7 Best DJ Controllers for Scratching – Reviews and Buying Guide

This is one DJ controller that has earned its place and trust among many DJs. It packs a number of top-notch features that will let you bring your DJing A game in thrilling your fans to the best groove they have ever been to.

The 4-channel controller comes in a lightweight and compact design with a unique design. Some users claim it is too colorful, but its slickness in the dark is spot on.

The controller has a plug and play functionality that makes it easy to operate. Any DJ looking to give their career a boost can use it.

It features 4 dedicated buttons for Serato Flip and an updated jog wheel with Hot Cue countdown that has improved wheel time.

The controller’s ability to pair with the new Serato Flip is its best standout feature. This gives you seamless ways of editing your tracks, including; extended intros, outros, transitioning, breakdowns, tempo, and beat structure change. Plus, it also works well with Traktor’s TSI, and you get a voucher for downloading the expansion pack for free.

Another plus for this controller is that it offers 16 multi-colored velocity-sensitive pressure pads. Though a bit smaller than most MPCs, they feel nice and get the job done.

You will also love the fantastic amplified MIC input with a built-in audio interface. Though not as powerful as a separate audio interface, you would get for a condenser microphone. You could combine them for the best results.

With 4 channels, you can hook up the external gear like mixers, tables, and much more.

The slip mode is another noteworthy feature. It allows you to have silent playbacks for easy transitions.

Overall, this is a solidly built DJ controller with superior features that make it one of the best options for any DJ interested in the Serato flip.

What are our favorite features?

• Compact and slick design
• Easy to use
• Offers great value
• 4 dedicated buttons for Serato flip
• Multi-colored velocity-sensitive pressure pads
• 4 channel performance
• Amplified MIC input

What could be better?

• It is prone to wear and tear

This is what you should get for a premium quality upgrade, especially if you are a producer DJ. It is the closest controller you will get to an integrated solution that combines producing or step-sequencing with traditional digital DJing. It is easy to use, and since it has Roland’s blood in its veins, you will love its iconic drum sets.

The controller has a rock-solid build with multiple high-end features that offer reliable performance (typical of Roland). It features pro hardware for your most demanding sets, including intuitive knobs, faders, RGB buttons, adjustable curves, and built-in phono pre amp, among others.

The controller has been designed carefully to make the most out of the Serato DJ Pro. It has dedicated loop buttons for Serato Flip, and key sync, which allow you to make adjustments for a particular deck quickly.

With the built-in connectivity for turntables, synths, and microphones, you can take your craft to another level as a producer or DJ. You only need a single USB connection to inject your DJ sets or productions that have various exciting musical elements which you can easily sync to your Serato DJ Pro songs.

Other than a high-quality MIC input, DJ-808 has a dedicated vocal processor known as VT (Voice Transformer) that can transform your voice drastically. It also has an auto-pitch function that will automatically re-pitch any incoming signal to match that of your Serato tracks.

Now onto the legendary drum sounds and sequencing, you will get the most iconic sounds from hi-hats to wall-shaking booms with the controller’s built-in TR drum machine and 16 step sequencer. They both stay in sync with Serato DJ Pro. They will allow you to build various drum parts as well as mix and match drum sounds with your creativity alone being the limitation.

In conclusion, this is one of the best DJ controllers for scratching with world-class hardware and software that offers professional quality and performance.

What makes it special?

• Feels solid
• Can DJ and produce
• Easy to use
• Excellent drum sounds
• High-quality MIC input
• Voice transformer
• 16-step sequencer
• Built-in connectivity for various musical elements

What cons did we find?

• It is a bit pricier

Here is a DJ controller that you can use without a computer in 3 different ways. As a standalone with USB sticks, as a hardware mixer for turntables and CDJs and as a Serato DJ controller. It is also not very expensive given it has superior features found in high-end controllers.

This Denon controller has a look of its own with a lightweight and compact body that has a nice touch to it. It sports a metal chassis all around and features a dual hi-res screen for playback information.

You will get full Serato DJ compatibility when you connect to a computer. What sets it apart the most is its engine music management software that allows you to use it without a computer. In fact, it is the first Serato DJ controller that can be used without a laptop.

It is also worth noting the 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pressure pads the controller comes with, which help you to control various cues.

Its jog wheels have a reasonable size, are capacitive, and highly responsive. It also features long-throw pitch faders that feel great and come in handy for the mobile DJs.

If you are a Pro or mobile DJ that prioritizes versatility, you will love the output and input options and the source switching capabilities of this controller.

As for feel and sound quality, there is an enormous amount of metering on the face of this controller, both for the output and individual channels. It lets you ensure you are sending sweet and clear signals through to the unit.

Overall, this Denon controller is the cutting edge of controller technology with a great mixture of versatility and functionality. It is one of the best Serato DJ controllers for scratching in the market.

Why are we impressed?

• An excellent choice for mobile DJs
• Solid build
• Serato DJ compatible
• 4 channel mixer
• Can be used in 3 different ways
• Does not need a computer to operate
• Accurate jog wheels
• 16 velocity-sensitive pressure pads
• Great feel and sound quality

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Only 2 decks available in Denon engine mode
• Cannot search the library or sort crates without a laptop

Are you looking for a robust controller that you can use in the studio and on stage, here is your best bet. The Prime GO is the closest cousin of the fantastic MCX800 reviewed above. It is well built and specified with a myriad of options and inputs that a DJ of any level will appreciate.

You will be impressed with the controller’s solid feel and build. It’s design and size are similar to the MCX8000, very compact and lightweight thus, the most ideal for mobile DJs.

It, however, cannot be operated without a laptop as it does not have built-in screens. On the flip side, it is compatible with Serato DJ Pro and the Virtual DJ 8.

