Best Dj Set For Beginners (2023 Updated)

Its a great controller and looks are amazing. But the features i need it lacks. That said it makes a great DJ controller and if you have some experience with blending music using the temple controllers and this is the mixer/controller for you.

I am disabled and can only use one hand so I need something that has a good sync button and keeps in time with tunes automatically. This one does that but not to my liking. Maybe a future firmware update will help this machine keep in sync of little better.

‘ve decided to try a different model or brand.

For the price it’s alright, especially as a first controller, but the pitch/tempo slider will drift mid song which can really ruin a smooth transition. Not to mention the scratch button is just a decorative feature that’s only function is to light up, after about a week it stopped turning off scratch all together.

Not really sure about the auto loop feature either. wouldn’t it be a better idea to have the pads load loops attached to a track instead of eight pads to do the sole function of starting a 1/16th beat loop arbitrarily without the option to save the loop to the track? I dunno man.

Just some stuff that felt far more superficial in design than functional.

Great controller for someone getting started, pretty solid feeling controller and I really like the FX paddles. Serato lite is ok, but I quickly moved on to Virtual DJ which this controller works great with and gives you far greater configurations such as FX and allows you to use the EQ as AI stems separation.

Only things I would change – A loop encoder instead of buttons, but the buttons work just fine. Also would be nice to have more than just red LEDs, but these are just my preferences. Overall very happy.

My granddaughter loved it. The only thing I did not find favorable was the subscription for music.

I bought this set for my husband for Christmas and the headphone port didn’t work unfortunately and it’s very very small the pictures look deceiving but it gets the job done! I sent mine back for a refund so I can order something else I love American music supply they are affordable and have payment plans.

This item is great for beginners! I would highly recommend it if you have thought of becoming a dj! It’s very simple to use and not pricey at all!!

Overall: I am a semi professional house/techno/disco DJ and was looking for something small to take with me when I travel or for after parties/cookouts. I usually play out on a set of turntables with Serato DJ Pro or CDJs but I keep this in my bag now as backup in case something goes wrong with the main rig.

Between the looping/hot cues and the bass/filter knob you can put together a really solid mix if you know what you are doing. Use it to record quick mixes and do set prep as well. Pretty well made considering how cheap it is.

Pads are the hard clicky variety but are accurate. Sounds decent plugged into a small set of speakers. Could go into a small mackie mixer out to a PA system in a pinch if your main rig self destructs.

Highly recommended!.

As always, i’m very critical of the equipment I purchase. Ok here we go. Obviously, the main purpose of buying this unit is the portability factor, so that’s cool. Also for such a small controller, I like the features it has.

Now my gripes. #1 the main output has static if you touch it. I really DO NOT like those mini jacks. This should come with a 1/4 inch jack and a MUCH better mini jack. #2 the controls are not as sensitive as they should be, especially the crossfader.

You have to move it like 1 /4 before it starts to affect the software crossfader. When I first got it I was wondering why I could not hear the mix coming in, until I noticed how long it took to affect the software.

This will throw off those real fine scratches and mixing dj’s have to adjust when doing those smooth mixes. #3 The headphone output should be louder, especially considering this unit will be used in all types of situations — including loud outdoor hangouts #4 since the unit has the space for it, the pitch control should be longer and smoother.

I have traktor set to a very low 4% pitch control, but since the pitch control itself is not that smooth, it’s difficult to ride the pitch smoothly. So of course this is an inexpensive unit, but my three suggestions isn’t asking for much.

Anyway, as a whole, I like it because I can take it to hang out anywhere and just start dj’ing. If this is your main purpose, this unit is good for that. But if you’re looking for a little more, I suggest looking elsewhere.

— DJ Action Vasquez.

I honestly loved this thing and it was a perfect size for playing small shows and practicing. Though after 3 weeks of light use the crossfader stopped with, right in the middle of a show. I tried everything and still no luck, completely worthless.

It is a shame too because this had a ton of potential. I hope no one makes the same mistake I did, buy another product.

