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Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.Virtual DJ is one of the world’s most popular DJ apps with over 100,000,000 downloads

Unlike its competitors mentioned above, Virtual DJ isn’t tied to any particular hardware. One of the biggest selling points is that you can use Virtual DJ on just about anything available on the market.

It’s no surprise that Pioneer controllers feature quite heavily in our list, including our top pick the Pioneer Pro DDJ-1000.As one of the highest-rated DJ controllers on the market, the DDJ-1000 is a good fit for both Rekordbox and Virtual DJ systems.

For the best budget DJ controller, we have included the Numark DJ2GO2 in our list. At just over $50.00, this small but full-featured controller is ideal for throwing in your backpack in case of emergency renegade parties or as a backup when traveling.

Lastly, the best Virtual DJ controller for beginners goes to the Numark Mixtrack Pro II USB.This 2-channel controller with a built-in audio interface has been rated the world’s number 1 DJ controller.

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000 has everything you need to perform at events and parties, including two full-size jog wheels, 14 Beat FX, and 16 multicolored performance pads.

The  DDJ-1000 has been many a DJ’s favorite Pioneer DDJ controller for a long time. There’s even a Serato-compatible version available if you like to keep a choice of two DJ apps at all times.

The DDJ-1000 was one of the first controllers to forgo the typical midi controller setup and instead favors the feel of a pro club set up of CDJs and a mixer.

When paired with Virtual DJ, not only are you getting the feel of a club set up but also the many extra features of VDJ which Rekordbox simply doesn’t offer.

Other than the quality onboard soundcard, one of the best features is the large LCD displays in the center of the jog wheels which means you only pull up on the screen what you need for each deck.

Packing a host of brand-new features, this 4-channel unit makes it easy to mix tracks from totally different musical genres and spice up your sets with pro-sounding scratch effects.

For the bedroom or intermediate DJ who is looking for a professional, feature-rich setup but is on a more limited budget, the Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 bridges the gap between budget models like the DDJ-400 and the industry-standard Pro DDJ-1000.

Pioneer has taken the time to ensure this works with most of the popular software on the market, and official integration with Virtual DJ means the many features are already mapped out of the box with no extra licenses to pay for.

The omission of a built-in audio interface and more limited connectivity options for this controller (like the lack of balanced XLR outputs) will undoubtedly put off some more professional DJs.

What makes it an ideal choice for the beginner to intermediate DJ is the built-in audio interface, a welcome addition for anyone looking to test the waters, or just save some dollars.

For those wanting to use some of Virtual DJs’ beat-matching add-ons or stem separation tools for remixing on the go, the 100mm faders allow for finer adjustments to be made. The full 3-band EQ also allows for blending of the sounds created when mixing in harmonic key.

While the Numark Mixtrack Pro II is an ideal choice for the beginner DJ to learn beatmatching, its relative lack of features (like the lack of any dedicated FX) may make it less suitable for all ’round or professional DJ.

It’s a great entry-level option that will easily slip into your backpack – but there’s one catch, you have to pay an extra $50 for a Virtual DJ license if you want to keep using it past the 6-day free trial period.

PC and Mac compatibility is a breeze with the built-in sound card. You can either replicate turntables for beatmatching or digital for controlling the likes of karaoke or video. The sensitive jog wheels even allow for bending the pitch of the music in performance mode.

I immediately assumed blending tracks together would be a train wreck waiting to happen with a controller this small, but I found the opposite to be true.

With four available cue points, an excellent headphone cueing system, and a small but precise pitch control I managed to get some pretty decent results with ease.

Equipped with a large 10" multi-touch display for visual feedback and track navigation, and a SATA drive bay to load your music library, Prime 4 allows you to ditch your laptop and focus on your performance.

Although marketed as a standalone DJ controller, once plugged into your laptop and Virtual DJ, you have a potent controller with 4 assignable channels, each with 24-bit sound output.

With a large, clear 10” screen, professional outputs with 4 zones, microphone inputs, and standalone mixer capability, the Denon DJ Prime 4 is the perfect choice for both your mobile DJ and home DJ alike.

Although not cheap, the Denon Prime 4 offers one of the most feature-heavy professional setups on the market today. The inclusion of the full version of Serato DJ Pro is also a nice little bit of sugar on top.

One of the features of Virtual DJ I like most is just how compatible it is with everything! File types, video codecs, and even controllers – everything feels like a breeze.

Although virtually (pun not intended) any controller will work with Virtual DJ (the Native Instruments S4 being one of the biggest exceptions – see FAQ below), above we have looked at 5 of the best controllers which feature full integration with Virtual DJ.

Mainly due to the familiar feel, and outstanding Pioneer build quality, my favorite controller and one of the highest-rated on the market is the Pioneer DDJ-1000.

Although the software will run without any controller attached,you will lose the benefit of external cueing and rely heavily on a decent soundcard on your laptop.

The tactile feel of jog wheels and performance pads can enhance your beatmatching when using the best controller and finally, nobody wants to look like they’re checking their emails when DJing hunched over a laptop screen.

Competitors like RekordBox, Traktor, Serato, and even Djay Pro AI all tend to be tied to certain hardware manufacturers. Although Serato is now in partnership with a wide selection of top hardware makers, it still doesn’t match the range of hardware available to Virtual DJ users.

Pioneer controllers are favored by many DJs, especially those who grew up in clubs and other venues using Pioneer pro DJ gear such as CDJs and battle mixers.

The wide range of Pioneer DDJ controllers are now compatible with RekordBox, Serato, and many fully integrated with Virtual DJ and the advanced features such as stem separation VDJ 2021 now offers.

Although many controllers work straight out of the box with Virtual DJ there have been problems with the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol range of controllers in particular the flagship S4.

