Best DJ Controllers Under $500
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- Опубліковано 12 жов 2024
- Following on from looking at the best micro DJ controllers last week, for this Tuesday Tips Live we're looking at the more usual entry point for new DJs - the $300-$500 controller.
Note: To be fairer, we should really have used the Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 instead of the Traktor Kontrol S3, as the latter costs a bit more than the rest - if we had have done, it'd have probably come third.
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I love my Inpulse 500! It took me a while to decide which controller to go for but I'm very happy with my choice.
Nice one :)
Thanks for the great video as always!
RB controller - DDJ 400. Fully unlocked RB software so no upgraded needed. Load of potential through the RB software such as beat fx, color fx selection.
Similarity to DDJ 800, 1000, XDJ, CDJ layout
Serato controller - Mixtrack Platinum FX. Great toggle fx bank, track info display, largest tempo faders. Or Inpulse 500 with RGB performance pads and beat align indicators
All Serato controller at this price point only ship with Serato DJ Lite which you will need to spend $129 for Pro later down the road, while RB is unlocked with DDJ 400.
It is different what each person want or need for their personal enjoyment. If you have friends who already DJ using Serato, it might be better to go with Serato to ask for tips or create b2b sets.
I ultimately chose DDJ-400 for the full RB software and due to the upgrade possibility down the road having a similar layout to higher end controllers.
I have couple mixes on my channel using DDJ 400 so come check it out
Thanks for watching! A good summary :)
ddj 400 is the best in class, i got that too :)
Would love to just visit that studio & shake your hand some day Mr. Phil, you're a legend on UA-cam at this point... I have no interest or no use for buying any DJ equipment right now just really like watching your content. Been a fan for years, keep up the good work to you & your team..
We appreciate the support! If you're ever in Gibraltar let us know :)
I'm loving my first controller for almost 2yrs now, the ddj400! Go Rekordbox!!!!
Nice one Gregory!
Same here as well
numark playtium takes me number 1 i love it
Why do you like the Numark best? Because of the feel/hardware quality?
I went for the Inpulse 500, so happy to see that it is the #1 Controller. I am anabsolute rookie to this, so I am not even a toddler that crawls on the knees
Stick with us and we will help you improve!
My impulse 500 works great I love it, this is my second Hercules controller my first was a Hercules Dj 4set. Maybe Hercules can put a controller that’s not just beginners controllers
Nice one Donald
One of the big reasons I ended up going with Rekordbox was because I could unlock it with the DDJ-400. Having the right price on a controller plus a full version of software was really instrumental in setting me into one software/hardware ecosystem.
Oh, how things change in a year and a half
Yes it's really a great deal!
Is the DDJ-400 not what you would pick today?
@@kingcolavitobeats I don't know what point I was trying to make there but I had, then, and have, now, a DDJ-1000
Take a good hard look at the options available in your price range before settling on something, because there is a lot more variety now as compared to back in late 2019 and early 2020
I am new at this I just bought my first controller for Christmas and I am going to get some lessons How to use it but can you give me some tips what to do when changing a song to the next
I thought about the Impulse 500 but since I have Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3 and the 32-key midi controller, I'm sticking with NI since the software can talk to each other.
Makes sense :)
Phil, there's something about that Gold Edition on the Hercules unit that screams, in a good way, buy me. Normally, I'm not a big fan of Hercules controllers, but that one you have in your Top 5 list is pretty damn cool.
Glad you like it!
hi, i've been DJing since the 80's, until the mid 90's, i am now 57 and just got back to it just last year and bought a Pioneer DDJ Wego3. i'm planning to upgrade between DDJ400 or SB3, what can you recommend? Big thanks from the Philippines.
Neither, as both are old. go for the DDJ-FLX4 or DDJ-REV1, depending if you would rather use Rekordbox or Serato.
I found the Pioneer DDJ-SB3 to be a affordable starter controller.
Yeah it's a good one :)
I love mine. When my skills improve, I'll probably go Denon, but for the foreseeable future, the SB3 does just about everything I could need.
