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Scaling up from our look at DJ controllers for beginners, we focus in this feature on DJ controllers that cost between 300 and 900 US dollars. Yes, you can get a decent piece of semi-professional DJ gear for less than 500 dollars, DJ gear manufacturers are pushing their limits and a number of high-end features that trickle down into cheaper gear are amazing.
While these controllers will be meant primarily for domestic use, they need to be sufficiently rugged and solid to withstand the toughness of a club environment/party venue. The quality aspect has been an important element in making our picks.
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Numark NS6II
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
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| WINNER | Numark NS6II Serato DJ Controller |
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| The Numark NS6II is just a fantastic controller for Serato DJ. The large jogs, built-in LCD screens, 4 channel hardware mixer, and rock-solid build make it hard to beat. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | beginner/mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 2 1/4” mic inputs, 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line/phono) |
| Outputs: | Stereo XLR outputs, Master RCA outputs, Booth RCA Outputs |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (4.7 / 5) |
| More information: | Numark NS6II review and video |
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The NS6II is an almost perfect blend of the Numark Mixtrack Platinum (the built-in LCD screens into the jog wheels) and the Numark NV (touch capacitive knobs). The controller has dual USB input for easy DJ changeovers, and, quite rare in this price range, a 4 channel, DVS ready hardware mixer.
The NS6II is certainly fit for club use. It’s relatively compact in format, and the roll bars on the front protect it in challenging booth setups.
The performance pads are solid and support various Serato DJ performance functions such as hot cues, loops, rolls, slicer, sampler… Finally, the NS6II has a vast amount of professional grade inputs & outputs.
| RUNNER UP | Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 Serato DJ Controller |
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| The DDJ-SR2 is a great follow-up to the original DDJ-SR, and comes packed with great features such as a hardware mixer, key sync features, excellent performance pads and more! | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 2 PHONO/LINE (RCA), 1 MIC (1/4 inch TS Jack) |
| Outputs: | 2 MASTER (XLR, RCA), 1 BOOTH (1/4 inch TRS Jack), 2 HEADPHONE MONITOR (1/4 inch Stereo Phone Jack, 3.5mm Stereo mini-jack) |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ, Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (4.6 / 5) |
| More information: | Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 review and video |
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The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 is a really comprehensive update to the original Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2. It adds RGB backlit performance pads, a hardware mixer which means support for Serato DVS. buttons to control Serato’s pitch and key features, support for Pitch Play…
With this upgrade, the DDJ-SR2 rises to the same level as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR, the Rekordbox DJ version of this controller.
On the back, there is now an XLR master out, crucial for DJ’s that want professional grade inputs and outputs.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3 Traktor Pro DJ Controller
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The Traktor Kontrol S3 is new entry into the Traktor Kontrol range. it's similar to the Traktor Kontrol S2MK3 but comes with 4 channels, bigger jog wheels and and effect section build into the mixer section. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply |
| Inputs: | 1 x XLR MIC input, 1 x RCA AUX input |
| Outputs: | 2 MASTER (XLR, RCA), 1 BOOTH (1/4 inch TRS Jack), 2 PHONES (1/4-inch stereo jack, 3.5-mm stereo mini-jack) |
| Supported DJ software: | Traktor Pro 3 |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (4.7 / 5) |
| More information: | Full review coming soon! |
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The Traktor Kontrol S3 starts a whole new mid-level range in the Traktor DJ controller range, right between the Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 and the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3.
It looks very much like the Kontrol S4 MK3, but a few key features are missing: spinning jog wheels with haptic feel, LCD screens on the decks, per-deck effect sections and an independent, hardware mixer.
On the plus side, it has a booth out and an AUX RCA line-in, 4 channels, and larger jog wheels than the S2 MK3. Also, it’s compatible with Traktor DJ 2 for IOS through the included IOS USB port.
Finally, there is the price. At around USD 650, it costs double the price of the S3, and it might feel a bit much for what you get. But if the S4 is too expensive and you absolutely need 4 channels, the S3 is a very good way to go!
Reloop Touch Virtual DJ Controller
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| The NS6II combines the best of the Mixtrack Platinum and the NV into a sleek, compact but powerful package. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | beginner/mid-level |
| Power: | power supply |
| Inputs: | 1x mic input |
| Outputs: | 2x headphone outs, 2x master outputs (balanced/unbalanced) |
| Supported DJ software: | Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (3.8 / 5) |
| More information: | Reloop TOUCH review and video |
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The Reloop Touch is a very particular DJ controller. It has a big, central high-resolution touchscreen that supports up to 4 decks of visual information. It can display full-screen video when video mixing, and it’s also sensitive enough to support FX control via XY effects.
There are also 4 faders per deck, intended for activating audio and video effects. This is quite unique and it’s definitely a plus since faders and effects go very well together.
The jog wheels are small but effective and are placed high on the controllers surface.