The Virtual DJ forum states the MIDI mapping of the jog wheels on the S4 is poor and it is the only NI controller which doesn’t use the HID protocol needed by Virtual DJ.

Although you have to pay to access many of the features, including controller support, a free license version can be downloaded from the Virtual DJ website.

If you want to use a controller with Virtual DJ you will need to buy a license as after a trial period of 7 days you will only get controller support in the first 10 minutes of opening Virtual DJ every time you wish to perform.

Unfortunately, no. A couple of years ago Virtual DJ made the decision to remove the license which enabled users to play Spotify tunes in the Virtual DJ app.

While there are some workarounds that can be found with a quick Google, these will involve extra purchase costs and the legality of some are questionable.

The Mixstream Pro allows DJs and music lovers to connect with their music like never before! With its built-in WiFi, onboard high-quality speakers, and direct access to millions of streaming music tracks, the Mixstream Pro is ready for mixing, right out of the box. No laptop required! Playing songs from your existing library is also a breeze, thanks to the USB and SD Card inputs. When you’re ready to take your party, live stream, or mix session to the next level, the onboard Engine Lighting control wirelessly connects to your smart home lighting for an automatic, high-energy lightshow. Plus, since the Mixstream Pro is powered by Engine DJ, its ever-expanding set of pro DJ features grows with your DJ career, giving you all of the performance essentials you need to rock any party or gig! It’s never been easier and more fun to connect, stream, and play!

DJing has never been as accessible as it is in 2021. Instead of saving up for a pair of turntables and a mixer, you can blend tracks on your laptop for free. There’s plenty of free software available that equips you with professional features, whether you’re planning on testing out a few tracks to mix before a big gig or need an app to use with your new DJ controller. Some software is even capable of connecting streaming services, isolating stems in a track and video mixing.

With over 100 million downloads, VirtualDJ is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced DJs alike. The free software boasts state-of-the-art track separation, streaming platform integration, customisation and all the essentials mixing tools. You’ll have access to a bank of effects, a sampler and a library management system that offers quick searching, smart folders, playlists and more.

The real hook for Virtual DJ is the real-time stem separation technology and ModernEQ. You’re able to isolate the vocals, drums, and other instrumentation effortlessly to create on-the-fly mashups and unique transitions. Even if you prefer using a different DJ app, you need to try VirtualDJ’s stem separation and see how this technology can change the way you mix. The main downside, unfortunately, is that you’ll need to pay for a VirtualDJ License if you intend to connect a DJ controller.

Serato DJ Lite is the stripped-back version of the brand’s leading DJ software, used by some of the best DJs in the world. Even with a slightly limited spectrum of tools, there are plenty of features included to get stuck into whether you’ve just picked up a new controller or figuring out how to mix tracks using your mouse and keyboard. You can stream and mix music from SoundCloud, Tidal, Beatport and Beatsource, and can even livestream your mixes for the world to enjoy.

If you’re just using a mouse and keyboard to mix, you’ll be able to use Serato DJ Lite in Practice Mode. This will help you learn the fundamentals of mixing and allows you to have a bit of fun with your music. To access Performance Mode, and therefore the expanded feature set, you’ll need to purchase a DJ controller that comes with a Serato DJ Lite unlock. Once you’ve got the hardware, though, the software remains free for you to use at gigs and at home.

Mixxx comes with features you might expect to be restricted to paid software. The free software gives you four decks to mix with sync, looping, pitch and key controls, and quantisation to make loops and samples in time with other songs. You can also use up to 64 sampler decks to pepper sounds over your mixes. Plus, Mixxx’s effects chains allow you to link up to three effects such as reverb, phaser and bitcrusher for creative on-the-fly sound design.

You can connect a range of DJ controllers to Mixxx, and even use timecode vinyls and CDs without having to pay the price of high-end DJ software. The software can be customised, and you can record your mixes to your computer and broadcast them using the mic input for talking to your audience.

Although the BPM detection is mostly accurate, some users have reported issues with certain tracks, which may cause complications for beginners. There are also some simple features missing, such as moving a track from one deck to the other.

Mixvibes’ CrossDJ comes in three versions, but the free edition is surprisingly capable. It gives you two decks and three effects (echo, flanger and Chopper), two fully-featured video decks with 35 video transitions, camera integration and a titler, plus three video effects. You can record video output, though it will be watermarked in the free version

There are over 80 controllers mapped to Cross DJ, including models by Pioneer DJ, Numark, Denon DJ, and Native Instruments. You can also connect to SoundCloud for streaming tracks to the decks, and access smart playlists based on BPM, most played, recently played and more. A Match section lets you make a note of what tracks go well together, and shows a history of what tracks you’ve previously played together.

UltraMixer has a customisable layout that pushes the mixing section to the bottom of the screen rather than in the middle by default, and puts a browser underneath each of its two decks. The middle section can instead feature two AudioSamplers to trigger samples, show video samples, add notes and more. Both decks include the essential DJ tools, such as cue, hot cue, loop, play, pitch slider and more. You can create folders and playlists with the fiel management section below each deck, too, and import playlists from iTunes, Apple Music and M3U files.

Still, UltraMixer supports over 80 DJ controllers, making it a viable option for getting to grips with a new DJ controller before paying for more comprehensive software.

NV reimagines the hardware-software experience for the professional DJ. At the heart of NV"s sleek, compact chassis is a set of 4.3-inch full-color screens that provide 1:1, real-time feedback of Serato DJ; complete with spinning Virtual Decks, effects (FX), Cue points, waveforms and more. DJs can perform with the laptop closed or out of sight without sacrificing functionality and experience the best of the Serato DJ software experience within critically acclaimed Numark hardware.