I wanted the Hercules but due to some shipping issues I couldn’t receive it
So I ended up with the sb3 it’s useful I don’t have anything to compare it but it integrates well with both serato and djaypro
SB3 is a proven, excellent controller.
I'm new to digital DJing I'm an old vinyl man. I bought a Pioneer XDJ RX2 and I love it. I didn't realize when I bought a Denon Mc3000 for £30.00 that it is now unsupported with Windows 10. The build quality is excellent, compared to the plastic controllers I have seen, and it's built to last forever. Have you got any tips on how, I can get this up and running. Thanks
Apart from upgrade your OS, no...
So I heard you say Vdj is used mainly for parties, and karaoke but I’ve been using virtual dj for 12 years at least by this point in my life. I know it well, am I putting myself at a disadvantage by not learning other software? I usually use my dj software to make remixes not for mixing a set. I tried downloading traktor and checking it out without a controller plugged in and I felt really lost. I don’t have a controller at the moment. Sold my last one for money. Now I’m ready to buy one and I’m now debating between a traktor controller but thinking of virtual DJ in the back of mind as I decide between a mixtrack pro or a impulse 500. I won’t ditch vdj but maybe I can learn a new software? I don’t know... I agree with you when you said how difficult it is to change. Sorry for the long read.
If you're mainly using it for remixes you should look at a DAW, a lot more options will open up to you and you can even expand into making your own tunes
Great video. I'm a beatmaker, songwriter and a rapper. My DAW is Studio One, and I'm attempting to purchase a DJ MIDI controller that I can use to record scratching directly into the DAW. Which would work best for me?
Any would do, best to try them and see the jogwheels you like the feel of best.
@@digitaldjtips Hey! I purchased the Rev1 today. I just need to figure out how to record scratches directly into Studio One.
Hi Phil, been using for few years the Traktor S2 MK2, after some years trying to move to Serato however not feeling it as intuitive as the Traktor pro sw. I am trying to use the gold hercules 500, shall I opt for a traktor s3 mk3 instead? A bit confused here :)
Yes a good choice
@@digitaldjtips So you would advise to rather go for Traktor S3 instead?
If you want something that works perfectly with Traktor then yes
There's just 1000 Golden Inpulse 500 produced (each individually numbered) and they cost $449.99, not $300
In the case of Hercules 500 isn’t missing the solution what is like the Smart CFX in the Pio FLX4? I tried the FLX4 and i hated the plastic cover what gives poor and terrible feeling😟.
Sorry, just another question... which of these controllers has te best audio interface, so the best sound?
They're all similar.
Im 53 and for some reason I want to learn how to DJ as a hobby...what do you recommend? Everything from consoles to labtops and downloads....Thanks and stay safe
Head here and get our Gear & Software guide and our book "Rock The Dancefloor!" between the two you'll know everything you need to get started: djtips.co/join :)
@@digitaldjtips Thanks for info but I live in Baltimore..ill make sure I get the book
Not too sure what you mean, we're an online DJ school it doesn't matter where in the world you are :)
@@digitaldjtips oh ok..I wasn't clear but I am now..thanks again
I'm 43 and just started playing around on a DDJ-400. I had curated quite a good playlist of deep and tech house in Tidal over the last few years, and just fancied having a go at learning to beatmix. It's like an itch that I've been wanting to scratch for over 20 years, and finally I was able to justify it because of the affordable controllers, and the easy access to a huge amount of music through my existing Tidal subscription. You can try out both Rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite without buying a controller - that alone might help you decide which way to go. I just wish we'd had controllers and music streaming services like this when I was a student 20-odd years ago! The hobby is so much more accessible now, compared to buying turntables and trawling music shops every week for expensive 12" singles. Go for it and have some fun!
Bit of a story so bare with me. Back in the late 90’s early 2000’s I was using vinyl and technics turntables spinning drum and bass and trance depending on where I was playing. The last show I did was back in 2005. Now I see most stuff is digital. Even though I’ve been off of decks for a while I’m certain it wouldn’t take me long to get back to where I was regarding DJ skills. Would one of these controllers in the video still be enough or should I go with something that provides more features? Honest opinions and feedback welcome. I miss DJing and really want to get back into it.
