In this post, we are going to give you the top 13 best controller for virtual dj and a number of buying guides with the aim of helping you guys choose the most suitable ones for yourself. But before we have a look at these products, let us cover some information about what the dj controller is and what they can do. A dj controller is an appliance that supports dj mix music with their software so that they can produce a variety of interesting music. The dj controller often consists of components such as jog wheels, knobs, encoders, touch strips, faders, backlit buttons, and so on, and by using these elements the dj can mix and produce whatever they want depending on their creation and innovation.
We all know that mixing music is a complex process, especially for a dj who has to produce music immediately without any preparation. In order to do this accurately, you will need to ensure that every appliance and instrument to be involved in the mixing delivers top-quality sound. Given the fact that the dj plays a crucial role in music mixing of every genre, it is important that you have to pick up your controller very well.
In the current market, there are a flood of different types of controllers for virtual dj, so deciding on the best controller out of thousands of products can be a difficult task for anyone, regardless of whether you are a professional or a beginner. Understanding this problem, we have found out the top 13 best controller for virtual dj and divided the number of key considerations into small sections for you to bear in mind whenever you are making a buying decision or shopping around.
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Best Controller For Virtual Dj Comparison 2024
Best Controller For Virtual Dj For Excellent Building Quality | Best Controller For Virtual Dj For A Variety Of Channels | Best Controller For Virtual Dj For Affordable And Compact Item | Best Controller For Virtual Dj For Scratching Enthusiasts | Best Controller For Virtual Dj For Built-in Sound Card |
** Below, you will find our detailed reviews of the Best Controller For Virtual Dj, but you can also click these following links to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
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Top 13 Best Controller For Virtual Dj Reviews 2024
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The first controller on our list of the best controller for virtual dj is the Pioneer Pro DDJ-1000 which outweighs almost all dj controllers on the market and gets the best ratings.
Even though the Pioneer manufacturer just claims that the compatibility of this dj controller is primarily with the Rekordbox software, it still works very well with the Virtual dj software, too. This is absolutely a great recommendation if you are at the level of intermediate and professional, and a large budget to expend on a dj controller.
You will not have to spend a thousand dollars for a setup as a club, instead, you just need to purchase this controller for almost all your professional music events at festivals or clubs. It gives you large jog wheels which provide you with an amazing feeling.
Further, the jog display screens’ colors can be customized, you just need to adjust the information in each jog wheel for what you want to change such as waveform, BPM, loop points, and so on.
It does not come the same as other Pioneer controllers, it is not equipped with compatibility with the Serato software because it is made to use with the rekordbox software. Its display is placed on the middle of each jog wheel - that is what we like about it.
This dj controller has a great building quality that can get 11 points on 10 scales. That being said, this dj controller is manufactured with advanced durability and longevity, so you will not have to worry about its lifetime.
All things considered, in terms of price, we really suggest this Pioneer DDJ-1000 without expending a thousand dollars, but it is very suitable for professional DJs.
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The next product is the Numark NV II which is an unbelievable controller for virtual dj. This controller provides 4 channels. It is not only compatible with the software of Serato, but also works very well with the virtual software for DJs. This is a portable and compact device and it provides a number of noteworthy features. Let’s discover what it can do!
In terms of the mixer, it gives you accessibility to its four channels and each of them provides an EQ with three bands and compact faders. There is also a level meter for each channel with five bars, which is sufficient for keeping your eyes on the level of volume.
Moving on to its top unit, you are going to see buttons for activating FX mode which is near the Booth, and Master knobs for controlling volume. It also has a great visual display screen to demonstrate how your beats are playing.
Regarding software, it is fully compatible with the Serato dj software which is wonderful software for DJs. However, it also can be used with virtual dj software. This makes it cost-effective and you will not have to spend too much money on purchasing different DJ controllers to match with each software.
In addition, the jog wheels of this controller for virtual dj are composed of two jog wheels which are made of metal and measured 5 inches. These two jog wheels are compact and very responsive. It allows you to scratch its mode by switching these two jog wheels through a button. Because it is not as expensive as other dj controllers, its jog wheels are not as great as the other controllers but still good enough for your performance.
The performance pads consist of a wide variety of creative modes. There are eight pads for each deck. They give you a good feel and response but they are less big than the other dj controllers have. Overall, it offers a range of available performance pads that you can enhance the versatility when you would like to create an innovative performance.
