If there’s one thing about DJ equipment, it’s that it’s always evolving and it’s always evolving in big demonstrable ways. Not only that but there are more and more format variations coming out than you can shake a stick at! Seriously!
You’ve got turntables, you’ve got CDJs, you’ve got DJ controllers, AND you’ve got DJ mixers to boot. This isn’t even going into the different alterations that exist between the different categories (like high-end controllers vs battle-mixing scratch controllers). When you take a look at it all, it can be quite overwhelming.
While we’ve talked about some of the different types of DJ devices in the past, one that is consistently confusing for many is none other than the DJ controller vs DJ mixer differences. What exactly is the difference? Which is better for you? Which should you use if you plan to perform professionally in front of a stage? As I already mentioned, the number of different devices and their uses can be a daunting task to catalog and categorize.
Thankfully, that’s where this guide steps in. Here, we’ll go over those exact differences as well as whether you, as a potential beginner, should invest in DJ equipment or make a point of upgrading to a more modern setup.
What Is A DJ Controller?
A DJ controller is an all-in-one device that has a built-in mixer along with two turntable decks. The controller is tied to a DJ software on the computer which allows the user to mix and match songs as well as perform scratches to a track while also applying different features and effects.
Broken down, a DJ controller generally contains two turntable jogwheels (one for either control deck); between two and four set channels based on the type of controller model that is used; a pair of EQ knobs for either deck that controls the channel’s low, mid, and high-end frequencies; between four and eight performance pads per deck that are used to control different effects on the device; a digital display that allows the user to see the various important aspects of a song (like its audio wave or BPM); a crossfader that allows a DJ to mix tracks; and a DJ software which is used to host and handle much of the different aspects of a track’s mix.
The controller will generally also have at least one USB port, a mic-in port, a master-out port, and a phono/line input option.
Depending on the type and quality of the DJ controller, there may be multiple of these options, numerous additional options, or almost none of these options. This is just a general understanding and overview of what a controller will likely have.
Why Would A DJ Use A Controller?
The biggest reason a DJ would use a controller is due to the ease and simplicity that comes from simply using it alongside a laptop. Once it has been connected to a computer with the respective software attached to it, a DJ simply needs to drag and drop an MP3 music file onto each turntable. It’s just that simple.
By doing this, a DJ is granted a deeper and more nuanced level of control when compared to the litany of other DJ devices out there. This is especially true for a particular song or track, as they can apply a variety of different effects or EQ filters, allowing for some truly spectacular fades, loops, and all-around transitions.
There are even some instances where a DJ controller can connect turntables, thus technically offering mixer capabilities. As an example, a CDJ can be connected to a DJ controller, offering the DJ flexibility to mix music from the turntables as well as from the laptop.
What Are The Benefits Of A DJ Controller?
DJ controllers offer a plethora of benefits that are unique to it over other DJ devices. Just a few of them include their portability, space-saving features, different additional mixing capabilities, and an overall value for money that can’t be argued when compared to everything else.
Benefit #1. Portability
DJ controllers, by and large, are awesome when it comes to traveling and carrying around. They are incredibly lightweight and portable devices that can easily be carried from gig to gig. This makes them an ideal option for many people that want to bring their personalized setup to each gig while, at the same time, aren’t that interested in lugging a ton of stuff around (turntables and CDJs, for example, could be a real hassle ferrying around from, to the point that most venues would just have a universal device that DJs would use).
Benefit #2. Space Saving
Great for DJs just getting started in the profession, DJ controllers take almost no space for themselves. If you’re someone with a relatively small (or none at all) DJ home studio, investing in a controller can be a lifesaver compared to the much larger and bulkier turntable and CDJ options.
For example, a traditional two-to-four channel vinyl mixer turntable set can take up a considerable amount of space more than even some of the larger DJ controllers out there.
Benefit #3. Mixing Capabilities
When it comes to DJ controllers out there, certain ones (like, for example, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR), offer greater flexibility if you’re a mobile DJ that plans to perform at a variety of different locations. This is especially the case when compared to CDJs at venues. DJ controllers that can plug into a CDJ can leverage the controller entirely as a mixer, making it a great option even from a supplemental standpoint.
Benefit #4. An Overall Value For Money
Finally, the most important aspect pertains to the DJ controller and its overall value for money. Having done a bit of research on DJ controllers online, and where their prices can vary and range, it’s incredible how vast the difference can be. On the low end, DJ controllers can go for around $110 to upwards of 3 grand. And while the quality and functionality can vary strongly based on what you’re willing to pay for as well as the type of controller you’re willing to buy. Regardless, generally speaking, value for money is almost always going to be on the higher-end controllers, with only the absolute lowest controllers having little to no value.
