DJ controllers are one of the most essential pieces of equipment in the whole DJ set up. Knowing the specific one that fits the way you work as a DJ can give you many advantages. However, with a wide range of products available in the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to go for. This article will help narrow down the choices as we reveal the top 10 best DJ controller for starters.

Out of all the DJ controllers out in the market, we have narrowed down the choices by identifying them and discussing some of their features and functions briefly. These can serve as an easy guide for you to look into when trying to figure out which piece of equipment to purchase.

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 DJ controller is the upgraded and latest innovation from the DDJ-SB2 model. It comes with 8 performance pads per deck and features separate play-pause and cue buttons. It also has a full 3-band EQ, gain, and filter knobs present for each channel. 

This piece of equipment is perfect for beginners since it was designed for easy and simple navigation. The design of this piece of equipment is considered intuitive since everything is positioned specifically where they need to be. It is also constructed using high-quality materials to ensure durability.

At the same time, incorporating the aluminum jog wheel and clean styling gives it a more professional feel. In addition, it has faders and crossfaders perfect for mixing purposes. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 comes with the Serato DJ Lite software but can be upgraded to the Serato DJ Pro.

It also features grab handles and weighs only 4.6 lbs which makes it easy to be carried around and transported. It has a built-in sound card and can easily be connected via USB. Additionally, it has an RCA master output and a mini-jack output for your headphones.

The Numark DJGO2 is a pocket DJ controller that can actually fit and sit on top of your laptop. It is designed to be highly portable, but without compromising the basic functions of a DJ controller. It has a sleek and low profile design but is also robust and stylish.

It carries 2 channels that are represented by two tiny jog wheels. Each of these channels also contains buttons for cue, sync, pause/play, pitch fader, volume knobs, and four performance buttons for samples, manual loop, auto loop, and cues.

It has an integrated sound card and comes with the Serato DJ Intro software. It may have tiny jog wheels but they are very responsive and can be used when doing manual beatmatching. With an easy layout and high portability, this device suits a beginner DJ perfectly.

It may look small, but the Numark DJ2GO2 is a device that can pack a punch. It has all the controls that are typically found on big controllers. It is compatible with both PC and MAC and can be MIDI mapped to virtually work with any other DJ software.

When it comes down to offering the most basic and simple package, the Numark Party Mix Starter DJ Controller may be the one you are looking for. This device offers the basic features of a DJ controller that will allow you to mix songs together.

Be that as it may, even with offering just the basics, it also has some interesting additions to it. It features back-lit buttons that trigger loops, cue point, and samples. Additionally, it is called the party mix for the reason that it has built-in pulse lights that are triggered by the beat of a playing track.

It is also designed to be sturdy and highly portable. This piece of equipment is compatible with MAC and PC and can be easily connected via USB. Additionally, it comes with the Serato DJ Lite software. It also has a built-in audio interface, so there it won’t rely on your PC to generate audio.

It also has a ⅛-inch master output that you can connect to your PA system and mixers. At the same time, it also has a ⅛-inch output for your headphones.

The Denon DJ MCX8000 may be one of the most interesting among DJ controllers in our list. This is because it not only solely functions as a DJ controller. It can actually serve as a standalone unit with USB sticks, a controller for Serato DJ, and a mixer for turntables and CDJs.

Its first function as a DJ controller for Serato DJ is as easy as plugging it to your laptop or computer, launching the software and you’re good to go. Subsequently, it can also function as a standalone unit since it has built-in Engine software.

Lastly, it can also be a mixer with four channels, two mic inputs, and a good number of outputs. Additionally, this piece of equipment can be used as a fully functioning DJ controller even without a laptop.

This is possible because of the integrated Engine software, making it a very unique device. When in standalone mode, you can make use of the 2 USB inputs for its Engine playback.

The Numark NVII DJ controller is the upgraded version of the Numark NV. Part of the updates included in the Numark NVII are displays that now have gridlines. This is very useful to make beatmatching more visual. It also allows you to go through your track list according to the name of the artist, track title, key, BPM, and time.

The layout is also upgraded to have clear markings for easy monitoring. The touch-capacitive jog wheels are one of its key features, allowing the user quick and responsive operation. You can also blend audio layers or remix on the fly without any hassle.

The Reloop AMS MIX TOUR all in one DJ controller is known as the most portable and smallest among all DJ controllers available in the market. It may not be made of metal like the other DJ controllers, but it is created using sturdy plastic with aluminum panels on its rear to keep everything together.

