{"id":346,"date":"2021-10-25T12:12:45","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T12:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/?p=346"},"modified":"2021-12-08T07:03:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T07:03:59","slug":"best-virtual-dj-controller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/best-virtual-dj-controller\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Virtual DJ Controller"},"content":{"rendered":"
Virtual DJ is an extremely powerful piece of software. It\u2019s no surprise that it\u2019s so popular, considering its rich feature set. What is surprising is its longevity – it\u2019s been around for two decades.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s an age in computer software – 20 years ago, Internet Explorer was practically cutting edge software! Of course, Virtual DJ is far better than Internet Explorer – it\u2019s one of the most used and loved DJ programs.<\/p>\n
Considering how popular it is, it\u2019s again no surprise that there are plenty of great controllers for it. A controller is one of the most important things for anybody using Virtual DJ, so getting the right one for your needs is important.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a grizzled, seasoned pro, or someone just getting into DJing, there\u2019s a controller for you. Here\u2019s a handy guide to some of the best!<\/p>\n
The Products<\/strong><\/p>\n All of these controllers are listed as compatible with Virtual DJ on the Virtual DJ website<\/a>.<\/p>\n OUR TOP PICK<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>\n Denon DJ Prime 4<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n EDITORS CHOICE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>\n Reloop TOUCH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n BEST VALUE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>\n Gemini Sound GMX<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n OUR TOP PICK<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a controller with a ridiculous amount of features, and budget isn\u2019t an issue, then the Denon DJ Prime 4 is one of the best choices available on the market.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an absolutely enormous controller, with a colossal set of features, and is possibly the ultimate controller for Virtual DJ on the market!<\/p>\n Aside from the features you\u2019d expect out of a controller of this size – including large touch capacitive jog wheels, drum pads<\/a>, dedicated XLR mic inputs and outputs – it has a huge 10 inch multi-touch flip-up screen sitting on top of it.<\/p>\n This is not just great for obvious things like viewing waveforms, but is also one of the features that lets the Denon DJ Prime 4 be used as a full featured standalone controller too. Backing this up is the powerful effects section.<\/p>\n It also has built in Wi-Fi, can stream wirelessly, and has an internal HDD bay – so you won\u2019t have to worry about losing your portable drive!<\/p>\n However, this all comes at a cost, as this is one of the highest priced controllers for Virtual DJ on the market. It\u2019s also a very big and heavy unit compared to other controllers.<\/p>\n These factors combined may be prohibitive for the beginner or intermediate DJ – but seasoned professionals will love the huge feature set and total control that the Denon DJ Prime 4 gives.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n EDITORS CHOICE<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a controller with an extremely rich feature set, but at a more competitive price, then the Reloop Touch DJ Controller could be a great choice!<\/p>\n Again, there are all of the features you\u2019d expect here – jog wheels, drum pads, a 4 channel mixer<\/a> layout – but the Reloop Touch has a few cool extras too.<\/p>\n First of all is the integrated 7 inch touchscreen. This lets you have waveform visualization, detailed playback information, and fingertip control over XY effects – as well as giving you great control over browsing and selecting media.<\/p>\n Secondly, the Reloop Touch also has a fader-based approach to its effects unit. The drum\/sample pads are RGB, and have multiple modes of customization.<\/p>\n However, some users have reported difficulties with installing software and drivers when connecting the Reloop Touch to their PC. There are also reports of some build quality issues.<\/p>\n For those looking to buy a mid-level controller, the Reloop Touch combines a rich feature set with a more attractive price than more expensive units.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST VALUE<\/strong><\/p>\n The Gemini Sound GMX is yet another unit with a large set of features – a feature set which could be considered surprising, owing to the extremely competitive price of the controller. As well as the requisite jog wheels, drum pads, and filters, it features XLR and RCA outputs, and two screens above the drum pads.<\/p>\n The controller works with Virtual DJ, and also accepts WAV, MP3, and AAC files from a USB drive. This means that it can also be used as a standalone unit, which is pretty impressive considering the price!<\/p>\n However, considering the reasonable price, it\u2019s clear that you can\u2019t have it all. The Gemini Sound GMX is ambitious, but it can\u2019t reach the quality of more expensive units. That\u2019s to be expected – and for some buyers, the breadth of features available for the price will make it an attractive proposition.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n RUNNER UP<\/strong><\/p>\n For beginners looking to get a controller for Virtual DJ that will give them a good set of features, but also help them learn along the way, the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 is a great option.