How to Choose the Best 4 channel DJ Controller?

In recent years controllers have begun to dominate an increasingly large portion of the DJ gear market. For novices, learning the craft for the very first time as well as seasoned professionals with decades of experience under their belt, DJ controllers have become the go-to option.

However, choosing the best 4 channel DJ controller from all the options presently available is harder than as there are dozens and dozens of models, which, on the surface appear to have a similar array of features. Below we will try to outline some of the criteria that one may take into account in choosing a new DJ controller. 

A controller adapted to your specific needs:

The first thing to do is to define your needs. Have you ever used a DJ controller before? Are you just starting out; or are you a professional? Or possibly somewhere in between? You would need to choose a controller comparable to your skill level.

As you are starting out, it can be tempting to purchase a high-end controller with many features to avoid having to upgrade as your skill level improves. While this may be a solid strategy when your skill level is closer to intermediate; it may also be a mistake if you are a novice. Mastering a controller takes time and if you choose a complex model, you may be overwhelmed and quickly give up. If you are a beginner, choose a suitable model. Rest assured, there is a whole range of controllers that are specially adapted for this type of use. For example, the Numark Mixtrack 3 (while only boasting 2 channels) is a very popular model for beginners. This is also the case for the Numark Party Mix or the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3, which has more features than the regular Mixtrack 3, but is still essentially an entry-level model.

Functionality:

The main point here is you either have to look closely at all the features and really do your homework; or have enough familiarity with the basic setup of a DJ controller’s mixing, effects, cues and connectivity features to make a good judgment in terms of what will work best for you. You have to choose the best 4 channel DJ controller with more basic features if you are new; in other words you want something with a solid build quality and high-end components, such as sturdy knobs, durable channel faders etc … but not necessarily an overwhelming amount of extra buttons, live remixing features and the like. When you are a pro and know exactly what works for you, of course, you can explore a variety of high-end models with extensive feature sets and choose what you feel will be most useful with the style of music that you play. 

As a professional, you must choose a model that is complete and offers everything you are looking for so you would not have to upgrade of switch models at a later date. The price will, of course, be higher when it comes to truly complete modes such as the Pioneer DDJ-SX3, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 or the Numark NS7III.

Picking the best 4 channel DJ controller can be challenging but if you think about your needs, goals while setting a realistic budget, you can hopefully come away with something that will serve you well into the future.