When two perfect entry-level machines collide!
When starting your DJ journey, you must have a quality entry-level DJ controller. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or how much you “think” you know about DJing, starting at the basics with a beginner controller is the most effective way of understanding all there is to DJing.
By jumping ahead, it’s way too easy to get lost and feel overwhelmed.
Back in the mid-2000s, many entry-level controllers were incredibly ineffective, often turning out to be downright useless.
This often resulted in people needing to “wing it” with intermediate and professional controllers and DJ devices, which were often much more expensive and had way too many features than the common starter could handle.
Now, today there are more starter controllers available than ever before. Still, while the number of options has spiked considerably, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be a bit discerning about what’s good and what isn’t.
Two particularly good options to start with are both Numark’s Mixtrack Pro 3 as well as Pioneer DJ‘s DDJ-400.
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 Vs Pioneer DJ DDJ-400: Overview
Of course, as good as both of these controllers are, you’re probably only going to invest in one. With that, the question suddenly becomes, which controller are you going to get?
The Mixtrack Pro 3 is set to offer a more affordable option that isn’t as feature-centric and is more laid back.
Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-400, on the other hand, makes a point of being a more complete DJ experience while also expecting a higher cost as a result.
In this comparison guide, we’ll be taking a look at both of these controllers as well as going over their respective strengths and weaknesses so that you’ll have a firm grasp and understanding of which controller will ideally work best for you.
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 Explained
The smaller and less imposing of the two, the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 prides itself on being a true-blue bare-bones starter controller.
While not including many of the same features and benefits offered by the DDJ-400, the Pro 3 can shave off a few extra dollars, making it a more affordable DJ controller as a result. Not only that, but it also comes with a few one-ups of its own, namely in its ability to operate four channels at once.
The Mixtrack Pro 3 is physically not much to write home about, with a 21.6-inch width, a 9.1-inch height, and a 1.1-inch depth.
The controller is notably quite lightweight while also carrying 5-inch platters that can be scratched on.
Read this next: Numark Mixtrack Pro 3: Perfect for Beginners
Things We Like:
- Impressive Overall Performance
- Prime Loops Remix Tool Kit
- Serato DJ Software
- Affordability
- More Available Channels
Impressive Overall Performance
One great area where you’ll see what the Pro 3 is made of is its overall performance. I’m not going to sit here and lie to you or say that it’s anything especially amazing because it’s not.
However, if you step away from high-tier professional controllers (or even what the DDJ-400 offers), you’ll see that Pro 3 isn’t quite as skin and bones as many would have you believe.
In particular, they have an impressive jogwheel and pitch slider that both offer some good performances.
The jogwheel is a capacitive 5-inch wheel that can manage some effective scratching. On the other hand, the controller prides itself on its 100mm (3.9-inch) pitch sliders which make it easy to perform some pretty fine adjustments, especially when compared to many other controllers that only have 60mm sliders.
Prime Loops Remix Tool Kit
Another huge inclusion is the Prime Loops Remix Kit. This is a $200 value that comes with 6 different sample packs and over 380 premium instrumental loops, one-shots, and drum kits.
There, you’re able to remix various sounds with premier electronic music labels for exclusive access to studio-level audio sounds.
Serato DJ Software
While only Serato DJ Lite, this is a great option for a lot of different reasons. Not only is Serato the foremost DJ software platform available to date, but it is also the most versatile of the different software types while also having the largest number of features, even when compared to close runner-ups like Rekordbox or Native Instruments.
High Affordability
A great factor to consider when it comes to the Pro 3 is that, despite not coming with everything you’d ever wanted, it still is a very functional controller that does way more right than you’d expect.
What takes this to the next level is when you see just how much you end up having to pay for this controller.
As mentioned, this is meant to be an entry-level controller yet its affordability goes well beyond this. Simply put, any person can pick up the Pro 3 and get started on DJing.
This is not even talking about how many retailers from physical stores will often “sweeten the deal” by throwing in several useful goodies for free, like a pair of quality headphones, a hard case, or anything else, looking back at the situation.
More Available Channels
Lastly, the Mixtrack Pro 3 comes with four available channels compared to the DDJ-400’s standard two. This may certainly be more on the niche side of things, especially if you aren’t someone who regularly plays with four channels.
Still, it’s a useful feature that, when used properly to open up and incorporate more than only two music channels, can dramatically improve the overall quality of your performance.
Things We Do Not Like:
- Feels Low-Quality
- Not As Many Features
Feels Low Quality
This is especially on display when compared with the DDJ-400, though this is true even when inspected for its own sake.
While the durability itself isn’t too bad, everything else on the Pro 3 shows just how much (or how little) money was invested in its build.
As an example, things like its jog wheel, which is one of its most impressive features, feel a bit plasticky and cheap to the touch.
Yes, most of this stuff still works well enough, but it all feels like something more akin to a toy than an actual performing DJ controller.
Not As Many Features
This is more of an open term that we will expand on when talking about the strengths of the DDJ-400, however, at this point, the big thing to realize is that the two options are vastly different in terms of what they offer by way of features.
For example, while the Pro 3 has access to Serato Lite, Prime Loops Remix, and some basic performance pad features, that’s about it. Seriously.