<\/p>\n Not only does it come with jog wheels, drum pads, a cross-fader and filter sections, it also does so at an attractive price – and there\u2019s more.<\/p>\n This is a controller that could well be perfect for a beginner<\/a> looking to learn how to DJ, as it comes with useful teaching features.<\/p>\n It has a beatmatch guide, which can help you learn how to properly match beats. It also comes with software that aims to help users learn how to DJ, providing video tutorials and interactive help.<\/p>\n However, despite the feature set, this might not be the right controller for a more advanced user. Those looking for an advanced tool might be better off looking elsewhere for their Virtual DJ controller.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n RUNNER UP<\/strong><\/p>\n The Hercules DJ Control Starlight is an undeniably cool looking piece of gear – and part of that is down to how much it packs into a tiny package. It\u2019s a tiny unit in comparison to other devices on this list, but it still has a lot of useful features.<\/p>\n There\u2019s the pressure sensitive jog wheels and drum pads, of course, and the cross fader, and hot cue modes, loop function, filters, sampler, built-in sound card with headphone and speaker outputs – all of this in such a tiny box? Not to mention the customizable RGB lighting effects!<\/p>\n And, of course, given the size, this is easily the most portable controller on the list. You could slip this and a laptop into a backpack with ease, and have a lot of fun with it.<\/p>\n However, its size means that it\u2019s obviously not going to be able to take the place of a more traditional controller.<\/p>\n That might not be such a problem for someone looking for an inexpensive way to supplement the gear they already have, or for a beginner looking for a controller that won\u2019t take up too much room or break the bank!<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Pricing is always one of the most important factors when buying anything. There are a wide range of controllers for Virtual DJ, at many different price points. When looking for one, it\u2019s important to make sure that you\u2019re always keeping a budget in mind – as well as your needs.<\/p>\n High end equipment undeniably has its benefits, but unless you\u2019re absolutely positive you\u2019ll get the most out of it – maybe looking down the lower end of the price range.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n However, it\u2019s also important that you don\u2019t needlessly underspend – and end up regretting a weak purchase, or having to buy again after quickly outgrowing a piece of gear.<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re just looking for something to tinker around with, you should consider the controller you\u2019re buying as a tool – and budget accordingly for how much use you\u2019ll get out of the tool, and what you expect from it.<\/p>\n No matter whether that means you\u2019re aiming for the high-end products, or setting your sights on something more modest, you\u2019ll want to get the most bang for your buck – so finding exactly the right controller for your budget that meets your needs is something you should spend a good amount of time considering.<\/p>\n Portability is a key factor in a lot of purchasing decisions when it comes to DJ controllers.<\/p>\n If you know you\u2019re going to be on the move a lot, and want a controller that you can easily take with you, you\u2019re unlikely to want to be burdened by a big heavy monster of a controller – unless you\u2019ve got help carrying it!<\/p>\n In this case, you might well be more interested in a smaller, or even a tiny controller, due to their portability!<\/p>\n Depending on the size of the controller, you might have to make compromises in functionality – but if being able to pick something up and get moving is key to you, then that might not be so much of a worry.<\/p>\n However, if moving your controller isn\u2019t an issue – or you\u2019re going to be using your controller a lot in one place – then weight and size become less of an issue, except for finding places that your controller will fit!<\/p>\n A touchscreen on a DJ controller isn\u2019t by any means essential – most controllers won\u2019t have them, and if you\u2019re using Virtual DJ you\u2019ll be working with a laptop or a monitor anyway, meaning you already have a bigger and more useful screen than you\u2019ll find on any controller.<\/p>\n Also, depending on the controller\u2019s integration with the Virtual DJ software, you might well not be able to display absolutely everything you need on the controller.<\/p>\n However, they are definitely useful tools, and if you\u2019re intending to use your controller as a stand-alone unit too, a good screen with good integration into the rest of the system could well be the thing that makes the purchasing decision for you.<\/p>\n Depending on your workflow, and how well the touchscreen integrates with Virtual DJ Software to meet your needs, a screen could well mean you don\u2019t need to look at the laptop or monitor very much at all – which means all of your attention can be on your controller, giving you better control over your music.<\/p>\n When it comes to screen size, a larger screen is going to be more easily readable, will be able to hold more information, and will be easier to use.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re 100% sure that you\u2019ll always be working with your computer when you DJ, then this isn\u2019t something that you\u2019ll worry about – Virtual DJ is good enough on its own for you not to need this feature.<\/p>\n However, depending on your use case, you might well want to think about whether the ability of a controller to be used as a standalone unit is important to you.