Our top five DJ controllers to kickstart your festive season
Looking to spoil yourself with a new DJ Controllers this festive season? Here is our list of most notable mentions…
Hybrid HMC 2
Top Newcomers
What is it:
South African brand, Hybrid, recently launched their range of incredibly affordable DJ Controllers. The range features two options, a four-channel and two-channel version, sporting a lot of the same nifty features.
Best feature(s):
- Large 5” jog wheels
- Eight effects pads per deck
- Balanced and unbalanced main outputs, booth output and external input via RCA
- Carry case and Virtual DJ 8 Home Edition included
Price:
Hybrid HMC 2 retails at around R 5,000
Hybrid HMC 4 retails at around R 6,000
More info
Tried and Trusted
What is it:
Native Instruments has long been at the forefront of DJ software with their flagship Traktor software, they are arguably one of the driving forces behind the popularization of digital DJing. The new Traktor Kontrol S3 fits perfectly into their line-up of controllers for DJs looking for a bit more control without the hefty price-tag of the Kontrol S4 mk3.
Best feature(s):
- Four-channel mixer and LED feedback for easy four-deck control
- External line input for samplers or synths
Price:
The Traktor Kontrol S3 retails at USD $649 (Around R 9600 excl. duties)
More info
The People’s Choice
What is it:
Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ
The new Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ only just got released, however, I can already tell it’s going to be hugely popular for one reason – it natively supports multiple DJ software applications. This may seem basic and it eludes me how it took so long, however, that being said in the current competitive software environment, it’s great to see users won’t need to buy a new controller every time there is an update.
Best feature(s):
- Fully functional as a controller or standalone unit
- High-resolution main and jog wheels displays
- Effects section inherited from Pioneer’s flagship NXS2 range
- Aux FX send and return for external effects processors
Price:
The Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ is not cheap, it’s set to retail at USD $2299 (Around R35k excl. duties)
More info
Something Different
What is it:
I like the unique approach that Roland has taken with their Roland DJ-707M controller, it’s super compact and packs in a ton of features from the basic DJ stuff to more advanced music production elements.
Best feature(s):
- Dual USB Ports
- Multiple assignable Main, Booth and Zone outputs
- Decks 3 and 4 have a TR Drum machine and an oscillator built-in allowing you to layer your own sounds into the mix
- “Scene presets” for quick configuration and setup
Price:
The Roland DJ-707M retails at USD $649 (Around R15k excl. duties)
More info
Something for everyone…
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first controller, or a seasoned DJ looking to upgrade your system – I’m sure you will find something here to suit you.
