2 Channel DJ Controllers

2-Channel DJ Controller Buying Guide

What is a 2-channel DJ controller?

A 2-channel DJ controller has two decks, each with a jog wheel, transport buttons and performance pads, plus a 2-channel mixer with a volume fader and EQ for each channel and a crossfader between them. Most connect by USB to DJ software such as rekordbox, Serato DJ or djay on a computer, phone or tablet, and have a built-in audio interface for speakers and headphones. A "2-deck" controller usually means the same thing, and some, such as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1, have a deck 3/4 switch to control four decks in the software. All-in-one systems add a screen and play music without a computer.

Which 2-channel DJ controller should I buy?

Start from what you will play from and how you like to mix. These are the main 2-channel models we stock, listed roughly from entry level to pro.

Is a 2-channel DJ controller enough, or do I need 4 channels?

For most DJs, 2 channels are enough: most mixes blend two tracks at a time, and a 2-channel controller gives each track its own volume fader and EQ. Choose a 4-channel DJ controller if you want to layer three or four tracks with separate faders.

Which 2-channel DJ controller is best for a beginner?

One with learning aids that runs the software you want to learn. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 and Inpulse 300 MK2 have light guides that show you the right moves as you learn, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 has Smart Fader to hold first transitions together, and the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 and Hercules DJControl Mix play from a phone. If you also need speakers and headphones, see our DJ starter kits and the beginner guide on that page.

Which 2-channel DJ controllers are best for scratching?

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1, DDJ-REV5 and DDJ-REV7 are laid out like a DJM-S mixer between two PLX turntables, the kind of setup battle DJs use. The DDJ-REV1 runs Serato DJ Lite with 154 mm jog wheels and Lever FX. The DDJ-REV5 adds 8.1-inch (206 mm) jog wheels with displays, the MAGVEL FADER and Stems buttons, and works with Serato DJ Pro or rekordbox. The DDJ-REV7 has 7-inch motorized jog wheels and the MAGVEL FADER PRO for Serato DJ Pro.

Is there a motorized 2-channel DJ controller?

Yes. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 has 7-inch motorized jog wheels with a vinyl-textured top plate, low and high torque settings and a 3.5-inch display in each, for Serato DJ Pro. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 has 7-inch motorized platters that reach 33 1/3 RPM in a tenth of a second, with two 7-inch replica records and slipmats on top, for Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED. The T7 Premium Edition adds a Premium Faders Module, a travel bag and two scratch slipmats.

Can I DJ without a laptop?

Yes. The Hercules DJControl Mix and DJControl Mix Ultra connect to an iOS or Android phone over Bluetooth and run the djay app, and the Reloop Buddy, AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 and Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 also work with a phone or tablet. A phone cannot power the DDJ-FLX4, so a mobile setup needs a 9 V, 3 A USB power adapter. All-in-one systems such as the AlphaTheta XDJ-AN and Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 have their own screen and play music from a USB drive, and the XDJ-AN also streams over Wi-Fi. See all stand-alone DJ controllers.

Which 2-channel controllers work with rekordbox, Serato DJ or djay?

• rekordbox: AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2, Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4, DDJ-REV5, DDJ-REV7 and XDJ-RX3, and AlphaTheta XDJ-AN.
• Serato DJ Lite: Hercules DJControl Starlight, Inpulse 200 MK3, Inpulse 300 MK2, Inpulse 500 and Inpulse T7, AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2, Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-REV1, and AlphaTheta XDJ-AN.
• Serato DJ Pro: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 and DDJ-REV7, and the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 on a computer. Some Serato DJ Lite controllers, such as the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 and Hercules Inpulse T7, can move up to Serato DJ Pro with a paid license.
• djay: Hercules DJControl Mix and Mix Ultra, Reloop Buddy, AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2, Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4, Reloop Ready (djay Pro for iOS) and AlphaTheta XDJ-AN.
• DJUCED: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3, Inpulse 300 MK2, Inpulse 500 and Inpulse T7.

Can I connect speakers and a microphone?

Yes, on most models. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3, Inpulse 300 MK2 and Inpulse 500, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 and DDJ-FLX4, and the Reloop Buddy and Ready have an RCA master output for powered speakers, while the Hercules DJControl Starlight and AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 use a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) output. For a PA system with XLR inputs, the Hercules Inpulse T7, Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 and AlphaTheta XDJ-AN have XLR master outputs. For a microphone, the DDJ-FLX4, DDJ-REV1, Inpulse 500 and Inpulse T7 each have one 1/4-inch input, the XDJ-AN has one 1/4-inch TRS input, and the DDJ-REV5 and XDJ-RX3 have two mic inputs.

How much does a 2-channel DJ controller cost?

At Hollywood DJ, beginner and portable 2-channel controllers cost about $110 to $350. Motorized and pro scratch-style models such as the Hercules Inpulse T7 and Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 and DDJ-REV7 cost about $850 to $2,160, and all-in-one systems such as the AlphaTheta XDJ-AN and Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 about $1,200 to $2,270. Under $250, choose from the Hercules DJControl Starlight, Inpulse 200 MK3, DJControl Mix, DJControl Mix Ultra and Inpulse 300 MK2, and the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2.

Should I buy a controller on its own or a starter kit?

If you already have speakers and headphones, a controller on its own is all you need. For a complete first setup, DJ starter kits combine a beginner controller with speakers and headphones, and DJ controller packages pair a controller with extras such as headphones, speakers or a laptop stand. To protect a controller, see DJ controller cases and DJ controller covers.

Can someone help me choose?

Yes. Call Hollywood DJ at 1-800-700-4542 or visit our showroom at 934 E 11th St in Downtown Los Angeles.