While many DJs are fairly comfortable performing with 2 channels, after a while, they’ll eventually feel constrained by the limitation.
The best 4 channel DJ Controller units will certainly allow you to open up your creativity and put together some truly incredible sounds that are capable of taking your performance to the next level.
Below, we take a look at the
What is The Best 4 Channel DJ Controller? (in short)
The Pioneer XDJ XZ is a superb 4 channel controller from Pioneer DJ. It really does deliver the feel, functions, and user experience of a full Pioneer DJ club-standard setup.
- What is The Best 4 Channel DJ Controller? (in short)
- Pioneer XDJ XZ (Editors Choice)
- Denon Prime 4 (Premium Choice)
- Pioneer DDJ FLX6 (Value Choice)
- Additional 4 Channel DJ Controller Picks
- Pioneer DDJ 1000
- Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3
- Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT (Serato Version)
- Best 4 Channel DJ Controller Picks: Takeaway
Pioneer XDJ XZ (Editors Choice)
A top-tier DJ controller if there ever was one, the Pioneer XDJ XY exemplifies everything that makes 4-channel DJ controllers, 4-channel DJ controllers!
This professionally made and put-together device has a solid feel and build to it while also giving a legitimate look to the club-style look.
The XDJ’s central mixer isn’t too far apart from Pioneer’s other mixer, the DJM 900NXS2, which was regarded as one of the best mixers on the market to date.
Similarly, the XDJ is a perfect option for DJs looking to make their name known in the club setting, either as your performing DJ controller or a DJ controller to practice on
If you are looking for some 4-channel DJ controllers that have comprehensive connection ports, a detailed screen with all your information, and many, many more features, the XDJ XZ could well be the device for you.
Read this next: XDJ XZ: Professional All-in-one DJ System from Pioneer DJ
Unit Specs:
- DJ Software: Rekordbox DJ
- Inputs: 2 RCA (Line/Phono) / 2 RCA Stereo (Line) / 2 Mic-In (XLR & 1/4th-inch) / 1 AUX (RCA)
- Outputs: 2 Master (RCA/XLR) / 1 Booth (TRS) / 1 Send (TRS) / 1 Headphone Monitor (1/4th-inch & 1/8th-inch)
- Channels: 4
- Deck Control: 4
What We Like:
- Club Layout: A great option for those that want a proper club-layout design and look, the XDJ DJ controller looks great on its own as well as a stand-in for club-related designs.
- Onboard Screen: A centralized screen that grants extensive and thorough information surrounding the DJ controller’s different states, the XDJ’s most immediate feature is its onboard screen. This screen makes keeping your attention solely on the DJ controller itself – and not your computer!
- Detailed Mixer: The XDJ comes with a fairly detailed and well-developed mixer that offers a variety of different features and effects, such as Beat or Sound Color FX.
What We Didn’t Like:
- 4-Channel Requires Laptop: While the DJ controller does have a standalone mode (which is awesome), the fact is that you can’t use 2 of the channels while in it. For many, this can be a pretty significant issue and honestly a real deal-breaker when it comes to performing.
Denon Prime 4 (Premium Choice)
The Denon Prime 4 DJ controller is easily one of the standout options when it comes to 4-channel DJ controllers.
Not only does it come outfitted with an incredible touchscreen display that is a joy to experience, but it also comes with an extensive number of connection points to handle multiple platform setups.
The drawback to this device is more due to its unrefined selection of effects as well as Engine Prime DJ software.
Still, even with that in mind, the inclusion of Serato DJ Pro software and the fact that it is an entirely standalone unit should certainly make the Denon Prime 4 worth checking out.
Read this next: Denon Prime 4: How Awesome Is It Actually?
Unit Specs
- DJ Software: Engine Prime Music Management
- Inputs: 4 RCA (Line/Phono) / 2 Mic (1/4th-inch / XLR)
- Outputs: 2 Master (1 x RCA 1 x XLR) / 1 Booth (XLR) / 1 Zone (XLR) / 1 Headphone Monitor (1/4th-inch & 1/8th-inch)
- Channels: 4
- Deck Control: 4
What We Liked:
- 10-inch Screen: A pretty important and noteworthy feature, the Prime 4’s screen size is definitely on the larger side of things. Not only that, but the device comes fully adjustable to your preferred angle.
- Value: Probably the first thing you’ll notice is that the Prime 4 DJ controller has an impressive sticker price considering what it offers all around.
