BEST DJ Controller 2021, No Budget! - LET'S DEBATE

We're back debating our top 5 DJ Controllers, this time with no budget restriction! Which of them do James and Rodney pick to take the #1 spot? What is the best DJ Controller in 2021?
Featuring: Denon DJ Prime 4, Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ, DDJ-1000 and more!
Get a DJ Controller: www.getinthemix.com/dj-equipm...
Music: George Fields - / george.fields
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[@Techy1210]

So glad I settled on a 1000 just over a year ago. Was, and still is, considered one of the best controllers out there! And a really good price too! 👌🏻

[@irkenDJ]

1. S4 2. DDJ 800 3. Prime GO 4. Prime 4 5. DDJ 1000

[@Eric-hb5dn]

I hope you guys never stop making James and Rodney videos

[@inn06vation]

Rane one is my favorite, but i think the Roland DJ 707m should be in consideration for top 5. Features are insane.

[@tourinojacks45]

Great video here, gents! Love it!! Thank you so much!

[@barrysteele8431]

Love watching you guys

[@ImpactSpace]

Nice video! You two guys are so humorous and fun to watch, stay awesome! I personally prefer the Prime units over Pioneer, but Pioneer is still solid of course. They just should innovate a bit more and charge less, but one can only dream, lol...

[@bboymac84]

prime 4 is number 1!!

[@lisanderw]

Yes after playing with xdj-xz and prime 4, prime 4 had way more features, but it's a true 4 channel stand alone. Xz can't beat that, so I bought a prime 4

[@lag3432]

😂

[@computechpro3395]

DJ 808 is a beast , not just a controller , producers/DJs will appreciate it more

[@viniciusselestrim4658]

Oh man, I was really rooting for DJ-505. I mean, you can be really creative with that one (really creative!).

[@JustinUrban1]

If NI made a standalone then I feel it would be a game changer. I love the S4, but hate being connected to a laptop

[@alfreddawson3765]

I completely agree. They need a flagship standalone controller to compete with the Prime 4 and XDJ-XZ.

[@daspotjoel]

Wholeheartedly agree!

[@sike1dj]

Prime 4 beneath the xz? Nuts. Absolutely nuts.

[@Bigstygz]

Remember these are only onions and debate, just because the XZ is mine and Rodney's top controller (We are club DJ's who always use the industry standard equipment provided by the club, so for us the closer to this the better) doesn't mean this is definitively the answer. Everyone's list is going to be different depending on what works for them.

[@sike1dj]

@@Bigstygz I totally understand, I was just jerking around.

[@powerdater7514]

Pioneer will always tick the club standard box, can’t deny denon doesn’t have that

[@ImpactSpace]

@@powerdater7514 if we follow this kind of arguments, then there never will be any change in the booths. I support more competition and innovation, because in the end we all gonna benefit. Also, 'club standard' is totally irrelevant in these crazy corona times.

[@seeeyegee3061]

@@ImpactSpace...that won't last forever.

[@krenkson]

Really like the Denon Prime 4 but the Traktor is a must for me. For me its the best software out there and has the best DVS. Plus you cannot compete with rotating jogs on S4 :-D

[@Ziggy_v2]

I kinda agree with the list - XZ, Prime4, Rane One, DDJ-1000, and Prime Go.

[@mralexsambo]

After this video I bought the XZ and I F.. Love it!!! Thank you guys. Make a new video 2022

[@truthhurts88]

I bought the prime go in December and it’s good but I wish I had gone for the prime 4. The jog wheels are to small but at least I have something I can take to the woods

[@UXMusicc]

If native instruments made their next Traktor DJ a stand alone, with streaming(Supporting Spotify or ITunes), bigger motorized jog wheels, and a nice top display… it’ll be all over. I’ll instantly buy it. Hell, I’ll pre-order it even if it’s 1 year away.

[@GetintheMix]

We'd love to see a standalone Traktor device! 😍

[@djsavage2877]

Great videos! love your content. I have a full size goxlr mixer, couple laptops, stream deck and xlr mic. What would be a good dj controller to pair with my system that wont break the bank and i can learn on? Thank You!

[@matheuskazinda7885]

i love the traktor S4, its just something else

[@bryzon559]

I'm just looking at that Jurassic Park patch 😁👌

[@alexandrugiscan2347]

Native instruments S8 was a beast , hoping to see the mk2 version soon. Nothing like it :)

[@leonmaik]

This review combo of those maniacs needs a comeback, please🙏🏼😂

[@liquidcandi3067]

Music tech review reads "Although the DDJ-800 can be used as a standalone mixer without being plugged into a laptop, the mixer effects won't function (presumably because they're processed in the software rather than the hardware itself" . Important to note.

[@waltersimmons176]

Merci de m'avoir offert une si belle vidéo sur DJ

[@FreshFamilyDjs]

pioneer DDJ SR2 great controller with all bells needed £699 good medium controller

[@bernhardmair6233]

You guys are so cool, thanks.

