Best DJ Gear for Every Budget! 

Which controller was your favorite?

As a DJ who started out decades ago, using vinyl with Technic decks and loving the build quality of them, I'm glad you have gave a shout out on Denon. I have used Denon for years now and find they put quality and high standards of build into their DJ equipment. They have never let me down and although pioneer captured the DJ market, Denon should have been embraced by more DJ's and deserved a bigger share of the market.

I went for the DDJ-800 as you recommended in a previous video, bang for buck i and well pleased as a beginner it is already a positive experience. 5/5

Great video Dude, I so value your opinion on EVERYTHING!!! I just wanted to share that my favorite controller is the DDJ-SR2 almost like a Serato version of the DDJ-800 I love the pitch'n time buttons on it. So cool. Keep up the good work I always look 4ward to your content.

I love my VMS 4.1 that i got for 399 back in the days. For its time it was very advanced with a 4 channel mixer, a lot of in and outputs and an abundant functionality. It still works really well and i recently went to the beach to mix a bit.... Nowadays you cannot really find it anymore so I will definitely keep it

I jumped on the DDJ-1000 pretty much on the day of release. It was the unit I was waiting for 10 years, ever since moved from CDJs to controllers. I always missed the CDJ jog wheels, DJM mixer layout and characteristics, not to mention the hardware effects. The only thing I would consider replacing it would be a similar but standalone unit. Although the Rane One brings back all the vinyl memories, it’s mixer section puts it out of question for me.

I'm part of my university's DJ club and we use a DDJ 400 here. This was my first experience with mixing music, since I was too afraid to make the move and buy expensive gear before as I didn't know whether I would like it or not, even though I've always dreamt of it. So now I've got myself a DDJ 400 as well for Christmas, and am very glad to see that it's really good for its price. Thanks for the guide !

Oh hey this video was released on my birthday! Anyway, I'm new to your channel but I'm currently going through lots of your videos to learn about Djing. I've been an amateur DJ for a few years at a local pub/ nightclub run by students at the university I study at. I was taught by other students who used to DJ before me who were in turn taught by those who used to DJ before them. It's like a passing down of knowledge throughout the years! Though none of us would consider the other a pro, I like to believe our standards are quite high and that we can deliver a great experience at our club, at least that's what our guests say compared to the actual nightclubs around town haha. But I want to learn more, improve my skills and try new techniques so I'm watching your videos to do just that. Thanks for all your great work! Keep it up!

I am using a ddj SB3 NOW AND IT IS A PRETTY GOOD BEGINNERS CONTROL I love the ddj sr 2 too Been a DJ since I was 14 and now I am 32. I always watch your videos

I'm using the HI 500 and I absolutely love it! I love the way you mix songs, and your tutorials have helped me so much! Keep up the amazing work!! 🥳

Just started this as a hobby a little over a month ago. I love my Numark Party Mix II. Did a lot a research before I bought it, but it has been awesome to see all the love it gets from DJs here on YT. Love your content!

I have a 600$ DJ Controller (Numark NV2). And I really love it. It have 4 decks, XLR outputs, serato DJ pro, velocity sample pads and I also love the two big displays which are bright enough if you play outside in the sun. Although it's a controller it feels a little bit like a expensive CDJ.

I started with the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3, which in my opinion is enough for beginner DJs to learn with. The FX hardware functionality is pretty niche, but outside of that it works fairly well!⭐

DDJ-1000, amazing controller helped me get my radio slot! i was looking at getting the DDJ-800 but decided i might as well pay the extra to get the full thing with all 4 channels. ive been having a real good blast on it and still got plenty to learn from it as i'd only really played on smaller decks before like the areo, and numark's if you want the 800, i really would suggest just save that bit longer and get the 1000, even more so if you like to run many tracks on the go its just pure bliss!

I started to learn how to DJ with the DDJ-200 about 2yrs ago. It wasn't put to use much back then but recently I started DJ'ing again with the Numark mixtrack Pro II. I was able to pickup where I left off and this time a lot more fun learning. Definitely benefited having the headphone preview on the Pro II. After watching this video my next lvl'up controller would be the Pioneer DDJ-800 based on the review & because its light to carry. I've watched your video's back then and always thought your great at explaining your topics to your subscribers. Thanks for the vid brotha!

I'm glad you showed the DDJ 800 some love. I own one and loved it. I took it out for an out-of-town gig and it did the job. No matter if I hook towards speakers directly or through a pioneer mixer. It did the job. I say it is the most portable professional controller Pioneer has. I plan on purchasing either the XZ or the DDJ 1000. That won't until later next year. I suggest any mobile DJ get the DDJ 800.

never thought I would say this being a pioneer guy throughout most of my career but I got the denon prime go and its amazing worked with it on the plane before a gig and the battery life is really good sound card is better then their flagship mixer...!!!

