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- #5 Mixon 4 Controller From Reloop
- #4 GMX Media Controller From Gemini Sound
- #3 DJ Starter Kit From Hercules DJ
- #2 DDJ-400 Controller From Pioneer DJ
- #1 Party Mix, DJ Controller Set From Numark
Best DJ Controllers For 2021
Beginning DJs shouldn’t get nervous about their first controller. We’ve looked at a whole lot of controllers, so we know what to look for in a new DJ controller. There are many reasons why you might want to buy a DJ controller, but we have some specific recommendations for you based on your level of experience and budget.
So, keep on viewing, and we’ll give you our pick of the five best models of 2021. The items mentioned in this guide are in no exact order, so be sure to stay to the end, so you don’t miss the perfect model for your needs.
To give you this top 5 review, we have looked at 87 products and analyzed 3258 customer reviews.
#1. Party Mix, DJ Controller Set From Numark
The Best Budget DJ Controller
Budget Option
The Numark Party Mix is one of the cheapest controllers on the market. The main mixer features two channels with dedicated faders and a crossfader. It’s compatible with Serato so you can use that popular software to seamlessly integrate your tracks. There is also a USB port for connecting your controller to your computer via a USB connection.
- Compatible With Serato
- USB Port
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We would have put this in the “cheap controller” bucket, but the Numark Party Mix really surprised us with its fantastic value. It is one of the cheapest controllers on the market and features a number of handy features. The main mixer features two channels with dedicated faders and a crossfader. You can edit your tracks using the two onboard mixers and there is also a separate mix output.
It’s compatible with Serato so you can use that popular software to seamlessly integrate your tracks. It has a decent selection of effects and a number of different jog wheels to aid your scratching. There is also a USB port for connecting your controller to your computer via a USB connection.
We were very impressed by the robust sound and versatile controller, especially at this price. We were a little disappointed with the quality of the jog wheels though, which are small and have a low strike rate.
We found them quite sensitive, and as a result, they weren’t all that great. All in all, the Party Mix has a lot going for it and is our absolute favorite budget controller on the market right now.
#2. DDJ-400 Controller From Pioneer Dj
Best For Serious Beginners
Top Pick
The Pioneer DDJ-400 controller has everything you need to get started and is perfect for any serious beginner. It features a sleek and professional layout with a large jog wheel and pitch faders that are easy to use. While it doesn’t have the most extensive range of FX available but it does have a good variety. We wish it had a USB hub instead of a USB-C cable.
- Flexible Controller
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We would not hesitate to recommend the Pioneer DDJ-400 to any aspiring DJ. This controller has everything you need to get started and is perfect for any serious beginner. It features a sleek and professional layout with a large jog wheel and pitch faders that are easy to use.
It has all the basic features you’ll need and more to get you spinning records. While it isn’t a professional level controller, it does have some shortcomings.
It doesn’t have the most extensive range of FX available but it does have a good variety. We also wish it came with a USB hub instead of a USB-C cable. We found the integrated DDJ-400 to offer more flexibility than a controller that only has two channels.
It’s ideal for getting started with electronic dance music and offers a natural progression to more advanced equipment. It is just a great starting point.
#3. DJ Starter Kit From Hercules Dj
Best Starter Kit for Beginners
Top Pick
The Hercules DJ Starter Kit is a complete solution for learning how to mix tunes. The kit includes a controller that will fit easily in your backpack, headphones that are comfortable, and speakers that are ready for your next set up. For under $200, you can get everything you need except the laptop to start down the path of learning to mix songs.
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If you have always wanted to learn how to mix tunes but never had the time or the money to commit to such an expensive hobby, then the Hercules DJ Starter Kit might be the solution that you are looking for. For under $200, you can get everything you need except the laptop to start down the path of learning to mix tunes. This kit includes everything you need to get started, including a controller that will fit easily in your backpack, headphones that will fit comfortably, and speakers that are ready for your next set up.
If you are looking for a complete solution for learning how to mix, this is a great place to start.
#4. GMX Media Controller From Gemini Sound
The best portable controller
Top Pick
The Gemini GMX Media Controller provides a full range of functions for the mobile DJ. It can function as a standard deck and as a software controller for Virtual DJ or another host application. The GMX has eight large performance pads on each deck, with full crossfader control.
- RCA Outputs
- Eight Performance Pads
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The Gemini GMX Media Controller provides a full range of functions for the mobile DJ. It can function as a standard deck and as a software controller for Virtual DJ or another host application. You can also connect to an external sound system using its RCA outputs for monitoring and recording.
The GMX has eight large performance pads on each deck, with full crossfader control, allowing you to mix and scratch with ease. Gemini’s goal was to create a media controller that could function as a standard controller as well.
Its USB 2.0 connection allows for seamless switching between playing music directly from a USB storage device or as a software controller for Virtual DJ or another host application.
We were especially impressed by the GMX’s USB/MIDI data stream which contains 14-bits of continual control information. The GMX also features two high-quality mixers, a separate EQ/band control on each channel, and separate levels for monitoring, recording, and playback.
As a result, it is the perfect companion for any mobile or club DJ.
#5. Mixon 4 Controller From Reloop
The Pro Option
Top Pick
Reloop Mixon 4 is a compact, affordable and versatile controller that gives you all the features you need for performance-oriented DJing. The compact design helps to keep the unit relatively compact, while the four programmable channels give you access to all the effects, filters, and EQ. You can even use the included USB sound card to record your performance.
- 4 Programmable Channels
- USB Sound Card
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For the Mixon 4, Reloop designed a compact, affordable and versatile controller that gives you all the features you need for performance-oriented DJing. The compact design helps to keep the unit relatively compact, while the four programmable channels give you access to all the effects, filters, and EQ.
You can even use the included USB sound card to record your performance. The big plus with this controller is that it’s compact and affordable, while at the same time offering a high degree of versatility. When it comes to sound quality, there isn’t much to complain about.
For those looking for a high-quality controller that can seamlessly integrate with virtually any software, we recommend the Reloop Mixon 4. It offers everything you need for professional, mobile DJing.