<\/p>\n Even if you never end up having to use it, it could be a great way to ensure that you\u2019ll never be at the mercy of a computer crash.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s say the worst comes to the worst, and you\u2019re due onstage but your laptop has gone into a mood and just won\u2019t respond – and neither will your backup laptop.<\/p>\n If your controller can work on its own as a standalone unit, then you don\u2019t have to worry – you can just get on with your performance, and worry about fixing your computer later on!<\/p>\n Having a controller that works as a standalone device comes at a price, of course – but if being able to do a set no matter what is important to you, then the cost might be worth it.<\/p>\n Your experience and skill as a DJ should be something to consider when choosing a controller.<\/p>\n Of course, there\u2019s nothing wrong with going straight for the most expensive and complex controller you can if that\u2019s how you like to roll – but if it\u2019s your first ever controller, some of the higher end models might leave you feeling overwhelmed, and perhaps a little buyer’s remorse!<\/p>\n However, you might also feel that having something that\u2019s perhaps intended for more experienced DJs gives you something to grow into.<\/p>\n A controller that\u2019s beyond your needs might well give you the room to grow into a better DJ purely because it has capabilities beyond your skills.<\/p>\n However, you might consider that to be wasted money – and also might be the sort of person whose learning process thrives with some limitations. If you don\u2019t have all the tools, you have to get creative with the tools you have – and that process can really turn a beginner into an expert.<\/p>\n Likewise, you might be a seasoned pro already, and looking for a controller that really lets you stretch your legs. Or, you\u2019re looking for something with more limits, precisely because you\u2019re looking for some other way than raw firepower to enhance your creativity.<\/p>\n No matter what, a realistic assessment of your skill level and needs is a must when looking for a new Virtual DJ controller!<\/p>\n If your controller is small enough to throw into a backpack, you could potentially use it anywhere. A park bench, a bus, a library – as long as you\u2019re wearing headphones!<\/p>\n Larger controllers require more space, and will be heavier, so less portable – so, a train seat might be out, but a large desk will do fine.<\/p>\n Some – but not all – of these can be used without a computer. Most of them, however, do require a computer and compatible software such as Virtual DJ.<\/p>\n Yes, they can! Some of them come with variants of Virtual DJ itself, and they can all be used as controllers for other DJ software. Some of them even come with the Serato branding.<\/p>\n Well, of course, that\u2019s up to you – but if you want to learn to DJ on a computer, then a controller of some sort, along with software such as Virtual DJ is an essential piece of gear.<\/p>\n No matter what your budget or skill-set, it\u2019s possible to find a controller that meets your needs – and some are specifically designed to be good for newcomers to learn on.<\/p>\n Others are more advanced units, but their power can give you room to grow and learn.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got experience as a DJ on traditional decks and vinyl, but are looking to try out computer-based DJing, then you\u2019ll again need a controller.<\/p>\n Most DJ controllers will have either 2 or 4 channels. Those new to DJing will be able to get by with either 2 or 4 channels – but you\u2019ll likely have to spend more to get a 4 channel device. You might well not need 4 channels anyway – but it\u2019s always nice to have the option.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re very serious about DJing, you\u2019ll very likely find 2 channels too restrictive – in which case you\u2019ll be looking for a 4 channel model. Having more channels will let you be more creative when mixing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Virtual DJ is an extremely powerful piece of software. It\u2019s no surprise that it\u2019s so popular, considering its rich feature set. What is surprising is its longevity – it\u2019s been around for two decades. That\u2019s an age in computer software – 20 years ago, Internet Explorer was practically cutting edge software! Of course, Virtual DJ 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DJ Prime 4<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
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Reloop TOUCH<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
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Gemini Sound GMX<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
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Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
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Hercules DJ DJControl Starlight<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
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Buyer’s Guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Portability<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Touchscreens<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Standalone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
DJ Skill<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Where Can I Use My Controller?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Can I Use Them Without A Computer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Can These Controllers Be Used With Other Software?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Should I Buy A Controller If I’m A Beginner?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How Many Channels Do I Need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n