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DJ Controllers for Beginners: A guide.
You might already be familiar with the basic idea behind DJing. Essentially, it's about blending different tracks together and smoothly shifting from one song to another. It may not sound like a big deal but playing around with the frequencies and pitches is a lot more intricate than it seems at first.
DJ controllers are all-in-one units that contain two jog wheels and a mixer in between. Depending on the controller, it may offer you a 2-channels or 4-channel mixer.
Another handy feature DJ controllers are equipped with is an audio interface which means no external hardware is required. DJ controllers provide ports compatible with laptops and even smartphones or Ipads. however, if you want to play from your USB, the controller provides you with that flexibility as well.
What's on the Panel
The basic features that every DJ controller is equipped with include
- Jog wheels: These do the same job as traditional turntables. They are used to pause, scratch, and cue music backward and forward. They are also used to adjust audio speed.
- EQ controls: When DJing you're always mixing two tracks and in doing so the amplitude of their frequency increases. In other words, the resulting sound becomes uncomfortably loud. By twisting the knobs of the EQ, DJs can adjust the decibels i.e. loudness of the sound to smoothen the track transition throughout the mix. Each channel has its own EQ knobs. Every DJ needs to have a firm grasp on EQ. You can learn all about it right here
- Tempo Sliders: These are used to increase or decrease the tempo of the tracks each turn-table is playing. This is what DJs basically use for pitch riding i.e. beat match two songs and play them simultaneously. Click here to read more about pitch riding.
- FX Pads: The main function of FX or performance pads in a DJ controller is to let DJs use hot cues. Hot-cue buttons allow DJs to come back to a selected point in the currently playing track or replay it later.
- USB inputs: To plug in your laptop, Mac, or USB containing your pre-selected playlists and utilize your DJ controller software.
- CrossFader: It provides the DJ control on the inbuilt mixer which blends one source to another. When you can feel one track is fading in while the other is fading out, that is the crossfader doing its thing. The crossfader is essentially a switch that makes it possible for the DJ to switch between different songs faster and more seamlessly than could be done on a traditional vinyl setup.
- RCA Outputs: Finally there are always ports compatible with an RCA cable, that is used to connect your controller to a live speaker.
The more advanced a controller gets the more features it brings to the table. You can see most of these features in action in this comprehensive DJing tutorial video. Get an idea of what the panel practically feels like.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS
Why you need to do a little bit of homework is because you wanna get your hands on a controller that'll suit you as a beginner. The market is filled with all sorts of DJ controllers but usually, their targeted customers are seasoned DJs. Their DJing game is so strong that they could count a technique on every beat of their track, but that's not you. Not yet at least. What you need is something that will serve as a platform for your skill-building and introduce you to the art of DJing in a fun and simplistic way. Lucky for you we hand-picked the best DJ controllers for beginners. Let's dive right into it!
Reloop BUDDY Compact 2-Channel DJ Controller
Designed to maximize creativity, the Reloop BUDDY can prove to be the best DJ controller for someone who's introducing themself to the world of DJing. It offers a ton of intriguing features that are really easy to navigate through. Along with portability, It offers you 8 performance modes to choose from. Once you get the hang of it, your mixes will be so diverse that the crowd will just keep asking for more. The most exclusive feature this controller offers is the neural mix. This controller goes great with for iOS/iPAD, Android, Mac, and Pc.
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT NEURAL MIX?
It is a revolutionary technology that enables the user to deconstruct and mix music in real-time. In simple words, you can isolate beats, instruments, and vocals to free the instrumentals from any track. Having a DJ controller with a screen opens up numerous possibilities. For instance, you can create beat-precise loops, change tempo, and transpose the key of a song, all while removing vocals in real-time. Just make sure not to keep your head down on the screen all the time and forget to connect with the crowd. The Reloop Buddy has its own dedicated Neural Mix controls but the user can assign this function to the EQ knobs using a simple switch on the controller.
See what it feels like to perform on the Reloop Buddy in this video and you'll know why it stands among the DJ controller.