The main thing about the Touch is, however, the fact its natively build for Virtual DJ. If you want touchscreen integration with VDJ, this one is probably a safe bet.
On the backside, there are 2 master outputs, 1 is TRS and the second one is RCA.
Roland DJ-505 Serato DJ Controller
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| A drum machine, sequencer and 2 channel Serato DJ controller, the DJ-505 offers a lot of value for your money. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1 x MIC XLR-1/4" combo, 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line/phono), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line) |
| Outputs: | 2 x XLR (main out), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (main out), 2 x 1/4" (booth out) |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ 8 |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (4.4 / 5) |
| More information: | Roland DJ 505 review and video |
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The Roland DJ-505 is very similar in features to Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-SR2, except the DJ-505 has a built-in sequencer and drum machine. These additions won’t please everyone as not every DJ’s is interested in sequencing samples and drum sounds, but if you are already into this or this interests you, then the DJ-505 is a fine choice.
The jog wheels are fantastic and have very low latency combined with a solid feel. There are 8 performance pads per channel that feel as good as on any premium controller, and the mixer accepts external inputs such as turntables and media players.
On the back, there are master outputs in RCA and XLR. There is also a booth out in TSR.
Denon DJ MC4000 Serato DJ Controller
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| Price: | $$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | beginner/mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1X TRS MIC, 1 X XLR MIC, 1 X RCA AUX |
| Outputs: | 1 X XLR Master, 1 X RCA Master, 1 X TRS Booth |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (3.8 / 5) |
| More information: | Denon DJ MC4000 review and video |
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The Denon DJ MC4000 is a very, very nice DJ controller. It’s designed with the mobile DJ in mind, and at USD 399 it’s a real steal.
It features a solid Denon Dj worthy build, well-weighted jog wheels, 4 performance pads to trigger samples, a two-channel mixer with a 3 band EQ and filter knob, an fx section, two mic inputs with full EQ controls, 4 hot cue buttons per deck… The list goes on.
There is even an AUX input with dedicated volume control.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR Rekordbox DJ controller
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| The DDJ-RR is a fantastic Rekordbox DJ controller. It has all the professional features a mobile DJ needs in a compact format. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 2 PHONO/LINE (RCA), 1 MIC (1/4 inch Jack) |
| Outputs: | 2 MASTER (XLR, RCA), 1 BOOTH (1/4 inch TRS Jack), 2 HEADPHONE MONITOR (1/4 inch Jack, mini-jack) |
| Supported DJ software: | Rekordbox DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (4.7 / 5) |
| More information: | Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR review & video |
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The Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR is the newer brother of the DDJ-SR, this time fully optimized for Rekordbox DJ. With the new version of Rekordbox DJ around the corner, Rekordbox DJ moves closer in usability towards Serato DJ, making it more attractive for users that consider switching.
The controller has several important enhancements, such as colored performance pads, and colored LEDs in the jog wheels. The key enhancement, however, is that the DDJ-RR has a fully independent hardware mixer, which makes it compatible with Rekordbox DVS.
It also has dedicated VU meters for each channel, buttons for the Rekordbox DJ sequencer, a touch strip… It actually has so many features that the usability almost suffers.
Reloop Mixon 4 Algoriddim djay and Serato DJ controller
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| A complete Serato DJ/djay Pro DJ controller for a competitive price, with support for Android and IOS devices. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | beginner/mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1 x 1/4" mic |
| Outputs: | 2 x XLR (master out), 2 x 1/4" (booth out), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ, djay Pro |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (4.4 / 5) |
| More information: | Reloop Mixon 4 review and video |
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The Reloop Mixon 4 (will there be a Mixon 2?) is a complete Serato DJ controller that can also play from IOS and Android devices. It supports Algoriddim’s djay Pro on several devices.
The built-in slot will accommodate anything from an iPhone up to the big iPad Pro (12.9 inches). The mixer has 4 channels and a multi-FX function that Reloop calls Macro FX.
The decks have high-quality jog wheels and support Serato DJ features such as harmonic mixing (sync the track keys).
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 Traktor Pro controller
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| A versatile solution for Traktor Pro, with the Traktor DJ support as an added bonus. | |
| Price: | $$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | beginner/mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | mic 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs: | 1 x Dual RCA Stereo, 2 x 1/4" (main) |
| Supported DJ software: | Traktor Pro, Traktor DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (3.9 / 5) |
| More information: | Full review coming soon! |
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The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 is a compact DJ controller that is compatible with the Traktor DJ IOS application.
The controller has two channels and a 3 band EQ per channel, a high-quality build and excellent jog wheels. There are back-lit buttons for transport controls and loops, and a button to switch flux mode (comparable to Serato Dj’s slip mode) on and off.
Since this is a Native Instruments controller it runs Traktor Pro, and while it can run any DJ software (since it’s a midi device), the depth of integration with Traktor Pro will be hard to achieve with other software.
