Our top five DJ Controller picks for 2019

With so many options for new DJ controllers being released all the time, making the right choice can be tough.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT

Here are our top 5 DJ Controllers for 2019 so far, and a few reasons why:

Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT

What is it:

The new Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT builds on the success of its predecessor, the DDJ-1000. It is the ultimate “Club Standard” controller for Serato DJ users, featuring the same layout as you would find on a pair of industry standard CDJs in a club.

Best feature(s):

Very high-quality mechanical jog wheels
Dual USB and dual headphone ports for seamless DJ set transitions
Compatible with Serato DVS system (License sold separately)

Price:

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT is set to retail at USD $1299 (around R20k excl. duties)

More info

Roland DJ-707M

What is it:

Unlike a lot of high-end DJ Controllers on the market, the Roland DJ-707M takes a more minimal approach. They’ve done away with the flashy lights and full-colour screens, in favour of a more streamlined DJ Controller that still boasts a massive number of features under the hood.

Best feature(s):

Standalone 4-channel mixer with DVS functionality
Advanced control and effects for dual microphone channels
“Scene Mode” to seamlessly switch between various configurations
Built-in Roland drum machine and synthesizer

Price:

The Roland DJ-707M is set to retail at USD $999 (around R15k excl. duties)

More info

Traktor Kontrol S4MK3

What is it:

The Traktor Kontrol S4MK3 is the new iteration of one of the most popular DJ Controllers yet. It features a variety of new additions; most notably are the new “haptic drive” jog wheels.

Best feature(s):

Illuminated, motorized jog-wheels provide plenty of visual and physical feedback
Easy-to-use “Pioneer-style” mixer FX
High-res colour display for all your track meta-data and cue/loop information
Internal DVS-Ready audio interface and standalone 4-channel mixer

Price:

The Traktor Kontrol S4MK3 is set to retail at USD $899 (around R14k excl. duties)

More info

Hercules Inpulse 300

What is it:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away – Hercules was one of the very few brands manufacturing DJ controllers. The industry has certainly come a long way since then, with the big names like Pioneer getting involved. There is still a gap for beginner DJs looking for more controls than the entry-level high-end stuff offers, and the Hercules Inpulse 300 fits the bill.

Best feature(s):

Large jog wheels
16 performance pads with several modes
“Beatmatch guide” to help you get started

Price:

The Hercules Inpulse 300 is set to retail at USD $199 (around R3000 excl. duties)

More info

Pioneer DJ DDJ-200

What is it:

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 is aimed at making beginner DJs more comfortable behind the decks. It features the essentials you need to start mixing, alongside some very helpful popup tooltips and tutorials within the software. It’s designed to work with a mobile device and uses Bluetooth to transmit MIDI data, it’s super easy to set up and requires very little cabling, making it great for practicing on-the-go.

Best feature(s):

Built-in beginner tooltips to help you get started
Several automatic “Transition FX” to choose from
Incredibly compact and USB powered

Price:

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 is set to retail at USD $149 (around R2150 excl. duties)

More info

What are you looking for in a controller?

Are you a professional club DJ looking for your next investment?

In that case I would probably opt for the Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT or Traktor Kontrol S4MK3. If you’re more of a Mobile DJ, then the Roland DJ-707M is the one, and for the beginners – the Hercules Inpulse 300 if you’re leaning towards more features, or the Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 for a slightly simpler, yet streamlined DJ controller.

Our top five DJ Controller picks for 2019