sample playback, auto-loop, and manual loop, enhancing your performance.
You can quickly connect this product to your Mac or PC and start operating using the included Serato DJ Lite, adding to various users’ convenience. The ergonomic controls with bright backlight provide a visual reference and excellent illumination when working in the dark. This DJ controller with two channels features jog wheels, pitch faders, and a crossfader, facilitating convenient access to must-have tools.
Features
- Dimension: 7.75″ × 12.8″ × 2″
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
- Performance Pads: 4
- Hardware Interface: USB
3. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
The ergonomic construction with a crossfader, individual filter controls, dedicated browsing controls, and independent transport controls ensure you have uninterrupted access for optimal operation and performance. This DJ controller comes with 16 velocity-sensitive pads that trigger the Roll, Cues, and Sampler functions, adding creativity to your play. The RGB backlight offers color-coded feedback and illumination for convenient utility in the dark.
The touch-sensitive jog wheels with low latency allow you to scratch while seamlessly blending with your mixing style. This DJ controller supports AC power and USB connection, enabling you to use it according to your preference. The dual master outs and a booth let you monitor your mixes while the balanced XLR outputs link to a professional PA system, making this DJ controller perfect for various users.
Features
- Dimension: 16.9″ × 25.1″ × 6″
- Weight: 11.9 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Memory: 4-GB RAM or more
2. Native Instruments Traktor DJ Controllers
This DJ controller is compatible with Windows 10, Mac OS 10.12 or 10.13, and Intel Core i5, making suitable for different users. The ergonomic jog wheels integrated into its construction ensure you can scratch and spin, conveniently enabling you to get a track in sync. The large design makes it more comfortable with nudging and scrolling, which enhances various users’ convenience, including beginners. You need not have concerns about the available space because this product comes in small-scale dimensions, adding to your comfort during storage and transportation.
This DJ controller incorporates 16 multi-function pads that activate cue points, allowing you to jump to different sections of a track and perform according to your audience’s needs. The system includes a loop function that will enable you to use it for more extended mixes while offering more time for an experiment. This DJ controller comes with Mixer FX available on each channel, allowing you to create exciting transitions between tracks and maintaining quality performance.
Features
- Dimension: 19.13″ × 10.43″ × 2.38″
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Hardware Interface: USB
1. Pioneer DJ Controller
Pioneer DJ offers a quality product designed with hardwearing and durable materials, giving you a DJ controller that can meet your needs for a long time without damage. The device has dimensions measuring 10.71″ × 18.98″ × 2.28″ and presents a compact controller that you can efficiently store without requiring too much space. The lightweight product features ergonomic handles that make transportation more comfortable. The aluminum jog wheels have low latency and deliver excellent scratch response and accuracy, creating a professional performance to satisfy your audience.
This type of DJ controllers incorporates 16 performance pads that will enable you to add creative flair to your performance. The ergonomic Pad Scratch allows you to produce scratch effects without a turntable, adding to various users’ convenience. You need not fret about breaking your rhythm because this product’s speed automatically matches the BPM. This DJ controller features the FX Fade function that effortlessly blends tracks, enabling you to transition smoothly.
Features
- Dimension: 10.71″ × 18.98″ × 2.28″
- Weight: 4.63 pounds
- Performance Pads: 16
- Hardware Interface: USB
Buying Guide
Size and Material
These DJ controllers feature compact construction with small-scale proportions, providing you with a quality product that you can efficiently utilize without needing too much space. The premium materials used to create these products ensure you can comfortably operate them for a long time without inconvenient damage. You want to buy a controller with a sleek and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and store.
Connectivity
You want to purchase DJ controllers with a quality interface that will enable you to connect devices according to your preference. Some products feature USB ports that allow two DJs to perform and facilitate seamless and uninterrupted hand-off. The built-in Bluetooth wireless technology incorporated in other controllers makes them compatible with android, iOS, PC, and Mac devices. Verify the hardware interface to ensure the product fits your requirements and avoid frustrations.
Visual Design
The products come with multiple performance pads for cues, slicer, rolls, and samples, delivering a creative and professional performance. Some DJ controllers incorporate RGB backlight in the velocity-sensitive and multi-functional pads, providing color-coded feedback and making it convenient to play in the dark. You want to buy a product with an ergonomic design and changing controls to harmonize matching musical keys efficiently.
Conclusion
Our reviews of the ten best DJ controllers allow you to know each product’s descriptions and features. This information can help identify the exact qualities needed in an ideal device for your needs. The buying guide also provides some factors to examine before making a fitting decision. This review can conveniently help you buy a DJ controller that best suits your requirements.