As a home/hobby noob, I went Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3. Solid controller. Plug-n-play. Connects right up to BeatPort streaming and enjoy the Traktor software. Works for me! Thought about the S3 but decided to spend the extra $ on music. 2 channels is enough for what I want to do for now. If I decide to upgrade, I'll go to S4.
I think till the pioneer flx4 came out the Herkules impulse 500 and pioneer ddj 400 was 1st place. Now the flx4 is best choice for this amount of money. Just my thoughs😁
I've cut my teeth on that Roland DJ-202 for a year. Even though i wasn't into making my own beats, that controller really is great to practice on and has all the essential tools to familiarize yourself with before moving on to the big guys. Even if you don't, that thing can handle a lot
I really got fed up with serato paying a subscription after 6 months especially atm with money being tight. It was getting laggy with my old laptop as well. So I have just sold my Numark Platinum FX and bought a FLX4. Record box runs perfect even on my old laptop, so no sub now and loving it especially effects wise compared to my numark which was very limited. Build quality and FX paddles are the winners on the Numark and I do miss the displays but the Pioneer FLX4 beats it easily with everything else.
As usual, you all do a heck of a job addressing the questions of a newbie and someone who wishes to stay informed of the latest gear in the craft. Thank you kindly. This is why I continue to LIKE and SUB Digital DJ Tips. Thank you, Phil and the entire DDJT Team!
Phil...I enjoy your insight and classes...you talk to us and not AT US...and you don't talk down to us as you explain perspectives on DJ equipment and software. Thank you for that 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
I deliberately went for the Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 over their S4 Mk3 model (with haptic motorized jogs) because it hits the sweet spot between mobility, build quality, and key functionality. And I've never looked back ever since.
Recently bought Numark ns4fx, it is totally pro with xlr out & awesome jogs, yet so easy to handle & carry. Only downside is you dont get a full version software.
@@stevenguillory9716 Its been a year, it travelled with me to many gigs, very handy yet sturdy, it never failed, i dont like sareto but have licensed virtualdj, works smooth, clean output with xlrs. No controller offers so much in that price, if you want to go just for 'the looks' in this price get FLX6, but for pro output u have to get ddj800 but its only 2 channel, next best option is Traktor s4m3 if you increase your budget.
I bought a pioneer xdj-r1 back in 2016 and it’s been out the box 4 times! Nobody told me I needed a license to use it with every software. It came with vdj lite and rekord box and even that doesn’t work lol. I’m just lucky it plays cds 😅
An idea for DDJTips article I don’t think you’ve done on DJ Controllers… how about looking at great older controllers that could be bought on the second hand market. I’m thinking of controllers that were well out of this price range when new but now many years later are still very solid choices and much cheaper. For example I have a Numark NV1 bought second hand as my first controller - 4 decks, twin screens, built in licence for Serato Pro. £250 bought a few years ago and a bargain!
So much value. I'm looking to get into Djing but I'm just looking for an all in one. A one time buy I can use eventually in clubs, i can grow into, and doesnt have super expensive software. Software that majority of DJs use so i dont need to know multiple DJ software .
Just as comment, on the Mixtrack pro fx/Platinum you can map the effects differently to be able to control any desired effects but the only limitation is that the Dry/wet button needs to be mapped for the 6 effects button, so you can only have filter and the desired effects together, you cannot control two effects at the same time if it is not the filter.
I think the best value beginner setup now would be one of the Numark Platinum variants and whatever software you like, depending on your budget and desires. Mixxx is free, Virtual DJ is 100$+tax etc. The Pioneer controllers have worse build quality and higher prices by comparison.
Does anyone remember the Dj software "Torq"? I still use it with its original audio interface called "M-Audio Conectiv" and mix the signals in my Pioneer Djm-909. The support for Torq discontinued in 2011 and I still use the Windows 7 version on my Windows 11 PC. It kinda works but I guess it's finally time for an update. 🤣
Seems like we're in a place where we have a choice of a controller under $500 or over $1500. There's no more middle ground of decent controllers around the $1k that's non standalone. You also mentioned Roland in the video, have you heard any updates about the quality issues with Roland? I would like to replace my mixtrack with a 505 but there's countless reports of issues with it.
