Benefits of an awesome DJ controller for beginners
If you’re careful to start with, and you pick a controller that lends well to getting a few skills and hours of practice under your belt, then you’ll benefit greatly and be way more likely to stick with the business of learning how to DJ. It’ll give you a much better user experience and you’ll just have more fun with it. Some people make the mistake of buying a controller that is way too complicated when starting out – but that can actually be prohibitive to getting the initial skills down and can be very off-putting for a newbie. Getting the right balance between quality, features and simplicity is vital for a beginner, and so it’s important to choose wisely.
Features to consider when choosing a beginner DJ controller
There are lots of complicated-sounding terms that you’re likely to read on your search, and most of them are simple enough once you break them down. It pays to know what you’re reading about – because the last thing you want to be doing is spending cash on features you’re not going to be using. On the B side – you don’t want to buy a unit that doesn’t include the right specifications to get you making music either. So, pay attention.
There are a few important factors to consider. The number of channels is one, and we’ll discuss that further below. It’s an important aspect of choosing and so we’ll help you out with that. Controls are also an important feature of any beginner’s DJ Controller, and likewise, we’ll give you more information on jog wheels and controls a bit later in this buying guide, so stay awake. Cost is going to come into it for some of you more than others, and we’ll look at some budgetary concerns – things like bundle deals and software come into that.
Each of the controllers in our reviews has a different combination or level of the following capabilities and options. If you stick with me here and have a think, you’ll soon work out which controller is going to give you the most use and the better experience.
DJ software and system requirements
Software is a big deal. It’s what you’re going to be running on and it’ll dictate all sorts of things. The first issue to consider is if the software even comes with the controller that you’re buying. It’s a bonus if it does, because if not, you’ll be spending a fair amount of money on top of your purchase to get the software – so that’s the first thing to check.
Other factors with software are if the software it comes with is your software of choice. If the answer to that is ‘yes’ – then no need to worry, and many units can be MIDI mapped to run on different software. If it’s ‘no’ however, you’ll need to make sure that the unit is compatible with the software that you want to run.
Beware, because not all controllers are compatible with all types of software. Do your research before you buy, not after.
Number of channels
So, with channels, we’re a bit more flexible as beginners than with some of the DJ Controller features. Two is a really good number for starting out. It gives you good options creatively and allows you to build skills adequately, and it doesn’t overwhelm you and put you off spending time getting up to speed with your DJ-ing. It’s sort of a balance between start and progress, though. Many DJs would advise going for something with an extra channel or two when starting out, because as well as prolonging the service life of your controller as you advance, it also serves to coax you into moving forward with your development when the time is right, rather than stagnating at a certain level because you don’t have the scope in front of you to start experimenting when you can.
Options above the number of two channels usually go as follows. You’ll find 2 + 1 units out there such as our top choice Numark MixDeck Express controller, and as De La Soul once said, (Three) Is the Magic Number. Or you’ll also see units that come with four channels. As I said, this does give you more scope to keep hold of the controller for longer and can even be an aid to progress.
Probably the best way to look at this option when you’re starting is that it’s definitely not essential to have more than two channels, so don’t make it a condition.
Who will be using it?
This partly goes back to what we’ve said elsewhere. Depending on your aspirations, look for a unit that will last you the longest time. If you’re not too serious about learning all aspects of DJ-ing, then don’t go wild when it comes to built-in future proofing. If you are ambitious and want to learn to a more advanced stage, then try to get something that will develop with you, and has more options than you need at the very start.
Internal memory, inputs and outputs
USB ports are your friends. The more a controller has, the more options you have to connect other devices and the more versatile it’ll be. Internal memory won’t necessarily be a feature of your beginner’s level controller, so you may be using a USB stick to store your cues. If the unit is compatible with your iPad or laptop, this is also how you’ll be hooking up. Work out what you’ll need and choose accordingly.
Jog wheels
When you’re looking around for your first controller, as we’ve said, it’s important to make sure that it’s got good features for the beginner and that the controls lend well to spending hours practicing and perfecting the art. Not all jog wheels are as easy to use as some, and it’s a great place to look for whether or not the unit is beginner friendly.
Jog wheels should basically be able to take a bit of abuse – because it takes a while to find your touch when you’re starting out. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that they should be clunky, though. That would be awkward, to say the least. What you need as a newbie is something that has a bit of sensitivity to it, but that won’t break or fall apart either.
A massive plus with a jog wheel is if you can also use it to scratch. This will make your controller more usable as your skills and knowledge improve, giving it a longer service life.
Accessories and extras
When you’re on a budget, and when you’re starting out in particular, you want to get the best deal you can get. This is where it’s great to be able to buy something that comes with some of the extras you’re going to have to buy anyway – if the things don’t come as part of that deal. With a controller, you’re going to need additional accessories like a stand. If you don’t already have your headphones, then you’re also going to have to either find a kit that comes with some, or budget for them additionally. The other big thing you’ll need is a nice case for your controller. It’s essential to protect your unit when you’re moving it from place to place.
You have two options with accessories, and as mentioned before, these will partly be decided by your budget, and partly by preference. You can try to get a kit that includes all or some of these items, but you may also have your heart set on a particular type of headphones – and they are an important part of a DJ’s kit – so if that’s the case with you, it’s probably better to avoid a package and buy separately.
Dimensions
This is only a factor in terms of portability, so much as with weight below, this will depend on how often you’re going to take the unit places.
Weight
Weight is an interesting factor to the newbie. With learning anything, it’s usually a massive plus to be able to get out and mix – literally – with other students of the art. Whether they be more, less, or equally advanced as yourself. Portability is going to help in this regard, and it’s also true that it’s a great feature for when you’re ready to go out start impressing at events, especially if you don’t own a car, or a big car.
The flip side of the weight issue is that the better-quality controllers tend to be, not exclusively, but tend to be heavier. So, it’s important to maybe look at the factors of weight and portability, but to consider the specification and quality of the unit strongly when you’re doing so.
Tips on using your starter-level DJ controller
Have fun is the main thing here. Like with anything, if learning isn’t fun, you’re way less likely to keep it up. If you can do your best, using this article, to get a controller that suits your needs, then you’ll be on the right track. Then just have a wild time doing it!