A standalone DJ controller could be an excellent investment if you’re looking for an affordable, efficient, and effective way to take your music to the next level.
With a standalone DJ controller, you can ensure you’re always prepared to play your sets in any environment, and you don’t even need to take a laptop with you.
Today, we’re going to be looking at some of the leading standalone DJ controllers for 2021, and what makes them so compelling for today’s musical professionals.
Best Standalone DJ Controllers of November 2021
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2: Best for easy to use DJ software
- Denon DJ Prime 4: Best for music library ogranization
- Denon DJ Prime GO: Best for playing live performances
- Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ: Best for full professional size jog wheels
- Denon DJ MCX8000: Best for Serato DJ integration
Best Standalone DJ Controllers
Without much further a do, let’s get into the list. Here we go! (…in no particular order)
1. Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2
Best for ease of use
The Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2 is easily one of the most popular standalone DJ controllers on the market. Inheriting a host of valuable features from the Nexus 2, this DJ system is affordable, convenient, and revolutionary for many music makers.
The XDJ-RX was the first controller in the industry to gain sensational traction as an all-in-one Pioneer standalone DJ controller device.
The Pioneer DJ XDJ RX2 comes with access to everything from a USB connection link to a 7-inch layout screen, multi-colored performance pads, and a Rekordbox DJ license key.
Though designed fully from plastic, the DJ XDJ RX2 is wonderfully durable and versatile. The 2-channel mixer comes with a 3-band EQ control and sound system, featuring a set of FX knobs.
There are 2 pairs of line/phono RCA outputs, 2 microphone combo outputs and a range of other connection options.
Pioneer’s XDJ-RX2 standalone DJ controller also comes with handy bonus features, like talk over mode to reduce master output when you’re using a microphone, and a set of full-size jog wheels for mixing music perfectly.
With an intuitive design and an excellent build, the Pioneer XDJ-RX2 could be the number one pick for any DJ in search of a more effective way to mix on the move.
- Fantastic build quality
- 8 performance pads per deck
- Excellent jog wheels
- Large touchscreen
- Pro DJ features included
- Quite bulky
- Touchscreen can be buggy
2. Denon DJ Prime 4
Best for music library organization
Another excellent pick among standalone DJ controllers, the Denon Prime 4 stands as one of the most pioneering controllers in its categories. This fantastic product makes it easy to start mixing professional music with no need for external technology. The Prime 4 comes with a built-in processing unit in the form of the ENGINE PRIME, and an intuitive multi-gesture touch screen.
The 10-inch screen is easy to use and navigate, and you get Serato DJ Pro software included to help you make the most of your mixing sessions. There’s a set of 8 performance pads on each deck, two different FX sections, and a range of input and output options. You can even access a “censor” mode, which allows you to adjust your music for different crowds.
The all-in-one standalone DJ controller solution is a little heavier than some options on the market, but it’s also brimming with fantastic features to support modern DJs in accessing the perfect standalone experience. You can prepare and analyze music libraries with various DJ software options, and even add dual microphones.
- Beautiful design
- Excellent beat and loop controls
- Pitch feels smooth and amazing
- Plug and play
- Easy to use
- Jog wheels feel very loose
- Screen layout is a bit cluttered
- Lack of buttons
3. Denon DJ Prime Go
Best for live performances
If you’re looking for a compact and portable solution for any gig or performance, the Denon DJ Prime GO is a fantastic choice od standalone DJ controller.
This product comes with a rechargeable battery-powered engine, as well as Wi-Fi streaming functionality and four hours of wireless performance. You can use this device either as a backup for larger events, or as a quick solution for shorter presentations.
The Denon DJ Prime GO features two channels to explore, as well a s a 7-inch HD touchscreen, so you can browse through your digital library with ease.
The Prime GO is compact enough to carry with you when you’re rushing from one event to the next, and it can link to your cloud storage solutions to access extra music and tracks from the internet too.
The Denon DJ Prime GO might seem simple enough at first glance, but it’s one of the more flexible and versatile standalone DJ controllers on the market when you consider its portability.
Capacitive jog wheels make it easy to mix anywhere, and there’s a set of USB and SD card media inputs too. You even get internal Rekordbox analytics.
- Rugged & compact design
- Wired & Wi-Fi streaming
- 4 hours of battery life
- HD touchscreen
- Capacitive jog wheels
- Performance pads
- Dual FX functionality
- Engine OS
- 2-channels only
- A little small when it comes to jog wheels
4. Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ
Best for professional feel
One of the top standalone DJ controller picks for beginners and on-the-go performers in the Pioneer standalone DJ controller portfolio, the XDJ-XZ controller ensures you can take your tracks anywhere and mix whenever you choose.
There’s a set of full-sized jog wheels for creating unique musical experiences, and a host of color-coded performance pads too. For browsing through libraries, you’ll have a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. There’s also a three-band EQ system and master controllers.
With professional sound quality and Rekordbox software built-in, the Pioneer XDJ-XZ has everything the modern DJ needs to get started online. The standalone DJ controller solution promises easy all-in-one functionality designed to help you make the most of any booth or professional mixing environment.
You can even sync external decks with internal ones using the pro link connectivity feature.
Using the Pioneer XDJ-XZ is a breeze. The straightforward software and intuitive user interface is likely to appeal to all kinds of music makers. This compact solution gives you a lot of the same benefits as Pioneer’s Nexus products, without the huge price tag.
- Excellent standalone controller
- LCD platter display
- 7-inch touchscreen monitor
- 14 beat FX
- 64-bit sound quality
- Strong and durable design
- Slightly bulky
- Quite expensive
5. Denon DJ MCX8000
Best for Serato integration
A leading standalone DJ controller product from one of the best-known providers of DJ technology on the market, the Denon MCX8000 is a delightful standalone DJ controller to work with.