Not only is it an incredible value for money, but, when compared to other DJ controllers in the same price range, it does a lot more with a lot less. - Standalone Availability: A huge factor that really can’t be ignored here, the Prime 4, more than any other DJ controller device, is entirely standalone. This means that DJs don’t need to directly feed their laptops into the DJ controller to source music or play some basic mixes.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Engine Prime: This isn’t really a dislike at all but the Engine Prime Music Management DJ software, while certainly on the rise, definitely still has its fair share of work to do before effectively catching up to Serato DJ Pro or Virtual DJ, or Rekordbox. But that is in popularity. As a DJ software, it really is one to watch out for! Sit tight.
Pioneer DDJ FLX6 (Value Choice)
The Pioneer DDJ FLX6 works slightly differently from many of Pioneer’s other controller options, particularly the ones on this list.
Including their new Jog Cutter and Merge FX features, this controller has a few uniquely specialized traits – and while they may be a bit on the gimmicky side of things, that doesn’t mean they can’t also be surprisingly useful or effective.
The DDJ FLX6’s large-sized platters, along with its 4-channel control options, make it an excellent option for DJs that want an effective springboard forward from their current 2-channel entry-level gear – especially at that price point.
Still, with all things considered, this is a solid controller that is perfect for Pioneer fans to transition from their current devices.
Read this next: The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6: Our Honest Opinion
Unit Specs:
- Software: Serato DJ Pro / Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ / Rekordbox DJ
- Inputs: 1 Mic-in (1/4th-inch)
- Outputs: 1 Master (RCA) / 1 Booth (RCA) / 1 Headphone Monitor (1/4th-inch & 1/8th-inch)
- Channels: 4
- Deck Control: 4
What We Liked:
- Club Layout: If there’s one thing that you can count on, it’s the Pioneer layout. This club-style setup is perfect for DJs that are already familiar with Pioneer gear, whether they’ve been steadily growing for a while or have only just finished mastering their starting gear.
- Full-Size Jogwheels: This 4-channel DJ controller comes with two full-size jogwheels. This makes them both an excellent choice for scratch DJs that want access to 4 channels while performing.
- Natural Upgrade Option: A big perk of this DJ controller is that it’s an excellent upgrade option for DJs that have had their fill of 2-channel entry-level controllers. Not only does it show this via its quality and features, but also when put in relation to its price.
What We Didn’t Like:
- FX Functions: Some of the FX functions seem a little bit gimmicky and will be maybe ignored after the novelty value wears off.
- Fairly Lightweight & Mobile
- Reasonably Priced Considering What It Offers
- Comes With A Built-In Sound Card
- Offers Compatibility With Both Serato and Rekordbox
- Not Quite As Durable As Other Options
Additional 4 Channel DJ Controller Picks
Pioneer DDJ 1000
The DDJ 1000, while not quite at the level of the XDJ XZ, is very much a sight to behold as it pertains to the 4-channel DJ controller conversation.
This device virtually has it all, from an awesome layout and design to incredible onboard FX options, to even a super impressive set of jogwheels that are pretty much the gold standard.
As a Pioneer device, the DDJ 1000 is legit through and through, being something everyone should seriously consider if they want something that is at the professional level and is 4-channeled.
Simply put, if you’re a fan of Redkordbox and a fan of Pioneer and don’t pick the XDJ, you need to get the DDJ 1000.
Read this next: Pioneer DJ DDJ 1000: The Best DJ Controller Ever?
Unit Specs:
- DJ Software: Rekordbox DJ (Full Version)
- Inputs: 2 RCA (Line/Phono) / 2 RCA Stereo (Line) / 2 Mic-In (XLR & 1/4th-inch)
- Outputs: 2 Master (RCA/XLR) / 1 Booth (TRS) / 1 Headphone Monitor (1/4th-inch & 1/8th-inch)
- Channels: 4
- Deck Control: 4
What We Liked:
- Club Layout: The DDJ 1000 makes a point of presenting itself as a serious contender in the club layout look. If you’re currently performing at clubs and venues, this is the suitable DJ controller for you.
- Full-Size Jogwheels: Another of the big selling points for the DDJ 1000 is its full-size jogwheels. This, in and of itself, is an impressive feat that, while somewhat noticeable on the DJ controller, feels incredible to use, both with its low latency as well as its use for effective scratching.
- Full-Color Displays: The DDJ 1000’s jogwheels are more than just their impressive size. They also each have a full-color visual display at their center. This display can be customized to emphasize and highlight certain information specific to you while mixing. While it’s not going to sell the DJ controller on its own, it may be a very real deciding factor for people on the fence.
What We Didn’t Like:
- DJ Software Compatibility: The only real drawback, the DDJ 1000 isn’t something that can be used with a bunch of different DJ software types. Instead, you’re pretty much relegated to Rekordbox and only Rekordbox.
Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3
The Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 is a particularly remarkable device, particularly for fans of the Traktor software.
