

The size of the controller could matter for a multitude of reasons. They can be made smaller by making the jog wheels, performance pads, pitch faders, or other elements more compact but, eventually, DJ controllers that are more and more streamlined will have to sacrifice some features. Sizeįor the most part, the more mixer channels and features (such as FX controls, displays, and performance pads) that a DJ controller has, the larger its footprint. However, most DJs do not want to go through the trouble of creating their own MIDI mapping, and the user-made mappings available online are hit or miss.
BEST MIDI CONTROLLER FOR SERATO SCRATCH LIVE PRO
Traktor Pro and some other DJ software options also have MIDI mapping built-in, so any DJ controller could be made to work with them. Serato DJ has the largest selection of third-party DJ controllers that are made specifically for that software. Other DJ software, like Pioneer DJ Rekordbox and Native Instruments Traktor Pro, has a limited number of natively support DJ controllers made by the same maker of the software. Some DJ software, like Virtual DJ and Algoriddim DJ, supports many controllers with mappings that the software developers have made, but you won’t find many DJ controllers made specifically for those programs. Many DJs prefer to decide which DJ software they want to use before picking their DJ controller, as this narrows down DJ controllers to the ones that support the software out of the box. Others have much more, including audio inputs for turntables and DJ media players, separate booth monitor outputs, and microphone inputs. Some of them have basic audio connections, so you can only plug in your headphones and one set of main monitors.

The audio capabilities of the controllers on this list vary. This guide only spotlights DJ controllers that include audio interfaces and also access to some level of DJ software, so you can get started DJing right away. Some specialty DJ controllers do not include audio interfaces that let you monitor the cue mix in your headphones and send audio out to the main speakers.

Things to consider before buying the best DJ controller This guide includes the best DJ controllers for a variety of needs, skill levels, and price points.

I’ve personally used half of the DJ controllers on this list for public DJ sets, livestreams, or extensive reviews, and the remaining choices are based on thorough research, the feedback of fellow DJs, and other expert reviews. I have been a performing DJ for more than 15 years and have covered DJ gear (such as the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3) for DJ Tech Tools, Electronic Musician, Remix, Popular Science, and other outlets.