Providing four decks of dynamic control, NV’s screens also provide library navigation and detailed waveforms respective to each deck. Need to load a new song on deck 4 while monitoring the waveforms on deck 1? Easy. NV gives you the info you need on command. Even better, eye travel from the laptop screen to the controller is eliminated for seamless operation.

Incorporating the groundbreaking touch-activated controls and performance pad modes introduced with NS7II, NV empowers progressive track manipulation on-the-fly. FX, EQ and filter knobs are capacitive – responding with a twist, a touch or both.

This groundbreaking layer of control unlocks uncharted performance options for creative use of sonic shaping tools. EQs can be set to carve out a sound or drop/boost it altogether at the tap of the knob. Devastating filter-effect combinations let you sweep with percussive flair. FX controls take on new life with the ability to turn on or off in an instant if desired.

All-new 5-inch touch-activated platters provide outstanding response and tactile control over tracks. Scrub, scratch and jog with Numark’s adaptive platter technology that optimizes itself based on the user and host environment for reliable, predictable results no matter the venue or user.

16 velocity-sensitive pads provide intuitive control over 10 pad modes for finger drumming, sample slicing, effortless looping, hot cues and more. Each pad is backlit with RGB illumination, providing color-coded feedback within each mode for simple operation in dark environments. Each pad responds to user-dynamics for a musical sample triggering experience and absolute confidence while setting loop points and hot cues when there is no room for error.

NV puts an incredible amount of control into an intelligent layout. Manage complex set components or keep multiple tracks at-the-ready with 4 decks of in-depth track control. A remixer’s dream, NV lets you see and hear what your layers are doing without ever taking your eyes off of the elements that matter most.

Another first, NV comes with Toolroom Records artist Remix Packs. Featuring professional-grade audio stems from the world’s premier electronic music label, users get exclusive access to the bleeding edge textures and grooves that provide the pulse of the industry. Remix an entire track live or use slices to build performances from the ground up. Only Numark provides this all-access pass for DJs, infusing the world-class NV with expertly-curated content to use within the standard for digital DJ software.

Pro meets portable. No other controller offers a dose of capability this concentrated. Under 2 inches tall, NV’s build and layout inspires confidence onstage or in transit without the bulk. Booth/Master RCA outputs as well as balanced XLR outs get your signature audio to any sound reinforcement system. A mic input and two headphone outputs make NV the central hub for the entire performance. A simple USB connection to your Mac or PC is all it takes to DJ with this potent 1-2 punch from Numark and Serato.

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It’s never been as easy and accessible for beginners to get into DJing as it is in 2022. Assuming you already own some form of computer, all you really need is a controller and you’re away - and that"s where the best beginner DJ controllers come in.

There are multiple approaches to DJing in 2022, depending on the gear you choose. However, for beginners the laptop and controller option is the most affordable and easiest way to get started. There are many well-equipped DJ software apps that can be sampled for free or cheap and the learning curve has been reduced, thanks to easy-to-use tools such as auto-sync and smart track recommendations, all of which can help even complete novices mix convincingly.

While it’s perfectly possible to master basic DJ mixing with nothing more than a laptop or mobile device, in many cases, DJ controllers offer additional benefits, such as access to extra features of the software or a built-in audio interface allowing you to hook your whole set-up to a speaker system like you would with a traditional mixer.

There are a lot of good quality controllers available in the $/£100-250 price range, and you can’t go far wrong with anything from one of the big names like Pioneer DJ, Native Instruments or Numark.

Right now, Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox is our favourite piece of pro DJ software, and for our money the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 is the best budget entry point into that realm. It’s accessible enough for beginner use but has enough features that there’s scope to go beyond the basics as you improve. The controller maintains the feel of Pioneer’s popular high-end DJ gear, and means the leap up to a more advanced DJ set-up in the future shouldn’t feel too daunting.

That said, if you want something that includes an audio interface, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a feature packed, sub-$/£250 controller that punches well above its price point and should do you years of service for small party, bar or home DJ sets.Today"s best beginner DJ controller deals

Pioneer’s CDJs are effectively the industry standard, at least for club DJs, and their vast range of mid and pro-level DJ controllers are consistently up with the best on the market. Their DDJ-400 offers a stripped-back take on these higher-end devices with jog wheels, a simple mixer and performance pads that look and feel the part without overloading beginner DJs with complexity.

Unlike the DDJ-200 (below), the 400 is designed to work with Pioneer"s flagship software application, rekordbox – which has become increasingly sophisticated over the past few years, to the point that it’s now our favourite piece of DJ software. That brings with it access to proper pro-level performance features such as rhythmic effects and sample triggering.

That’s not to say the DDJ-400 isn’t accessible for beginners though, as users can make use of in-app rekordbox tutorials to get up to speed with what-does-what.

The DDJ-400 also includes a proper USB audio interface complete with separate headphone output and mic input. It can be used with a laptop or iOS device – with algoriddim Djay – so is handy for on-the-go DJing too.

Now in its third generation, NI’s entry-level Traktor controller is one of the most stylish-looking devices you’ll find at this end of the market. It’s sturdily built too, and certainly feels more ‘pro’ than its price point suggests.

The S2 is a controller specifically intended for Native Instruments’ own Traktor ecosystem. It’s designed to work with both the cross-platform, beginner-friendly Traktor DJ app, and the more fully-featured Traktor Pro 3 – and the fact that it ships with a full license for the latter of these is a major selling point.

On the whole, scratch DJs and turntablists are fairly poorly served by entry-level DJ gear, which often features cheap crossfaders and small, unresponsive jogwheels. This affordable entry into Pioneer’s new DDJ Rev range aims to address that.

