Beginner controllers are created so that you can ease yourself into the world of hardware and software rather than jumping in at the deep end.<\/p>\n
Plus, when you\u2019re a beginner, you don\u2019t need to think about sample pads and 4-channel mixes, you need to gain proficiency with the basics and build on that foundation.<\/p>\n
The best entry level controllers are under $500, and if treated correctly this purchase should last you a long time until you are ready to upgrade your controller.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also important to understand that each controller model will train you with different features and the style you have created.<\/p>\n
For example, if you want to learn how to scratch there will be a controller<\/a> specifically for that, if you want to get used to the professional equipment then there’s equipment focused on building that familiarity.<\/p>\n Read on if you want to learn about the best DJ controllers<\/a> under $500, and the features and advantages of each controller model, as well as the best value.<\/p>\n OUR TOP PICK<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Pioneer DJ DDJ-400<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n EDITORS CHOICE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3-N<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n BEST VALUE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Hercules DJcontrol Impulse 500 Gold LE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n OUR TOP PICK<\/strong><\/p>\n The main focus when creating the DDJ-400 was to create a controller model that was similar to the notorious CDJ.<\/p>\n Pioneer’s CDJ is the universal gold standard for venues and professional DJ\u2019s and if your goal is to start playing venues and use the same equipment as industry professionals then the DDJ-400 is for you.<\/p>\n The main thing to pay attention to with this controller is its layout. The jog and spin wheel is purposely made to emulate the feel of the CDJ\u2019s wheel. It has indentations on the jog wheel so that accurate beat matching can be achieved.<\/p>\n The loop functions on the top of the controller operate the same as the CDJ, most controllers will have a different layout for their loop function. Similarly, the effects on the right of the equalizer are laid out with a knob and button operation much like the CDJ. <\/p>\n To retain familiarity with the beginner DJ, the DDJ-400 keeps the regular pads on the bottom of the controller that most Pioneer DJ controllers have.<\/p>\n This enables the beginner to comfortably make the step up from using the pad FX and pad looping function to the CDJ\u2019s FX and loop operation.<\/p>\n The BPM slider on the DDJ-400 can lack accuracy as sit is much shorter than a real CDJ, this creates issues for accurate BPM matching as well as getting used to the manual BPM matching that a CDJ requires.<\/p>\n The DDJ-400 is also recognized as one of the more durable controllers within this price range, made so you can practice on this controller for enough time to comfortably switch to the CDJ when you become proficient and comfortable with the DDJ-400.<\/p>\n Importantly, as Pioneer has a partnership with Rekordbox, you will get a free subscription to the full version of Rekordbox software when you buy this controller.<\/p>\n This is super helpful as Rekordbox is the industry gold standard for software, and is what they use in clubs, so it helps to get used to this software as well as save a lot of money with this lifetime subscription.<\/p>\n If you want to focus on becoming a more professional DJ that is proficient with the gold standard of hardware, then the DDJ-400 is the best purchase for you.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n EDITORS CHOICE<\/p>\n The Pioneer DDJ-SB3-N is an improved version of the DDJ-SB2. The main thing to recognize with the SB3 is that they lean towards the DJ who wants more features from their controller.<\/p>\n With input from DJ Jazzy Jeff, the SB3 is designed to train the scratch DJ with an engineered pad scratch feature which imitates eight different scratch techniques recorded by DJ Jazzy Jeff. The pad scratch function enables you to match the scratch speed to the track’s BPM automatically, this is perfect for the entry level scratch DJ.<\/p>\n Beyond the SB3\u2019s desirable scratch engineering, it also boasts the option of a 4 channel mixer. These 4 channels are activated by pressing a button labelled either 3 or 4.<\/p>\n This enables you to alternately control 4 channels with two wheels. In most 4 channel controllers you have consecutive and independent control of each channel, but this is a fun and unique feature on the SB3 if 4 channel mixing is something you want to practice.<\/p>\n In comparison to the DDJ-400 the SB3 has three FX options which are similarly controlled with a knob. This differs from other controllers which have more FX options which are dependent on software.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the SB3 only comes with a \u2018lite\u2019 version of Serato. Serato DJ is one software alternative to Rekordbox<\/a>, while not used widely by the professionals, Serato has its own features and layout that may suit your preference.<\/p>\n Yet, if you are only a beginner DJ, you may not require the full version of a software, so lite may actually fit your needs.<\/p>\n If you want the full version of Serato you will have to additionally purchase this subscription in addition to this controller. The sample function on the pads are only usable if you have a Serato Pro subscription.<\/p>\n If features and scratching aids are something you want in your controller, then the SB3-N is a great choice.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST VALUE<\/strong><\/p>\n Hercules certainly isn’t a name brand when it comes to DJ controllers, but the DJcontrol Impulse offers some interesting features if you\u2019re interested in value for money rather than trusting a name brand.<\/p>\n For starters, Hercules DJcontrol comes with a full subscription to SeratoDJ Pro.<\/p>\n This means two things, firstly you’re saving the subscription fee to Serato, but it also means that even though you are using a non-standard controller you are still getting to use standardized softwares.<\/p>\n While this controller doesn\u2019t necessarily control Serato\u2019s features as well as Pioneer\u2019s could, it certainly has other desirable functions.<\/p>\n For one, the controller has an in-built stand to raise the controller higher off the ground which is a genius solution to a common controller problem – there is even a cool light underneath that glows and makes your controller stand out from the rest.<\/p>\n Most of the in-built features such as the FX and performance pad are pretty similar to the Pioneer. One main difference is the operation of the loop function which utilizes a knob and turning system as opposed to the standard button system.<\/p>\n One feature I particularly like is the size of the low and high pass filter knob which gives you a certain accuracy when you are using it.