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Last year, the Pioneer brand introduced the DDJ-SB2 and it soon became successful with a variety of evolved changes and additional features. If you are a beginner, you will love it at first glance because this dj controller is very compact as well as basic but has the same layout and set as other dj controllers of Pioneer brand name.
It is made of good quality. It has a whole body of plastics but the knobs and buttons give a solid feel, and aluminum is the material built up its jog wheels, so they are qualitative. Now, let’s take a closer look at some highlight units.
In terms of its jog wheels, they provide an extremely decent measurement and an overall great feeling. They have an appearance that is close to the pro versions of Pioneer but they lack the display at the center. Also, each deck includes a button on board that is constructed of vinyl. You are able to scratch in the mode of vinyl. However, you also can use its jog sides to nudge regardless of you being in which mode.
Regarding the section for mixers, there is an obvious change which is improved from the previous generations is that the channels and level meters are redesigned for a more basic regulator. These additional features are enhancements that are welcomed and beyond the basics of the original DDJ-SB2.
There are a number of connection ports that can be named as the two inputs for headphones, one mini jacking port, and a jack for 11/4 protocol.
Further, it offers a micro jack with 1/4 inch input. When you want to output signals, you can use the RCA output.
In conclusion, this dj controller is really suitable for beginners or amateurs with very basic functions.
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Here we have the most worthy controller for dj performance with portability, which is the DDJ-SB3 from the Pioneer brand name. It is also another dj controller for beginners.
Let’s talk about the mixer first. It is small, concise, and is able to do basic jobs as a usual controller. It has two channels with four available decks, that you can shift deck 1 to deck 3 on the left side and deck 2 to deck 4 on the opposite side. There is a single encoder with rotary capability on the top of its mixer which you can use to browse tracks and push down.
Continuing to speak about the mixer, it features a controller for entry-level. A light crossfader can allow you to make rapid cuts. It also provides two channels which are individual meters.
However, it does not have a master meter in terms of VU, therefore, you will need reference software for keeping your mix. Above the faders is the EQ with a full three-band which allows you to regulate high, mid, and low frequencies.
That means you will have the ability to adjust what you are mixing at the highest transitions. A knob with an additional low and high filter is another plus point for providing you with versatility and further control as you are mixing. You can also have volume control over each channel.
Regarding its jog wheels, they give you a decent size with the two solid jog wheels for those who are interested in scratching. They are also very responsive. This makes them very suitable for scratching enthusiasts. There are also some controls for extra controls placed around them for changing how the jog wheels respond. The capability of setting preference directly right on your controller is the other convenient choice.
Beginners will get a good tool with the FX fade. This dj controller includes preset effects to which the track will be applied. With these effects, it is easy for beginners to step into the DJs world and to be more familiar with DJ controllers. It provides a variety of options for connecting to reference devices such as laptops.
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The product coming up next is an interesting dj controller due to its sounds - surprise you from its colourful buttons, start as well as the dials. It gives a bolder and larger technology as a valuable alternation.
Let’s speak of the mixer, it gives you accessibility to its two channels and each of them provides an EQ with three bands and compact faders. There is also a level meter for each channel with five bars, which is sufficient for keeping your eyes on the level of volume. Moving on to its top unit, you are going to see buttons for activating FX mode which is near the Booth, and Master knobs for controlling volume. It also has a great visual display screen to demonstrate how your beats are playing.
Regarding software, it is fully compatible with the Serato dj software which is wonderful software for DJs. However, it also can be used with virtual dj software. This makes it cost-effective and you will not have to spend too much money on purchasing different DJ controllers to match with each software.
In addition, the jog wheels of this controller for virtual dj are composed of two jog wheels which are made of metal and measured 5 inches. These two jog wheels are compact and very responsive. It allows you to scratch its mode by switching these two jog wheels through a button. Because it is not as expensive as other dj controllers, its jog wheels are not as great as the other controllers but still good enough for your performance.
The four performance pads consist of a wide variety of creative modes. There are eight pads for each deck. They give you a good feel and response but they are less big than the other dj controllers have. Overall, it offers a range of available performance pads that you can enhance the versatility when you would like to create an innovative performance.
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Last year, the Pioneer brand introduced the DDJ-SX3 and it soon became successful with a variety of evolved changes and additional features. If you are a beginner, you will love it at the first glance because this dj controller is very compact as well as basic but has the same layout and set as other dj controllers of Pioneer brand name.
It is made of good quality. It has a whole body of plastics but the knobs and buttons give a solid feel, and aluminum is the material built up its jog wheels, so they are qualitative. Now, let’s take a closer look at some highlight units.
