The world of electronic music It evolves at a dizzying speed, and with it, the equipment. A few years ago, to be a DJ you had to carry suitcases of vinyl or CDs; today, technology allows us to have club features on portable and affordable devices.
If you are thinking about taking the plunge and signing up for a DJ course, choosing your first team is a key decision. To help you, we have selected the best current options according to your profile and budget.
1. Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
The best to start with (value for money)
If you’re looking for a simple yet complete gateway, the Mixtrack Pro FX is the queen of the gateway range.
- Strong points: Includes effects levers (like professional desks), large 6-inch jog wheels , and a built-in 24-bit sound card.
- Ideal for: students who want to learn the basics with Serato DJ Lite without making too large an initial investment.
2. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol MX2
The best way to get started with the Traktor ecosystem
If you prefer Native Instruments software over Serato or Rekordbox, this is your best option.
- Strong points: sturdy construction, seamless integration with Traktor Pro 4 software , and a very clean design that makes mixing easy.
- The detail: it has very powerful sound outputs for its size, perfect for your first parties.
3. Numark NS4FX
Robust and economical
Do you need 4 channels but don’t want to spend €1,000? The NS4FX is one of the most balanced controllers on the market.
- Strong points: it offers control over 4 simultaneous tracks, professional XLR outputs (ideal for connecting to club speakers), a very complete microphone section and is a robust and resistant controller.
- Ideal for: DJs who want to start making mashups or more complex mixes with 4 channels.
4. AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6
The best in quality / price
Under the new AlphaTheta brand (formerly Pioneer DJ), the GRV6 has arrived to dominate the mid-range.
- Highlights: Includes the new “Groove Circuit”, which allows you to manipulate the drums of songs in real time to create remixes on the spot. It has a design that maintains the club standard (CDJ + DJM).
- Versatility: compatible with Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro.
5. AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO
The best in terms of portability
This controller is any nomadic DJ’s dream. It’s an all-in-one system that fits in a backpack.
- Strong points: has a built-in battery and Bluetooth connection (both input and output). You don’t need a computer to play, as it reads music from USB or SD card.
- Design: Its “indigo” color and touch screen make it visually spectacular and very intuitive.
6. Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR
The affordable standalone controller to get you started If your ultimate goal is to get into the booth at a nightclub, the XDJ-RR is the perfect workout.
- Strengths: It is an “All-in-one” system, which means you can punch with just a USB, without a computer. Its layout is identical to that of Pioneer’s high-end equipment.
- Advantage: You get used to looking at the equipment screen and not the laptop screen, a vital skill for any professional DJ.
7. Rane SYSTEM ONE
The best autonomous controller on the market
If budget is not an issue and you are looking for the ultimate war tank, Rane is your brand.
- Strong points: it is considered the most advanced autonomous controller, with a quality that is difficult to beat for this price.
- Advantage: If you like the feel of vinyl, this is the only controller with 7-inch motorized jog wheels that actually spin.
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
The choice will depend on where you want to focus your career, whether it’s towards electronic music or are you interested in other styles, or if you need to take the controller outside the house or not. Obviously, your budget sets the limit, but we recommend that you start with inexpensive equipment and invest in studying and learning.
Still not clear? At EUMES we help you decide. In our DJ course you can try different configurations and discover which workflow best suits your style.
And you, which one do you want to start burning the track with?
