Regarded as one of the perfect entry-level controllers, The Next Beat By Tiësto is meant for the beginner DJ that has virtually no experience with DJ gear and to accompany DJs from their first mix to their first gig.
Meant to give a bare-bones yet complete DJ controller experience, TNB offers some useful tricks to make it a useful option, including Midi-over-Bluetooth, which makes connecting to Apple products much easier than otherwise.
It also comes with the Beatport web-based app software as well as access to Algoriddim’s djay Pro AI software. So is the Next Beat a revolutionary DJ concept?
Just because it has that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the “ideal option for beginners”. We’ll do an in-depth look at what this DJ controller has to offer and see if it’s something most beginners need, if it is a fully equipped DJ controller, or if they should look at something a bit more reputable and established.
Is the Next Beat By Tiësto DJ Controller Any Good?
It is definitely for beginners starting out on their creative journey! While it may not be the most eye-catching design, this entry-level controller boasts a useful feature: Midi-over-Bluetooth wireless range.
This means that connecting to an external mobile device such as an iPad or iPhone is a breeze, making it a great option for mobile DJs. Plus, it’s compatible with Beatport’s web DJ app and comes with basic video training to get you started.
Although it’s endorsed by DJ Tiësto, the training isn’t created by him. While it may not work with more advanced software like Serato, it’s still an “okay” choice for young dance music aficionados who want to dip their toes into the world of DJing.
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Is the Next Beat By Tiësto: First Impressions
In terms of first impressions, the first thing you’ll notice about The Next Beat By Tiesto DJ controller is its build and look. The fully equipped controller weighs around 3kg and its dimensions are 57cm x 28.6cm x 5.6cm.
It also has the Tiësto name printed all over the box. This is kind of crazy once you realize that, once you start going through the training, not much of it is actually by him… but we’ll get into that a bit later.
Build
From a physical build perspective, the Next Beat By Tiesto controller isn’t anything more or less special than most other beginner controllers on the market.
It’s not “terrible” but it’s certainly not going to blow you out of the water or win any “best DJ controller” awards. Considering that it’s priced at almost $300, it comes across a bit on the cheaper side of things, with many buttons and knobs feeling flimsy.
Design
Outside of that, there are also some pretty weird design choices going on with the Next Beat By Tiësto DJ controller. For example, the pitch fader isn’t near the center of the controller but is found at the top left of the jogwheels.
There are a couple of other examples of this that will have you scratching your head a bit, though I will also say that it’s not so crazy that you can’t get used to it. It’s more so the fact that they do some things that are just wholly not what most other controllers do, whether that’s good or bad is up to you and your tastes.
Input/Output Ports
One area where it does fairly well on the Next Beat By Tiësto is in the array of connectors, ports, analog audio input, and power leads. In this case, while those aren’t particularly noteworthy, what is worth your attention is the additional options for the different software options to choose from.
While we’ll go more in-depth later, the Next Beat By Tiësto DJ controller works with Beatport DJ and its web-based DJ app as well as Algoriddim’s djay Pro AI software subscription.
With the app running entirely online, the controller has a cable that is used for the djay Pro AI software.
This cable allows you the ability to take a special version of the output from your device’s headphone socket. Since it only works with Apple products, you’ll need a headphone adaptor to plug into the controller’s back. This may be annoying, but doing it will ensure you have access to the speakers as well as the headphones’ output, all while using the built-in iPhone/iPad audio interface.
- Comes With Beatport DJ Web App
- Input for external mobile device
- 40 Minutes Of Basic DJ Training
- Endorsed By DJ Tiësto
- Doesn't Work With Any Popular DJ Software
- Most Features Only Found On djay Pro AI Software
- Training Isn't Done By DJ Tiësto
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A Deeper Look
Taking a look at some of the different features found in The Next Beat By Tiësto DJ controller, I found that they were pretty serious about making this a controller you could not only DJ on but DJ on at gigs and venues, albeit smaller ones that aren’t as severe. It may not be at the high-level professional tier that other controllers are, but it’s also not necessarily trying to be that.
Considering its size, the two-channel controller’s different jogwheels, knobs, and pads are all spaced out enough that you can do a pretty good job performing for friends and even small birthday gigs.
Jog wheels
The jog wheels, while once a big sticking point for TNB, has gotten a fairly severe overhaul. Now, while not at the level of higher quality controllers, the jogwheels are quite responsive. Yes, from a physical standpoint, they do have a “cheap” or “flimsy” feel to them, however, when you’re using it alongside the djay Pro AI software you’re able to offset a lot of the expected complaints due to the improved performance.