So I come from a background using Traktor and Serato as DJ Software, I prefer Traktor overall but as I’m tired of lugging gear around 😀 I’ve wanted to go to a standalone for a while now. First up the djkit pump: I had my eyes on a Prime 4 when it was first released but it’s out of my budget so I waited and when the prime 2 came out, it was still a bit pricey, then the GO and Numark Mixstream came out and I got happy, I ordered a Mixstream Pro and while it was out of stock I was happy to wait for it to come back in, While I was waiting the ‘price drop’ to 999 came in.

a stretch but I called and asked if they’d allow me to up my purchase and swap to a Prime 2 and DJ Kit graciously allowed me to do that and then sent it next day delivery. I purchased my MC6000Mk2 from DJ Kit about 7 years ago so it was about time to upgrade and so far, it’s such a nice piece of kit, everything just works smoothly, the jog wheels are amazing, the sound quality is great, it feels like it could take a tank shell.

Now the small ‘bad’ is the Engine DJ software has taken a week or two to get used to, but I have an SSD with my main collection in the Prime 2 and I just connect and manage that through the engine software on my PC, now I’m used to it, it’s pretty easy to manage.

Before I was using my library on my PC and just getting confused with moving it across to my drive in the Prime, which already HAD the collection on it (It was a backup drive) it was just confusing so I just added the backup drive (now in the prime 2) as the main collection and that’s sorted the issue as they are mirrors anyway.

Tidal integration works perfectly, so I use my phone as a hotspot and it can take a few seconds to analyse a track but once it’s in, it’s in and it gets added to your hard drive so you can use it even if offline.

I presume only if you have a Tidal account. Overall I’m very pleased with my upgrade and it’s going to get plenty of use over the next few weeks. Thanks DJ Kit and Thanks Denon. 5 Stars for the prime 2, 4 stars for Engine DJ as it STILL needs a little work.

Well you don’t need me to tell you why this controller is amazing. You are thinking about buying it after all. It spanks PioneerDJ into the last century, where their kit belongs. I will drop a few points though.

This thing is built like a tank. It is metal throughout and feels luxurious in the same way that a luxury car does. Mint. The pots and faders are absolutely lush. You may not like the decks themselves, they are smaller than high-end PioneerDJ gear.

But honestly, it did not take me long to get the hang of them at all, and they feel fantastic. I’ve been using Tidal to stream, and you would never know it is downloading in real-time. Fast and faultless for mixing.

If you care about Virtual DJ, the integration is fantastic, with everything you need to know on the huge screen in real-time also. Serato is also perfect, but I have not used it quite as much. Coming from Pioneer, the sheer amount of features and forward thinking in this thing is quite something.

This along with the fact that DenonDJ keep updating the Prime4 with new stuff just makes this a no-brainer for anyone who can afford it. You will not be disappointed!.

I had to switch to this after my previous controller broke down (DDJ-SR2). If I was to compare this to the SR2 Id say its a downgrade on certain aspects like the jog wheels dont light up and theres no sampler pads and rekordbox proved to be more complicated than Serato which Im used to.

There are good points however, there is a screen on the controller which can load and select tracks to the relevant deck. It is a CDJ which is nice and you can plug a usb 2. 0 into it directly and play, however the usb 3.

0 types have to be formatted for them to work, which in itself is annoying. Id recommend this if Rekordbox and CDJs are what you are used to.

Snagged this for some quick at home set ups as well as an optional backup price for gigs where I may need. I loved this thing it’s small and portable yet Gave me the pioneer feel I expect. I really enjoy the fact that it’s a stand alone and that I could use not one but two usbs if I wanted which I never do but the extra slot came in handy for recording my mixes which was super easy and sounded 100.

I gave 4 stars because I kinda hated the effects on this device which are a bit more entry level sounding but that could be a small thing for others. It also reset on me twice while recording a mix but I haven’t yet found that issue.

I’ve now upgraded to the RX2 just for better effects and a more professional feel. It’s very price friendly and if you can’t afford a top line controller or cdjs this is THE BEST way to go.

Big upgrade from my old traktor controller setup. Great to be able to DJ in fully stand alone mode from usb without needing to connect a computer. Less FX options and remix options than my old traktor setup but it’s much more streamlined to what you actually use for DJ sets so I consider this a positive.

