Which is the best dj controller?

Welcome to the pulsating world of DJing, where the controller is your instrument, and your creativity knows no bounds. As we dive into 2024, the evolution of DJ controllers has reached new heights, offering an array of features that can make or break your performance. Whether you’re a budding DJ looking to make your mark in the club scene, or a seasoned pro seeking to upgrade your setup, choosing the right DJ controller is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best DJ controllers available in the market today, considering factors like functionality, compatibility, portability, and of course, budget. From the sleek and intuitive designs for beginners to the feature-packed powerhouses for the pros, we’ve got you covered. So, spin that record and let’s get started on finding the DJ controller that will amplify your skills and set your mixes apart!

What to look for in your next controller

When shopping for a DJ controller, here are key points to consider:

• Compatibility with DJ Software: Ensure the controller is compatible with popular DJ software like Serato, Traktor, or Virtual DJ. Some controllers are designed specifically for certain software, offering better integration.
• Jog Wheel Quality: The jog wheels should be responsive and sturdy. They are crucial for scratching and cueing tracks, so their feel and sensitivity are important.
• Number of Channels: Consider how many channels you need. Most controllers offer 2 or 4 channels, allowing you to mix multiple tracks simultaneously.
• Input/Output Options: Check for a variety of input and output ports. This includes XLR, RCA, and USB ports for connecting to various audio systems and devices.
• Build Quality and Portability: Look for a controller that balances durability with portability. If you’re a mobile DJ, a lightweight, compact controller might be ideal.
• Onboard Features and Controls: Assess the range of features like EQ controls, effects, loop functions, and sample pads. More features offer greater creative control.
• Integrated Audio Interface: A built-in audio interface is essential for direct audio output to speakers and for monitoring tracks on headphones.
• Price Point: Determine your budget. Controllers range from affordable entry-level options to high-end professional models.
• Software Bundles: Many controllers come with bundled DJ software. Check if the included software meets your needs or if you need to purchase software separately.
• User Reviews and Community Support: Read user reviews and check online forums for feedback and support. The DJ community’s opinion can be invaluable in making a decision.

Our top 3 DJ Controllers

There are lots of controllers to choose from, but these are what we consider to be 3 of the best dj controllers.

Rane Four

Rane 4 Good Points:

1. Build Quality: The unit is solid metal with a removable top plate for easy access to faders, indicating durability and ease of maintenance.
2. Mixer Design: Compact yet not cramped, with a hybrid layout suitable for both club and scratch mixing. Includes useful features like a split cue button and comprehensive control over both channels and effects.
3. Versatile Outputs and Inputs: Offers balanced and unbalanced master outs, balanced booth out, inputs for external channels, and two USB inputs for computers.
4. Advanced Deck Features: Large 8.5″ platters with internal displays, RGB rubberized pads, OLED mini displays for pad selections, and a variety of controls for enhanced mixing capabilities.
5. Unique Stems Control: Offers innovative features for manipulating stems, including dedicated pad mode and unique buttons for acapella and instrumental.
6. Serato DJ Pro 3.0 Integration: Designed for Serato DJ Pro 3.0, offering advanced control over features like Stems.
7. FX Options: A range of effects including Serato channel FX, main FX, and unique Rane hardware main FX, with hands-on control and customization.
8. Sound Quality: Generally excellent sound quality, a hallmark of Rane products.
9. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive hardware/software FX button and joystick control for easy adjustments.
10. Professional-Grade: Targets performance DJs with features that surpass many competitors in the Serato controller market.

Bad Points:

1. Non-Motorized Platters: The fixed platters might be a downside for those accustomed to Rane’s traditional motorized platters.
2. Limited External Channel Inputs: Only two inputs for external sources, which might be insufficient for some setups.
3. Stems Sound Quality: Variable sound quality in Stems, depending on the source material, which may not meet production standards yet.
4. Stems Feature’s Future Uncertain: While innovative, it’s unclear if the Stems feature will become widely adopted in DJ performances.
5. Hardware Reverb: The hardware reverb effect was found to be underwhelming.
6. Price Point: As a high-end controller, it may be prohibitively expensive for some users.
7. Beatgrid Adjustments: Lacks on-unit beatgrid adjustment control, requiring external tweaking.

Overall, the controller is praised for its build quality, advanced features, and professional-grade capabilities, though it does have some limitations and areas for improvement.

