Still want a tiny Rekordbox controller like the Starlight or DJ2GO, literally fit in your back pocket and connect to your Phone, then i could jam at work on a slow day :) This in my honest opinion doesn't shrink things down small enough to warrant getting it over the FLX4.
lack of headphone/master gain controls = unusable for me, even as a portable controller. there's plenty of room to fit the knobs, not sure why hercules could do it on the $80 starlight but pioneer could not. otherwise looks like a great laptop-sized portable piece, controllers that can fit squarely on a 14" laptop are perfect for me
I love my DDJ-200 and have been using it over my thousand dollar equipment because of it’s simplicity, durability and portability. I use my 200 to play through Beatport streaming services on the DJay Pro software. This new unit looks great but I plan to stick with my DDJ-200 😎
That's cute! It looks like it'd make a great travel controller for someone on a budget wishing. Obviously you'd have to factor in the cost of the laptop, which might prompt one to consider an all-in-one like the Denon Prime Go+ instead. I can actually see myself embracing a functionally austere controller like this and just being creative with what little functions it provides, not worrying about the stuff it doesn't have because really the only thing it has in common with the flagships is almost just a brand name. If I was on a desert island and this is all I had, I'd definitely make it work 😀
I think you've hit the nail on the head on this review. Good price, access to rekordbox unlock, very small and portable and can be a great entry point OR a ultra mobile second system for experienced djs. Has everything you need for prepping tracks while on a plane or in the airport, and can also host a good small set poolside or in a small apartment. I'm interested and I own an omnis-duo.
I had the ddj-flx4 and it is just slightly too large for a small desk or for fitting into a standard or even large backpack. This looks like it might be exactly the right size.
Nice little device, but why no gain level per channel? In my opinion mandatory, even for beginners. I’d prefer a 2 band EQ with gain instead of 3 band EQ without gain.
2 years ago, I commented on your FLX4 video saying I'm hoping to see FLX2 soon. I got a reply from someone saying that why would Pioneer release FLX2 while the FLX4 already cater the needs of mobile djing? He's right... Pioneer Dj would never release FLX2. It's Al-fa Tee-tuh!
When I see these 'new' Alphatheta products, falsely modern, minimalist in essence rather than in form, without pitch and tone control notches, encased in cheap plastic shells, and utterly low-quality, I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. The smile returns when I think of my P I O N E E R DJM S-11 and my twin MK2s.
I realize they haven't said it's compatible with Virtual DJ. Should we assume it is considering how good Virtual DJ is in being compatible with numerous controllers or it's a hard NO that it's not compatible?
Another great review, Phil. For a beginner, the Flex 4 is far better than this plastic toy. I guess the price is mostly for the software, but the controller is something I would buy as a present for an 8-year-old.
Sweet, sweet desktop device. Wonder how it works with iPad. Currently I own an FLX4 which is perfect so won't be downgrading, but if I was in the market I'd consider this one.
I like that the sliders are a decent size...hate when these entry level controllers have small ones. Love they added audio output and it gives you a full hardware unlock of Rekordbox. I also like how they utilized the controls you get to do much with it, like the effects. However, 189 pounds equates to $245 USD....for $55 USD more you can get the FLX4 with way more features. I could see this for someone needing something small, but I've been happy with my Hercules Starlight for the "tiny needs" and FLX4 for my normal needs. I don't know. If this controller were $150-$175 USD I'd say it's a bargain...but for around $50 less than a FLX4, it's not a big value. I do see it for $179 on Guitar Center's website, so maybe then I'd say it's the right price.
@@jamesransom3771 I agree. I know somebody who plays a weekly DJ gig with just Winamp for many years. I suggeeted him to look into Mixxx, but I guess he does not need to blend the music there.
If size is a problem just get a second hand wego 3 cost you half the price and twice the functionality. Just replace it with a flx 4 and honestly other than layout it basically does the same ish. Pound for pound not in the same league in my humble opinion
Thank you for all of the work that you do, but when you review these controllers please indicate what the quality of the sound card is. This controller has an audio out jack so what is the quality of the sound card? 16bit cards vs 24bit is important when it comes to djing a gig for a club because you need the best sound quality possible. Example: Reloop makes the og Mixtour controller w a 16bit card, then they created the Pro version with a 24bit card, this upgrade is important for djing for clubs/venues.