Hardware feel on the controller is sturdy and substantial, not plastic midi controller feel. Display is great. Rekordbox software is straightforward and easy to use. Very pleased all around.

First off, let me start with giving a HUGE SHOUT OUT to the owner of Hollywood DJ, Allan and to his crew for all their work on getting this controller out to me! It was a process, but they kept me in the loop as they went above and beyond to make sure that my experience with them was great.

Ok, on the DDJ-SB3. This controller is a popular one and at the time of this review, it shows as its currently out of stock. WOW, very popular DJ controller. This thing is lightweight, easy to carry in a good size backpack with your laptop for on the go.

Easy to hook up to any system and Serato Lite/Virtual DJ ready! Just Plug and Play, its that easy. Again, Shout out to Allan and the Hollywood Dj crew for getting this out to me right on time for me to do a private event.

These guys ROCK! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!.

This DJ controller is a delight to mix on and pretty good to scratch on too. Value for money f’sure. Only downside is Serato Lite which comes with it isn’t a full mixing studio. The Pro version costs quite a bit more cash.

There are a few ways around it like Mixxx which is free. Otherwise, great buy.

Does exactly what it’s meant to do. Smaller size entry level controller but with a few extra features to experiment with. Didn’t rate the pad scratch feature but that’s just my preference. Overall good built quality and nicer layout to the SB2 with the more CDJ like play and cue buttons.

Seamless use with Serato DJ pro Which I had previously purchased but also available to use the free Serato Intro. Cracking bit of kit for the money. For me Pioneer have always got it spot on!! And no change here!!.

Overall: I seriously wish this had come out a very long time ago, when I got into djing. Portable, easy to use, and it has all of the basics that you need and more. Hands down, you won’t regret buying this small controller, but it is worth the money.

Yes, it is cheap. But trust me when you play with it, I don’t see it as a toy and it doesn’t feel like one. The reason I chose this controller, it is mainly because it’s a Pioneer and I can see why so many people gravitate and are very loyal to the brand.

It’s build for constant play and also, it is very easy to use. Another reason why I chose this controller it was mainly because I wanted a controller that could work not just with my Iphone, but also with Spotify.

After all, I wasn’t trying to break the bank buying an expensive controller and laptop, and possibly end up not using it at all. However, since I got it, I have been playing with it constantly, and after 2 months, I see myself getting deeper into Djing, but I’m looking into buying another controller that I can upgrade because of this controller.

Not because of the quality of the DDJ 200, but as anything in life, you have to move up to something greater that you like to do and this controller is the perfect foundation to start your path in djing.

Not only does it work with both an Iphone and spotify, but it also works with bluetooth and the experience is flawless, since there’s hardly any lagging. Maybe once in a blue moon it might lagged, but it snaps out of it quickly.

In conclusion this is a great controller for someone to start. If you are looking into djing, but don’t want to spend money on a laptop and an expensive controller while using your Spotify account, this is the best option to go with, as it will allow you to learn the basics, but also, get you into djing and helping you take it further from there.

Before I forget, shouts out to zZounds. The payment plans are super convenient, customer service online or over the phone is helpful, but also, they do mean business when they say you will get it in 2 days.

Highly recommendable.

My 6 years old son started showing some serious interest into DJ software and equipment so I decided to give DDJ 200 a try. I have retired from entertainment industry years ago but still feel excited about the music and technology.

I wanted to see if both, my son and I can rock that highly affordable piece of hardware that comes with nice software, too. I tested it for a few hours last night and was really impressed with the amount of features.

There is one main reason why my boy and I decided to return it: mono sound if you need to pre-cue your songs. The unit itself does not have on-board headphone jack so in order to monitor the next-up song you need to split stereo sound from your phone / computer (using provided cable) into one mono channel for main speakers and one mono channel for your headphones.

The quality of what your audience hears is highly degraded as, you know, it is a mono sound. If you are the beginner who strictly relies on the software to create that seamless transition and you don’t need to use the headphones – DDJ 200 is the perfect unit for you and you will benefit from stereo sound.