I’ve got the Denon Prime 4 and Prime Go! Those two are the perfect gear for me! With the Prime Go, I’ve got a perfect mobility and with the Prime 4, the perfect combination of a great gear with a awesome looks for my clientele! I only have to use the laptop when playing with video (Serato Pro)! Congrats on the Great video👏🏻

Complete beginner here. Just ordered DDJ 400 as recommended! Excited! Love your videos btw! Keep it up!

love your videos, man. Thanks for taking the time to help us out!

I started with the ddj 400 which was great for getting to grips with the basics, but didn't allow much room for further learning i found. Then i got an XDJ-RX which was really fun and powerful too. can get you into club standard mixing on nexus set ups for example. I currently own a pair of XDJ-700S and DJM 450 which are absolutely the best decks I've ever purchased and love them to pieces, so i can't fault them. The best for portable DJs imo is definitely XDJ-RX, RR etc as the ability to use as an all in one without a laptop is so convenient. Just one less technicality to go wrong and a lot less cables

I love my DDJ-1000. It does any and everything I can think of.

This really helped me out man, I had had no idea how to do it myself but after watching you do it I was like "Ok so all I have to do is the exact opposite of what he just did" And it worked!

I just picked up a S4 Mk2 for $230 with Traktor 3 Pro License and some expansions included! Excited to get it and to learn how to DJ. I figure for the price, and the features it has, I should be able to learn on it, and hopefully use it for a long time, even if it's a bit older compared to something like the DDJ-400, so hopefully should be a good one. Great video! Really appreciate your stuff, and will watch more of your videos to learn a lot more!

I bought the Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT In 2019 Haven't been happier. I love the jog wheels being that I came from CDJ 800's I'm still learning all the midi mapping and effects although overall I'm pleased and would buy it again,

Hey mate, I watched dozens of your videos and the time has come for me, after spending almost a year on only ableton, only focusing on producing (I mean literally only ableton, during quarantine) I am getting my first controller ddj400 next week. My question to you is, primary focus on your videos are on parties and high tempo crowds, but In the country I live, its more likely to start on some restaurants where you probably going to go for deep house/chill house stuff. So crowd controlling is easier for a starter and I think its good for a beginner before starting to perform in parties but, I would really like to know what to do and what to focus during those. What can I do in a gig, to make myself different from a spotify list, in this kind of a work?

Man you're such an amazing dj you're dj tutoriala helped me alot can't wait to see more soon🔥🔥🔥

Thank you so much for this ranking

As soon, I win the lottery, I will get DDj 1000SRT XD

I have the Hercules Inpulse 500 Gold edition and it was excellent deal, it comes with Serato DJ pro License and high quality bag. My only grips are the FX/Filter combo can be limiting and annoying sometimes and it doesn't have key lock/Tempo range button. Otherwise its almost perfect for the money. 100% recommend.

Thanks for this video! Gonna be doing my own channel using mobile DJ equipment and this is so helpful. The Pioneer DDJ-400 is the choice for me

Thanks bro for doing a update video of this, thanks :,). But also I’m going to wait for a update of DDJ-400 with better materials and maybe mixed with some features of the FLX :D

Hey DJ Carlo Atendido! I’m a Serato/Rane One user who wants to start getting gigs in clubs when things open up fully. I’ve never really had any experience using a CDJ setup but I heard that’s what’s standard in Clubs. In you’re experience, is it still necessary to know how to use CDJs or do most clubs let you bring your own setup? Thanks!

I first started back in 2013 bedroom djing for fun as a hobby on and off for years. This year I’m actually trying to self prompt and get a gig. I will attest that the ddj400 is probably the best interns of budget. While it’s not the cheapest one. I love using the rekordbox platform over serato I think the sound is better coming from serato. I really like how rekordbox box doesn’t have much pitch bend when changing tempo. Honestly it sounds better then my ddjsz which has all the effects I love messing with. I will say it as with out having the color effect section on the ddj400 mixer does allow beginners like myself to actually work on smoothness of transitions without over powering effects. I actually primarily practice and use my ddj400 now and my Gucci ddjsz as a recording solution when I use Beatports music streaming solution for high quality acc audio files.

very recently got into dj'ing and got myself a ddj-200 have loved it taught me the basics and been playing house party's only issue was the lack of sound card and the kinda scuffed feeling splitter for pre cue'ing but recently came across a pre owned ddj-400 and its on its way cant wait very excited to have some more buttons and knobs to play with :D

Informative video. Im definitely looking at ddj1000. However for those who cant afford a brand new one, I realise that there's not so many used units out there. Or maybe im just not looking the right places. Keep it up with the awesome videos!

the ddj-200 works with algoriddim djay pro as well and i think people ought to recognize that more! i had no idea i could do that until i randomly tried it out of boredom

I had a SX for many years, then wanted to get the 1000SRT (which i still regard as great). But got the Roland DJ-808 instead, cheaper, better quality and that badass drum machine. Now looking for the Prime4. Yes it is more bulky, but currently the most capable hybrid AiO + controller on the market.

