Music, as we all know, is the most promising source of refreshing your soul. It is upon the listener to decide which form music to choose from for their entertainment. Since inception, music itself has experienced a lot of phases.
Today, the music compositions by DJs are ruling the world of music lovers. A young blood of this generation is getting highly entertained by musical synchronizations of their favorite DJs on the dance floors. DJs basically love to work on controllers that allow to bring a sort of physical element over the performance of digital DJs which often lacks in laptop sets. This enables them to get inherited with a vinyl like experience behind booths. The interfaces have barely changed from eras of 1970s of classical citronic or cloud electronics dicso consoles, but here the availability of options also got gradually increased. Here are 10 most favorite DJ controllers in market catered by us to meet the requirement in best available price ranges.
1. Allen and Heath’s DJ mixers
This DJ controller is well known for its finest robust build, crisp sound and fantastic cool filters. Its professional range of MIDI USB DJ controller follows the suit quite nicely.
Key features
In built with 20 Channel USB sound card. Equipped with 24 bit/96kHz advanced quality audio system. In built with MIDI hardware interface. Built with decent quality metal. Has sleek censor feature. The clumsy control section is mounted on its PCB instead of a universal board. In case you mistakenly spill your drink over it, the controller comes very handy and easily recognizes short circuits and sets them right. The controller is priced at $299. The controller is best for fast accurate metering.
2. Native instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 is a fine quality 4 channel DJ controller with a rock solid appearance.
Key features
Built-in 24 bit/96 kHz customized sound card. Superb multi functional electromagnetic jog wheels. Efficient storage capacity of samples (each up to 48 seconds) right from browser to each particular cell (total of eight). Here in, the central mixer module comprises strips of four channel, contained with illuminated cue of two channels, a filter along with EQ control of 3 band. It is very user friendly and one gets easily familiarized with the S4. With its advanced operational features even if one is unfamiliar with Traktor Pro, basics can still be easily learnt. With double the performance, Tractor Kontrol S4 is priced at $189 and 169 Euro.
3. Numark’s NS7 USB DJ controller
A DJ controller of Seratoâs Itch softwares. Numark are already leading in ventures of digital DJ controllers. Having a look over its top panel you will find that Numark includes an excellent feature of strip useful for easy going to a well defined particular point in track by placing your finger on point along the sensor.
Key features
Almost compatible with the Scratch Live Library accompanied with High-resolution controller built for Serato ITCH. Embedded with most modern form of settings, Direct-drive and motorized turntable platters. Above all, contains a completely pre-mapped Serato ITCH software. An audio circuitry with line inputs systems and audiophile grade and cue outs. Track access controls. Numark’s NS7 USB DJ controller is priced at $1172.66.
4. Reloop digital Jockey 2 master edition
Reloop, the German brand has been doing quite well since 1996 with their latest invention being DJ friendly households. It is appreciated for its creativeness and novel approach and that too without compromising with the quality, compatibility and style.
Key features
A DJ/USB controller installed in a 24 bit and 96 KHz soundcard comes blended with a Digital hockey 2 master edition. One of the most impressive features of reloop is its all new detached mixing feature. This makes possible the use of two CD players and that too without the use of a software device such as a PC. The controller operates with several MIDI platforms and is available for 398 Euro.
5. Vestax VCI-300 MKIINT of 2008
The advent of year 2008 witnessed the beginning of award winning VCI 300. Vestax is a perfect blend of purity with functional ease and simplicity. Craftsmen have done marvelously well by giving it the most sleek and handy feel to it.
Key features
It weighs 3.2 kg and bears a resemblance to reel to reel tape. It has a metal interface with the top panel made of black plastic. The pitch control is swift and effortless to enable you to handle it in the desired way. With smooth jog wheels and preferred grid and torque features, it makes it uneasy to form a machine gun. The pricing being a little higher is variable from $929 to $959.
6. M-AUDIO TORQ XPONENT
A completely optimized and mapped for the most efficient torq software, Xponent is a multifunctional DJ MIDI USB. The solid plastic material used is the same as the X-session pro with the same functionality. One distinguishing feature of this controller is the XY trackpad used for navigation on the screen.
Key features
A 4-output 16-bit/48kHz USB interface. Works well with all softwares having a MIDI function. The controller weighs a decent 3.7 kg with a diameter of 8 cm. The crisp soundcard and 64 assignable buttons impart it an all the more professional feel. It is reliable and has a robust appearance. If we talk of safety, this can prove to be the best within the reasonable price brackets. Precisely, all these features come for just $600.
7. Denon DN-SC2000 USB DJ MIDI controller
Denon DN-SC 2000 is built of bomb proof material with a heavy duty jog wheel. The topmost panel has cue and play buttons illuminated with rubber. There are four push knobs for activation and the regular on/off buttons.
Key features
It is a compact single deck and USB powered controller. Specifically designed for Virtual DJ and Traktor Scratch. Essentially, it is a double deck controller in a single box. Completely no interaction of mouse or keyboard with your system. This controller has got just the appropriate design and comes for $299.99. In case you need a lightweight controller with a higher reliability, this one is the best option for you. As an added beneficiary feature, it adds CDJ style flexibility to the setup.
8. Faderfox MICROMODUL DJ3
Faderfox has been doing excellently well with its first and second versions of MIDI controllers. Although, many professionals appreciated the inbuilt features and quality but their non compatibility with the latest audio systems was a major drawback. The non-inclusion of a power adaptor and low power battery was another loophole.
Key features
It includes .tsi file that maps the device controller to the channel faders. Involves the use of MIDI with which you can easily control other manufacturerâs software available with 250 commands. It weighs 350 gm and is truly compact with rubber coated knobs and metallic top panel. Due to the usage of a lot of controls, it takes quite some time to get used to it. This clumsiness fades away with time when one gets more familiarized with shifting and toggling. As of otherwise, it performs well and is decently priced at $369.
9. Akai APC 20
APC range of Akai include APC20 and APC40 controllers. If you compare both the controllers to find out which one is better, then APC20 is on the top because of its light weight, smaller and compact look and better portability. It has a very sleek and stylish appearance with matt black finishing.
Key features
It has got uncomplicated appearance. Encapsulated with a metal casing, APC20 is solid enough to tolerate repeated gigging without any issues. The single knob, 87 buttons and nine faders also contribute a lot in giving it a solid look and feel. Forget about the finances, ideally one should have APC40 for studio work and APC20 for gigs. Owing to heavy weight and cumbersome built, it seems not a good option for globetrotting.
10. Novation Launchpad
A simple yet well-built USB bus controller with 80 backlit buttons, the Novation Launchpad comes very handy. Priced less than $149, the launchpad comes very handy in terms of portability and features.
Key features
Novation Launchpad weighs 717 g with a USB socket and a Kensington anti-theft lock. Launchpad is able to control almost all music softwares with the aid of automap control software. Color red indicates that the clip is recording and when there is no color, no tracks play. They look professional and the backlighting provides valuable information as to whatâs happening on-screen. Priced at $149 with much more advanced features than APC40, the launchpad is worth taking into consideration.