The 4-channel controller features 2 5-inch jog wheels that are highly responsive with a nice heft and pitch faders for matching tempo accurately. Additionally, with the key sync and key adjust controls, you can easily change tunes directly on the unit, which is pretty good for harmonic mixing.

Like many other DJ controllers, this device has performance pads that allow you to change to various cues. Only, they are 8 per deck, and every deck has 10 pad modes.

Furthermore, there is a knob that allows you to adjust the musical key of the tune in the deck and a key sync button that lets you match the musical key of the track on the play. You will find these 2 features very useful for harmonic mixing or when you need to perform long blends across various tracks that must be in a specific musical key.

All considered, the DJ Prime GO is one of the best DJ controllers for scratching. It gets the basics right, has a solid build, and is highly reliable though its features are a bit sub-par given the controller market is so advanced.

What do we love it for?

• Affordable
• Great lightweight design
• Compatible with Serato DJ Pro and Virtual DJ 8
• 4-channel
• Multiple performance pads
• Great for harmonic mixing
• Durable build

What were we disappointed with?

• Not as remarkable as most current DJ controllers

This is by far the best Traktor controller offering to the beginner DJ. It is favorably priced, is packed with multiple beginner-friendly features, and performs perfectly well for anyone who just got their head into DJing.

Surprisingly, this controller feels well built, given it is an incredibly lightweight plastic box. Its jog wheels have just the right amount of weight and are slightly bigger than you’d imagine. They are highly responsive with a nice feel despite their lack of haptic feedback.

The controller’s knobs and buttons are all made of plastic except the 16 colored rubber performance pads, which produce a pleasant click sound when used. You can use the performance pads to trigger one-shots or loops that are stored in the decks.

The controller includes a full version of the Traktor Pro 2, which is not the easiest software to install, but improvements have been made with time.

Designed to make the most out of the limited controls, the S2 features a MIDI mode for controlling other MIDI gears.

Just like the Kontrol S4, this controller has a high-quality 24/96 soundcard that provides iconic sounds with killer effects and robust looping. Its track browsing scheme is a bit yesterday, but it still keeps your hands off the computer. A browse push encoder and 2 load buttons do the trick.

The controller’s 2 decks, built-in Mic and samplers are also worth mentioning. They give you the kind of functionality you would want from a high-end 3 or 4 deck controller.

With its laid back design and affordable price, this is the best entry-level DJ controller for scratching out there.

What makes it stand out?

• Affordable
• Incredibly lightweight
• 16 performance pads
• High-quality sound
• A full version of Traktor Pro 2
• Robust looping
• Durable build

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• It has no EQ kill switches
• It has no dedicated filter knobs
• Limited control over the sample decks 3 and 4

Here is another premium quality DJ controller that doesn’t weigh a tone or cost an arm and a leg. It is one of the best Serato DJ controllers in the market in its price range.

The 4-channel controller comes in a plastic-metal body with a nice silver finish on the sides. It has a cool, sleek design with robust construction. Some of its parts are made of plastic but don’t worry. All the knobs have metal underneath them.

The controller features a standalone mixer mode, and you can upgrade to the Serato DVS. Therefore, as long as you have time code, you can attach turntables to it and use them with Serato DJ.

Deejay change-over has never been easier with this controller. It has a dual USB that allows 2 deejays with 2 different libraries. It also makes teaming up easier for DJs.

The controller has one of the finest jog wheels. They are pretty solid and weighted. You will like them for speeding up and slowing down while scratching, scrubbing, or beat-matching tracks. Plus, they have a center wheel display that shows you all of your tracks information, saving you the hassle of checking your Serato DJ screen every time.

Moreover, the controller has highly responsive mini MPC Akai pads for the best Serato DJ performance.

Overall, this is one rare gem with a sturdy build, premium features, and solid controls. It doesn’t bring much on the table in terms of innovation, but it is a winner with regards to quality.

Why did it make our list?

• Very high-quality controls
• Durable build
• Sleek design
• Easy DJ change-over
• Standalone mixer mode
• Jog wheels center display
• Highly responsive Akai pads
• Serato DJ compatible

What is not ideal about it?

• It is heavy
• The center display take up much surface area

This is another DJ controller built for the beginner DJ. Since it draws inspiration from other high-end Pioneer controllers, it is also a great back-up for professional DJs. It is the cheapest on this list, but it does not operate cheaply. It has a myriad of cool performance features like a pad scratch, a nice mixer, and many others that can give a beginner DJ a head start.

As much as this controller is mainly made of plastic, it is solidly built. It is remarkably lightweight, thus perfect or mobile DJs.

The controller comes bundled with Serato DJ lite, which will allow you to access all the basic features you need to start DJing. Just keep it in mind that when you will need to expand your skills, you will have to spend again to get the advanced Serato DJ Pro.

For an entry-level controller, its mix section is fully featured. It has a full 3-band EQ, 2 channel fader, a crossfader, individual cue buttons, and a browse knob.

Its jog wheels are pretty solid with a decent size. If you are a scratching enthusiast, you will love their high responsiveness. There are even extra controls around them to alter how they respond, so; you can have them behave like CDJs or vinyl.

Also featured are performance pads that allow you to set hot cues, use a trans effect, and activate one-shot samples. It also has a couple of effects, only, you have to upgrade the software to unlock all of them.

The only drawback to this controller is that it is more of bare-bones when it comes to connection options. It also has mall pitch faders. Otherwise, it is a fantastic option for DJing enthusiasts as it is one of the best Serato DJ controllers.

What are its best features?

• High-quality jog wheels
• Sleek design
• Lightweight
• 4 channels
• Excellent FX options
• Very affordable

What could be improved?

• It comes with Intro Software
• Its scratch effects are subpar