Beginner's Guide to Selecting a DJ Controller: PCDJ vs Alternative Technologies

Beginner’s Guide to Selecting a DJ Controller: PCDJ vs Alternative Technologies

We’ve taken the calls, and we get it — viewing our list of 80+ supported DJ controllers to find the right solution can be daunting for beginner DJs.

Which DJ controller is the best fit for a newbie Digital DJ using DEX 3 or RED Mobile 3?

Natively supported DJ controllers are ‘zero-configure’ with PCDJ. Plug-in up to 8 controllers in real-time and DEX 3 and/or RED Mobile 3 will automatically and instantly recognize them and ‘just work’. The only manual configuration required is to select the DJ controllers audio output device (as most DJ controllers come equipped with a built in multi-channel ASIO or Core Audio supported audio interface) in our DJ software’s options.

Controllers also make the DJ experience exceedingly more enjoyable. Nothing beats hands-on control when mixing music and music videos — and if you’re a beginners that truly want to learn to DJ you really should start with a physical interface that allows you to push, slide, twist and manipulate controls. You connect with the music in a way using a mouse and keyboard can’t compete with. If you ever plan to take the leap to becoming a professional DJ, whether at the club or doing private events, you need to get familiar with traditional DJ controls found on today’s DJ controllers.

Here are a couple freshly supported DJ controllers that make sense for beginner DJs. Keep in mind these are not the least expensive on the market, or the most entry level by design, but rather two solid options that offer enough functionality and control over PCDJ so you can easily step up to something more robust in the future, without a step learning curve.

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Two Newly Supported DJ Controllers For Beginners

DENON DN-MC4000 ($399 USD)

Denon DJ touts the MC4000 DJ controller as “_A peerless combination of features and build quality for professionals._” As fans of Denon DJ controllers, the PCDJ team agrees this is one solidly built modestly sized DJ controller that doesn’t short DJs on functionality.

The MC4000 is a 2-deck controller designed for the professional entertainer, but is simple enough to use for beginner DJs. Compared to higher-end options, the MC4000 is a smaller form-factor DJ controller that’s road-worthy due to it’s robust steel chassis. The MC4000’s long-throw 100mm pitch faders are a welcomed plus, and the units overall intuitive layout delivers natural hands-on operation. An additional included feature you typically do not see with DJ controllers at this price point (only $399 USD) is balanced booth outputs, which feeds the signal to a set of local monitor speakers near the DJ, with the ability to adjust the booth level independent of the main level.

Learn More About Denon DN-MC4000

PIONEER DDJ-SB2 ($249)

We’ve just wrapped up the PCDJ map for the Pioneer DDJ-SB2 controller, one of the latest DJ controllers to hit the street from the preeminent manufacturer Pioneer DJ. As they explain the SB2:

“Hitting the decks has never been easier and more intuitive – even for first-time DJs. Not only does it boast all popular features from the DDJ-SB – such as Filter Fade and Performance Pads – but it now boasts features not usually found at this price point, including trim pots, level meters, the Pad Trans beat effect and 4-deck control.”

What we find notably impressive is the robust feature-set included with the DDJ-SB2 comes with an entry-level price tag, with most retailers listing it at only $249 USD. For 4-deck control, high-quality built-in audio interface and Pioneer DJ’s legendary quality construction it’s easy to see why the DDJ-SB2 has quickly become one of the more popular DJ controllers for DEX 3 and RED Mobile 3 DJ software users, especially those new to controllerism. This is a can’t-miss, affordable DJ controller for budding digital DJs.

Learn More About The Pioneer DDJ-SB2

DEX 3 with Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Bundle Now Available!