[@mycarmails]

Great Roundup fellas could you guys do a best ultra portable controller Roundup? I recently picked up the Hercules djcontrol mix like to know your guy's thoughts on it

[@GetintheMix]

It's recorded! Hopefully have it out in the coming weeks :)

[@d.holland209]

Prime 4 beats the Pioneer and should be number 1.

[@ImpactSpace]

I don't get it either. Technically the XZ is certainly inferior (ancient screen, small RAM, no Sata/SD/Wifi, just 8-beatjump, etc...) while costing $600 more and being more bulky to carry around. The only better thing are the effects and jogs, though them being mechanical, they also make noise and can break easier... if you aren't a scratch DJ, the Prime 4 jogs are fine. Still a great video and overall I agree with the list!

[@DJTide]

Seriously, the prime 4 is leagues ahead of any other controller in the market.

[@michaeldavis2707]

I agree ! No other control have the capability of the future of the prime 4 can be with all the updates to come and it already the best ive every had!

[@tmus1905]

yep if I had money to burn I know what controller I'd be igniting my cash on, have used both and can tell you the Denon is way more user friendly, feature packed and not to mention alot cheaper

[@seeeyegee3061]

No fucking way. The only way that's true is if you're a bedroom dj. The effects are worse, the jog wheels are worse, the build quality is sub par.

[@martintomorad9164]

So the controller with only 2 channels in standalone mode, no streaming support, less inputs and outputs, no onboard analysis, no multitouch gestures, etc etc. wins over Prime 4? Interesting...

[@Bigstygz]

Remember these are only onions and debate, just because the XZ is mine and Rodney's top controller (We are club DJ's who always use the industry standard equipment provided by the club, so for us the closer to this the better) doesn't mean this is definitively the answer. Everyone's list is going to be different depending on what works for them.

[@siggydj]

this channel is pretty well know for being sponsored by pioneer, whatcha expect? They had to take down their video comparing sc6000 to cdj 3000s cause the 6000s just smashed the cdjs in comparison even with them sugarcoating things for pioneer

[@derlisadalbertolezcanogime5565]

prime 4 always!!! hello from paraguay

[@rupakmajumdar9959]

what's even crazier is people being entitled to their own opinions! =]

[@bigdaz7272]

One of their main Points was it was as close as you could get to the full on Club Gear experience for 4K less. If closely mirroring Club Gear was not a big deal for you probably the Prime 4.

[@j4ckurabczuk]

Hi, referring to what you said about backspin in Roland dj-505, i found this in the user manual: When applying backspin to the jog dial, this setting lets you make backspin continue longer than the distance that the jog dial actually rotated. OFF Backspin operation occurs according to the actual distance of rotation. Short Backspin operation is shorter than with the Normal setting. Normal Backspin operation occurs longer than the actual distance of rotation. Long Backspin operation is longer than with the Normal setting Page 23 manual user.

[@GetintheMix]

Nice nugget of info you found there, thanks for sharing! This does level up the DJ-505 then some degree for those who are partial to some backspinning 🙏

[@jefesteel]

Denon Prime 4. Luvs it. It's the Precious.

[@mastermixaudio5438]

Denon Prime 4 is definitely better than the Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ.

[@eliososa7474]

Why?

[@mastermixaudio5438]

@@eliososa7474 Denon has real 4 channels mixer (the Pioneer has only 2 real channels), large display, permanent connection of a very capacious SSD drive, 5 USB inputs + 1 SD, the ability to play music from any source without creating playlists on the computer beforehand, the ability to play independent playlists in different rooms , real-time music playback from the Wi-Fi internet, the ability to personalize the colors of the players....Pioneer does not have it, it does not mean that it is a bad controller, but the Pioneer company, wanting to quickly respond to the flagship Denon DJ Prime 4, created a quickly, slightly improved version of the XDJ-RX2 model with a small display, a better expanded effects panel and the ability to connect 2 microphones with a reduced correction and a 4 channel mixer with which you can only use 2 channels at the same time.

[@rtobo8042]

@@mastermixaudio5438 Hey, incomparable, perfectly right, nothing to add

[@justynssagan6156]

You set it in the right order from the number one which is the prime goal small axe cut down big trees you can't get better than a mobile DJ so it will be a toss up between the dj707m and the Prime goal who needs to walk around with a heavyweight controller what you already going to find in a club ya dig.

[@patrickcruz7009]

I haven't had a dj controller in my whole life, I've had a dream for a long time, but I still get it. Can I still sponsor you with a ddj 1000 because that's my dream controller

[@user-vg5bd5pr1h]

Hi would u rather Go for the DJ 400 250 Euro (used) or the Mixars Primo (260 Euro +Serato DJ pro includedd)

[@djedyz]

top 5 controllers? Then judge by controlling capabilities only, the standalones should be in their own section. my top 5 controllers are: s4mk3 first then ddj1000, ns7, flx6, 808.