You could definitely go for one of these ones in the video, plenty to get started and learn the ropes of digital DJing - the good news is many of your skills will transfer over very quickly and like many of us you might like the convenience that digital brings :)
Yeah for sure, it's why the vast majority of DJs these days are utilising software (even if it's only to prep their collection for playing on CDJs). You can import any music you like into DJ software, they pretty much all will play mp3's and different varieties of lossless depending on what you prefer
Finally I catch the show live
Glad you could join us :)
I have been absolutely torn over the impulse 500 and platinum FX and decided the impulse 500 edges it and that’s the one, I have been going back and forth for weeks. Great video but you should not use limited editions, the gold was a limited run and no longer available.
Thanks for sharing! We used what we had in the studio :)
Heard those denon ones a solid and good the platter quality is essential
Definitely :)
Some mention about the quality of the DA converters would have been good, often this is where the cost cutting occurs in this product range. We are playing audio after all, which sounds best?
Thanks for the feedback
I think the Numark Platinum Fx is actually the best of the bunch. Even though it doesn't come with full Serato DJ Pro, you can wait and purchase it for half price. Also, you are actually able to use all the effects in Serato. I'm surprised no one has mentioned that.
It's definitely a great little controller :)
How can you use all the effects?
@@Turbo_TechnoLogic , don't activate any of the FX from the controller, just within the software. Then you will still be able to trigger them using the controller. You can actually even layer FXs.
@@Turbo_TechnoLogic , all you have to do is not use the default effects buttons. Select your effects within software, but you can still control those effects with the controller. You can also layer the effects as well.
Hi ! What would be the best for me given the fact that i already have serato pro? Platinum fx or should i wait for the REV1?
Both come with Serato DJ Lite and both work better with Serato DJ Pro, so the fact that you already own the software won't affect your decision.
@@digitaldjtips Which one would you recommend? The platinum fx or the REV1?
Hi Guys, So i assume next week were doing the 'DJ with more money than sense' controller? :)
Haha maybe!
Mmm... not sure where you did find the price of the Inpulse 500 gold edition.. Here in Holland the price is arround 400 Euro which is a lot more than 300 Dollar...
It's probably just what Phil had to hand, the normal version is under $300
Hi I have the Hercules Gold and it comes with Serato pro. I want to mix My Own DnB, can I tell it what the tempo of the tracks are rather then having it try work it out its self? Makes more sense to tell the software what the tempo of the song is if I know what it is?
Serato will analyse the tracks for you, and calculate the bpm.
It would be nice to be able to shop for the #1 controller in Australia but they don’t ship or have a reseller down under.
You can't get Roland products in Australia?!
@@digitaldjtips You cannot get Hercules as far as I can tell. I have been to a few shops and checked Amazon. You definitely cannot get the ‘gold’ edition:release.
Ah I had just replied to a comment on the next level up to this ($500-$1000) so had Roland in my head :) Yes Hercules is a relatively small brand in comparison to the others
Thanks for this and many other awesome round-ups and reviews. Following your advice to choose software first, I've decided Virtual DJ is for me! With that said, which of these entry-level controllers is currently your number one value-for-money recommendation please (treating all their bundled DJ software as being of zero value, since I wouldn't ever be using it)? Cheapest prices I can find at time of asking this: Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX £189. Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500 (black, not the gold or white LE versions) £199. Pioneer DDJ-SB3 £219. Pioneer DDJ-400 £249. Traktor Kontrol S3 £359. Thanks again!
Platinum FX - bargain.
Heyy inpulse 500 or ddj 400? Im searching a controller with a budget of 500€ which one is the best ?
Neither is best, decide the software you want to use, pick one and crack with the important bit - DJing :)
always consider resale if its your first
Phil.... Take a break or holiday... Mate , please.. last two months . Looking old and done in. I wish you well. Have helped me out so much through my DJ travels. Look after yourself dude. Keep well and safe 😃👌👍
@Phil Morse Take care ,keep up the brilliant work. You help so many people throughout there D.J experience. Love what you do. You should be proud of what you have given , help wise.. 😃💥💥 . So many people love you Phil 👍XXX!!
hercules controller it be nice to buy on amazon thank you for feedback
No problem :)
I Bought the Hurcules 500 gold but second hand.
