Lol he's trying not to laugh when he's mentioning merge and jog scratch features. " This is a controller to stay home in the bedroom". Excellent video!
I played around with the Merge FX for a few minutes and they sound really good. They can be toned down a lot through the cusomisation screen so are much less in your face. This unit has more features than most full club installations (just less inputs/oututs)
I just took delivery of this today and got it set up and a quick mix done with it. Another use case for this controller are people like me: Those who are DJing in nightclubs regularly with the house equipment there, but don't have the space at home or the money to afford the same set up at home to practice with. I wanted a controller within the pioneer ecosystem which would allow me to practice 4 deck mixing with a familiar layout. There is more than enough here between the controller and rekordbox to effectively tune up your skills with the pioneer ecosystem which - given a few minor differences - scales up to the nexus ranges as well. At the same time the unit is light and a decent size - not too big. So when I'm done with it I can save space by easily putting it away unlike the DDJ-800 or anything all-in-one. The build quality is such that I wouldn't be comfortable taking this out of my music studio. Maybe a house party, but you can forget regular club use. The vibrations would probably rattle it to death if it's able to survive the constant bumps of life on the road. Since this is being plugged in to my music studio PC inputs and outputs arent an issue. Anyway, it's a great option if you're like me: A music producer primarily who gets bookings to DJ.
As a new DJ, this unit was given to me as a gift from my wife, so it's all I've learned from. I've enjoyed using it, and have played a few parties. I have experienced the challenges of inputs and outputs though. Excited to learn more from this Crossfader channel though!
I remember buying this controller about almost a month now, this thing never disappoint me at all, I can't wait to do gigs on the go for this controller, and plus the 4 channel mixer is amazing, I can do all kinds of tricks and tips.
This thing is an ugly and useless abomination with entirely strange priorities. Wannabe-fancy effects but no inputs, no master VU, no XLR, cheap plastic, tiny pitchfaders, etc. Better save some more money and go for the DDJ800 or 1000/SRT or no club will take you serious.
@@BlueHawk80 that's the worst piece of advice ever. People play gigs on ddj 400s. I've seen a video of a guy playing at a festival on ddj 400s. All you need is a xlr to rca cable and you'd be absolutely fine.
@@lachie4017 thats the very best piece of advice, because pretty much alle professionals agree with me. The 400 at least has a good price/feature value. But the FLX6 is just an overblown toy. Not my problem if you bought one and try to defend it now, lol.
@@BlueHawk80 I own ddj 1000s aswell but dude these things are so fun to play on. Have you ever actually tried these? Or are you just saying it to try and sound cool. I only ever use my 1000s if it's a fuck around plugging in the flx6 at a venue
The purpose here was to give the beginners and hobbyist a 4 channels and large jog wheel experience to practice on and upgrade from their 400/SB3, without spending twice the price of the FLX6.
@@priyonjoni We know you are defending Pioneer on every occassion, its getting booring. Majority of people don't agree anyway. This product sucks, and priorities had been set wrongly. Why lacking essential controls and connections, but having 4 channels? No beginner needs 4 channels simultaneously.
Everyone gets upset over the XLR connection issue. Its really the industries fault because they made a mess over this whole issue. This is not a balanced component. Simply put, when you use balanced cables on gear that isn't balanced, its identical to using a pair of RCA cables. Why? XLR and TRS cables have 3 conductors, RCA cables have 2 conductors. When you use balanced cables on a product like this, only 2 of the 3 conductors are used anyway, and the 3rd does nothing, If you find yourself in a position where you have to take an unbalanced unit like this and connect it to something like a balanced mixer in a club, its still not a problem. And if you know anything about balanced and single ended operation, they're not compatible. Both components have to be one or the other. All you need to do is get a DI box. This is exactly why they make them. They take a single ended signal and convert it to balanced, so all this becomes a non issue. If your decision to buy this, or any other product, comes down to not having a pair of xlr jacks on it, just be aware that a DI box will deal with this problem.
I've had the Pioneer DDJ-400 for about 3 years now and have been wanting an upgrade to a 4-channel Rekordbox controller for ages now, but the only option was the DDJ-1000 that costs roughly £1,200 which is too much for me. Having seen that the FLX-6 is now out for HALF the price then this is a must buy for me personally. Already ordered and can't wait to start mixing on 4 channels!
you can get a DDJ 800 as well m8, it should be more than enough for you. Alternatively, you can get a Numark NVII, for 100 bucks more than this controller and you will have better I/O.