This is made for beginners, bedroom dj's or set preparation so It looks like and functions as a basic and cheap entry level dj controller. Its totally usable and i am not saying that this controller is bad, but no club or venue is going to accept or even use this so don't worry about that
They typically will mention this for top top of the line expensive gear but I have asked for more technical details in reviews (at least a summary or in writing) before and he said that is not their focus and to go to other channels
Still couldn't put a browse knob on the damn thing I see I just purchased the DDJ-200 Figured it was being replaced when you start seeing it show up on G Center used in droves.
Compared to the competition (as you mention - Hercules) it's clearly penny pinching on what it does/doesnt include as hardware. By unlocking Rekordbox (when some of their higher end mixers etc. don't!) it shows that what this device is really about, is them abusing their dominant market position putting it out there as a loss-leader to get everyone who starts out DJing, into the Rekordbox eco-system, because they know that means you're likely captive forever. If Serato were smart - perverse as it sounds - they'd allow this device to unlock Serato DJ Pro, to try and combat that. And if inMusic were smart, they'd make Engine DJ as a standalone DJ software and allow some cheaper/basic controllers to unlock that, for the same reason!
A step up from the DDJ-200 and a señorita step down from the FLX4. Cool little device. At the price definitely picking one up. But wish they did not dumb it down so much. Lots of quality of life features missing. Would love to see a FLX2 Pro (or perhaps call it a FLX4 Mini) - with all the extra features added back in. They’d sell a ton of those. In the meantime, back to my Mixtour Pro. Thanks for the review!
"DDJ-200" is about $150 or less (USD) & +$30 for "DDJ-Flex 2" $179 (USD)🤔..."Numark Party Mix II" has a headphone jack & 1/8 audio output + browser mode/select nob (just $99 USD)😅 mic drop
I would've really liked to see library controls. I've played around with the very buggy rekordbox Android app for fun and on the go prep, and using the screen to load is ok there because it's also your "controller" interface, but using a controller plus touching the screen, or maybe worse, a trackpad, to load songs quickly and accurately, I feel would be far too finicky.
Android support? Is it compatible with edjing, djay pro, or cross dj for Android NOT iOS? Rekordbox & all subscription paywalls really aren't great for the wallet.
I think would it be better an improved version of the flx4, like adding cfx or maybe 1 or 2 beat fx for example like echo reverb. That would it be neat. I dont think would be too much to ask for.
It does not offer this. Like at the DDJ-200, you have to use the PC keyboard. Default should be: UpArrow/DownArrow to browse and Shift+LeftArrow/Shift+RightArrow to load. Tab selects the folder.
Hahaha they put the inputs on the side 😅😂 this company is dead. Not only crappy fall out usb c connection, terrible design flaw on putting thd headphones and sound out on the sides, how edgey and cool for these woke designers to try and be stupidly different but not understand people want the Jack's on the back and front of the dj gear. No markers on the eqs, this thing is a toy for instagramer fan boys and is purposely made rubbish so you have to spend more on there higher end gear. Get Traktors entry level controller and forget this awful, truly awful mess of a fisher price toy controller from a company going down the pan.
Noooo no no no no. Exactly when you think things couldn't be worse, AlphaTheta just throws poop into your eyes. When does it stop ?? The whole DJ business is so cramped up in the last few years that even three week old babies can DJ. I never ever back down on evolution for many things, but this is just milking out the lowest from the lowest just to make a few coins. This has nothing to do with DJ'ing or 'providing for' anymore. This has ÉVERYTHING to do with making money and ONLY money over everything else. This got to stop. Manufacterers need to stop putting effort and R&D time and money into these things. Please .. am I the only one thinking this ? I'm not talking about the size or the amount of decks here. Just to clarify, like I stated above, I'm not against evolving at all. Why on earth would anyone want this ?