The REV-1 works with the free Serato DJ Lite. Its mixer section is based on the design of Pioneer’s higher-end DJM-S, flanked by jog wheels based around the brand’s PLX turntables. The Rev 1 is positioned in a ‘battle’ layout – meaning the tempo sliders are positioned above, rather than alongside the jogwheels, which is a set-up generally favoured for scratching and rarely seen on beginner gear.

A smaller sibling to the DDJ-400, the DDJ-200 can be used with Algoriddim Djay, edjing Mix or Pioneer’s own rekordbox and WeDJ applications. The latter of these is an iOS/Android app with some great tutorial features aimed at getting newbies up to speed with the basics of DJing.

The ability to step up to the more pro-featured rekordbox software offers a nice route into advanced mixing too. That said, although DDJ-200 users can still unlock some of rekordbox’s advanced performance features, there’s less in the way of hardware control when it comes to things like looping, sampling or effects.

The DDJ-200 is Bluetooth-equipped to connect to mobile devices or laptops wirelessly, and its power demands are low enough for it to happily run off a portable USB charger. The WeDJ app allows users to mix with tracks from SoundCloud Go+ or Beatport LINK too – although separate subscriptions to these services are required.

Numark’s Mixtrack range is one of the more longstanding names in entry-level DJing and has always brought a great balance of features for a low price. Its latest addition, the Platinum FX, might be the best value yet when it comes to bang-for-your-buck.

The Platinum FX is the top end Mixtrack controller, meaning it boasts pro features such as 4-deck mixing, sizeable jog wheels with hi-res displays and a mic input. The FX part of the name signifies the inclusion of a range of cool performance/remix tools such as Hot Cues, Auto Loop, Sampling and Fader Cuts. There’s also a pair of neat paddle switches designed for quickly accessing Serato’s built-in effects. It all adds up to a lot of potential fun, making seemingly advanced DJ tricks easy to achieve.

In terms of balancing size and features, Numark’s updated DJ2GO is one of the most jam-packed DJ controllers on the market. Its slim form factor could, just about, legitimately be called pocket-sized, but the device still finds space for two jog wheels, a crossfader, built-in interface and four performance pads for each deck.

Numark claims the DJ2GO2’s touch-capacitive jog wheels are capable of handling scratching duties, which is technically true, although their compact size means they’re too fiddly for moves with any real finesse. Still, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.

Roland is a relative newcomer to the DJ gear realm, but its range of controllers has a great USP – packing emulations of the brand’s iconic 808, 909 and 707 drum machines into the controller itself.

There are fewer controls here than on the higher-end DJ-505 and DJ-808 controllers, meaning that sequencing those drum sounds is a little more fiddly. That said, the well-sized performance pads are still more than enough to allow users to jam-out drum patterns on the fly, mid-mix.

Hercules’ Inpulse range is aimed squarely at beginner DJs. Not only are they affordable and easy-to-use, but they’re specifically set up to teach you how to mix.

The controllers come supplied with Hercules’ own DJUCED software, which makes use of integrated video tutorials and a light guide on the controller itself to demonstrate what-does-what. These tools are coupled with visual ‘beat align’ guides to help visualise the sync of your two decks, along with an ‘Intelligent Music Assistant’ tool, which will automatically suggest the next track to keep your mix going.

The 300 is the highlight of the range, largely because – as of a recent update – it offers integration with Serato DJ. As a result, there’s an obvious route of progression for beginner DJs, who might want to transition to Serato’s pro-level software as they get to grips with the basics of mixing.

Somewhat gimmicky and toy-ish, but pleasingly affordable and fun nonetheless, the USP of Numark’s Party Mix lies in the trio of LEDs along its front edge. These provide what Numark calls a ‘built-in light show’. This is perhaps overselling it a bit – really it’s three coloured lights flashing in sync with the tempo of your tracks; a neat little effect but with little variation and not enough presence to make a difference in any setting larger than a small house party.

As well as the standard Party Mix model, Numark also offers a Party Mix Live device that adds built-in speakers to the mix. You can turn the lights off when desired too.Today"s best DJ controllers for beginners deals

Modern DJ controller designs can vary wildly and, for the uninitiated, a lot of the individual features can sound like confusing jargon. Let’s break down the most common specs to look out for.What are jog wheels?These are the circular platters seen on CDJs as well as many DJ controllers. Jog wheels replicate the look and function of traditional vinyl turntables, allowing DJs to scroll through records, scratch and ‘nudge’ the timing of a track back or forwards slightly.

They’re not essential if you’re happy to rely on the automatic beat-matching capabilities of your chosen DJ software though, which is certainly a viable option given the power of modern applications.What are faders/crossfaders?The main elements of any DJ setup are players – the part that actually plays music, often controlled by jog wheels – and a mixer, used to blend several tracks together. Faders are the main control for a mixer, usually split into vertical channel faders – which adjust the volume of an individual track – and the horizontal crossfader, used to blend between two channels. Most DJ controllers have faders in some form, although smaller devices may opt for a simple volume knob instead.Can you tell me more about the audio interface?Some DJ controllers double up as an audio interface, ie. an external sound card. These devices will come complete with some kind of audio output that can be connected to speakers or a PA system. This is generally a much better option than using your laptop’s onboard audio, especially if you’re playing at a party, event or in a club/bar.

In most cases audio interfaces will also include a headphone output, letting users monitor tracks – ie. preview a song without it being heard through the main output. This latter element is an important tool, even for beginner DJs, so unless you’re already using a separate audio interface, looking for a controller with these capabilities built-in is a good idea.

Controllers with inbuilt interfaces may offer additional inputs and outputs too, such as a secondary ‘booth’ output, or an input for a vocal microphone or external sound source (such as a turntable, MP3 player or synth/drum machine).What about DJ controller software?As the name suggests, a DJ controller is designed to control something, specifically a piece of software running on a computer or mobile device. As such, none of the devices here can be used standalone, and the brand of DJ software you’re drawn to is likely to be a major factor in your choice of controller.