I am buying DDJ 400 once available – for $100 more it offers way more bang for the buck.

The Virtual DJ software I received with the unit was very limiting so I am not really sure the full potential. The was no software from Numark itself so Virtual DJ is all I had to go with. The issue I had was trying to get a mic to work with this and I never could.

I could find no real information on the web or from either the software or hardware vendor. The unit seems fragile and is all dependent on having a PC. If you are using this more to “get your feet wet with mixing” I would consider a tougher more stand alone unit.

Good toy though.

i recently bought this set and i found it very easy to set up and easy to use i recommend anyone who wants to start up or just for fun these decks are great value for money

Why would you send a unit with no care,broken box ,and no paper wrap or any installation for the box getting thrown around! And it damaged with missing parts !

Was looking for this dj controller for a little while. I went to Guitar Center, Ash, Sweetwater, everywhere. all was on back order. I took a nose dive and went w/ DJ Techtools to support small businesses.

Even though their website said the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is still on back order. Three days after I ordered, I got a notification that my product will be shipped. I was pretty stoked. while all the big box player still has the RX3 on back order—mine came within a week of ordering.

If anyone asked if I had a great experience with DJ TechTools. I have two words for them. “**** YEAH”!!!!.

The screen is wider than previous generations. However, It cant be moved like denon prime 4. I personally did not like the touch screen and the angle of the screen. The only update I saw was the fx, the jogs and the screen.

Also, guitar center only provides 14 days for you to test it which is ridiculous. Other sites will give you a better time frame to explore the controller more and be sure you are happy with it.

Amazing controls and awesome that you don’t need to carry a laptop for this unit. Just pop in your USB drive with music, plug in some speakers and you are ready to throw down some mixes! I have owned a few different pioneer controllers over the years, but this the best one yet ! Keep them coming Pioneer!!!.

Digitaldjtips does a great review on this ddj controller on YouTube. But here is my 2p. This is a high quality controller. I upgraded from the ddj-sb3 and so needed a serato ddj. The ddj1000-srt fit the bill.

The good. Overall great layout Much bigger tempo sliders for easier tempo matching Great feeling controls Even better fx Super responsive platters The not so good The 4 beat loop. it should either be a 16 beat loop, or the two buttons to the left should extend and reduce the loop rather than having to press shift as well.

Phil Morse covers this in more detail. That said. Using the controller is a joy overall and I would recommend it for someone looking to step up from the sb3.

Excellent little DJ mixer Grill and Peg Board. Half mil on this grill and beginning to chill, lol. My kid is only 5 and she’s mixing like a pro! This little toy is so easy to use and fun. Controls are all there and easy to read.

Just connect, go online, download app and get started its that easy. Self explanatory and so simple a kid can do it. Started mixing right out of the box. Play at your toddlers parties, play at the local school dance, its awesome!.

The design behind this turntable is genius. And it works flawlessly with the DAW. I am extremely impressed with the functionality of the device. Major props to Hercules for this one

I’m using it as an external controller for a ham radio SDR( software defined radio). It is exactly what I was looking for and is working perfectly for me in this application.

The DDJ 400 paired with Rekordbox DJ (the full version) is an excellent choice for beginners or old schoolers looking for a rehearsal deck. At a little over $300 including the 2-year, Sam Ash replacement warranty, you will get a lot out of this small format controller.

The surface itself is quality for the money. That’s important to note. This is not a DDJ-1000, XDJ, or DDJ-800 replacement. It does not have big control platters with great jog wheel parameters, the buttons are a little rubbery, the mixer is tiny, the FX selection is a little strange (onscreen only) there are no aux ins, and only one unbalanced stereo output (RCA).

For active DJs, it’s a good utility extension for Rekordbox DJ (a key is included with the purchase) BUT for beginners this is a great choice. This surface utilizes the Rekordbox DJ software and will help you set-up your sampler, Pad FX, track lay-outs, multiple cue points, FX, and so on.

If you buy this and really get into spinning, upgrade to a DDJ-1000 using Rekordbox and you’ll already have your libraries and soft keys laid out. It’s like learning to drive a 4-cyclinder before stepping up to a V8.