Rane ONE

Rane 1 Good Points:

1. Build and Design: The Rane One features all-metal construction, mirroring the quality and aesthetic of larger Rane setups.. but in a more compact form.
2. Motorized Decks: The unit includes two 7″ motorized platters with a direct drive mechanism, offering an authentic turntable feel and high-quality performance.
3. Deck Features: Equipped with touch strips for searching, a rotary encoder/button combo for track selection, and smooth pitch controls with a range of functionalities.
4. Mixer Quality: The mixer section boasts a high-quality Mag Four XF crossfader and two 45mm upfaders, emulating the experience of using a full-sized Rane mixer.
5. Flexible FX Section: Offers a comprehensive FX section with paddles for effects control and integration with Serato’s effects.
6. Performance Pads and Loop Controls: The unit includes RGB rubberized performance pads for controlling Serato’s features and dedicated loop control buttons.
7. Software Integration: Fully compatible with Serato DJ Pro, offering a seamless experience with additional features like a crossfader calibration utility.
8. Extra Controls and Inputs: Features a range of controls on the front for mic and mixer adjustments, along with versatile input and output options at the rear.
9. User Experience: Designed to deliver an authentic DJing feel, especially for scratch DJs, replicating a motorized turntable-and-mixer setup.

Bad Points:

1. Size and Weight: Despite being compact, the controller is quite heavy, which might affect portability for some users.
2. Limited Deck Size: The 7″ platters might require adjustment for those used to larger decks, though they maintain a high quality of performance.
3. Pad Size: The performance pads are smaller compared to other controllers, which might require a period of adaptation.
4. Two-Deck Limitation: The controller is primarily designed as a two-deck experience, limiting its versatility for DJs who prefer using more decks.
5. Software Restrictions: Some features, like the Serato DVS, require a paid upgrade, which could be a downside for users needing these functionalities.

Overall, the Rane One stands out for its build quality, authentic DJing experience, especially for scratch enthusiasts, and comprehensive integration with Serato DJ Pro, though it has a few limitations in terms of size and deck count.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7

Hercules Good Points:

1. Lightweight and Compact: The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is medium-sized and notably lightweight, making it easy to transport.
2. High-Quality Platters: Features excellent-looking platters resembling shrunken Technics turntables, complete with real slipmats and vinyl, enhancing the DJing experience.
3. Customizable Platters: Unique ability to customize the platters with any 7″ vinyl, offering personalization.
4. Comprehensive Control Layout: Includes high-quality performance pads, big cue and play buttons, long pitch faders, and separate looping controls, providing extensive functionality.
5. Belt-Drive Mechanism: Despite being belt-driven, the platters feel great to use, with very little discernible drift when scratching.
6. Adjustable Height: Comes with fold-out feet to raise the controller to a standard DJ gear height, adding to its ergonomic design.
7. Serato Integration: Offers deep and thoughtful control over Serato, with full-color pads controlling all important modes as well as stems.
8. Affordable Price: Positioned at an attractive price point, making motorized platter DJing more accessible.
9. Beginner-Friendly Features: Includes beatmatching tools and lights to assist beginners in learning tempo matching and beat alignment.
10. Fun to Use: The layout is intuitive and enjoyable, making the DJing experience engaging and fun.

Bad Points:

1. Limited Inputs/Outputs: Sparse rear panel with basic inputs and outputs, lacking auxiliary and booth outputs, reflecting its budget-friendly nature.
2. Crossfader Durability: The quality of the crossfader and upfaders may not withstand heavy use by scratch DJs, potentially leading to earlier wear and tear.
3. Lack of Instant Start Option: Absence of an “instant start” feature in the software, which may be a drawback for some DJs.
4. Noise Issue: A small humming noise from one of the platters was noted, which could be distracting in low or no music situations.
5. Effect Controls: The universal mapping of effect buttons might be confusing or less intuitive for DJs used to deck-specific controls.
6. Software Costs: The controller comes with Serato DJ Lite, which may be insufficient for advanced users, necessitating additional investment in Serato DJ Pro or Suite.
7. Comparison to Higher-End Controllers: While offering great value, it doesn’t match the build quality or feature set of more expensive controllers like the Rane One or Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7.

Overall, the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 stands out for its portability, customizable platters, and excellent value for money, making it an appealing choice for beginners and those on a budget, despite some limitations in features and build quality.

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