EASY TO SET UP
The award-winning Algoriddim is a great software for DJ controllers which is integrated within the controller and its built-in USB audio interface enables you to instantly plug and play the Reloop Buddy with a diverse range of devices including smartphones, tablets, Windows, and Macs. So you don't have to worry if it's a DJ controller for iPad, Android, or any other device.
PLAY IT ON WHATEVER YOU WANT
The Reloop Buddy offers you a full headphone cue section for your hot cues, a 3.5mm jack conveniently located at the side, and a master RCA output for connecting directly to the speakers.
IMPECCABLE DURABILITY
A device like this must be able to withstand wear and tear more than others. That's why the design of the Reloop Buddy screams quality. It's crafted with highly durable materials, and its space-saving portable design is among its most noticeable attributes. The Reloop is perfect for your home setup, mobile use, and even while traveling. Another convenience it offers is a built-in device slot which can hold smartphones and tablets up to 12.9”.
All of this is under a budget-friendly price tag of $ 329.9. The Reloop Buddy is bound to be a great companion in your DJing journey. Click our link below to place your order now.
Reloop Ready Portable Performance DJ Controller for Serato
The Reloop Ready is a uniquely designed DJ controller which offers exceptional quality and diverse features. As compact as it is versatile, the Reloop places, at your fingertips, some of the most exciting features a DJ looks for. Top on the list are dedicated controls for track navigation, loops, effects, filters, EQs, master volume, cue section, key lock, sync, key sync, slip mode, vinyl mode, censor, jump to the beginning of the track, and user mode.
For a brief review of the Reloop Ready check out this video
TakeThe Party Everywhere
Wherever the DJ goes he carries his aura with him. However, if his equipment doesn't keep up with his charisma then it's certainly a mood killer. So to make the Reloop one of the most reliable among all DJ controller brands, it was assembled by our enthusiastic professionals and developed in close partnership with Serato. These efforts resulted in no less than the smoothest connection and software integration possible. Whether you DJ as a hobby or pursue it as a formal career the Reloop has got you back all the way. Whether you're having a mini-concert in your own backyard or out on the road as a touring professional this bad boy will never let you down. The Reloop is popular as the best DJ controller for beginners because it allows you to project your creativity anywhere, anytime.
Space Convenient
Other than being fully USB powered, the Reloop Ready is also equipped with a full headphones cue section and a 3.5 mm jack. Combine all that with an RCA output port and you have an instant and direct connection to any active speaker or sound system. For DJs who are always on the go, lack of compactness can be a deal breaker, especially from a traveling point of view. Luckily the Reloop Ready's innovative and sturdy design allows the unit to sit comfortably above your laptop keyboard while in use, keeping the overall footprint of your setup to a satisfying minimum.
Play with literally any device
Another reason for a spontaneous DJ to fancy the Reloop Ready is its highly convenient cross-platform compatibility. Whether your preferred software for DJ controller is Serato or an Algoriddim pro app, this controller is designed to incorporate it all. Furthermore, when in iOS mode, the Reloop Ready can be powered by both, a regular USB power supply and a power bank. So there are many options to make sure you never miss a beat.
The Reloop Ready is just a click away from your doorstep for a ridiculously economical price of $379.99. Go ahead and Visit our website! (Link given below).
MWM PHASE Essential 2 Remotes The ultimate 2-channel DVS system
Old is Gold
Technological advancement in the field of DJing has taken things up several notches but the old-school feel of vinyl and turntables is a vibe of its own. You feel connected to the very origin of the jazz genre while swaying the crowd to your beats. To integrate innovation with a vintage styled setup, the idea of Pase essential was conceived and materialized by enthusiasts and professionals
How it Works
two remotes capture the turntable's rotation information and wirelessly send this information to a receiver. The receiver then processes the information and applies it to the digital signal it generates to send it to your setup. Every rotation, even the tiniest, is detected by the remotes and instantly sent to the software, offering a real-time audio control with unrivaled accuracy.