The fundamentals are all there plus hints of where you’ll go next. If you’re only a hobbyist doing a podcast or track to track, press and play, this will be an easy controller to use. Once again, dig into Rekordbox DJ and set up your Pad FX, loops, samples, and so on.

It’s always a fun process and will help you get familiar with the controller and software. Plus, maybe DJ a pool party, BBQ, or a friends party and the DDJ-400 will be fine for your needs. You may never need to upgrade if mixing is a casual thing.

Get the Sam Ash 2 year replacement warranty. Since this is an extremely lightweight controller, it could be dropped or fall off a sub. The extra $50 will give you a new one. Repairing these isn’t recommended.

Replacement is. All in all it’s a great small controller but the key is the software. I am happy I bought it. Mike D.

I bought this as my previous Denon MC3000 was getting on a bit. This controller powers off your laptop so no need for additional plugs, works great off VDJ and when bought, all the drivers are ready installed for this controller.

Simple to use and good for both function and club work. My only criticism is the mic volume function. It is at the back of the controller near the audio inputs. I think this should be moved on the next design to avoid you fiddling near your audio inputs.

Other than that, great buy ant good value. 9/10.

I purchased one of these units in Late 2019. Throughout the pandemic there was a large gap in venues that could be performed in so I only had the opportunity to put the unit through its paces a few times during live sets.

Once restrictions were lifted and venues opened up I was able to book myself a couple of gigs and develop a steady income stream again. On the FIRST EVENT I was performing at and over eager member of the crowd rushed their way past security and managed to douse the unit with a full Margarita, killing the equipment and ending the performance early.

Upon taking it to an authorized Pioneer Repair center in NYC I learned that the board that needed to be placed, a DWX4624 “Child Assembly” control board is no longer supported and is not in production and no stock is available NATIONWIDE!! Stay away if you are risk averse and are worried about damage to your unit.

This unit, although precise and immaculate, renders the lowest review score possible because the Manufacturer failed to support the unit less than 3 years after inception. Shame on Pioneer.

Bought this almost 10 months ago. I’ve loved DJ’ing since I was a kid (80s) and always wanted some Technic 1200s and a mixer. But for whatever reason that never happened (yet) I decided to get something lower priced to test the waters before I drop 3k on 2 1200s and a Rane mixer.

This is GREAT for the price. 1. it comes with a full version of Serato DJ Pro, no Serato video, flip or all the FX’s. But it’s a good upgrade over the non Pro version. 2. The platters are good sized, nowhere near the size of 12″ vinyl, but still bigger than a lot of controllers.

3. platters feel surprisingly good, especially considering the low price of this unit. 4. Fader’s pretty good, it’s not flimsly and it moves smooth. 5. The Roland Drum Kits are actually fun, The 808 model has an actual 16 step sequencer.

But, once you get the controls down here. You can bang out some great beats using the 8 pads, well 16 since there’s a right and left set. This is legit cool, and I don’t think any other DJ controller on the market has anything like this.

6. The buttons are laid out well and things are intuitively. While I have played with a few friends 1200 s setup a few times. I don’t know jack about DJ’ing and had never used Serato before this. While there was a learning curve, it didn’t take too for things to start to feel natural.

7. Build qualities good, far better than I would expect for $299 – with a full version of Serato Pro. It’s a lot of plastic but doesn’t feel cheap to me/ This isn’t a perfect unit, but I think for the price anything I feel it’s missing can’t be dinged by me because it’s not a high end, or even a mid level unit.

The 808 has things I wish this did, but at 4x the price I can’t be mad at what’s not here. I know a lot of DJ’s swear by Pioneer. I’d recommend this unit to someone who’s on a budget and wants to get into DJ’ing in a heartbeat.

You really can do a lot with it.

The controller is great when working properly. Setup with serato was a breeze, mine included a 3-month subscription to BPM Supreme as well as seratoDJ Pro, which are both great values and get you started off great as a beginner.