Some controllers are designed to work with multiple applications, while others are limited to use with one specific piece of software. What’s more, some controllers come bundled with a license or free download of one app or another.

For help deciding which is right for you, check out our handy guide to the best DJ software applications.What are common features in DJ controllers?Along with volume faders, most mixer controllers will offer some kind of EQ control, and often filters too.

Once you’ve got to grips with blending one track into another using the faders, these will probably be the next tools you’ll want to hand in order to try blending different frequency elements from separate tracks – eg. the bassline from one song under a vocal from another.

The majority of modern controllers also include some form of ‘performance pads’ for each deck. These can fulfill a variety of roles, from jumping to different ‘cue points’ within a track to triggering loops, samples and effects. While pads aren’t essential for mixing tracks by any means, they’re a fun and creative tool to have in your arsenal for future experimentation.

Why you can trust MusicRadarOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.The best DJ controllers for any budget: Serato, Traktor, rekordbox, more

The NV II with its sleek design, seasoned with red and white colors, really grabs your attention. But it’s so much more—it improves on the superior performance of the original NV! Suited and tailored with an eye-catching symmetrical design, the NV II features an upgraded layout with clear markings for fast, responsive operation. Its striking platter design with hints of red make the NV II one hot controller!

What’s under the hood? Aside from cool look and those great 4.3-inch full-color screens, the NV II adds gridlines on the screens so you can seamlessly beat match your tracks. In addition the NV II adds a 5-column sort to view your music 3 columns at time by song, artist, time, bpm and key. We didn’t just improve an already great DJ controller—we created the NV II to reiNVigorate your DJ skills!

You can feel the music through the adaptive 5-inch touch-activated platters. The NV II comes equipped with touch-capacitive EQ and filters to dynamically carve out the groove with drop/boost, available at your fingertips. The highly-advanced touch-adaptive jog wheels adjust to your style and feel while manipulating your mix on the fly. Whether you scratch in your favorite cuts or nubb in perfect transitions blends, the platters are an extension of your personality and style.

What’s the big deal about the touch capacitive EQ, FX and filter knobs? You have free range to carve out a custom sonic mix by just tapping the EQ/FX knob and adding a simple twist. Think of it as your stylus on a touch screen, where you can control every curve of your musical art, creating the perfect mix. With the touch-capacitive knobs you can literally feel your mix.

Create your own remix during your performance with our 16 velocity-sensitive pads. These are great for finger drumming, looping sample slicing, hot cues and more. Bright RGB backlit pads with color-coded feedback for each mode make switching in and out a liquid operation. While tapping your feet to the beat, the velocity response has an amazing feel for setting loops or set your cue points for awesome drops.

With four decks, you have unlimited opportunity to create the remix you always imagined, while monitoring your performance on the built in screens. Aside from switching views on the screens, you have control to switch from decks 1-4 with one fast click on each deck. Depending on whether you mix a capella with instrumentals with four decks or create party/club mashups to pepper into your set, you can do it all on the fly at your gig or in recording studio.

DJs who want to get into producing (or producers who want to DJ) will appreciate the Toolroom Remix package of professional-grade stems, from the world’s premier electronic music label. Create endless bangers with exclusive access to textures and grooves that empower you to create live remixes or great set build ups and drops. Infuse high-quality sounds into your set on the fly or in studio mode. It’s a great value, making the NV II fully equipped with all the tools you need to conquer new opportunities.

Gig a lot and need a versatile board? The NV II fits in any environment and comes road-ready with XLR outs to deliver the best in sound. You also have Booth/Master RCA outputs to monitor your performance with N-Wave 580L speakers, along with a ¼ “ microphone output. While cueing up your music, you have the flexibility of using the ¼” input or the 1/8” input for your headphones. Play all of your music connected via USB with the latest Serato DJ software

Spinning platter controllers and players made an unexpected comeback in the last few years. While the Numark NS7 had enjoyed three different iterations, it was always a niche product and was never widely adopted. Fast forward several years and we saw a spinning platter renaissance thanks to the introduction of the Rane Twelve, the Denon SC5000M, and later, theTraktor S4 MK3, the SC6000M, and the Rane ONE.

With all these offerings available, the prevailing question remained: when will Pioneer DJ come out with a controller with spinning platters? For years, the answer seemed to be “never.”

Over the years, the rumor mill would swirl about the potential for a spinning platter controller from Pioneer DJ. It might be a leaked schematic or someone’s concept art for a hybrid player. Perhaps some leaked custom accessories from a 3rd party manufacturer like 12inchSkinz. I have even seen people post pictures from our very own speculative article as “leaks.”

Well, here we are in 2022, and Pioneer DJ finally did the unthinkable. Today, they revealed the DDJ-REV7: a premium, all-in-one, Serato-based controller with spinning platters.

Of course, the first thing we should talk about is the platters. These direct-drive platters are quite the revelation – unlike anything we have seen before. Pioneer DJ has crafted something unique by eschewing the traditional locking spindle mechanism on players like the Rane Twelve or Denon 6000Ms.

At first glance, the closest comparison would be the old Technics SL-DZ1200 CDJs. While they look similar to the screen located at the center, closer inspection shows that Pioneer DJ has created something far superior.

The top plate consists of a single piece, which is very different from the problematic ring design of the Technics SLDZ. A transparent middle displays a screen underneath displaying waveforms, BPM, loop length, track key and more.

The platters can run at 33 or 45 speed and are also reversible. In addition, you get a set of Pitch Bend buttons that are becoming a standard feature for spinning platter controllers and players.