Jamie is right up there when reviewing products. A true professional. Can tell he was a little underwhelmed here but still gave a balanced view. I'm really interested to find out when the SB4 is being released.... Or what would you recommend as a 4 channel serato pro controller around this price or a little more?
Usual with Pioneer. We added a new FX dial, and took the screens out of the jogs. So its a new model !. No money left in the bank for R&D. Thats why Denon DJ are killing the scene now.
I am from the days of two turntables and a mixer. We didn't have all of this effects a lot of DJs use today. far as I'm concerned if you can play two different songs on it you can get down on it don't matter what controller it is..one love my follow DJs out there..
I'm an EDM DJ. Most my set are house, trance, electro. I used to DJ on small party / clubs using my old DDJ-T1, I think this have the same feeling as T1, but with bigger jogwheels and Rekordbox implementation.
I've been using this controller in clubs for 8 months now. I swear people just read comments of other people without ever trying the product themselves and form their opinion on what someone else says. People have played in clubs and at festivals with ddj 400s
I am a user of the DDJ-400, I was happy when I heard that this controller was being released and the fact that it is a 4 channel controller at 539 pounds but at the same time, If i was gonna jump to a 4 channel controller, I would want the quality to go with the upgrade. Additionally, I dont really like the idea of the Merge FX feature so if i was to upgrade, i would just save up and get the DDJ-1000 tbh.
As an instructor, I don't feel good having a student who is beginner or hobbyist to be spending over a thousand dollars for a controller they may or may not gig with. If they're ready to work with 4 decks and large jog wheels, previously coming from a DDJ-400, this would be a suitable choice for them to practice with at home for $599 versus twice that price.
The build quality along with the beginner targeted features... Definitely a controller to stay home in the bedroom. Especially considering the lack of outputs. Great breakdown!
If you need the professional balanced outputs, there are the professional controllers like the DDJ-800, SR2, SX3, 1000, and 1000SRT. This isn't for the gigging DJs. This is for the beginners or hobbyist that is ready to get on a 4 channel controller with CDJ sized jog wheels without spending twice the amount to get there.
@@priyonjoni I understand, but at 600 dollars is kind of a shame that they didn't even include TS/TRS jacks. Other controllers that cost less were able to do it.
@@lucasmaia8315 Pioneer is trying to reach those intermediate bedroom DJ’s and get them acclimated to a 4 channel mixer. If i had to guess, I think Pioneer put those R&D dollars into the new effects/features/channels, and sacrificed the connectivity. I agree, they should have at least added TRS jacks for some stage monitors, however, i dont think they are needed for the demographic they are targeting. XLR and TRS jacks wouldn’t be the common mode of connection for this controller anyhow. It is not a gig-ready unit built for the bedroom DJ and doesn’t need to handle the abuse of marrying, and un-marrying output/input connections. It’s designed to remain plugged in unlike pro gear. Looks like a fun controller i will say!
@@craighickey7430 600 dollars isn't bedroom DJ price, for 50 dollars more you can get a fully featured NS6 which also has 4 channels and pro outputs. www.digitaldjtips.com/reviews/pioneer-dj-ddj-flx6-rekordbox-serato-controller/ Seems DDJT aren't raving about it either.
I wish they had these Jog wheels on the DDJ-800 then It would be my dream controller. also if they made it compatible with both Reckordbox and Serato would be awesome too. Listen up Pioneer!!!
Several months back I got a DDJ-1000 for $800 cash on Craigslist and it looks like new. Remember buying used can be a great option if you find the right price.
It's a shame, pioneer could have really nailed it at this price, but the gimmicks have killed it. Leave the jog wheels as they are, remove the merge FX, remove the jog cutter and up the build quality and input/outputs. Add in the FX switches like the 1000 and this would be nigh on perfect for beginners and house party DJ's.
The new FX are extra features, this is an intermediate step going up from a DDJ-400 so that a beginner can experience larger jog wheels and controlling 4 decks. That has never been done at this price point.
