What are DJ controllers for?
We’re living in a technological age, with a lot of new gadgets and devices that have changed many aspects of the way we live, work, and play, including how we enjoy music. With the likes of dance, techno, and electronic music on the rise, DJs have never been so popular.
And while DJs of old needed to make use of gigantic turntables and mixers that take up tons of space, modern DJs can make use of much smaller and more convenient equipment in the form of DJ controllers.
Put simply, a DJ controller is a device used by DJs to mix music, in conjunction with DJ software, using a variety of knobs, wheels, dials, touch strips, and other features. They’re basically like turntables that have been minimized and digitized, making the whole DJing process simpler.
They work in conjunction with a laptop, tablet, computer, or even a smartphone. The DJ software gets loaded up on the connected device and then the controller is used to send signals to the computer/laptop/etc. to tell it how to mix the music and what sounds to output.
For whom are DJ controller under $300 advisable
If you head online and browse through most of the best DJ controllers out there, you’ll quickly see that the prices tend to be quite high on average. This means that many young and aspiring DJs out there can struggle to break into the DJ world due to the high costs of the typical controller.
Fortunately, there are many excellent options for anyone in need of a DJ controller under 300. These controllers are simply perfect for young DJs and those who want to get into DJing but don’t have a big budget to start off. They’re great for beginners who want to play around with a controller without making a huge investment.
As you can see by options like the Pioneer DDJSB3, these cheaper models have plenty of features and functionality, so you aren’t missing out on much at all by buying one and you can still have fun DJing at parties, at home, or with your friends with even the cheapest DJ controller.
Features to consider when buying a DJ controller under $300
Before you buy a budget DJ controller, there are some things you need to think about. Not all DJ controllers are created equal. Some of them are far better in terms of certain aspects like software, build quality, channels, connectivity options, and more.
Some have longer warranties than others. Some have better additional features than others. You need to weigh up all of these aspects in your mind when trying to choose between them and decide what matters most to you in order to find the perfect DJ controller for your needs.
Build quality
When it comes to DJ controllers, build quality is one of the most fundamental aspects to think about. You’re probably going to be using your DJ controller quite a lot, flicking the wheels, adjusting the dials, turning the switches, and more again and again.
Under all that pressure, weak and poorly made DJ controllers can crack, but high quality DJ controllers, like the Numark DJ2GO2, for example, will stay strong and offer long term usage and enjoyment for years to come without any issues.
Software and system requirements
Whenever you start shopping for the best DJ controller under 300, the software is probably the most important aspect for you to think about. It’s important to note that DJ controllers all come with some kind of software package, since their primary function is to ‘control’ the software itself in order to mix and play audio.
Different controllers can use different forms of software, and it’s quite common for many of the top models to make use of some version of Serato DJ, as this is a popular choice with amateur and aspiring DJs. Each software has its own pros and cons, and while it is possible to map your controller onto another form of software in the future, that process can be quite complicated and is best left to advanced users, so you should always look at the included software package and see if it works for you.
Serato DJ Lite, as featured on the Roland DJ-202, is the most common option and is enjoyed by pro and amateur DJs alike. DJUCED Version 4, as featured on the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200, is another terrific software option, perfect for beginners. Don’t forget to check the system requirements too and ensure that your devices can actually run the software. You can use different controllers on different devices, and there are even iPad DJ controller models out there.
Channels
When it comes to DJ controllers, they’re usually broken up into two main categories: 2 channel and 4 channel. The number of channels basically determines how many audio sources or tracks you can have running at any one time. The more channels, the more audio sources you can have.
An example of a 4 channel DJ controller is the Gemini GV Series G2V, which offers more flexibility and options than a standard 2 channel alternative. However, in most cases, especially for beginners, 2 channels are all you really need.
Connectivity and ports
DJ controllers all come with a range of inputs and outputs that allow you to connect other devices. Every controller will come with either an RCA or XLR (or both), which is used for connecting speaker systems, but they can also come with inputs and outputs for additional decks, headphones, microphones, USB devices, and more.
The Roland DJ-202, for example, comes with a vast array of inputs and outputs to offer maximum connectivity. The more options you have in this area, the more flexible your DJ controller will be in terms of what you can do with it. However, you might not really need to even use some of the inputs/outputs, so have a think about what you actually need when shopping for a DJ controller of your own.
Controls
The controls of a DJ controller are an essential part of the whole package, as they’re what you’ll be using to actually control the audio and mix your tracks. The controls usually come in various sizes and forms from jog wheels to switches, sliders, and dials of all kinds.
When you’re DJing, you want to be able to quickly and seamlessly make use of your controls, so they need to be well-made, easy to move around, and simple to navigate. The Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 is an example of a top quality DJ controller under $300 with a super control layout.
Dimensions and weight
One additional factor to think about when choosing your next DJ controller under $300 is the dimensions. These controllers are way more compact than traditional turntables ever were, but they can still get quite big, depending on the model you buy.
Be sure to think about how much space you have to use your controller and choose a model that works for you. Think about the weight as well, especially if you want to travel with your controller. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 is an example of a compact and lightweight model.
Extra features
Many of the best DJ controllers will come with a range of extra features too. The Gemini GV Series G2V, for example, comes with 2 virtual software decks and preset FX controls. Meanwhile, the Pioneer DDJSB3 comes with FX fade, 5-inch high resolution jog wheels, 4 hot cues, and more.
Warranty
Last but not least, don’t forget to think about the warranty of your DJ controller. It would be a real disaster for you to invest cash in such an important item and then have to deal with technical issues and repair costs that aren’t covered by the manufacturer after just a year or two of usage. Some of the best DJ controllers come with lengthy warranties, providing much-needed peace of mind.
