If you’re someone just starting to learn about DJing and the different types and terms connected to DJing, you may be a bit confused when you hear people talk about a “DJ controller”.
What is a DJ controller and what role does it play in a DJ’s performance?
There is so much DJ gear terminology out there and I’m pretty confident you would have heard DJ terms such as DJ deck, DJ mixer, a controller, a standalone, or even a DJ console.
And yes, there are indeed differences between the bits of hardware.
However, the DJ controller is an essential hardware device that is used by a vast number of DJs, both beginners and professionals alike.
They are the means and method by which DJs can play, blend and mix music, and are used together with a laptop computer or device.
DJ controllers are a must-have for a vast majority of DJs starting, regardless of how far they plan to take DJing.
In this overview, we’ll go over more of what a DJ controller is as well as how it works and its different components.
What Is A DJ Controller? (in short)
A DJ controller is an all-in-one piece of DJ hardware that combines all of the traditional elements of vinyl decks and a mixer gelling them into one unit. Often, but not in the case of standalone controllers, they work in unison with a laptop. This gives the modern-day DJ access to a multitude of digital DJ tools and features that never would have been possible with a traditional DJ setup.
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What is a DJ Controllers Used For?
Essentially, a DJ controller is a digitally-based equivalent to a DJ’s turntable setup.
By using the “all-in-one” device along with a laptop computer, DJs can both mix, play, scratch, and add FX to tracks.
Controllers have a multitude of different buttons, knobs, wheels, and sliders that all allow the DJ to tweak a track’s sound as well as mix it with a separate additional track for seamless DJ transitions.
What Does a DJ Controller Do?
The biggest and most important question that any beginner DJ wants to know, when it comes to DJ controllers, is…
“What exactly are DJ controllers, and what does a controller do?”
When most people first think of DJing and it’s done, they generally have a picture of a man or woman with a pair of turntables in front of them, scratching away.
Depending on what era you’re from, that person may be playing disco music or dubstep, rave, or techno music.
Either way, if asked, the majority of people would say that the device they’re using to play the music is a turntable or some type of media player.
In reality, while turntables are still used by DJs, that isn’t what the majority use, especially when starting out. In the majority of cases, they are using something known as a “DJ controller”.
A DJ controller is a digital hardware device that is used to play, mix, match, and scratch music tracks without the actual use of physical records or CDs.
A DJ controller works by being connected to a DJ’s laptop computer, where it connects with specific DJ software to give the ability to mix tracks and play music.
With the controller carrying all of the hardware aspects while the laptop handles all of the software-related aspects, a DJ can perform numerous complicated setups much easier than with other DJ-performing devices on the market.
Read this next: 5 Best Standalone DJ Controller Picks
DJ Controller’s Breakdown
The DJ controller, while incredibly useful and easy to start performing with, is only useful when linked together with the laptop computer, additional DJ software, and external speakers/headphones.
Outside of that, the controller is broken up into several different aspects that make it, in essence, an “all-in-one” unit, especially when compared to devices like the CDJ, record turntable, or the typical DJ mixer.
#1. Jogwheels
While not to be confused with actual turntables, a controller’s jogwheels are meant to create that similar “record spinning sensation” that most DJs expect to have when thinking about performing.
Along with their respective buttons and deck options, the jogwheels on a controller are used to physically cue up a track as well as perform different levels of scratching.
Jogwheels generally have a much smaller wheel platter size when compared to turntables.
They are not used with an actual record or a physical CD as the music is stored and connected through the DJ’s laptop computer or tablet device…even a smartphone can be used these days!
#2. Mixer
Next, after the jogwheels, is the DJ mixer.
One of the great things about the DJ controller is that it includes several different parts of the DJing experience as a literal “all-in-one” device.
This is especially true when comparing it with an independent turntable or mixer, which is often purchased entirely on their own without anything additional tied with them.
Here, the mixer is actually built into the controller’s center area and is the essential tool for DJs to perform transitions between separate tracks.
Here, you’ll use the mixer when matching the different beats to a track as well as performing different mashups between songs.
Read this next: Best DJ Controller for Beginners (Our Top 5)
#4. DJ Software
One of the most important areas is DJ software.
Not every controller will come equipped with DJ software pre-installed. However, all controllers must use some type of software via a laptop computer (or desktop or tablet) to source a track and mix the music in.
Unlike other devices, like a CDJ (which has the software available for use without a laptop), the DJ controller must use a computer to handle the software-based aspects while the controller itself is where all of the buttons, knobs, and switches are located.