@@mangadolo I know right, you'd think companies like numark and roland would be smart enough to capitalize in that market. I have a Rane One, I just want to replace my mixtrack platinum fx with a more professional 2 channel controller. I'd get the 505 but I hear nothing but bad things about that controller.
Hi Phil how's things so I figured sum thing out the other day using the re-loop buddy you have to use a iphone or Apple charger while using it with an iPad I was using a regular USB charger and it wasn't charging 😂......
That's sum thing you should share on your q&a and another thing is that when using rca cables doing a gig only use up to 15 ft the most.. because you end up losing quality of the music because it's not a balanced signal only XLR cables and 1/4 inch .. no one ever talks about this on all these djay platforms thanks phill for the quick response have a awesome week see you Thursday 😁....
I'm using a Numark NS6II & really have no complaints. Just midi-mapped it for stems & aside from a couple of crashes, I'm very happy. So much to learn using 4 decks. Especially w/ stems!
The only good controller I like in the 500 - 1000 range is the pioneer ddj sr2 I know it’s old but it seems to be the best out of what I tried. I have been using the rev-1 the last few months. Its the only controller I take out now.
Do you guys ever have compititions or free give aways of decks?🥺Out here in South Africa, controllers are really expensive, which makes it difficult for up and coming dj's like myself. Im also tired of looking like a nood with my phone and ddj 200's🥺
@@digitaldjtips exactly so I was wondering why Dj Controller Display cost half of the price of an Dj Controller. And without Laptop is always good, when you travel.
Every time I hear the word "subscription" I cringe so hard 😖. Every software company that goes into a business model like that should be boycott. They are against OWNERSHIP. So screw that, and Im sticking to my analog mixer FOREVER. Respect to the digital DJ community though. Peace ✌️
@@digitaldjtips yeah but that doesn't mean you have to be disable to make a one time payment, or pay for the upgrades if you want them. Subscription model is abuse pure and simple.
⚡TIMESTAMPS⚡
0:00 Intro
3:29 Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4
5:13 Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
7:33 Traktor Kontrol S2MK3
8:51 Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
11:07 Hercules Inpulse 500
12:58 Roland DJ-202
13:54 Numark NS4FX
15:15 Hercules Inpulse 300MK2
Glad the Hercules Inpulse 500 made it to the 2023 list, it's such a pleasure to use. Got big loyalty to mine, and DJuced is great too 😃
Good to hear!
As a home/hobby noob, I went Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3. Solid controller. Plug-n-play. Connects right up to BeatPort streaming and enjoy the Traktor software. Works for me! Thought about the S3 but decided to spend the extra $ on music. 2 channels is enough for what I want to do for now. If I decide to upgrade, I'll go to S4.
Good decision!
I think till the pioneer flx4 came out the Herkules impulse 500 and pioneer ddj 400 was 1st place. Now the flx4 is best choice for this amount of money. Just my thoughs😁
I've cut my teeth on that Roland DJ-202 for a year. Even though i wasn't into making my own beats, that controller really is great to practice on and has all the essential tools to familiarize yourself with before moving on to the big guys. Even if you don't, that thing can handle a lot
Yes, it's a great entry level controller.
I really got fed up with serato paying a subscription after 6 months especially atm with money being tight. It was getting laggy with my old laptop as well. So I have just sold my Numark Platinum FX and bought a FLX4. Record box runs perfect even on my old laptop, so no sub now and loving it especially effects wise compared to my numark which was very limited. Build quality and FX paddles are the winners on the Numark and I do miss the displays but the Pioneer FLX4 beats it easily with everything else.
Thanks for sharing your story, glad you've got something you like now.
As usual, you all do a heck of a job addressing the questions of a newbie and someone who wishes to stay informed of the latest gear in the craft. Thank you kindly. This is why I continue to LIKE and SUB Digital DJ Tips. Thank you, Phil and the entire DDJT Team!
Much appreciated!
Phil...I enjoy your insight and classes...you talk to us and not AT US...and you don't talk down to us as you explain perspectives on DJ equipment and software. Thank you for that 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
I appreciate that!