This all-in-one controller gives modern DJs the convenience of a standalone system for all their music management and mixing requirements. You get access to Serato DJ technology for experimenting with music effects, plus there are velocity sensitive pads for playing with sound.
The all-in-one standalone DJ controller DJ MCX8000 from Denon allows you to build and mix your musical sets in no time, with inbuilt software that doesn’t need any additional hardware or laptops.
The four-channel mixer comes with instant effects options, line inputs, and USB connections. Not only is this device amazing to work with, but it’s durable too, with a full solid metal construction.
Though it might look a little complex at first glance, the Denon DJ MCX8000 standalone DJ controller is sure to appeal to a range of professionals with 3 built-in Engine Playback effects, 2 microphone input options, and a network connection function.
The MCX8000 also promises exceptional ease of use, with bright, vivid screens that are easy to navigate, and highly accurate jog wheels.
- Works with Serato DJ
- Easy library and music management.
- Responsive jog wheels
- Solid metal construction
- Powerful crossfader functionality
- Engine software does have some limitations
- May need laptop for accessing some libraries.
Standalone DJ Controller Buying Guide
There’s no one-size-fits-all with standalone DJ controllers. The best device for you will depend on how you use and mix music samples, as well as your technology preferences.
The more time you spend experimenting with DJ controllers, the more you’ll get a taste for which offerings work best for you.
To get you started, we’re focusing on three essential things:
The Screens
A standalone DJ controller needs its own screen, so you can access and use information effectively, without needing your laptop. The whole point of a standalone controller is you don’t need a separate screen to find the information you need.
A standalone DJ controller should be able to showcase all the information you need within the device itself. However, it’s important to have the right size of screen to suit your needs.
A larger screen size should mean you can see what you’re doing more clearly. You don’t want to be left squinting at a screen while you’re mixing just to try and figure out what’s going on.
Going from a full laptop screen to something smaller on your controller can be a difficult shift – particularly if you’re used to using quite a large laptop.
When choosing your all-in-one system, look for a screen that’s bright, easy to read, and enhanced with an intuitive menu so you can sort through information quickly.
Controller Size
The size of your screen isn’t the only point to consider when you’re choosing the perfect all-in-one solution. In most cases, the controller itself will be quite a bit larger when you’re using an all-in-one design.
With that in mind, it’s important to think about how you’re going to transport your technology, and set it up in the booths you’re going to be playing in.
The more channels and features on yourstandalone DJ controller, the larger it’s likely to be. Most options come with 2 or 4 channels, and each channel will come with a range of controllers to fit onto the device.
Although it’s important to have a controller you feel comfortable carrying around size-wise, make sure you get the functionality you need too.
Having four channels can be ideal if you’re looking for access to tracks outside of your own samples and mixes to play. Controllers with 2 channels are generally better suited to beginners, as you don’t really need more than 2 inputs to combine your mixes.
Flexibility
An all-in-one DJ deck isn’t just there to be portable and convenient. Your solution also needs to be reasonably flexible, so you can experiment with your music and create amazing shows.
The standalone mode within your device needs to feel just as intuitive as using a laptop. Generally, a great standalone DJ controller will feel just as comfortable and great to use as your standard laptop and control combination.
Seamless integration with a professional-level DJ software is another point worth looking for. While you might not want to use your controller with a laptop most of the time, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the option to do so.
A standalone DJ controller works best when you get the best of both worlds – a robust and solid internal software, as well as excellent integration with some of the laptop-based software you want to use.
Convenient Mixing
Probably the most important feature of all in your standalone DJ controller, is the ability to mix your music without the addition of a laptop.
Your all-in-one controller should give you the ability to concentrate on creating music, without any unnecessary distractions.
Although a flexible range of features is great, they also need to be easy to use, so you can really get into your performance.
A complex set of features can be a distraction. With that in mind, take some time to think about the kind of functionality you really need before you begin shopping for yourstandalone DJ controller.
What sort of tools do you need on the device itself, and what kind of functionality would you be willing to plug into a laptop to get?
FAQs
To finish of this post on the best standalone DJ controllers, let’s answer some important questions about these devices.
What is a Standalone DJ controller?
Otherwise known as a DJ system, or all-in-one controller, a standalone DJ controller is a comprehensive controller and mixing system packed into a single device. These tools come with powerful processors to handle all kinds of tracks and requirements. To access your music, you can input devices straight into the units, using USBs and other common products.
A standalone DJ controller works independently, without the need for a separate audio interface or software. However, this does mean you may need to spend a little more getting this device, as it essentially reduces the need for a laptop.
Why buy a standalone DJ controller?
Standalone DJ controller when you want to be ready to play in virtually any situation. If you don’t like the idea of having to take an expensive laptop with you wherever you go, a standalone DJ controlleris ideal for your needs.
An all-in-one controller generally comes with a broader range of features than standard DJ controllers, including an audio interface which means you can experiment with your music without having to log into complex software on your laptop. You can side-step many of the technical issues of DJing, like MIDI mapping, and start playing tracks almost instantly.
Who are standalone DJ controllers for?
Almost anyone can benefit from exploring the advantages of a standalone DJ controller. However, there are some people who tend to appreciate these devices more than most. For instance, the most common user of a standalone controller will usually be an experienced DJ in search of a high-end DJ system for their studio or home DJ setup.
You could also benefit from a standalone controller if you’re a mobile DJ, who wants to start sharing music as quickly as possible, without having to spend extra cash on a laptop. Alternatively, passionate hobbyist DJs can also experiment with these tools. If you like the idea of being able to set up and play your music anywhere without needing a laptop, this could be the ideal solution for you.