In terms of its jog wheels, they provide an extremely decent measurement and an overall great feeling. They have an appearance that is close to the pro versions of Pioneer but they lack the display at the center. Also, each deck includes a button on board that is constructed of vinyl. You are able to scratch in the mode of vinyl. However, you also can use its jog sides to nudge regardless of you are being in which mode.
Regarding the section for mixers, there is an obvious change which is improved from the previous generations is that the channels and level meters are redesigned for a more basic regulator. These additional features are enhancements that are welcomed and beyond the basics of the original DDJ-SX2.
There are a number of connection ports that can be named as the two inputs for headphones, one mini jacking port, and a jack for 11/4 protocol. Further, it offers a micro jack with 1/4 inch input. When you want to output signals, you can use the RCA output.
There is one negative of this dj controller which is a little bit heavy for new DJs.
At the bottom line, this dj controller is really suitable for beginners or amateurs with very basic functions.
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What makes this XDJ-RX2 from Pioneer differ from other dj controllers on the market? To begin with, this controller is much more concise and compact than other systems of Pioneer in comparison to the above product in particular. It is an outstanding dj controller for its colorful display which is 7 inches in size. With this excellent display screen, it provides you whatever you want to control for mixing.
Moreover, this controller comes with 8 performance pads as well as dials and switches, which makes this dj controller perfect for normal DJs.
It is trying to recommend that this Pioneer XDJ-RX2 is not the dj controller for new DJs, yet we really think that it contains a number of aspects of budding DJs. If you are really wanting to begin with mixing around, few dj controllers on the market can provide this volume of options in the similar way.
In addition, you can believe in the Pioneer brand that it is able to deliver a professional standard of quality as well as the interface. That means there is a little controller for virtual djs that can catch up with this XDJ-RX2.
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What makes this XDJ-RX2 from Pioneer differ from other dj controllers on the market? To begin with, this controller is much more concise and compact than other systems of Pioneer in comparison to the above product in particular.
In reality, this model weighs only a half of these above controllers! In terms of its build, this DDJ SR is lighter but considering its features, there are a number of outstanding properties which seem to be aimed at the Dj’s experience.
Professional DJs can take advantage of this dj controller with the controls built very well, giving easy managing and tweaking. That being said, everyone who is getting acquainted with the dj controller will not have many problems with feeling.
There are 16 performance pads which are available in this model beyond its advanced quality of build. Other than that, it is sturdy and its jog wheels are sizable for people who look for scratching stuff up. It also provides you with a range of offers in terms of rolling, transitions features and sampler.
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Have you ever heard about the Native Instrument brand name? This NAT 22972 is absolutely a totally different thing just in terms of visuals. It is a bulky dj controller for you to bring it around, but few mixers and controllers that are easy to get to know from beginning with the 4 individual channels, a delighting interface and displays with color clearance.
It is also easy for keeping tracks of positions and mixes. Further, its loop triggers and pads are sufficiently easy to operate.
So what seems to attract a lot of players to this NAT 22972 sj controller is that it emphasises on producing unique quality of sounds. Its interface is very bespoke which means that if you would rather put your styles on your mixes to the similar touches, so this is probably one of the best available options for you to choose.
Moreover, it is a brilliant dj controller for its dj software like Tracktor and Virtual dj, which means it is ready to use once you get it.
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The manufacturer Numark brings to us all the best components that you would expect from, this is definitely a joyful controller for you to play with. You will get the best interface and visual elements which come from the best mixers and controllers. This Mixtrack 3 is really something that will attract new dj players who would like to make progress quickly in their journey.
This dj controller comes with a straightforward layout which gives you a simple look for working on it. It is compatible with Virtual dj software and provides the jog wheels with the most sensitive that you can buy in your budget. It also offers some useful features like control buttons, strips with touching capability, basic pads, and so on.
Through these above descriptions, it is indeed not a play thing but it really is an impressive dj controller with a wide range of amazing features! The reason for not containing a pre-installed sound card is that this is for working greatly with your DAW choice. It is extremely easy for browsing through your tracks and files as well.
All things considered, this dj controller is worth choosing in cases that you would like to learn to mix music.
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The following dj controller that we would like to introduce to you is another product of Numark brand name, which is named as Mixdeck Express. This item allows you to play and mix even with your iPad, meaning that you can use DAW software for crafting tunes.
