Best Professional DJ Controllers To Buy In 2018
- Admin
- Mar 4, 2018
- 3 min read
These controllers are the premium level when it comes to full features and DJ solutions.. They are professional grade, have a high level of hardware-software integration, and are rich in features but of course their price tag is also premium.
These full DJ mixing controllers are compatible towards the night club DJ, the performer who is interested in taking advantage of the live/remix elements of the included software, or the serious hobbyist willing to make an investment in their digital DJing habit. For some, they might be recognized as overpriced.
In the professional lineup of controllers you can't really decide wrong. All of them are the best controllers the market offers and it all comes down to a matter of what DJ software you want to control, the amount you’re willing to spend, and personal preference.
Pioneer DDJ-RZX
(For: Rekordbox) A beast of a DJ workstation, which also lets you be a VJ using Rekordbox Video.
Pros: As the most feature-laden DJ controller in existence, you get a Pioneer Nexus type of workflow, with the added benefit of video mixing.
Cons: Although successfully mimicking a CDJ setup, it still requires a laptop… and it’s about as expensive as DJ controllers get.
Choose If: You want a comprehensive Rekordbox experience and top-quality, or video mixing is important to you.
Advertised at $2997 (Check Price)
Denon DJ MCX8000
(For: Standalone, Serato) Denon’s mic-drop includes features previously unheard of in its price range… no laptop needed.
Pros: Operates fully standalone (no laptop!) via Denon’s Engine technology, or as a high-end Serato controller with dual USB and high-res screens, at an affordable price point.
Cons: Serato DJ is still a more comprehensive experience than Engine… and standalone is 2 channel only (though you can use Engine and Serato simultaneously).
Choose If: You want a killer dual-USB Serato controller at a killer price, plus handy standlone functionality.
Advertised at $1299 (Check Price)
Denon DJ MC7000
(For: Serato) Denon continues to up their game, presenting an impressive feature set at half the price you’d expect.
Pros: Dual USB ports (easy DJ switch-overs and B2B), DVS capability, key-matching controls and rugged metal construction makes this controller a high-value purchase.
Cons: It’s about twice as heavy as a DDJ-SX2, despite being slightly smaller.
Choose If: You want a premium Serato experience, especially for more than one DJ at a time.
Advertised at $999 (Check Price)
Traktor Kontrol S8
(For: Traktor) The flagship offering by Native Instruments provides the most tightly-integrated Traktor experience available.
Pros: It provides the smoothest Traktor experience available, thanks to high-res screens with a smart UI. It gives easy access to Remix Decks & Stems, and is a great option for DVS users.
Cons: The lack of jog wheels is a deal-breaker for some DJs.
Choose If: You want the laptop out of your face, you are “all-in” on Traktor, and you need flexible standalone options.
Advertised at $1199 (Check Price)
Numark NS7III
(For: Serato) Get the feeling of mixing vinyl records, but the features of a modern digital DJ setup.
Pros: 7: motorized vinyl platters and slipmats feels a lot like mixing records, but you get all the benefits of DJ software and a digital collection.
Cons: It’s huge and heavy, and there are no hardware filters (for standalone mixing), imperfect screens.
Choose If: You love the feel of mixing vinyl, but prefer the convenience of digital DJing over a more cumbersome DVS setup.
Advertised at $1499 (Check Price)
Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 and DDJ-RZ
(For: Serato, Rekordbox) The look and feel of Pioneer Nexus setup, in a complete single package. (Why are these listed together?)
Pros: The quality is seriously pro-grade, and it closely emulates Pioneer CDJ workflow. Dual USB is awesome.
Cons: It’s quite large… and for many, prohibitively expensive.
Choose If: You want a club-standard feel (but not a Nexus price), you want high-quality pads, and you want the best screenless Pioneer controller available.
Pioneer DDJ-SX2 and DDJ-RX
(For: Serato, Rekordbox) Pioneer’s revisions of the well-received SX bring new features to the table. (Why are these listed together?)
Pros: A CDJ-esque controller which inherits high-quality pads and digital cue display from SZ, and the build quality you expect from Pioneer DJ.
Cons: It’s smaller than the SZ but still bulky; no DVS support (without $99 upgrade).
Choose If: You want fantastic in-the-box control, and a pro-grade feel, but a more reachable price than SZ.
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