@@priyonjoni says who? What about the Numark NS6, which was a 4-channel control with XLR outs, mic ins, 4 channel RCA ins, hotcues, touch strips, *and* a steel chassis. That controller always has been my benchmark for a good mid-range controller, and was only $650 if I recall correctly
@@lucadingman2857 the NS6 offers so much more for such a slight price increase. if this controller existed in a vacuum it would have been a solid offer but when we consider other brands, it's just not good enough.
Dont think it was intended to take out to clubs tbh and alot provide the decks unless your the promoter , i love my fl6x and i had an sb3 before. Reviews are one persons opinion afterall, no right or wrongs, had no issues with mine and love it
Bought my Numark NV2 a few years ago for roughly the same price. Sorry to break it to you, but despite its age, the NV2 basically wipes the floor with the FLX6. XLR Outputs, 2 full blown video screens depicting various elements of Serato, a wide variety of useful cut effects and - most importantly - an incredibly high build quality incl. a full metal chassis. I know, it's not a Pioneer and it definitely has its flaws, but for the same price (or even cheaper in some areas), it's an absolute no-brainer!!
Considering a DDJ-1000 costs 2300$ where I live ( Thank you import fees ) compared to a FLX-6 which is 800$, even with its downsides its the cheapest 4 channel recordbox controller I can get my hands on as 2300$ is very steep to its original 1200$
So basically, it's entry level 4-channel controller with some advanced features, but cheaper build quality and i/o. I think if someone wants to learn on a 4-channel controller it would be great, but if you take djing more seriously you need to get ddj-1000 anyway ;)
Wow! That was a very tough review but HONEST. I see people gushing over this controller but your review really showed the truth about it. Hope Pioneer doesn't put you on a "list" where you have to watch your back when you walk down the street. LOL
None of the FX actually do the DJing for you. Even the Jog Cutter needs time and practice to get down. It's more of a step of from the DDJ-400 to give users the 4 channel big jog wheel platform without spending twice the price of the FLX6 or 5 times their entry level controller, to get there.
@@priyonjoni I see the main audience more towards people that want the professional look without the professional price. I see someone who wants to sound like they are a "real DJ' right out of the box after buying this. If someone is really looking for a 4 channel upgrade after the ddj 400 I think a used SX2 or SX3 is amuch better alternative.
@@colinspeirs5182 Just ignore Pri, he is working for Pioneer, thus praising every of their products. It was already very obvious on their CDJ-3000 failure.
Pioneer’s product strategy seems a bit lost at the moment. They are diluting their brand with lack of innovation at the top end and releasing junk controllers at the bottom end with gimmick features. Making Denon more appealing everyday.
I agree especially with this controller....any controller without inputs is pure garbage....get a used ddj 1000 or denon mc8000 for $200 more - one gives you hardware effects and 4 inputs, the other is standalone with 4 inputs and xlr outs...
Sample Scratch was an idea taken from the favored Scratch Bank that was introduced on the DJM-S11 battle mixer. There aren't other brands that featured that prior, and the S11 users are pretty happy with it. It was not only applied to the DDJ-FLX6, but a Rekordbox version was also introduced.
I like the full size Jogs. would've liked to see mechanical/motorized and center displays (yes, even for $600 mid range). I don't care for the scratch fx; It feels very beginner, like other serato controllers. i appreciate the dual layers. Won't buy, but not bad! Great idea to target the mid-range market, too. And good idea, not limited it to RB6.
I'm surprised after all these new controllers there isn't one with 4band eq like the Xone 92/96. Is there even 1 out there? Surely there is more than a demand for that than just the same controller in different shapes over and over.
The only software 4 band EQ is in Traktor, and you would have to map it yourself. Otherwise, nothing. I think it’s strange too. I also wonder why no company has done a rotary controller either.
do you think this is a good budget option to practise at home with 4 channels? i'm coming from a ddj-400 but have also recently been getting some experience on 3x CDJs, so coming home to practise on only 2 channels is a huge pain. however i'm a student and can't afford a ddj-1000, reckon this is a decent compromise?
It's a step up from your DDJ-400 if you want to be able to practice and hone your skills on a CDJ sized jog and 4 channels for have the price of the DDJ-1000. You'll the performance pads and tempo adjust familiar.