I deliberately went for the Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 over their S4 Mk3 model (with haptic motorized jogs) because it hits the sweet spot between mobility, build quality, and key functionality. And I've never looked back ever since.
It is indeed a great little controller.
Have same love it..
I loooove my DDJ-REV1 👌🏾🔥
Recently bought Numark ns4fx, it is totally pro with xlr out & awesome jogs, yet so easy to handle & carry. Only downside is you dont get a full version software.
Agree completely with what you say
I hear a lot of bad things about it. How is hold up?
@@stevenguillory9716 Its been a year, it travelled with me to many gigs, very handy yet sturdy, it never failed, i dont like sareto but have licensed virtualdj, works smooth, clean output with xlrs. No controller offers so much in that price, if you want to go just for 'the looks' in this price get FLX6, but for pro output u have to get ddj800 but its only 2 channel, next best option is Traktor s4m3 if you increase your budget.
I bought a pioneer xdj-r1 back in 2016 and it’s been out the box 4 times! Nobody told me I needed a license to use it with every software. It came with vdj lite and rekord box and even that doesn’t work lol. I’m just lucky it plays cds 😅
An idea for DDJTips article I don’t think you’ve done on DJ Controllers… how about looking at great older controllers that could be bought on the second hand market. I’m thinking of controllers that were well out of this price range when new but now many years later are still very solid choices and much cheaper. For example I have a Numark NV1 bought second hand as my first controller - 4 decks, twin screens, built in licence for Serato Pro. £250 bought a few years ago and a bargain!
Cool idea
Still using my denon 4000 and it is still going strong.
Good controller!
I'm enjoying my Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX.
Great to hear!
FYI, Roland DJ-202 currently comes bundled with Serato DJ Pro. A great value.
Only in the USA, apparently. Great if you can find it!
Great video man!! I"m between the Ronald 202 vs Hercules Inpulse 300. Which one do you suggest for a new dj??
Thanking you!
Either will do fine
So much value. I'm looking to get into Djing but I'm just looking for an all in one. A one time buy I can use eventually in clubs, i can grow into, and doesnt have super expensive software. Software that majority of DJs use so i dont need to know multiple DJ software .
Pioneer/Rekordbox.
Just as comment, on the Mixtrack pro fx/Platinum you can map the effects differently to be able to control any desired effects but the only limitation is that the Dry/wet button needs to be mapped for the 6 effects button, so you can only have filter and the desired effects together, you cannot control two effects at the same time if it is not the filter.
Thanks
Thanks for the help.
Happy to help
I think the best value beginner setup now would be one of the Numark Platinum variants and whatever software you like, depending on your budget and desires. Mixxx is free, Virtual DJ is 100$+tax etc. The Pioneer controllers have worse build quality and higher prices by comparison.
Hercules Inpulse 500 is equally good... You are right about Pioneer equipment... "club std" is the buying motive...
I agree with everything you said, but I do think they nailed it with the Flx4
The build is fine on Pio gear, but it's also excellent on the Mixtracks.
I'm glad I bought serato pro year's ago
I want to get into doing weddings and birthday parties. What do you suggest?
Does anyone remember the Dj software "Torq"? I still use it with its original audio interface called "M-Audio Conectiv" and mix the signals in my Pioneer Djm-909. The support for Torq discontinued in 2011 and I still use the Windows 7 version on my Windows 11 PC. It kinda works but I guess it's finally time for an update. 🤣
Yes, we remember it well!
I have the flx6 and im really happy with it for now
Good to hear, LM S!
DDJ-400 all the way! 🙌
♪ Yo listen, you hear that 27:24
killers in jungle ♪😆
Seems like we're in a place where we have a choice of a controller under $500 or over $1500. There's no more middle ground of decent controllers around the $1k that's non standalone. You also mentioned Roland in the video, have you heard any updates about the quality issues with Roland? I would like to replace my mixtrack with a 505 but there's countless reports of issues with it.