Limitless Performance
The typical issues like damaged needles, defective turntables, or rumble from the heavy bass are a thing of the past. Revolutionizing DVS technology, the Phase is an advanced and unique setup that allows you to control your music more effectively and accurately than with timecode vinyl technology. Being compact, sturdy, and robust are complimentary bonuses.
Check out the unboxing and review of Phase Essential DJ controller by clicking here.
Some Extra Perks
Finishing:
With a smooth and robust Aluminum finishing and a remote with a magnetized surface, your setup will feel quite solid.
Buttons and Connection:
The two setup buttons for each remote transmit a signal of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency.
Unreal Battery Timing:
A 10-hour battery life per Remote and built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion make it one of the most reliable DJ controllers out there. Just in case, the facility of charging via USB to a computer or power adapter is also part and parcel of this DJ controller.
Compatibility:
Connects to all DVS setup via its 2 RCA outputs. As for Compatibility, the Phase works equally well with any software for DJ controllers, whether it is Serato, Rekordbox, or Traktor.
If you like what you're reading then what's the hold-up?! Discover your passion with the Phase Essential DVS DJ controller for $399 only. You can visit our website by clicking either of the Links Bellow
You can get an open box version of this exact same model, for $389, at our website by clicking here.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6-W 4-Channel DJ Controller for Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro
The Pioneer DJ controller is frankly the most protean DJ controller you can get your hands on. Its premium technology and exclusive features, particularly the merge FX, are everything an aspiring DJ could ask for. With this fine piece of tech, you can merge tracks of completely different genres and shift the vibe of your audience so naturally that they are bound to have the time of their life. It's like having the fun of ten different concerts in one night.
The Merge FX, A Whole new Creative Domain
The inspiration behind this exclusive feature is to facilitate the DJ in mixing different styles of music. The pioneer DJ controller is equipped with a transition mechanism that accounts for all the technical hurdles like BPM (beats per minute) or where the key of the next track is. Simply press the knob and turn it as fast or as slowly as you like to start building up the tension in the music. With this controller, you can choose from 41 types of effect for each element (Build FX, Build Sample, Release FX, and Drop Sample) and combine them to create more than 9,000 different patterns. No wonder it's considered one of the best DJ controllers for beginners.
check out this unboxing video of the Pioneer and explore the Merge FX feature.
Deliver the Performance of a LifeTime
With the Pioneer DJ controller You have the luxury of choosing from 4 different merge FX patterns. When you pick one, press its respective knob, and rotating it will unleash a combination of different effects and samples simultaneously. This is where pitch, EQ, and other aspects of the track come into play to build the tension and push the crowd on the edge, waiting for that sweet beat drop. With one quick push and release of the knob, you finally unleash your next track on the craving crowd and set them flying in the air. It's truly an experience for the audience and as for the DJ, it's nothing less than a dream come true.
Create Pro-Sounding Scratch Effects, Single-handedly
Turn on Jog Cutter and simply move the jog wheel to apply a professional-sounding scratch effect to the last Hot Cue or playback position you used on that deck. There are 10 different scratch patterns and you can switch from one to another by simply moving the play head position, shown on the jog wheel’s display, to point toward the angle for the scratch you want to use.
Plug and Play Compatibility with all prominent DJ Software
The Pioneer DJ controller offers you built-in sound card and support for DJ Performance functions in rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, all you need to do is connect the DDJ-FLX6 via USB cable (comes inbox) to a laptop that’s running either software application and you can start DJing. You don’t even need a paid subscription plan.
The for yourself is just a click away from your doorstep. Set the night ablaze with the Pioneer DDJ-FLX6-W for $799 only. Visit our website via the link given below.
To Sum Up
As a beginner, all the technical terminologies and seemingly complex equipment may seem overwhelming to you but if you buy the right controller there is nothing to worry about. Consistency is the key and once you ace your first gig you'll start enjoying this art in its true sense. Don’t get caught up in comparing your setup with other DJ controller brands.Get your basics straight and always remember to enjoy yourself.
Happy DJing!