The screen at the center is similar to the screen you would find on the DDJ-1000. The default setup includes a waveform view with smooth, scrolling, vertical waveforms in the middle and waveforms of the entire track on the outside. You also get the waveform for the opposite deck on the screen. Pioneer DJ has even added a variation of the CDJ Phase Meter display in this view.

In addition, BPM, Auto-Loop values, pitch percentage, and key are displayed prominently. You can also zoom in and out the platter waveforms using the Shift and the Pitch Bend buttons.

The Virtual Deck mode is reminiscent of the DDJ-1000SRT platter screens. This screen now includes a new countdown feature that displays the number of beats until the next hot cue. In this view, you also get the number of semitones shifted from the original key.

The last two views include a Track Art view and a DJ Logo view. The track art view displays any album art you have in your collection, and a DJ Logo view shows your DJ logo.

I love these platters. I love them a whole lot. They feel responsive, maintain great accuracy, and are a joy to use. The design is brilliant, and I’ve been waiting for a spinning platter with an embedded screen forever. These might be my favorite spinning platters to play on outside of turntables – and I’ve used most of the modern options.

Massive kudos to Pioneer DJ for flexing their R&D and heavily innovating in this space. It’s great to see them taking a chance on a different design than the tried-and-true.

The biggest issue I found with the DDJ-REV7 platters is that the pickup of on release doesn’t feel as instantaneous as the platters on the Rane ONE or the Twelves. This requires a little more “throw” when releasing the platter and there is a slight audio warble on release that is only really audible on certain samples at slow pitches.

I can also hear a subtle distortion with the Instant Scratch sounds. Platter motions on the audio give it a slight rattling sound, which is slightly disconcerting. Most people won’t notice it without listening carefully, but it’s there. When I first heard it, I thought it was a physical rattling sound on the hardware. This issue is only with the Instant Scratch sounds and doesn’t occur in Serato.

The last issue with the Instant Scratch is that the sounds don’t start right at the 12:00 position. It’s not the end of the world, but it is a little annoying. Hopefully, a firmware update will fix this issue.These issues don’t happen in Serato – just Instant Scratch.

The DDJ-REV7 has one of the most comprehensive controls I’ve ever seen on a DJ controller. I didn’t find myself missing too many controls or wishing for some features with a few minor exceptions. Pioneer DJ even included some controls I didn’t even know I needed.

The pads are the same physical pads you would find on the DJM-S11 or DJM-S7. They seem slightly smaller than the S11, but feel the same. Like the mixers, each side has a set of four hard plastic buttons to page through different banks. There are only two sets of banks per section (instead of three plus a user mode).

It’s worth noting that the Gated Cue, Cue Loop, and the standard Slicer mode are missing. The DDJ-REV7 also doesn’t have the Split Pad functionality or custom user sections. I expect the missing Cue Loop feature to be the biggest complaint from the DJM S-series fans.

The standard Parameter buttons also allow you to adjust parameters for the different pad modes. You also get a dedicated Silent Cue button per side – which is a wecome addition.

The upfaders are the same faders found on the DJM-S11. So while not as nice as the Magvel, they are decent enough quality and should last a good while – and feel superior to the cheaper quality ones found even on the DJM-S7.

All the customization options for the Magvel Pro are there. You can adjust the fader curves, adjust the tension of the crossfader and reverse all three faders. In addition, like the DJM mixers, you can adjust the cut lag using the utility app on a connected laptop.

Anyone who has used a DJM-S9, S11, or S7 will know exactly how these effects work. The interface and layout are most similar to the DJM-S7 and contain the fantastic workflow that Pioneer DJ has refined that made their battle mixers favorites among DJs worldwide.

Like the DJM mixers, the DDJ-REV7 contains a suite of fully hardware effects. There are two sets of three buttons on each side; each is assigned to a different effect. You can switch between hardware and software effects, and two custom banks allow you to set different combinations of effects – both software and hardware. The small screen gives all the relevant effect information at a glance, and you can adjust the effect timing using the buttons and tap in BPM from audio sources. The now-standard effect paddles – found on everything from Numark Mixtracks to the top-end DJM-S11 – are where you would expect them and function the same as other controllers and mixers.

Like their mixers, Pioneer DJ has included 22 different effects that you can place to the two custom effect banks via the laptop utility program. Like the S7 and S11, this allows you to mix and match software and hardware effects as you see fit. You can also choose between several functions for the Filter knob.

Like the DJM-S11, the DDJ-REV7 also has the popular Smooth Echo feature. In addition, the control also allows you to apply effects to the Sampler with a Shift-press.

Aside from the striking platters, each side contains several additional controls. The pitch faders are set up battle-style at the top of the deck, with the track load controls immediately to the right of the faders. Below the pitch faders are a dedicated Tempo Range button, a pitch reset button (sets the pitch to zero), a dedicated Key Lock button, and the Sync button. Below that is your familiar Auto-Loop controls, a Slip button, a Censor button (with a shift-function to reverse the platter), and dedicated key shifting buttons to control Pitch n Time. The last also doubles as Key Lock and Key Reset controls with the Shift button.

Using these same controls, you can also access the groundbreaking Instant Scratch feature – introduced on the DJM-REV7. Pressing the Instant Scratch button allows quick access to many preset scratch samples. Three sets of short scratch effects and a short beat loop are available. With this feature, you can have a quick scratch session without a laptop connected.

Long-press the Back button in the Track Load section, and you get access to a multitude of customizable options displayed on the platter screen. True to the Pioneer DJ experience, you can customize various options. For example, using the big scroll wheel knob, you can adjust the Smooth Echo settings, customize your mic settings (including mic echo and mic routing), change the platter torque, adjust output attenuation, and set stereo/mono outputs. Although the implementation leaves a bit to be desired, Pioneer DJ finally added a proper Split Cue function in the Utility Mode menu (more on this below).

