If you are a beginner at DJing, then you probably do not have a controller board yet. If that is the case or you are simply looking for a new controller, here is a simple buying guide that you can follow to find the best DJ controller for you and 7 of the best models that you can get today.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best DJ controller
Ease of use
For beginners, a controller (aka control board) with large and/or few buttons are often the easiest, even more so if you have no experience with a control board or DJing at all. More complicated controllers tend to have more buttons that vary in sizes and also have knobs and other special controls.
The software
Some controllers come with software that can be downloaded onto a computer, but others may require that you have or buy the software they need off of the manufacturer's website or through a third party.
For beginners, getting a controller that comes with software physically or through their website can be more convenient than having to search for different software to use. On the other hand, you might find a software that you like better; it may be easier, more efficient, or have more features than the software the controller comes with.
Whatever board you use, make sure that the software you are planning on using it with is compatible with the controller itself and/or your computer.
The size
Larger controllers do mean that you will need a larger working space, but larger boards are usually easier for beginners to use because they can have larger buttons but not always. Some boards are smaller than 1 foot long while others can be longer than 2 feet.
The weight can also be a little important but less when it comes to the quality of the board and more when it comes to moving it around. There are a few boards that are under a pound, but most boards are usually a few pounds. Although, there are some that can weigh up to 10 pounds or more, and these can be a little big and awkward to move around and take to events you may be playing at.
The connection(s)
Most controllers use USB cables so that they can be directly plugged into a laptop or desktop, but there are a few models that may need an adapter to be plugged into a computer. Nowadays, these are a little less common since controllers are being designed to be more simple and accommodating.
What you are using it with
Nearly all controllers do not use batteries or power cables; like a keyboard, they are powered through the connection to the laptop. There are a few that are designed to be used with Bluetooth so you can use them with your phone, however.
Regardless, whatever you plan to use with the controller, make sure it, or the controller, is fully charged and you either have a battery bank that can last for the whole event or you have a power cable and possibly an extension cord in case you will not be set up near an outlet.
What are the advantages of one?
Controllers allow you to be more original and custom when it comes to playing songs at a party, music festival, or other events where DJs play. They can be as simple as changing a certain tone in a small section of a song or completing remixing a song live.
Things to look for that differentiate them.
Besides the features we have already mentioned, the biggest feature you can look at is the design of the control board. Some have color-coded keys to help you instantly recognize which keys are which while others are more obvious and used LED lights to highlight the keys and/or the names on or around them.
What is the best way to use one?
Make sure they are properly cleaned before and after each use, even more so if you are playing outside or in a semi musty area for an event. A simple rag that is slightly damp to dry should be good enough for keeping any dirt or dust off.
If you do need to do a thorough cleaning, you may want to have a professional take it apart to clean it, but if you would rather do it yourself, make sure it is unplugged/off first. Then, use cotton swabs to gently clean the crevasses and tight corners before wiping the majority of the shell gently with a clean rag.
Expensive vs affordable.
If you are on a budget and are new to the DJing game, you may want to start off with a more affordable model. However, the expensive models can be more useful if you have experience and want more of a challenge or a wider range of control. It also depends on how long you are planning to DJ for and how professional you want to appear and move.
Prerequisites for using them.
Without a laptop and/or phone, there is no way to use a controller, and you have to have a powerful enough laptop or phone to be able to run the software with the controller, too. Even if the computer or phone has the bare minimum requirements to run the software, it may not be enough for the sound quality or response to be good enough for a live performance at an event.
Top 7 DJ controllers
This controller has one of the simplest designs out there, and that is mostly because there are a little over a dozen different controls. Nearly all of them are also either colored, backlit, and/or have markings, which are sometimes necessary for young or new learners.
Because it is one of the most affordable boards and is great for beginners, it is out of stock every now and then, but it seems to get back in stock on a regular basis, which is good news if you plan to buy it as a birthday or holiday gift.
In terms of the specs, it is longer than most of the other beginner-grade models, being nearly 1.5-foot long, but it is also a bit thinner than most, being about 3.5 feet wide.
It does come with the full version of the Serato DJ software, too. The software itself can be hit or miss based on what you prefer, but the most convenient feature would have to be that it connects through a USB port and is small enough to fit in a laptop bag with your computer, meaning you will not have to buy a separate bag or case for it.
Performance-wise, the only major downside is that it does not have more features, meaning it may not be the best for professionals beyond being a back-up board in case something happens to your main board.
It is also available in the newer version as well as the older version.
Pros
Cons
This controller may seem a little more intimidating to a beginner since it has over double the amount of controls as the previous model. However, like the last model, this one has markings, is color-coded, and has LED lights to help distinguish the different controls.
It does weigh a little more than the last model, a little over 4.5 pounds, and while it is still considered to be light, the extra weight and smaller rubber feet on the bottom does make the board slide if it is on an incline. This means you will probably not be able to keep the board on a laptop or other equipment where it will not be flat.
This is also a little easier for beginners to use since it is larger than the last model, being 19 inches long and over 10.5 inches wide. It can also come with a special polishing cloth that is better for the board's material.
The one major downside is that this is one of the more expensive models, and it may be out of budget for some or most beginners. However, it is a little more advanced than the last board but is still pretty simple, making it one of the better boards for experienced users who are looking to get better or even become professional.