You mentioned that if I'm a serato dj pro to stay away from that controller. I currently have DDJ-SB3 and I'm ready to upgrade, which one would you recommend. Ddj 1000srt is out of my price range😢
I have couple of questions… I upgraded from SB3 to FLX6 but honestly I feel more confident so far on SB3, I was very excited that I can have 2 outputs but for some reason the booth output didn’t work at the same time with the master out. So is it either or?? Am I doing something wrong? Is it related to the software? I’m using virtual DJ. Also I downloaded the rekordbox but then I realized that I will be loosing all my hot cues saved on virtual DJ. Is there anyway to transfer this to rekordbox? Lastly, I feel the jogwheel here in flx6 is a bit less sensitive than sb3. When I wanna set an accurate hot cue, it doesn’t allow me to move smoothly and it jumps over the waveform not in milliseconds. Thanks for ur support always❤
Great review, very honest. As somebody looking to move up the Pioneer range I find this very disappointing. Also not a fan of the untraditional layout.
I would like to know your thoughts between the ddj-flx6 and the ddj-Rx. Is it worth the upgrade? Should I stick to my ddj-rx! Cause it's one of the best build by pioneer
Need help plz! I'm looking for my first dj controller. Buying Ddj 400 was my plan. But seeing this one made me reconsider. My vision is to learn to dj and when the time is right, start making videos/streams. The problem I see with ddj 400 is it's size, for a guy of my size it looks very unattractive. To start with an ddj800 would seem to me a bit wrong in many ways. Do any of you guys consider this as a good first dj controller in my situation? Thank you
All these ignorant comments about only using this controller in a bedroom is ludicrous. You can mix at the same level as mixing with ddj 1000, if you have real skills as a dj. You can fully customize the merge effect and turn it into extra fx effects. As far as the build quality it doesn’t matter. Take care of your equipment. With technology today I bought the rca to XLR for output.
Thanks for the review. I just picked this controller up but I currently use Serato with a SB2 controller. I wanted a controller that was a step or 2 up from the SB2 and that had bigger jog wheels. What controller(s) would you recommend?
This would be great if it had xlr for the mic and outputs. If the volume nob was on top and 1 aux hook up. But for the price this would work for a small club or bar. This could also work for a mobile DJ, I would just get a small mixer to go out to the speakers and to control the mic. I will keep using the DDJ-1000.
I dont see why there is all the hate in the comments section. You must remember when Traktor released the S4 controller it was the same price point. Yet you got jogwheels that were even a bigger joke both size and functionality. I owned the S4 and still had fun using it and took it to many gigs at bars. It too was plastic. I ask you, what kind of abuse do you put your gear through to think metal is a requirement? So I have been rather pleased using the Pioneer DDJFX. It has a more professional look and you can do anything on this you would using a nexus. Because lets be honest. Most people boast about product features they will never use to its full potential. I learned on vinyl. Then on CDJ 800s. However controllers have been my price range.
The Traktor S4 features balanced audio outputs and a better build quality (even if it still plastic). At this price point we would expect XLR outputs, Pioneers older RR/SR controllers weren't much more money and were far more professional than the FLX6. That's just our opinion though!
@@Crossfader what determines a "professional" controller is up for debate. Point is... It always boils down to skill. Ive seen dudes on a $70 Hercules controller blow a "pro" out of the water who was using $3k usd of gear. As both an S4 owner and as well as this controller. I have to say pioneer is much sexier and i can do all the same stuff when it boils down to it.
@@joelnesbit2580 This FLX6 is still crap. Nothing about "hate", we just list facts. This thing is an ugly and useless abomination with entirely strange priorities. Wannabe-fancy effects but no inputs, no master VU, just RCA, cheap plastic, tiny faders, etc. Better save some more money and go for the DDJ800 or 1000/SRT. For 600$ its too expensive!
@@BlueHawk80 its poineer. youre paying for the name. and like I said. there are guys with $70 controllers who can waste many dudes with 7k of gear any given night. its about how you use your tools. I got an S4 and this flx6 and i still manage to rock it. i didnt pay 600 for mine thats for sure. and its sexier than the s4
Go for the Hercules trust the build quality is so much better with nicer pads while the only advantage of the flx6 is 4 channels cuz the build quality sucks
Love the video, however seems as if you are very bias towards the recordbox software. Still very much a fan of this controller and if you're a decent dj you just adapt!! Excited for more videos!