While nowhere near as robust as the DJM-S11 customization, it is nonetheless staggering how much you can tweak on the DDJ-REV7 to function to your preferences. Want to highpass your mic, remove the mic routing to the Booth out, and set the main output to mono? No problem. Want to lower the screen brightness, raise the LED brightness, and set the Slip button to blink (instead of stay solid)? Easily done.

One thing about Pioneer DJ is that their gear continues to feel incredibly consistent. You get the same buttons, pads, and housing across their product lines. The DDJ-REV7 is no different and maintains the same build quality of all their products.

Unfortunately, although proven in the field, it also means some aspects irk me. I’m still not completely sold on the plastic casing – and years of seeing chipped and scratched Pioneer DJ gear is still a concern. That said, the finish on the DDJ-REV7 does feel different from that of the DJM-S11. Perhaps it’s more scratch-resistant than past gear.

If you’ve used any Pioneer DJ gear before, the buttons and knobs should feel familiar. The metal-stemmed knobs and plastic, clicky buttons are the same across their entire line of offerings and offer what you would expect. The knobs have a satisfying resistance to them, and the clicky buttons, while never my favorite, do what they need to do.

The DDJ-REV7 is not a small controller, but it’s definitely manageable. At 28.8″ x 15″ x 3.2″, it is only slightly larger than the DDJ-1000. The weight is likewise manageable at 23.6 lbs, which is just a hair heavier than the Rane ONE.

I have long had issues with the “Pioneer Sound” – I make no bones about it. While Pioneer DJ has made fantastic strides in improving the sound quality for their dedicated mixers, the controllers could still use improvement. With the DDJ-REV7, I can say without a doubt that this is the best-sounding Pioneer DJ controller I’ve ever heard. The sound signature seems a lot closer to the DJM-S11/DJM-900NXS2/DJM-S7 sound profile than any of their controllers. It’s just a massive improvement over controllers like the DDJ-1000 or DDJ-SX.

I have directly compared the DDJ-REV7 with the Rane ONE and while slightly different in profile, it absolutely measures up. But, of course, sound quality is an entirely subjective thing, so you can decide for yourself what you like the most.

The DDJ-REV7 also includes phono inputs that allow you to connect turntables. I find the phono preamps decent enough sounding although I still prefer the Rane phono preamps more. You can hear a more pronounced difference for vinyl.Please pardon my face – I work from home now, I haven’t had to brush my hair in 2 years…

The DDJ-REV7 contains a class compliant, 10in-10out sound card. One thing I like about the REV7, is that you can re-route some of the audio paths using the Utility.. While you can easily route different outputs on programs like Ableton Live, some programs like OBS only allow access to channels 1/2. With the utility program, you can route specific outputs to channels 1/2 or 3/4, allowing greater flexibility when using the REV7 with other programs.

There are no big surprises with the inputs and outputs on the DDJ-REV7. It’s standard Pioneer fare for premium controllers; main outputs use XLR and RCA ports and share a volume knob. You also get 1/4″ TRS ports and an independent volume for the Booth output. There are set RCA inputs for each side that are switchable from line to phono and an extra set of auxiliary RCA inputs. Two mic inputs round off the inputs – one with an XLR/1/4″ combo jack and the other with a straight 1/4″ jack. Both mic inputs sport a small attenuation knob as well.

The DDJ-REV7 supports a pair of mic inputs, allowing two microphones simultaneously. Using the controls on the front panel, you can adjust the volumes, adjust a 2-band EQ, and control the mic echo effect. You use a three-way switch to flip between turning the mic on and off. The third option turns on the talk-over effect.

The headphone cue sticks with the traditional cue fader control scheme, including a cue/mix knob. As mentioned above, Pioneer DJ finally added the Split Cue option in the Utility Mode menu. The Master signal sends to the right headphone, and the cue sends to the left. Using cue/mix knob, you can set how much of the cue or master you can hear. The DDJ-REV7 also supports both 1/4″ and 1/8″ headphone jacks.

The front pane of the DDJ-REV7 has fader customization and mic controls. In addition, the auxiliary input controls reside here. You get a volume knob and a three-way switch allowing you to turn on/off the Aux-in, as well as engage a volume boost (labeled Portable) if your connected device is particularly quiet.

This should go without saying. I’ve already gushed about how much I love the platters. Pioneer DJ modernized the spinning platters and took them into the 21st century. The implementation could have easily been problematic, but they nailed the execution. The platters feel great not just for scratching, but also for mixing.

The DDJ-REV7 includes a full-on DJM style battle mixer. While not quite as robust as the DJM-S7 in terms of features, most of the must-haves are there. While the Pads are a little more limited in scope, the effects compete with recent DJM battle mixers in workflow and feel. This is especially the case when it comes to spinning platters, as having the pads on the mixer is superior to having them below the platters. Unlike static platters, you often want to keep a hand on the platter when cueing. Having the pads on the mixer section is much more natural and allows you to get your hand back on the crossfader a lot quicker.

As mentioned before, this fader is magnificent and feels just like it does on and of their DJM scratch mixers. The DDJ-REV7 utilizes full hardware routing of the signal path, so the response time is immediate and incredibly tight. It’s easily the single best crossfader I have ever experienced on a DJ controller.

I love, love, love this feature, and this should be standard in all spinning platters moving forward. One of my biggest complaints about the Twelves and the ONE (and the NS7 before it) is that it requires a laptop connected to use. Sometimes I want to have a quick cut. I don’t want to bother connecting my laptop and waiting for Serato to load. The only setups where I can quickly get down to scratch practice are regular turntables – where I can slap on a piece of vinyl – or the Denon 5000/6000Ms where I can load up a scratch track from my USB. Now, I can do it on the DDJ-REV7.