Reloop Beatpad 2 Algoriddim djay controller
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| Compact solution that supports many devices and DJ software packages. | |
| Price: | $$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level/professional |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1 x 1/4" Mic input, 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono or line switch) |
| Outputs: | 1 x Dual RCA Stereo, 2 x XLR |
| Supported DJ software: | djay and djay Pro on most platforms, Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (3.9 / 5) |
| More information: | Full review coming soon! |
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The Reloop Beatpad 2 is a very versatile controller. It is well built and the large jog wheels are pleasant to use.
The Beatpad 2 supports a range of solutions, such as Android and IOS devices, but also PC and Mac. It can run Traktor, Virtual DJ or djay Pro, and the touch-sensitive drum pads allow for expressive performance.
Even if the color scheme might come over as a bit gimmicky, this is for sure not a toy and the price point (USD 599) proves that.
Denon DJ MC6000MK2 Serato DJ controller
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Solid and built to last, the MC6000 MK2 is the perfect tool for the serious no-nonsense professional DJ. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level/professional |
| Power: | power supply |
| Inputs: | 1 x Mic XLR-1/4" combo, 1 x Mic 1/4", 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line/phono), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line) |
| Outputs: | 2 x XLR (master), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (master), 2 x 1/4" (booth) |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ Lite, Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ 8 |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (4.2 / 5) |
| More information: | Denon DJ MC6000 MK2 quick review |
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The Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is a true powerhouse. It’s a compact controller, but packs a huge amount of features, such as 2 microphone inputs, full EQs on both mics, crossfader curve control, separated booth out, 4 fully analog channels, high-quality jog wheels.
The controller comes with Serato DJ Intro but supports the full version of Serato DJ and Serato Video.
The build is extremely high quality and the overall layout and functionalities are clearly aimed more at the mobile DJ than the controllerist DJ, notably due to the absence of performance pads.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 Traktor Pro controller
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| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1 X MIC Input, 2 X RCA Input (Line/Phone) |
| Outputs: | 1 X TRS Master, 1 X RCA Master |
| Supported DJ software: | Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| More information: | Full review coming soon! |
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With the arrival of the Traktor Kontrol S5 and S8 that ditched the jog wheels in favor of touch strips, pads, and screens, the Traktor Kontrol S4 has gone a bit to the background.
Which is a bit of a shame, since it remains a top-notch unit, with 4 deck support, backlit performance pads for cues and samples, a hardware mixer that can accommodate external audio sources such as turntables and media players…
I always liked the LED loop indicator, makes it so easy to keep track of the value your loop is set at and avoid surprises.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5 Traktor Pro controller
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| A compact solution with screens for Traktor Pro DJ's that can do without pitch faders and jog wheels. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1x Stereo Aux RCA input, 1x 1/4" mic input, 1x USB Type-B |
| Outputs: | 2x RCA master outputs (stereo pair), 2x XLR-3M master output (stereo pair), 2x 1/4" / 6.35 mm booth outputs, 1x 1/4" / 6.35 mm headphone output, 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm headphone output |
| Supported DJ software: | Traktor Pro |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (4.2 / 5) |
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The Traktor Kontrol S5 is the smaller brother of the Traktor Kontrol S8 that came out in 2014.
The S5 is designed to work with the Traktor Pro software and most notably the STEMS format, that allows DJs to manipulate individual channels within a track, unlocking the possibility to truly remix on the fly.
Jog wheels are replaced by touch strips, and the controller has no pitch faders. This means that the idea is to rely on sync and use tracks that are well beat gridded in advance.
The presence of 2 high-resolution screens allows DJs to focus on their mix without having to look at the laptop screen.
Numark NVII Serato DJ controller
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| A compact and budget-friendly Serato DJ controller with built-in screens, also featuring a professional-level array of inputs and outputs. | |
| Price: | $$$ check the price on Amazon Under USD 200: $ |
| Level: | mid-level |
| Power: | power supply/USB |
| Inputs: | 1 X MIC Input, 1 X RCA Input (Aux) |
| Outputs: | 1 X XLR Master, 1 X RCA Master, 1 RCA Booth |
| Supported DJ software: | Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ |
| Djtechzone Rating: | (4.3 / 5) |
| More information: | Full review coming soon! |
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The Numark NV is a pretty cool Serato DJ controller, and much of its appeal comes from the build in screens.
This controller is very well featured with high-resolution pitch faders, 4 channels, touch-activated knobs, small but high-quality jog wheels, and professional grade input & outputs (master out, booth out, XLR out..)
The addition of the color screens means that you can close the lid of your laptop and avoid looking at the screen all the time.
One of the lesser points of the NV is at the same time its strength: its small form factor. It’s super easy to place in most DJ booths and you will for sure find a spot at home, but because it’s so well featured, all the knobs and buttons are really close to each other. I guess it’s something you end up getting used to.
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