Great reviews, thanks! So I have the ddj1000, had for some time and love it, however I'm ready to learn more re how to mix with USB's. Not giving up on software, however want to be able to do both or a controller that allows me to use the hardware more for selecting and other functions even if it is connected to the software. Is that the RZ (looking for Rekordbox compatible)?

Even though it was a lot, its exactly what i was looking for with such great brief explanations. Thanks bruv

Great video Carlo! As a vinyl lover I’m starting to look at different turntable and mixer combos that work with Serato but its so difficult to decide between budget and quality 😰 what do you prefer?

Before this video the DDJ 1000 was my favorite and I expected that to change after seeing this but you actually just confirmed my top pic. 😂 Still need to sell my CDJ 1000s and DJM 800 before I can even get close to it.

I bought a DDJ SZ back in 2015 it’s still the standard next to actual CDJs and a mixer. I just bought a DDJ sb3 gold as a backup controller. I also have the original Numark NS6.

Thank you for your great videos, I just bought the DJJ-800 for my daughter 20th birthday, I liked the fact that if she wishes one day to go to the Nexus, she will be used to the layout, and the 800 is easy for a girl to transport. Thank you for your great comparisons and advice. Brilliant:)))

I was surprised that you didn't mentioned any Traktor controller. I begun DJing with the MK2 S4 and I really loved it. Traktor DJ Pro is really user friendly too. But my favorite controller of this video was definetly the Pioneer DDJ-400 it's layout is really clean and, as you said, it reminds a lot the CDJ's on the market.

Nice video. Any reason you don't include any Traktor gear? The S2 MK3 definitely gives the DDJ 400 a run for its money, and the S3 is probably the best entry-level four-channel controller you can get. Traktor Pro as a software fell off for a while but it's been getting some good updates recently and it still could be considered the best for effects and loops. Do you ever play with Traktor / Native Instruments? I'm about to pick up the DDJ-400 myself just to see what's what with Rekordbox but Traktor, especially for electronic DJs, is pretty legit.

awesome video as always !

Nice bucketized review Carlo. Inpluse 500 and DDJ 400 are my favs 🌟

No Traktor Device 🥺? I started on traktor and wil Stay there because I spend so many time on breaking all the serato features down and on Playlist (!!!) linked to my library... endless hours... which one in your opinion works best on Traktor pro 3? I video on this would be nice!

Me and my DDJ-SB3 just looking at all the better controllers 😅

I got the Hercules Inpulse 500! Your Videos are inspire me to start Djing. It make so much fun to mix trackts together! Than you!

Thankyou for the video. I just ordered the party mix 2 and I already have Djay pro so it’s perfect. Thankyou again

Waiting a company to beat Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX for $250 which compatible to Serato and Virtual DJ (Rekordbox if Pioneer DJ decided to do it) DDJ 400 doesn't have led indicator that's why I didn't choose it, as a scratch fan LED indicator is essential The only complaint from me about the Platinum FX just the fader quality So let's see

need to be allocated in a separate category all-in-one controllers.

Thx for an update

I splashed out on a DDJ-1000 as I wanted the digital mixing blended with vinyl and it’s a fantastic bit of kit.

Can you do a breakdown of Angerfist please Video title : Angerfist Dj Set From The Top 100 Djs Virtual Festival 2020 Breakdown from 30:00 to 45:00 please

Is it me, or didn’t you not mension Traktor controllers just one time… And why?😰

Love the video a lot anyway I was wondering if you can do a video similar to this one but also including controllers that are older just in case there are those people that are looking for more flexibility if that makes sense.

Outstanding video. Covers everything well. Thank you. :-)

Are you on Pioneer's payroll by any chance? There's alot of better controllers that you've neglected to mention

great job explaining sir

I’m the market for a controller as my 1210s are in storage. This was very helpful. Thank you for putting this together.

Reloop also makes some incredible DJ controllers. I got the Reloop Beatmix 2 for under 300$ and it's awesome! It has such value for the money, and it's easy to use and learn

Thnx for the video sir, hope you're doing well and good.....can you do a video on mixing songs of different genres? It would mean a lot.