Pioneer DJ has nailed the workflow for their effects on their battle mixers, and it’s the same on the DDJ-REV7. The workflow is second-to-none – fast, easy, immediate, and completely clear. Having this level of familiarity and depth – and actual hardware effects at that – on a DJ controller is incredible. Of course, the Smooth Echo feature is just icing on the cake.

Outside of a few minor features, Pioneer DJ has thought of almost everything. As a result, their controllers have always had some of the most comprehensive control schemes out there. In particular, the Instant Scratch buttons give the DDJ-REV7 a level of control not found on any controller I can think of.

One of my favorite things about Pioneer DJ’s MIDI mapping implementation is that they utilize page functions and shift-commands as separate CCs rather than modifiers. The practical upshot of this is that you can remap any control on any pages or groups and only affect that specific group or shift-function. Other companies do not offer this functionality, and remapping, say a Hot Cue pad ends up over-writing every other page on the controls. For instance, I never use Loop Slicer, so I can safely remap all the Loop Slicer pads to control Serato Video and not have to worry about any of the other pages for the pads.

The DDJ-REV7 could just be the beginning. With this new platter design being a Pioneer DJ original design, who knows what other amazing toys we’ll see in the future? Spinning Platter CDJ3000s; XDJ-XZs with spinning platters; full-sized 12″ controllers – the floodgates could open up. It seemed that Pioneer DJ had no interest in tackling the spinning platter market outside their PLX turntables for the longest time. Finally, the paradigm has shifted entirely, and we have a new contender in the market.

I am beyond thrilled that Pioneer DJ finally added a split cue feature in one of their scratch-oriented devices. Unfortunately, the execution misses some of the mark as it requires using the Utility Mode menu to turn it on and off. As someone who uses Split Cue a great deal, being able to quickly turn on and off the split cue to hear the full master output in your headphones is critical. With the current implementation, I either need to constantly menu dive every time I want to monitor the main mix in my headphones or just never hear the proper master output in my headphones – which isn’t ideal.

As great as the MIDI mapping setup is, the lack of custom user groups is a big miss. I have a host of controls I usually map to the pads to control some deeper Serato controls. I found myself wishing I had access to even a handful of custom user groups, even with some remapping of some unused pages and Instant Scratch pages.

My biggest concern about the platter mechanism is the plastic construction of the inner ring used to control the transport signals. The small plastic tooth especially seems a lot more fragile than it probably should be. I don’t know how reliant the system is on that piece, but an accidental drop or a poor attempt to re-attach the platter with the wrong amount of force might cause some issues. I hope I’m wrong, but I would feel a lot better if that mechanism was metal.

The Auto-Loop button is immediately above the Instant Scratch button. More than a few times I found myself accidentally hitting the Instant Scratch button instead of the Auto-Loop button. Hitting the Instant Scratch button automatically cuts whatever is playing on that deck and loads up the scratch sample. Since many DJs tend to use Auto-Loop on a playing track, this could cause some serious issues at a performance. Perhaps a “lock Instant Scratch when track is playing” option could be added in the firmware?

I struggled a great deal with the track load controls on the right deck. Coming from scratch mixers like the DJM S-series or the Rane Seventy-Two and Seventy, I’m used to having the track loading controls in a symmetrical positioning. With the DDJ-REV7, my muscle memory constantly moved to controls that didn’t exist. I’m sure in time I might get used to it

This is a bit of a nitpick, but having the Sampler effect control require Shift+Smooth Echo isn’t ideal. I’ve heard plenty of complaints about it from DJM-S11 users, and it’s a shame we didn’t get a dedicated button for that function.

This is easily the most expensive 2-channel controller on the market that isn’t a standalone controller. Don’t get me wrong, I think the DDJ-REV7 is easily one of the most advanced controllers on the market – and spinning platters don’t come cheap – but $1899 USD is a lot to spend, especially on a controller that still requires a laptop.

I understand the need to balance the size and weight of the unit with practicality, but I will always prefer a unit with an IEC power cable to something that requires a power brick. At any given gig, I have several IEC cables. If I show up to a gig without this power brick, I’m screwed. If I use the controller both at home and at gigs, I have to unplug the power every single time (and my power bar is hidden away and a pain to get to) or buy a second power brick.

Granted, the Magvel Pro requires very little maintenance, but it still happens occasionally. With the design of the DDJ-REV7, you need to remove the entire bottom plate and possibly uninstall some circuit boards to access the faders. I would have preferred a removable plate like on the DJM mixers to maintain the faders.

In 2020, Pioneer DJ dropped the DJM-S11 and shook up the hip-hop/open format/turntablism world. This innovative mixer redefined what people expected from a two channel battle mixer. Now, in 2022, Pioneer DJ seems poised to do it all over again with the DDJ-REV7.

Obviously, the Rane ONE is the main alternative to the DDJ-REV7. However, at $1899, the DDJ-REV7 is a good $300 more expensive. I also have no doubt you’ll be seeing several ONE’s on the used market in the coming weeks for even less.

So, is the DDJ-REV7 worth the extra money? The answer depends on your needs and wants. The answer is a resounding yes for DJs who want an uncompromising experience and who need the best performance available with all the latest bells and whistles. You will not find anything else coming close to the feel or functionality of the DDJ-REV7 outside of a set of Rane Twelve MK2s and a high-end scratch mixer like the Seventy-Two or DJM-S11.

That said, if you aren’t a prolific or high-level scratch DJ and don’t need an experience as close to a high-end modular turntable/Twelves setup as possible, the ONE is still a very good controller and a lot of fun to use for a decent amount cheaper.

Other than the hardware effects and the platter screens, I find the most significant advantag