Other than that, it also enables you to easily integrate streaming as well as your audio libraries. That being said, you can create new music by mixing with audios on Spotify or iTunes.
This dj controller also comes with a pre-installed LCD display screen and provides 3 channels for mixing. What is more, its available FX and controls are very impressive in versatility, or if you would rather physically take control of what you are playing, you are definitely able to do. Further, you can also connect other peripherals such as a CD drive.
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So we are coming to the most reasonable controller for virtual dj in price on our list today, which is the DJ2GO2 from the Numark brand name. It features a tremendously portable as well as a good controller for new mixers. Though you have to pay an extra cost for being compatible with the Virtual DJ software, in contrast, you will get the dj controller with the most popular dj software in the world.
The portability and compact are the two outstanding features of this dj controller on the current market with the weight of under a few pounds. We have seen many DJs carrying this model just by putting it into their back-pack to anywhere in which they need to produce amazing mixes for parties or concerts, etc.
This dj controller is able to set up loops with manual or auto modes which is an exceptional ability, and its sound card is great as well. Regarding its sound quality, this model offers a number of great features for creating your mixes.
During use, you may need to upgrade your software by paying a little extra cost, so that is the only downside of this dj controller.
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The last product on our list of the best controller for virtual dj is the MC6000MK2 from the Denon brand, which is the version upgraded from the MC6000 origin. The advantages of easy usage and navigation are the two features that outweigh the MC6000. Also, it is highly portable and very compact in design. It is totally built from metal with high quality for the long-lasting life.
It can match with several dj software such as Virtual Dj or Serato. There are 4 channels accompanying 4 decks, so this makes it extremely flexible. The thing we love best of this dj controller is its microphone which is separate to each other. Further, all of the two mics consist of 3-band EQ in front of the panel. This stunning feature allows you to mix your music with different types of voice independently.
The only negative of the MC6000MK2 is that it does not include performance pads. Nevertheless, the other features are great and still worth considering. Therefore, it is one of the highly-recommended dj controllers.
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A Quick Guide For Purchasing The Best Controller For Virtual Dj
Are you not very sure about what you should seek for the best controller for virtual dj of 2021? In this quick guideline, we are going to inform you of some important information about buying a dj controller, but you are still careful as you search for a specific item. Now, let’s grab some useful information!
Building Quality
You had better seek for a dj controller which is made with longevity, or long-lasting life. That being said, a well-built dj controller is always reliable for use in a long time. In addition, you will need something that you can take along with you on your journey, so a robust and solid controller is just all.
To do this, you may have to search and read reviews of that product to see what former users said about and what that sj controller is good and bad at.
The Capability Of Connecting
The connection is a thing that you definitely must look for when you are on the hunt for the best controller for virtual dj. That said, you will have to see how many and what outputs and inputs it contains, does it support iPad or something like that.
There are a number of things you need to know are performance pads, channels, decks, knobs, and other connection ports available on the dj controller you are paying attention to. However, always bear in mind that just look for what your needs are for the best choice.
Design
Nowadays, a good dj controller is normally portable and compact for you to easily carry around from site to site. Also, it is effortless to store when it is not in use. So, these are the nature of every DJs’ job. But, sometimes, there are some dj controllers built with professional features which make it bulkier than other ones. However, it also means that they will enhance DJ's experience.
The Difference Between A Mixer And A Dj Controller
When you are on the journey of shopping the best controller for virtual dj, you have to be clear about what a dj controller is and how different it is to a mixer. In general, a mixer tends to provide less features than a dj controller.
A mixer mainly helps you work on mixing audio with streams and channels in one device. Meanwhile, a dj controller is for controlling physically your music such as the quality of audio, tempo, FX and so on. In fact, a controller often already includes the functions of a mixer in it, so it is possible for you to get all in one package!
Here is the video that you can get more information about a dj controller:
Conclusion: My Top Pick For Best Controller For Virtual Dj
Currently, there are tons of dj controllers coming in every size and shapes out there. Some controllers give a better performance than others, but some are also suitable for a certain purpose such as a special concert. Because of this, we hope that this article brought to you some of the most useful information which you need on the hunt for shopping for the best controller for virtual dj.
At the bottom line, below are the 5 top picks that we have grouped out of the list:
1
BEST controller for virtual dj for excellent building quality
and customizable jog display screens
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BEST controller for virtual dj for a variety of channels
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BEST controller for virtual dj for affordable and compact item
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BEST controller for virtual dj for scratching enthusiasts
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BEST controller for virtual dj for built-in sound card
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