Beatport’s DJ Web App & djay Pro AI Software
Probably the biggest selling point for The Next Beat By Tiësto DJ controller is its seamless integration of Beatport’s DJ web app as well as the djay Pro AI software. Without a doubt, using the web app is going to be a super easy option. This is directly accessible from the Chrome internet browser with no installation required.
It’s not going to have every perk available to the controller but what it does have is great for helping you learn how to use a controller, especially if you’re a complete beginner who’s never actually managed to perform before.
The controller itself comes with a free month of Beatport Link’s music streaming service, ensuring that new DJs can get a solid handle on their performance during that time.
The controller also includes a free 30-day trial to the Beatport and Beatsource LINK subscription service which gives DJs access to the latest DJ mixes and hits from around the world.
What really takes things to the next level, however, is the use of the djay Pro AI software. Whereas the web app is the simplest and easiest way to get started, the DJ software gives you full access to all of the features and functions.
It only works on Apple products (iPhone and iPad) and requires a subscription to use. That said, it is entirely mobile and can be used (albeit not as effectively as on Mac) with only an iPad.
Just a few of the different things you’ll get with the software include looping (auto & manual) as well as key shifting, sampling, and a ton of FX options. While these options aren’t necessarily “new”, it is good to see that they exist on the controller in some way. That said, it is really disappointing that they aren’t at least on the web app.
The Next Beat By Tiësto DJ controller, when registering on the TNB website, offers access to some pretty well-put-together DJ training videos. These videos aren’t meant to go into all the ins and outs of the controller or even being a DJ but instead run through the general basics of setting the controller up as well as some of the more fundamental DJ tips.
While this isn’t “amazing” training, it is a lot better than most other controllers that simply throw you in and expect you to know everything they have to offer. The training is roughly 40 minutes long and is presented by Mike Williams.
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Exclusive Collectible DJ Booklet
The reality is that, while the Tiësto DJ system controller does offer training, that training isn’t particularly in-depth or extensive, barely hitting the 40-minute mark and really only going over the basics of the basics (most of it is how to set up the controller itself).
Yes, the Next Beat also comes with an exclusive collectible DJ booklet filled with tips and tricks from Tiësto that will certainly benefit young dance music aficionados.
Overall Performance
Things We Like:
- Comes With Beatport DJ Web App
- Input analog audio for external mobile device
- 40 Minutes Of Basic DJ Training
- Is Endorsed By DJ Tiësto
Things We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Work With Any Popular DJ Software
- Most Features Are Only Found On The djay Pro AI Software
- While Endorsed, The Training Isn’t Done By DJ Tiësto
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The Next Beat by Tiësto: The Verdict
Ultimately, the good news is that The Next Beat by Tiesto is a solid entry-level controller with enough going for it that you could use it in some small-time performances.
The inclusion of basic DJ training with the Tiësto DJ system controller as well as various software perks makes it certainly a controller worth considering for someone just starting their DJ journey.
It is not a super high-quality controller but, sure, it has something most other controllers don’t but that doesn’t mean it gets a pass. The truth is that you’re going to be spending almost $300 for this controller, and the question becomes whether there is another beginner controller that is comparable in price while offering more.
The truth is that most Pioneer DJ and Numark controllers in that price range not only have more, they often have a lot more. For example, almost all of their controllers in that range have access to the different effects native to the controller as opposed to on a paid subscription service. Not only that, but the controller builds themselves are often of a higher quality.
As it stands, while there are a lot of selling points for The Next Beat By Tiësto DJ controller the reality is that there are just better options out there that go for the same price.
No, most of them don’t come with a set of training videos, but it’s also true that the training videos in question aren’t anything you can’t learn from Google and YouTube.
If you are interested in this Tiësto DJ system controller, get it for someone new to the creative journey and that has absolutely no clue about DJing but has shown a bit of an interest in it. Outside of that, this controller simply doesn’t provide enough value for anyone.
If you’re a beginner, what it does offer isn’t worth how much they’re charging, while mid-range DJs and professionals can’t even reliably use it as a backup high-quality controller.
I wish I could give the Tiësto DJ system controller a glowing recommendation, but the truth is this Tiësto DJ system controller, despite its high claims, simply isn’t worth most DJs’ time, beginner or otherwise.