Yes you don't need a code, download Serato Lite and plug the controller in
The S3 is more like a 400+ dollar/euro controller no? The s2 mark 3 is in 200-300 euro/dollar range. How would that one fair here? It has similar stats as the others :)
It's a more basic controller than the S3 obviously, but it still does the job.
@@digitaldjtips Thanks :)
The only different is the gold colour plate and the Serato full version?
There is not even 1 option that the black one does not have!
Serato’s full version is a huge benefit as far as price goes
Does the inpulse 500 unlock Serato pro or come with a license?
It unlocks Serato Lite for free and it's a paid upgrade to Serato Pro
@@digitaldjtips I meant the gold 500
Yes it should come with a Pro license
still love traktor..the best sounding software in the market even today..
Glad to hear it!
I love the intro song.
Glad you like it :)
oh ya, S3 is for me!
Nice one
@@digitaldjtips yes, i been waiting for the price to go down and finally did, but i still can't afford it yet, unless i sell my S5 and i really don't want to sell the S5, i might still get teh DDJ-800 though but that cost more then the S3 so probably will get the S3, cause i have no patience
U 4got about the pioneer wego 4 controller.
It is no longer made.
@@digitaldjtips but they still sell it.
They all work great with djay pro
Thanks for sharing
Hi Phil 🙋🏻♂️
Hey Andrew!
I don't think Traktor Kontrol S3 is under $300. In fact, I'm quite sure its around $500-600.
Yup, you're right!
For a while last year it was available for $350 US.
I got mine for 395eu a few months back
Hello sir can I get DJ city coupon code so can get discount
No we don't have any of them
What is the best controller with XLR under $600?
Denon mc4000 maybe. I have it and it's great 😊
@@guyralls9314 - Unfortunately I can’t find it anywhere. I tried.
Dah, shame... maybe save up some $ and get the 6000. Or get stockist list from Denon and go thru it one by one. There's 4000s where I am in NZ, Rockshop.co.nz, maybe they would ship...
Traktor controllers look good too and have XLR I think...
The TRAKTOR S3 MK3, has new dynamic sound & is XLR
Hi dj money mike I use numark controller.
Cool! :)
There is honestly no difference between Hercules Inpulse 500 and the gold edition. I can seriously not find any, and I can’t hear you name any differences either. It’s very bothersome and confusing that you say the regular version wouldn’t make it to the no. 1 position, especially without naming the differences. Let me know. Maybe I’m wrong.
You get the full version of Serato DJ Pro with it
@@digitaldjtips Okay, but doesn't it cost as much as if you'd buy the non-gold version and Serato DJ Pro separately?
@@facialhair4680 If you take into account that the Gold comes with a case as well - Saying that though I doubt you can get it for £300 never mind $300
I hate that all these reviews take what version of serato you get into account. For those of us that have all the software and just want something portable to scratch on when away from home, we want to know what the most well-built controller is at this price point get little from these comparisons. The #1 is only #1 b/c it comes with full Serato. If it didn't, is it 2nd? Would it even make the list? It's "best dj controller", not "best dj package". I'm just frustrated by all of these yt comparison vids.
It's an important thing to note for those who don't have the software, at this level there is very little separating them
@@digitaldjtips Thanks. I ended up going w/ sb3 based on layout & ability to work w/ both serato & traktor (since traktor's midi mapping is so strong).
Cool, I doubt you'll be disappointed :)
still love traktor..the best sounding software there is!!!
Glad it works for you :)
What's your problem with traktor? It's still one of the best software on the market, I really don't understand why you talk about it like that..
We've done a video on that here: ua-cam.com/video/TgVAIpSrZMY/v-deo.html
@@digitaldjtips alright I will check it out because I am hesitating between s3 and herkules 500
Pioneer DDJ FLX6 w4 channel DJ controller
It’s $600 though
I use Dj sb pioneer
Nice one Luis
No Reloop Beat mix.
No, not on this one :)
4:45 to skip to actual content.
FYI this is a live show recording