The 4-channel DJ controller comes with a fairly spaced-out design that makes performing easy and enjoyable, with incredibly tight looping controls for DJs trying to get that perfect sound.
The S4 offers full Traktor Pro 3 integration, meaning you’ll have all that it entails. Not only that but much of it lends itself specifically towards 4-channel mixing.
The DJ controller has a very impressive selection of input and output options, making it hard to pinpoint anything particularly wrong with the device as a whole.
The one sour spot may potentially be its less-than-perfect launch. Outside of that, it’s pretty much the perfect device for Traktor and NI lovers.
Read this next: Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: A Proven Heavyweight?
Unit Specs
- DJ Software: Traktor Pro 3
- Inputs: 2 Mic-In (XLR/TRS) / 2 Phone Line-In (RCA) / 2 Stereo Line-In (RCA)
- Outputs: 2 Master (RCA/XLR) / 1 Booth (TRS) / 1 Headphone Monitor (1/4th-inch & 1/8th-inch)
- Channels: 4
- Deck Control: 4
What We Liked:
- Club Layout: One immediate standout here is the overall layout of the S4. A considerable departure from NI’s normal design, the S4 now is more closely tied with club gear.
- Quality Jogwheels: The S4’s jogwheels aren’t just impressive in terms of their overall size. Now, these two have gotten the full Kontrol NI treatment, coming both with a haptic feedback sensor as well as being fully motorized.
- Integrated Screens: The S4 comes with two hi-resolution screens that offer you additional data and information when used. This means that you won’t need to constantly go back and forth between your DJ controller and your laptop while performing.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Unimpressive Release: Probably the only part of the DJ controller that was less than perfect, when the S4 was released, it was pretty much a shadow of what it has ultimately become. There were a lot of bugs and problems that the device had to contend with and would only become viable after going through several updates
Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT (Serato Version)
The Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT takes all of the things you loved about the original DDJ 1000 and tweaks it so that it’s compatible with Serato DJ Pro and LiteFdj controller.
Still, while Pioneer does an admirable job switching things over, they didn’t get away without a few concessions coming into play.
The biggest point here is that Serato’s integration, while ok, isn’t nearly on the same level as the original DDJ 1000’s is with Rekordbox.
For example, the jogwheels offer less overall screen information while also offering no direct control when it comes to Serato FX
Outside of that misstep, however, the DJ controller wins out in virtually every other area, producing impressive jogwheels as well as a range of different connection ports to choose from.
Read this next: Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT: Best Serato Controller Ever?
Unit Specs:
- Software: Serato DJ Pro
- Inputs: 2 RCA (Line / Phono) / 2 RCA Stereo (Line) / 2 Mic-In (XLR & 1/4th-inch)
- Outputs: 2 Master (RCA / XLR) / 1 Booth (TRS) / 1 Headphone Monitor (1/4th-inch & 1/8th-inch)
- Channels: 4
- Deck Control: 4
What We Like:
- Club Layout: Since the 1000SRT is meant as a Serato alternative to the DDJ 1000 if you’ve heard of Pioneer’s previous DJ controller or used it before you’re going to feel right at home here.
- Impressive Quality: The 1000SRT is not what many would call particularly inexpensive as a DJ controller. As such, there is an expectation that the DJ controller will have a similarly high level of quality shown in its build and design.
- Large Jogwheels: Taking a big page out of the original DDJ 1000, the 1000SRT comes with the same large jog wheel sizes.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lacks Serato FX Controls: While the 1000SRT does offer an impressive number of features, an area where it stumbles is in the fact that it offers no direct control over the Serato FX area. While you’ll still have many of the Pioneer-based FX features, the fact that this was supposed to be a Serato option for many, may not be enough.
Best 4 Channel DJ Controller Picks: Takeaway
We finish with our best four-channel DJ controller pick summary.
There are a lot of benefits that come from using 4-channel DJ controllers, but ultimately they open up a whole other world of performance for DJs everywhere.
From having the ability to layer several tracks together, to adding-in external hardware to the device itself, modern DJs simply have methods and ways of creating different sounds that simply weren’t possible only a few years ago.
Each of these
This premium
Still, while the XDJ isn’t exorbitantly expensive, it isn’t one of the cheapest DJ controllers out there either.
For those that fear may be a bit too far out of your price range, I suggest checking out the DDJ 1000 instead. This
Ultimately, when it’s all said and done, the quality of most 4-channel DJ controllers is almost always going to be a step above a similarly priced 2-channel DJ controller.
As such, no matter what you end up getting, you’re apt to be in for quite the adventure.
Yes, 4-channel DJ controllers may take a bit of time to get used to.
However, once you do get a solid grip on these types of DJ controllers I am pretty confident you’re not going to want to go back any time soon.