Thanks for the banana size reference, helps with....certain things

Great video, thank You! When will the next generation controllers from Pioneer arrive?

THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO!! THIS WAS A GREAT REVIEW AND ADVICE FOR TURNTABLES

I forgot to mention mad props on the video itself and your knowledge and that helps thanks

I love these size comparisons, that one in the middle has HUGE jog wheels. Holy crap.

Wonderful! i've actually started with DDJ-RB, & end up with DDJ-RX.

Thanks for the insight!

DDJ800 is what I started with, so I was lucky! It took my years of touring and playing guitar very well :D I'm getting better at scratching now. Especially into and out of songs. I haven't done it live yet, but I'm almost there! Few more hours and I'll be confident enough. I gotta say some of my favorite discoveries lately are the 1/2,/1/4,1/8 option on the effects knob. Rolls, slips, echo, are just a few, but man, it's really fun before drops, during long vocal parts that are drawn out into breaks, I'm having a blast and in turn, the crowd is! Your content is unmatched man. The dedication to making improvements stands out! I'd say this world is quite different compared to guitar, drums, etc. It's limitless... but also, you'll have people that have been djing for years, telling you that you can't mix a 90bpm song with a 120 bpm song. BLows my mind tbh. IF you have understanding of timing signatures, you can do pretty much anything regardless of tempo. I tried explaining it to a fella, but he kept insisting to use beatsync to "flow" songs together. Not even listening to my mixes :/

Thanks for this DJ Carlo.. :)

i own the denon sc5000s a x1800 mixer and just got a denon prime go and the prime go is by far my favorite device ever. i thought i would use it when i go somewhere, but i actually use it all the time when chilling in bed and on the couch. so much fun, 11/10.

I'm practicing with a NI Kontrol S4 MK3, I don't know if it's one of the best but for my current needs (taking my first steps and having fun) it seems more than good.

Do you have any recommendations for different Serato expansion packs? Could you do a video on how you would personally use Serato Flip, PnT, etc in your own set?

Great review DJ Carlo

My Favorite is the DDJ 400 . . It’s Awesome and practical to use , Cheers from Tampa Fla ♥️ur Vids

Nice vid bro

I love your videos, so I looked all through oh wait here's the star ⭐

Would you recommend the NI Traktor S2 Mk3? Comes with Traktor 3 Pro, and seems ideal since most pioneer gear is out of stock for me

Honestly the Impulse 500 looks sweet! Just need something small for a home setup. I hate having to take out the CDJ's or even the sx3 lol. Portability is key haha

keep going hard g!

I use Reloop Buddy atm and I gotta say it's a really good controller for beginners even if its software is kinda different than other softwares like Serato DJ or Rekordbox DJ ⭐

Great vid

Love you brooo✌️🔥 You're like a magician 😍

I have the pioneer ddj 1000. Absolutely love it.

I love Pioneer's DDJ-SX3 as it has 4 channels and you can use so many different effects at a good price

Love the category professionals and super rich hobbyists

Was deciding between a ddj-flx6 and a ddj-800 and I am sold on the 800! Thanks man

I’m gonna get the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 for my first dj controller thank you so much for this video!!

Perfect timing

Even though you didn't list it, what are your thoughts on the ddj 1000 v. The sz2? As a beginner dj I got a used sz2 in march for about 1000 dollars and it's amazing I love it. But I also have another question. Of course you know how big the sz2 is, and it's doable for gigs but I want a compact controller for house parties and what not, and I've been eyeing the ddj 800. However it doesn't have a serato model and in all honesty, I plan on eventually getting cdj's as clubs are my goal. So is it a good idea to use both serato and rekordbox back and forth? Thanks in advance😁

What about Pioneer xdj-rx2. Did you still recommend in 2021?(I am using the Pioneer ddj-400 now,and I want to upgrade my DJ controller or a all in one system, which one will you recommend? thanks 🙏)

Seeing this 2 years after I invested in my DJ controller, I'm glad I went straight for your top of the top pick XD. On the flip side, looking at any other layout, even the "lower end" Pioneer gear feels awkward and unintuitive now that I have used the DDJ-1000

Im joining a Slipknot Cover band so I needed a good budget DJ controller for Sid Wilson!!! One of the best DJs and keeps Scratching alive!!!

I really enjoyed video, I'm leaning on the DDJ-1000-srt and the Prime 4, but more towards the DDJ. guess its time to continue to save a few more $$$$$.....Thank you again Carlo!!!!!!! ⭐

Great video, thanks for putting this together! I see that the pioneer ddj-400 is discontinued. Is there a newer version or something your recommend to get instead of this one?

Amazing video!