<\/p>\n Hercules generally have a lower build quality as customers report this controller wears and damages a little quicker than its name brand opposition. <\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n RUNNER UP<\/strong><\/p>\n Numark is another good value brand that seeks to offer features outside of the name brand controllers. The Mixtrack Platinum FX comes with Serato DJ lite, unfortunately no subscription for the full pro version but you might not need it for your purposes.<\/p>\n The two focuses from Numark on this particular controller are on the FX and offering a 4 channel mixer. Much like the Pioneer SB3, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum has a chance to alternately switch between four channels while only operating on two physical decks.<\/p>\n This sets it apart from other entry level controllers and if mixing on four channels is a goal for you then this is a feature worth looking into. In addition, the Mixtrack Platinum has a unique and interesting FX function.<\/p>\n Located in between the left and right mixer, which is perhaps an unsightly choice, the FX operate with a paddle like many high-end mixers.<\/p>\n The operation of this FX function is desirable for some DJs, and the ability to select what effect you want to use via a singular button certainly solves the awkward drop down menu navigation of the DDJ-400\/CDJ.<\/p>\n What stands out to me with this controller is the extended size of the BPM slider which is a super useful and often rare design choice on entry level controllers.<\/p>\n Having a longer BPM slider can be really beneficial to accurately matching BPM on two tracks, the size of the slider also encourages more entry level DJs to manually match BPM rather than simply using the SYNC function.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more is that the Mixtrack Platinum also boasts an LCD on each 6\u201d jog wheel which means you can monitor run time, bpm and scratching with accuracy and ease.<\/p>\n Certain features on this controller aim to reduce how much you rely on a laptop which is a great way to get used to more professional equipment and start using your ears to beatmatch and match BPM.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n RUNNER UP<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to go left of the usual market controllers and stick with your traditional vinyl turntable while still having the benefits of digital performance pads, then the Reloop Neon might be the perfect product for you.<\/p>\n Compatible with vinyl turntables, the Reloop Neon allows you to still connect to a laptop<\/a> and mixing software.<\/p>\n The Reloop Neon is engineered for Serato DJ, and if you have a Pro subscription, you can have the performance pad of an electronic DJ controller while still playing your trusted vinyl records.<\/p>\n This allows you to use functions such as loop, roll, samples and much more on vinyl records, which usually requires a much more technical and expensive set-up.<\/p>\n The Reloop Neon provides you with everything you need to combine both the vinyl and digital worlds of mixing. <\/p>\n I use the Reloop alongside four 1210’s running Serato DJ Pro, and it is fantastic!<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n RUNNER UP<\/strong><\/p>\n The Denon MC4000 offers some of the most features on a DJ controller for under $500, although this doesn’t always translate into quality or usability.<\/p>\n One thing to note firstly, is that the MC4000 is made from steel which makes it obviously extremely durable and sets it apart from other controllers.<\/p>\n Again, the MC4000 only comes with the lite version of Serato, while this means you can start DJing right away, you will have to invest in the Pro version of Serato to access the softwares full capabilities. <\/p>\n The MC4000 sets itself apart from its competitors by getting rid of the multi functionality of each feature and instead opt for workflow optimization and simplicity by laying out each function individually on the controller’s wide display.<\/p>\n This means that the performance pad is monofunctional and features such as FX and the sampler are laid out individually on the controller. <\/p>\n While this is a move towards simplicity and has its own advantages, it also has certain drawbacks.<\/p>\n For instance, if you are an entry level DJ, laying out all the functions separately like this can look extremely bewildering and confusing and isn’t accessible to the beginner DJ who doesn\u2019t already understand the function of sampling and FX.<\/p>\n This complicated layout also means that there are some impediments to the practicality of each function.<\/p>\n For example, having the sampling pads in between the equalizer for each deck is unsightly and not particularly practical if you did want to use samples.<\/p>\n Moreover, due to its choice to individually separate each function, this controller isn\u2019t helpful if you want to use industry standardized hardware. The Denon MC4000 is made for the home DJ.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\nBest DJ Controller Under $500<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Pioneer](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/513c1DO57QL._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a>\n![\"Pioneer](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41gFStrZz3L._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a>\n![\"Hercules](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41P06Vur1BS._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/a>\nPioneer DJ DDJ-400<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Pioneer](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/513c1DO57QL.jpg\")
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3-N<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Pioneer](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41gFStrZz3L.jpg\")
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Hercules DJcontrol Impulse 500 Gold LE<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Hercules](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41P06Vur1BS.jpg\")
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Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Numark](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/4112LL5ectL.jpg\")
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Reloop Neon Pad Controller<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Reloop](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51UfPVwFl6L.jpg\")
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Denon DJ MC4000<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Denon](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41XGg0ktZpL.jpg\")
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![\"Best](\"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Best-DJ-controller-under-500-300x191.jpg\" "\\"Best")
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