On the other hand, Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-400 comes with Beat FX, complete DJ tutorials, or the various Rekordbox-based performance features on top of all of the benefits offered by Mixtrack Pro 3.
2-deck DJ Controller/Audio Interface with Dedicated Serato DJ FX Controls, Twin 6" Capacitive Jog Wheels, 100mm Pitch Controls, RCA Outputs, and Serato DJ Lite Software
Verdict
Overall, when it comes to the Mixtrack Pro 3, it’s hard to recommend this to anyone that has even the most general understanding of how a controller works.
Yes, the Pro 3 is going to be more affordable than the DDJ-400, however, that doesn’t mean anything if the difference in what they offer is so drastic.
All in all, unless you’re new to the DJ world, it makes more sense to check out the DDJ-400 and all that it offers than to play with something that has next to nothing available.
On its own, the Pro 3 is a serviceable option. When compared with the DDJ-400, it’s not even a question of what you should get.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Explained
Whereas the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 focused primarily on reducing the price in exchange for a watered-down controller, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 instead focused on giving as good a quality as possible for starter DJs that needed an entry-level controller.
As a result, the DDJ-400 is regarded as a more complete controller with several additional features and functions while also having a more impressive build and value.
In terms of physical build, the DDJ-400 comes in with a width of 18.98 inches, a height of 2.3 inches, and a depth of 10.72 inches.
The controller also includes things like a tutorial option, an overall club-style setup, and layout, as well as numerous available Rekordbox features.
Read this next: DDJ 400: Perfect for Beginner DJs?
Things We Like:
- Impressive Build & Layout
- Includes Rekordbox Software
- Useful Tutorials & Features
- Beat FX Feature
Impressive Build & Layout
While, yes, the DDJ-400 is pricier than the Pro 3, there’s a reason for it. Here, one of the most obvious reasons is the fact that the controller looks and feels competently made.
Not only does the controller have a sturdier and more durable build, but everything feels like part of a machine instead of a small toy.
In addition to this point, it’s easy to forget or overlook the fact that the controller itself was designed to be reminiscent of professional club layouts.
This means that the transition from the starter controller to the professional controller will happen much faster than with many other controllers that are just haphazardly put together.
Includes Rekordbox Software
The Rekordbox software, while not quite on the level as Serato DJ, is a very close runner-up. It is increasingly becoming more and more popular, especially with those just starting.
This is because Rekordbox has a cleaner and easier-to-jump setup that makes it less intimidating compared to Serato, which has so much going on at one time.
Useful Tutorials & Features
Another great inclusion for the DDJ-400 is a tutorial mode. This is primarily an access point with the aforementioned Rekordbox software.
This essentially helps you quickly get up to speed on what the controller is capable of while also teaching you various different DJ techniques.
In addition to that, the controller also comes with other software-based features including several performance features that allow you to sync your library to the cloud or a variety of other features and factors that make the controller worth checking out.
Beat FX Feature
Lastly, the DDJ-400 comes with a specific feature known as Beat FX. This is pretty much a professional-grade FX feature that allows you to match the tempo of a track.
This is used to create some truly unique musical sets when played around with, especially if you’re starting and want to have something to physically show your improvements as a DJ.
Things We Do Not Like:
- Higher Price Tag
- Only Has Two Channels
Higher Price Tag
So, we do have to talk about the fact that, for as many features as it has, it can’t offset the price point conversation.
Well, that would be the case if the price was dramatically more or if the controller offered next to no features in comparison to how much it was asking for.
In both of these points, the DDJ-400 wins out.
Yes, the price is higher with the DDJ-400, however, if want something that deserves your money, you’ll be willing to pay that little bit extra.
Only Has Two Channels
The only other big point of contention here is that the DDJ-400 only has access to the standard two available features. While this is annoying, it’s hardly a game-changer.
That’s because both controllers and DJs at this level aren’t generally level aren’t all that interested in a four-channel device.
This product is now discontinued. Only used and second-hand units are available via the relevant marketplaces.
Verdict
All in all, when it comes down to it, the DDJ-400 has it where it counts. While it is more expensive than the Pro 3, that is only one factor. The truth is that almost every other aspect of the controller is superior between the two.
Not only that, but the price, while higher than the Mixtrack Pro 3, is incredibly reasonable for most DJs and is a great place for any DJ that is interested in getting a real start on their performance journey.
Which Is Best?
When it comes to talking about which DJ controller is best, there are a few things we have to consider here.
The main challenge for the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 is that, despite being more accessible and affordable, everything else about it is lacking.
On the other hand, the DDJ-400 has everything for a true DJ experience but its price is the higher of the two.
All in all, I would have to say that the DDJ-400 is the better of the two.
This is partially due to the controller simply having more going for it, but another important thing to mention is the fact that, while more expensive, the DDJ-400 isn’t particularly costly.
Because of that, even those just starting can benefit more from what Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-400 offers than anything the Mixtrack Pro 3 has available.
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 Vs Pioneer DJ DDJ-400: Summary
The importance of finding a controller that’s good for you isn’t just about deciding on price alone. There are plenty of other factors and DJ manufacturers that are just as important as the controller’s price.
By understanding that, you can put yourself in the best possible position as a DJ to find something that works for you specifically as your ideal controller or DJ music device.
