Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4-W 2-Channel DJ Controller for Rekordbox & Serato - White

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4-W (DDJ-FLX4W) is the limited edition white 2-channel DJ controller for rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite and djay, and it works with a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet. It has two 5.2-inch (132 mm) touch-sensitive jog wheels, 8 back-lit performance pads per deck, a 3-band EQ per channel, a 1/4-inch microphone input and an RCA master output, and it runs on USB bus power from a laptop with no separate adapter. It measures 18.98 x 10.74 x 2.33 inches (482 x 272.8 x 59.2 mm) and weighs 4.63 lb (2.1 kg). It is a controller, not a standalone player: the music and the DJ software live on the connected device.

Two features are there for people who have never mixed before. Smart Fader automatically adjusts the volume, bass and BPM of both tracks as you move the channel faders or the crossfader, so a transition stays together while you learn; turning it on also turns on Beat Sync. Smart CFX puts a combination of effects on a single knob. Pioneer DJ says the rest of the layout is inherited from its professional products and from the DDJ-400.

Is the white DDJ-FLX4-W the same controller inside?

Yes. Pioneer DJ lists the same specifications and the same 4.63 lb (2.1 kg) weight for the DDJ-FLX4-W, and its DDJ-FLX4-W page links to the same instruction manual, so the controls, connections, software and Bluetooth are identical. The difference is the finish: Pioneer DJ sells this one as a limited edition in white, in listed regions only, and the United States is one of them. Everything on this page applies to the unit you receive.

Do I need a laptop, or will my phone work?

A phone or tablet works, but the DDJ-FLX4-W always needs a connected device, because it has no screen and plays no music on its own. Pioneer DJ supports PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. A computer powers the controller through its USB cable. A phone or tablet cannot: plug a USB power adapter rated DC 9 V, 3 A, or a 9 V mobile battery, into the second USB-C port. Android devices with a Micro USB port should connect over Bluetooth, because Pioneer DJ does not guarantee a cable connection to them.

Is the software free, or is there a subscription?

The software you need is free. Connecting the DDJ-FLX4-W unlocks Performance mode in rekordbox for Mac and Windows without a paid plan, which Pioneer DJ calls Hardware Unlock, and it unlocks Serato DJ Lite. rekordbox for iOS and Android, djay and Traktor Play are also free to use with it. Serato DJ Pro is a paid upgrade (license or subscription), and djay Pro is a paid app that needs a subscription. Nothing comes on a disc; download the software from rekordbox.com or serato.com.

Can I DJ with Spotify, Apple Music or TIDAL?

Yes, through rekordbox, with a paid subscription to the streaming service. Pioneer DJ lists Apple Music, Beatport Streaming, SoundCloud Go+, TIDAL and Spotify for the DDJ-FLX4 series. Which services work in which version of rekordbox changes over time, so check rekordbox.com before you subscribe.

What does the Bluetooth connection do?

It carries control data from a phone or tablet, not sound. Pioneer DJ's manual says sound does not come out of the controller over Bluetooth: the master and headphone outputs cannot be used, and the audio has to go from the phone itself to your speakers through a cable. For sound through the controller, connect with a USB cable instead. Bluetooth range is about 33 feet (10 m) with nothing in the way.

Can I plug in speakers and a microphone?

Yes. Powered speakers connect to the RCA master output, one unbalanced stereo pair, so a speaker with 1/4-inch inputs needs an RCA to 1/4-inch cable such as the ProX XC-PR10, and one with XLR inputs needs an RCA to XLR cable. The microphone input is a single 1/4-inch jack that accepts only an unbalanced signal. Set its gain with the MIC ATT knob on the rear panel, then ride it with MIC LEVEL on top. The controller mixes the microphone into the master output and also sends it over USB, so one device can record or stream the music and your voice together, as long as no Bluetooth device is connected. There is no booth output.

What headphones work with it?

Headphones rated 32 ohms or higher, plugged into the 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo mini jack. Pioneer DJ's manual says USB bus power can fail with headphones below 32 ohms or with a mono plug in the headphone jack.

What is in the box?

A USB cable, a Quick Start Guide, a Precautions for Use sheet and a warranty card. There is no power adapter, no audio cable and no headphones. The supplied cable connects to a computer or phone with a USB Type-C port. A USB Type-A port or a Lightning connector needs a separate certified cable 3 m (about 10 feet) long or shorter.

Is it a good controller for a complete beginner?

Yes. Smart Fader keeps transitions in time while you learn, and the layout follows Pioneer DJ's professional products. For a structured start, Crossfader's DDJ-FLX4 Beginner Course is 37 online video lessons, about 5.5 hours, built around this controller. It is a course only and includes no equipment.

DDJ-FLX4-W specifications

Specifications are from Pioneer DJ's DDJ-FLX4 instruction manual and DDJ-FLX4-W product page; the jog wheel size is from Pioneer DJ's controller comparison chart. rekordbox and Serato system requirements change with each release, so check rekordbox.com and serato.com for the current list.

What case fits the DDJ-FLX4-W?

It has the same dimensions as the rest of the DDJ-FLX4 series, so cases made for the DDJ-FLX4 fit it: the Decksaver DDJ-FLX4 cover for dust at home, the Odyssey BMDDJFLX4 EVA soft case for carrying it, and the Headliner HL12017 Pro-Fit case if it travels. More bags, cases and covers are in DDJ-FLX4 cases.