

While it lacks jog wheels, its space-saving design includes backlit trigger buttons, two Traktor FX units, and the ability to combine with other Traktor controllers for more control. On the other hand, Traktor's two-deck Kontrol X1 Mk2 is one of the smallest DJ controllers we carry.

The S4 MK2 is a 4-deck controller suited for both live shows and studio recording, built so that DJ's don't need to look at their computers.

At less than five pounds, Pioneer's DDJ-SB2 is an especially portable 2-deck option.Ĭheck out Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 controller, designed to plug and play with Traktor Pro 2 software and the Traktor DJ iOS app. The Pioneer Pro DJ XDJ-RX All-in-one Digital DJ Sytem is even heftier: with a 7" color LCD screen, dual USB inputs, and powerful features like Slip Mode, Loop Slice, and Sound Color FX. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR model is a 4-deck controller with two aluminum platters (jog wheels), a 2-channel mixer, and sixteen playable rubber pads. Pioneer's legendary DDJ series, for example, is optimized to work with Serato DJ software - but these DJ controllers can work with other software programs as well. Sweetwater carries a variety of top DJ controllers across a wide spectrum of budget, portability, and power. But a mixer can work without a computer connection and software - controllers can't. Mixers, for example, allow DJ's to mix external analog or digital sources mixers can also be plugged into a computer to fade between MIDI sources. Alternatively, DJ mixers and turntables don't need to be plugged into a computer. The DJ controller is just a more comprehensive, efficient way to operate DJ software. So what's the difference between a DJ controller and a DJ mixer? DJ controllers rely on a computer or tablet connection to work a DJ's laptop will house all his songs, and his DJ software. Most controllers combine a DJ mixer, platter turntable(s), and playable pads into a single unit. As such, DJ controllers require a computer connection, and compatible DJ software. In other words, a DJ controller represents the hands-on, hardware version of virtual DJ software. A DJ controller is a highly-interactive interface which gives DJ's a tangible way to play their DJ software in real time. Indeed, controllers have become so advanced that their knobs, faders, blinking lights, and buttons might seem better suited for a spaceship. Anyone who's ever picked up a DJ controller, though, will quickly realize that it's far more complicated. Some people joke that anyone who can press "play" can be a DJ. Marching Percussion Accessories Shop By Category Guitar Workshop Keyboards & Synthesizers Shop By CategoryĬase Finder Drums & Percussion Shop By CategoryĬable Finder Microphones Shop By CategoryĬase Finder DJ Equipment Shop By CategoryĬable Finder Band & Orchestra Shop By Category Case Finder Live Sound & Lighting Shop By CategoryĬase Finder Software & Plug-ins Shop By Category