Another area where DJ controllers excel with an overall value for money is where it deals with DJ software. It may seem like a simple inclusion, but the fact that most DJ controllers come with standalone software like Traktor, Serato, or Rekordbox is quite a boon in and of itself. Even if a controller doesn’t outright offer access to the complete versions of these software types, more often than not, they will grant users a free trial or a limited version that often will have a considerable number of options still available.
Finally, DJ controllers are great starting options for people who aren’t sure how far they plan to take DJing. Whereas a set of CDJs or a turntable can be a very expensive entry-point for something that ultimately stays a hobby, a cheap DJ controller that’s just around $100 or $150 can tell a potential person everything they need to know about how far they want to take things.
What Is A DJ Mixer?
A DJ mixer, rather than be its standalone item, like the DJ controller, is a piece of hardware that must be used alongside a set of turntables to perform. A DJ mixer doesn’t require any sort of laptop or software to play, making it a useful option for those that like to have a few additional tools as possible.
To use a DJ mixer, a DJ needs two turntables to be plugged into either channel set. Generally, while most DJ mixers will have at least two channels, it isn’t wholly uncommon to see a mixer with four or more, depending on the cost and quality.
Like controllers, DJ mixers have several different controls and features, the key difference being that it doesn’t innately carry a set of turntable jogwheels and rely entirely on a separate set of turntable devices to play anything at all.
Typically, a DJ mixer will have: a pair of “Channel Effects” control buttons; a pair of “Master Effects” control buttons; between two and four-channel sets; a pair of EQ knobs that go from low, to mid, to high-end frequencies; and a crossfader that works to mix tracks.
Additionally, the DJ mixer will have a master-out port, an AC mains port, a MIDI output, a Phono/line input, a mic-in port, a headphone-out & a jack/mini-jack port, and a set of Earth Ground Terminals.
Why Would A DJ Use A DJ Mixer?
Mixers, when connected to a DJ device, allow the DJ to mix music, control a sound’s EQ, channel the respective levels, or mix and blend songs, making it not too dissimilar to what a DJ controller does. Mixers are incredibly extensive in their variety and versatility, working with vinyl turntables, DJ samplers, CDJs, beat pads, and even guitar FX units.
Essentially, if you’re looking to mix and blend songs, investing in a quality mixer can be the key difference in a performance doing amazingly well or bombing spectacularly.
What Are The Benefits Of A DJ Mixer?
Where DJ controllers are great for their wide variety of uses, DJ mixers are incredible thanks to the innumerable amounts of things they can be tied to and improve. As mentioned earlier, DJ mixers are very versatile, completely software independent, and are commonly used in clubs and crowded party venues.
Benefit #1. Super Versatile
The biggest thing about DJ mixers is the fact that these devices are incredibly versatile. Just as DJ controllers can do almost anything, DJ mixers can be connected to almost anything (including other DJ controllers!). This opens up a whole new arena for DJs, as they can now tweak and play with turntables and CDJs in a way that they never could prior.
Benefit #2. Entirely Software Independent
Next is that unlike DJ controllers (which are entirely dependent on DJ software) DJ mixers do not require any DJ software to use or operate. This, alone, can act as serious financial savings, as DJs won’t be forced to have to download any expensive software just to use their device. In addition, based on the current setup, it may not even be necessary to use a laptop! Since you’re just using either a turntable or CDJ set, you aren’t required to use anything outside of that, like a laptop or any type of software.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with using a laptop or DJ software if you want. It’s just the fact that you don’t have to that makes this so awesome.
Benefit #3. Very Common In Clubs & Bars
For the DJ that plans to do a lot of performances at bars and clubs, you’re going to want to know about how mixers work. Generally, in most establishments, they already come with their equipment. And while that will often mean they will have their CDJs that you can just tap into, it also means they will likely have a viable mixer similarly set up. One of the more popular options tends to be Pioneer DJ, as their brands are often seen in various clubs, bars, and other well-frequented venues.
DJ Controller vs DJ Mixer: Summary
When it comes down to it, the DJ controller and the DJ mixer both have their ardent fans and reasons for having said ardent fans. If you are someone that is just getting started and needs something entry-level, cheap, and fun to play with, you’ve got no real choice but to pick up and play with a DJ controller. It has enough variety in the many different kinds, that you can get a new set every few years to keep up with your increasing skills as a DJ, till you can ultimately upgrade to some of the higher-end and more advanced devices.
On the other hand, DJ mixers offer their users a great and expansive way to connect with the rest of their DJ devices. If you are someone that’s been in the game for a while and has used controllers, CDJs, turntables, and everything in between adding a DJ mixer into the mix (see what I did there?) can change everything about your existing music in ways you never imagined.
Ultimately both are incredible tools, provided you know what to do with them. By having that knowledge, knowing what makes them different and what makes them the same, you can make an educated decision on which works best and which is the device you need first.
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