Is a DJ Controller or a DJ Mixer better for you?

What is a DJ Controller

A DJ controller is basically an all-in-one device because it features turntables and a mixer all built-in to one easy to use unit. Using DJ software on a laptop, tablet, or phone you can connect to your controller and easily drag and drop desired songs and music files to the turntables and play. This provides significant control for you over each of the songs and the effects that are chosen.

A DJ controller is best for those who are just beginners. The cheaper and versatile nature of DJ controllers allows you to experiment with different sounds and effects through connecting with their chosen software and laptop or PC.

What is a DJ Mixer

Ok, so now that you understand what a DJ controller is, you might be wondering what is a DJ mixer? Aren’t they the same thing?

Well… A DJ mixer is more independent and can be less reliant on a DJ software and laptop to play and create music. With a DJ mixer, however, turntables are required to be plugged into the channels as they do not have them built-in. DJ mixers are more expensive but offer increased quality and range of features compared to DJ controllers. DJ mixers also have the capability to be able to connect to various units like vinyl turntables, beat pads, DJ samplers and guitar FX units.

With that, DJs are given greater versatility in creating music with different formats and be able to blend sounds together seamlessly.

Wait… What is a DJ Deck though?

So a DJ mixer needs turntables as they are not built-in like the DJ controllers, that's where the DJ deck comes in.

A DJ deck are the turntables used to basically 'scritch-and-scratch' when playing tracks and manipulate the sounds. DJ decks do not create sounds themselves; that is why they need tracks playing through them.

DJ decks have great capabilities including looping, adjusting the speed of tempos and blending tracks together, or to show-off your DJ-ing skills by creating new layers of music.

Many professional DJs buy the mixer and decks separately, which although is a lot more expensive, they can customise how many decks they want.

What is the difference?

• A DJ controller includes turntables with a mixer built in, a DJ mixer requires external DJ decks.

• A DJ controller uses a DJ software whereas a DJ mixer doesn’t need to rely on it necessarily.

• Although the DJ controller does have a lot of versatility in managing music, DJ mixers are able to connect with more forms of music units.

• DJ controllers include turntables and a mixer making them more cost effective, as DJ mixers require separate turntables.

• DJ controllers are great for beginners to learn with and develop their skills, while DJ mixers are the industry standard for professional DJs performing at clubs and events.

Renting DJ equipment is an amazing option for aspiring DJs who do not have the budget yet to purchase all the equipment that they need. Instead of investing in one brand of DJ equipment, through renting, you have the opportunity to try out different brands and see which one you like best and are most comfortable in using.

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