First thank you for this honest & informative review. Your review points out all the cons & very few pros of this controller, that I would have learned by using it myself. Pioneer should do one of the following 1. Drop this unit from its line up, 2. Drop the price from $600 to at least half. 3.. build dedicated units for perspective software brands and focus on features to that brand. 4. Build quality should of been better with pro features like XLR outputs, more sturdy. I feel they released this one because of the new competition like the Hercules 500 & Platinum Fx. The build quality of the DDJ SR2 seems better than this. If anything this unit should of been the Upgraded DDJ SR2 to the DDJ SR3, not some cheap overpriced poorly build beginner controller with dual compatibility for SERATO & REKORDBOX you lose because you can’t have all the features of each perspective software. I’m sure someone will be good with this, but for me It’s a easy pass twice.
Thanks for the insight Crossfader. Pioneer is listening to the wrong people when they came out with this waste of a controller. I saw 2 videos and I feel the same as I do now. I say if you want to take your DJ skills to the next level, why limit yourself. I feel the FLX6 is an oversize beginning controller. Nothing on it scream Mid Tier. When I upgrade my DDJ 400, I looked at both DDJ 1000 and DDJ 800. I chose the 800 for the price and size. The 800 to me is a true Mid Level Controller. You can take it out of the bedroom or DJ space and travel. You can't even use the FLX6 as your backup or take it out. I know some Serato DJ users will see this and would want it but as there are better controllers for Rekordbox, there are better controllers for Serato especially if you want a 4 channel one. Don't waste your money on this.
That merge is almost the same as the filter knob of AKAI AMX whenever touch control is activated but has more option. AKAI AMX only has a combination of filter plus loop.
it is very nice but it cost a lot money for low features and it don t have input channel for the money is better to buy ddj800 our traktor s4 thank you for support and feedback
Can some one advice me; i currently have a entry pioneer model ddj-rb. I mainly play at house party's for groups of 30 people max. My music = house / techno. To be honest, i have no ambition to take my controller outside to festivals. And if so, they will provide one. What controller do you advise? This one (DDJ-FLX6 or go for the DDJ-800 or DDJ-1000) Thank you!
What other controller comes with the same serato licenses and 4 channels and is under 1000bucks? Genuinely asking. Cuz aside from that i think i can fix in out issues with a mixer.
TBH I got my DDJ RX for the same price second hand. Id even take a DDJ RR new for the same price as this. Sure this is 4channels, but the DDJ RR is a tool I can professionally DJ with, at clubs and bars / mobile dj, not a bedroom toy.
Been looking for a decent cheaper controller to take to the beach or small parties, I'm not moving ddj-rz out of its place at home without a decent paying gig, for several reasons. Thought about getting a ddj-sr1 as it works with serato and RB and I have an ddj-xp2 so that would unlock RB or Serato. However this is appealing to me being it is 4 channel, big jogs, USB bus powered, and a center position display, so honestly for a play around piece of kit that id easier to lug around, I'm personally interested. I would just get a gig bag or case for it as far as protecting it from "build quality" shortcomings. The pitch fader is a good size too, so I think pioneer didn't do terrible with this. Maybe if a wait for a bit the price will drop some. If it was under 500 I'd already be sold, but hopefully time out on the market will help. I picked up my ddj-rz for 1200 and they started at like 2200 upon release, so hopefully it's just a matter of time.
This isn't a device for gigging DJs. The focus is to give beginners and hobbyists a large jog and 4 channel control with Rekordbox and Serato compatibility without needing spend $1200 or more to get there.
@@priyonjoni Large jogs with laughable plastic and "displays" and 4 channels which 99% of all bedroomers dont need. Even at home use, most monitors have XLR or TRS however. Priorities set wrong.
Can i use this for streaming online? I heard that the microphone function will not be heard . Is there a way around this? Or should I buy a ddj400 or 800?
The 400 and FLX6 both suffer from the same microphone issue. You can get around this by recording or capturing your master output with an external soundcard such as the UCA202. The DDJ-800 does send the microphone back into the computer via USB so this isn't needed.
Hi, I just got offered one of these , can I plug my technics 1200 mk2s straight into say, channels 1 and 4 and used them as I normally would ? Then say I was playing a digital track on channel 2 or 3 through serato or record box could I drop a vinyl in from channel 1 or 4? Hope that makes sense, thanks