Generally, the mid and higher-end controllers will only work with one or two software types while older ones that aren’t as well known will often work with a range of software options.
Many controllers will often have their partner software already installed and ready to connect with the laptop.
#4. Speakers
Not very prominent but still available on a selection of DJ controller units. Some controllers will actually have some type of speakers built into the controller.
An example would be the Numark Party Mix LIVE and you can find our full test drive of this unit below.
Full controller review: Numark Party Mix Live: Certified Party Animal?
Generally speaking, these speakers are not going to be meant for much more than in-home DJing, either to a small audience or for usw in a small entry-level home DJ setup.
Importantly, if you do plan on performing to an audience, it’s important to consider investing in some stage monitors or other speaker options meant for the crowd.
Still, if you are just starting out in DJing and don’t have much at the moment, using the included built-in speakers may be worth considering.
Read this next: CDJs vs DJ Controllers (Which Tech is Best?)
Why You Should Get A DJ Controller: Reasons
While we’ve gone over many of the things that make up a DJ controller – as well as how it differs from other DJ devices – that doesn’t quite explain whether it is the ideal device for you.
The reality is that the DJ controller, while not the best option for every DJ, is something every entry-level should seriously consider getting.
Below are just some of the reasons that you should start with a controller before looking at the CDJ, mixer, or turntable options.
Reason #1. Affordability
The most immediate benefit to getting a DJ controller over other devices is the affordability and cost associated with them.
While there are certainly some poor controllers out there, you can get a very reasonable entry-level controller for under $200.
Yes, $200!
These controllers will include all of the essential aspects needed, like pre-installed DJ software, various FX, loop, SYNC, and various DJ features, as well as a variety of other options, all while generally feeling great when used.
This is a far cry from even the cheapest turntable or CDJ DJ setup, which can easily push you into the $500 range and above for even the most basic of setups.
If cost is an important aspect, controllers are definitely the way to go.
Reason #2. Software Compatibility
The second perk to DJ controllers is that they often come with DJ software pre-installed in them and are compatible with whatever the latest update is for that particular software.
You’ll need to keep in mind that this is only for the mid-range and higher controllers, as the cheaper ones generally won’t have this as a benefit.
Still, when you consider just how costly some DJ software options are, the fact that some will either have the limited or pro version already installed provides real savings from the get-go.
It’s also a huge time-saver since you don’t have to do much more than install the software onto your computer before having access to everything on your controller.
Sound good so far?
You might want to check out some of our popular DJ software articles. Here are a couple that you will find useful when it comes to DJ software in DJ controllers:
Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ – Which is best?
4 Reasons To Use Engine Prime DJ Software
Reason #3. Access to Music
Another huge part of DJ controllers is their digital library feature. Unlike the turntable or CDJ options, which both require some type of physical installation of music (either a record, CD, or a USB device) controllers, when plugged into the laptop, have access to all of your different music libraries, DJ pools, and playlists.
This makes creating and accessing specific playlists much easier than from any other DJ method, and can be tweaked and played with on the fly (again, something other devices can’t do).
Reason #4. Portability
DJ controllers are notably quite lightweight and super easy to carry around, especially when compared to CDJs or turntable setups, which are often incredibly cumbersome. And let’s not start with the weight of vinyl!
Backbreaking!
This makes controllers very easy to use when performing at multiple gigs or party events.
Reason #5. Extensive DJ Tools
Lastly, the DJ controller offers DJs some of the most extensive DJ control options of any device out there.
Whether it’s included on the controller itself or available as something via the software options, there are more things you can actually “do” with a controller than either other option.
All-round fantastic value for money!
Read this next: DJ Controller vs DJ Mixer (All You Need To Know)
What Is A DJ Controller? Takeaway
We finish with our “what is a DJ controller” takeaway, or a quick summary as some like to call it.
The DJ controller is, without a doubt, one of the most important aspects and devices in the DJ world to date.
Between its affordable price, simple setup, functionality, and an “all-in-one-unit” inclusive nature, it is the perfect option for anyone interested in becoming a DJ or looking for a way to get started without shelling out several hundreds of dollars.
Determine where you’re at with your DJing and find a good controller that works for you. There are many options out there to consider.
From there, play with it, explore how it works, and become proficient in the different performance techniques for mixing music.
Practice, practice, practice!
Then, once you’ve fine-tuned your abilities and outgrown your current controller, consider looking into either upgrading your controller itself or looking at another DJ setup.
Read this next: What is a CDJ? (And Why a CDJ Set Up is Still Killing it!)