Yeah for some reason manufacturers try to force beginners to jump from $299 to $999! 🤯
@@mangadolo I know right, you'd think companies like numark and roland would be smart enough to capitalize in that market. I have a Rane One, I just want to replace my mixtrack platinum fx with a more professional 2 channel controller. I'd get the 505 but I hear nothing but bad things about that controller.
Try the Numark Mixstream Pro 👍
It's curious, but you're right - there's little in that bracket.
DJAY by Alggorriden also works with The REV 1.
thanks for the info
Hi Phil how's things so I figured sum thing out the other day using the re-loop buddy you have to use a iphone or Apple charger while using it with an iPad I was using a regular USB charger and it wasn't charging 😂......
Glad you figured it out!
That's sum thing you should share on your q&a and another thing is that when using rca cables doing a gig only use up to 15 ft the most.. because you end up losing quality of the music because it's not a balanced signal only XLR cables and 1/4 inch .. no one ever talks about this on all these djay platforms thanks phill for the quick response have a awesome week see you Thursday 😁....
I'm using a Numark NS6II & really have no complaints. Just midi-mapped it for stems & aside from a couple of crashes, I'm very happy. So much to learn using 4 decks. Especially w/ stems!
I love your ‚best xxx gear in the price range yyy‘ videos a lot, Phil! Always very informative :)
Thanks!
Mixstream pro does it all.
The only good controller I like in the 500 - 1000 range is the pioneer ddj sr2 I know it’s old but it seems to be the best out of what I tried. I have been using the rev-1 the last few months. Its the only controller I take out now.
There aren't actually that many in that range.
Do you guys ever have compititions or free give aways of decks?🥺Out here in South Africa, controllers are really expensive, which makes it difficult for up and coming dj's like myself. Im also tired of looking like a nood with my phone and ddj 200's🥺
Yes, we do once a year (Christmas time) - our Global DJ Census.
Gotta be the Numark!
Could someone help me,I don't remember what software suggest a track what can be go along with the one you play!
The Roland 707 is the one u don't show..which in my opinion does the job 😊
Not even sure it is still made?
holy shit you have the technics battle mixer. I used to have that shit back in like 98 or so
A legend!
@@digitaldjtips it truly is. I've never found an eq that sweeps like that one hahaha
Both the Numark Mixtrack Platinum and Pioneer Rev1 retail at less the $300
Nice one!
Dont get the Rev1 , its trash . Mine did not last 1 month . Thats its called rev1 😂.
Always a pleasure listening to you Phil 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Thanks!
Any news when the prime 4+ is coming out?
Nope ;)
I use tidal what's the best dj controller to use if any
Most software lets you use Tidal.
Any of these controllers work with Algoriddim?
Most, probably, .There's a page on the Algoriddim website with the mapped controllers listed.
Im wondering why those DJ Controller dont have a display. I mean its not a big thing to place one in to it
Why would you need one? There's a big one on your laptop right next to you. you need to pay more than this to start having displays on controllers.
@@digitaldjtips exactly so I was wondering why Dj Controller Display cost half of the price of an Dj Controller. And without Laptop is always good, when you travel.
Im looking for a good standalone table
Check out our reviews and roundups on Digital Dj Tips for our current favourites.
mixstream !
It’s an all in one not a controller in this sense
any of these got XLR inputs?
Inputs? What for?
@@digitaldjtips i think he means output :) .....
Roland
I still preffer my MC4000, as a mobile DJ for the last 40 years
Yes, it was a good controller (and still is if you own a working one of course).
Price
All in the article.
Mixars Primo is the best by a long shot
not been made for a while unfortunately
I can’t find one anywhere. I’m still looking.
Every time I hear the word "subscription" I cringe so hard 😖. Every software company that goes into a business model like that should be boycott. They are against OWNERSHIP. So screw that, and Im sticking to my analog mixer FOREVER. Respect to the digital DJ community though. Peace ✌️
Software by its nature benefits from continuous development, hence this model
@@digitaldjtips yeah but that doesn't mean you have to be disable to make a one time payment, or pay for the upgrades if you want them. Subscription model is abuse pure and simple.
A DJ at home and mobile. Currently I am enjoying pioneer SB3 and Numark mixstream pro. And I'm satisfied. 🫶✌🏼
Thanks for sharing