All of its controls are adequately sized as well as the knobs. It is equipped with an onboard VU metering which can serve as a master or a PFL with just a simple switch. In addition, this piece of equipment is compatible and can support PC, MAC, iOS, and Android.

It also carries a four-out sound card and comes with backlit controls for easy visuals and volume controls. Setting it up is also fairly easy. All you have to do is to connect everything together, launch your software, and power the unit up. The unit will instantaneously be recognized.

It carries an integrated audio interface. As for sound outputs, it offers RCA outs on its rear as well as ⅛-inch slots on its front for your headphones.

Roland also has its latest model which is the Roland DJ-202. As for visuals, it looks a lot like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RB. It has an elegant look with its black and green backdrop. It also has a more comprehensive effects control section. 

It carries two channels and four decks with two huge jog wheels. It is also equipped with a 3-band EQ with gain and filter knobs and transport controls. Additionally, it also has a mic input with Roland’s vocal FX feature and 8 performance pads for each channel.

The built-in drum machine that this unit has includes samples from TR-808 and TR-909 drum kits. These samples can be triggered and sequenced using the performance pads of this unit. The MIDI output jack can be used to connect this unit to other gears that are MIDI-enabled.

The Roland DJ-202 comes with and is compatible for both the Serato DJ Intro software and the Serato DJ full version software. The only downside for the unit is that there are no separate buttons for its sequencer which can be found in other models like the DJ-505 and DJ-808.

Dubbed as the little brother of the Mixtrack Pro 3, the Numark Mixtrack 3 all in one DJ controller features a clean layout and offers additional functions that can surprisingly be found only with DJ controllers that are on the high-end spectrum.

It has a very neat and clean look with aluminum jog wheels that add a feeling of elegance to it. In addition to that, it also carries a 3-band EQ and 8 performance pads that are present per channel. These are used to trigger samples, cues, and loops.

It also has a filter knob and a high-resolution pitch fader that allows 3 effects to be activated per deck and is also essential for scratching. Its simple and clean layout is ideal for those who are just starting out as a DJ.

However, with all these fantastic features that the Numark Mixtrack 3 offers, there is also a downside to it. Unfortunately, this unit does not carry an integrated audio interface. This means that you need to output your PC or laptop to your speakers. As for cueing tracks on your headphones, you need to use a split cable.

The Numark iDJ Pro DJ controller is one piece of equipment that is designed to work with your iPad and enhance its ability for you to be able to use it in your DJing tasks. In actuality, this device integrates with the Algoriddim’s djay app for your iPad.

It features a sleek aluminum casing and is equipped with the professional controls that a DJ needs. It also includes a touch-activated (capacitive) platters. Another key feature is that it has the ability to stream wirelessly through your iPad to Bluetooth or via AirPlay speakers.

This device also supports cueing and stereo output in iOS 6. It carries RCA inputs, ¼-inch mic input, and XLR outputs. In addition to that, it also has two jack for your headphones which are a ⅛-inch and ¼-inch connections.

Seamlessly and easily slide in your iPad so you can have access to its touchscreen and at the same time gain control over the touch-sensitive turntables. Once your iPad is docked and integrated into the unit, it will provide you with the intuitive and powerful control over the system.

The moment that your iPad is docked, it will immediately give you access to your iTunes library as well as iCould. This allows you to access any songs and also download any tracks that you need.

Last but definitely not the least is the Denon DJ MC4000. This device is said to be the heavyweight among the DJ controllers. True enough, it does weight a lot heavier compared to the others. It also made out of black metal and has a very solid, business-like look to it.

The jog wheels in this device look a lot like that of Numark’s. It carries two channels and a 2-band EQ for each channel. Additionally, it also features a mono/stereo output button, a split cue button, balanced booth outputs alongside RCA master and jack outputs.

It is also equipped with four sample trigger buttons, long throw pitch controls, pitch bend buttons, and a Kensington lock fitting. In addition to that, it also has a touch-activated jog wheel for accurate cueing of tracks as well as scratching.

It comes with the Serato DJ Intro software and is upgradable to the Serato DJ (full version) software. Furthermore, it can also work with Traktor 2, Virtual DJ8, Algoriddim DJ Pro, and any software that is MIDI-enabled.

What is the Best DJ Controller for a Beginner?

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Ultimately, there is a wide range of choices when it comes to the best DJ controller for newbies or beginners. However, if you have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a DJ controller, then sorting and narrowing down your options can be easier.

With all the options that we have shared, we highly recommend the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3. It is designed with the simplicity that a novice will definitely appreciate, but at the same time offers a full range of features and functions that a DJ needs for any type of performance.