The left jog wheel on my controller becomes unresponsive at random times. It will not react to touch or scratching, and it interchanges with the Play button sometimes becoming unresponsive as well. It almost makes the controller unplayable, because it happens randomly, and as a beginner, I learned to mix with my left hand, and it’s unfortunate that I cannot use it.

This DJ controller is the best system I have ever worked with. It came with a with a case which makes it easy to transport and pack up. Everything I need is confidently located in one place. It is very compatible with all of my equipment in comparison to the previous controllers I have used.

It is definitely user friendly and I recommend it for beginners as well as experienced DJs.

I don’t know how to hook up the mic or know about the serato set up. I’m still having to use virtual DJ and it won’t let me use the party mix 2 without subscription. I would give 5 stars but one of my speakers isn’t outputting properly.

It can’t take the volume but the other does just fine.

IT SUCKS IT IS TOO SMALL AND THE TREBLE AND MIDRANGE ARE NOT CONTROLED SEPERATLY IT IS WAY TO SMALL AND IF IT WAS NOT A HASSLE TO RETURN I WOULD IT IS A WASTE OF MONEY THE HEADPHONE ARE THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THIS PACKAGE.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

I bought this for my Kid as a Christmas present. He is very happy and spends hours mixing and playing music. The software is a burden to register but it’s ok once you have the license. Overall I would recommend it to beginners.

It does have the feel of a toy.

great product. although this controller as well as its program is not as popular as the other main controller/program brands, this seems to work very well. i’m an old vinyl dj, that wanted to see what dj’ing was like nowadays.

obviously, i had to get used to a lot. but i thoroughly enjoy all of the features. and i still have a lot to grow into. my only issue with the whole setup is that the link that i was provided upon registration led me to download a program that didn’t recognize the controller.

i did some research, and the next best option was to download another version of the program. this other download works without a glitch everytime, and continues to do so.

Nicely made, still trying to remember my cd mixing days of the mid 80s. Use to work as a club DJ, but that was in the Vinyl (a. k. a. 12 inch single singles v. s. your 7 inch 45 single. Delt with CDs in the mid 80s.

Bought as Christmas present for hubby. He loves it. I thought it was really small at first and he would hate it, but it’s a fab kit and he seems to really like it. Definate thumbs up!!

This was a gift and it was priceless seeing his face light up when he opened it! Received on time, perfectly packaged, no damage. The quality is outstanding, even the case, more so than what I was expecting.

The software is amazing and came with a free upgrade to the latest version, AND there were coupons with the paperwork for other related services for music, sounds, etc. The mixer itself, brand new, untouched and the feel of all the buttons you could tell this was something really nice and all the plug-ins options gives them the freedom to set it up to their liking.

Would definitely buy again.

Ok. I have yet to really put this mixer to the test. The first one that I ordered arrived as schedule. Actually a day or 2 earlier than expected. I hook everything up and my only complain is that is was a defective unit and the connectivity of the unit was messed up.

Long story short. I contacted DJTT and they were great wth exchanging the unit rather quickly. The new just arrived today. Again a day earlier than expected. So far it is fine. Will put it to a longer better test soon.

But everything worked overall. It went straight into my flight case and I swapped out the caps. It did not come with a full set so I ordered extra and the mixer is looking pretty sweet. Next is to get some 12inchskinz for it and my new turntables soon.

I bought this mixer when it was on sale to try Traktor and give me a backup to my my trusty 57SL. This is now my 2nd Z2 purchase. The first one is working great but, I rather not keep disconnecting my home setup.

I bought it to try Traktor and over time Traktor Z2 has won me over. The post fader effects add a new dimension to my DJ’ing letting me apply effects without having to look at laptop all the time. Looping is easy since it displays the loop size on the mixer itself.

Beat skipping let’s me shorten songs while I am playing them to get to the best parts or bring the best parts back. The cue pads are the best of any mixer and more convenient then touching my keyboard.

The soundcard sounds worlds better on big systems then my old 1st Gen serato mixer but about the same as my SL4. If you have a Serato interface you can use this mixer as MIDI trigger for cue points, effects.

Honestly if it’s on sale and you need a mixer I don’t think you can go wrong.