[@bigdaz7272]

Yes but now you got your hands on the Rane One would it switch up your Top 5 any???

[@GetintheMix]

Both James and Rodney would likely find a place for it in their top 5 if we had it at the time. It's a very nice controller indeed!

[@maestrofedora3548]

I believe I might be mistaken. But the Pioneer DJ DDJ-800 controller’s FX were, to my understanding, software FX, not standalone FX. Was there a firmware update that made it possible for the DDJ-800 to have standalone FX?

[@GetintheMix]

Sorry this was an error on James' part, you are correct in thinking the Beat FX require Rekordbox!

[@DocuMovie]

VCI 380 !! still the best two channel IMO

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Cool video guys

[@househeadspeakz]

Wow! Once again no love for the DDJ800. Well to each its own. I use the DDJ 800 and I enjoy it. Pro connections, travel-ready, and the display Jog wheel. The kicker, full license Rekordbox inside the controller in addition, and fully license RB key. No extra cost.

[@AntonioGargiulodragossido]

i am undecided by ddj 800 and traktor s4

[@atypical_blk_guy]

@@AntonioGargiulodragossido I'm also undecided between the 800 and sr2

[@tomblamire]

Where was the ddj SZ2? Any chance of a part 2 episode?

[@bastianvanmaanen3715]

Would you recommend a flx6 for a starter DJ?

[@jackkilgannon6924]

Love the energy and editing of these videos

[@mrdee8686]

I think the Pioneer DJ DDJ SZ and do record it do both dismissing the USD that was a mess and more sound effects if they had that that'll be nice

[@DrudgeAudio]

I have the ddj800 - it’s a cracking bit of gear but full disclosure - the beat effects (or filters) don’t work on external audio without rekordbox

[@GetintheMix]

Error on James' part there, you are correct!

[@derlisadalbertolezcanogime5565]

denon dj 2 o 4 prime are the best ever!!!

[@Andy_DJ34M_Hiams]

Where was the Rane 1 controller guys?

[@GetintheMix]

Unfortunately stock delays have meant it is not available yet, we wish we could've included it!

[@chukah9484]

@@GetintheMix where would ya have placed it? Vs the traktor s4?

[@skeennah1927]

@@GetintheMix when realistically are you expecting the stock please?

[@GetintheMix]

Hopefully in the next week, unfortunately we cannot be certain as it is not in our control.

[@skeennah1927]

@@GetintheMix Thanks

[@LiaIanKai]

I'm trying to decide between Traktor S4 and Pioneer DDJ-800. Which one should I get? Thx

[@as680783]

Not sure if you've decided yet, but I had the same dilemma. I ended up going with the S4 Mk3, because it has rotating tension jog wheels, an excellent remixing effects deck, sampler, high audio quality, larger range of sound effects (filter, chop, flanger, etc). The obvious difference though was the four-channels of the S4 vs 2-channels on the 800. Really it became a no brainer when considering the price too. As a House, Old School Rave and Techno head I can go places with S4 I can only dream of with the 800. I do love the full size platters and jog displays on the 800 though, and the 800 is a nicer looking machine.

[@Sebastian.Abrudan]

in my book, Denon Prime 4 is te best out there

[@mkivst180]

Can you pls show me how to put Android on prime 4? Tq

[@STATEMENTNYC]

Can you make top speakers comparison

[@Ravinstomper]

they have lol search their channel for it. tho its all on the smaller monitors than PA speakers

[@manhgrour6144]

Excellent DJ controller.

[@Sebastian-rr7de]

Great vid! Meme edits are on point also lol

[@danlen6957]

When are you guys expecting the 1000 to be back in stock? Looking to upgrade my 400

[@oldschoolwaverider]

As a beginner would you recommend skipping the 400 and going straight to the 1000?

[@dondadadimz2221]

@@oldschoolwaverider when I was beginning 2 years ago, i got the 400 when it still kinda fresh out and it’s was about 470ish pounds. The controller is the perfect for mastering if you aspiring to be club dj. If knew about the ddj 1000 2 years ago I would have gone straight for it but the 400 is like 200 pounds now soo it won’t hurt the budget. Get the 400 and then upgrade to 1000 (this is what i did) or xdj xz if you are confident

[@djramadan]

What happened to Reloop Mixon 4? Only controller you can use android, windows or ipad.

[@VictorKibalchich]

Yes, the Pioneer XZ is King. I love mine.

[@VictorKibalchich]

@@suumergroovedjseries496 yes, the XZ is USB standalone for 2 channels. You can also control Serato and Rekordbox with it.

[@gusgus6653]

How does the mcx8000 compare?

[@adamenglish5416]

Ddj1000 for me 🤤

[@wheelmanvicful]

Denon prime 4 is the way to go

[@as680783]

Lovely bit of kit she is.

[@bokifetish7735]

traktor s4 all day

[@Thasoundguy]

So nothing to complain at the prime 4, but some remarks on the XDJ-XZ. (like smaller display, no 4 channels... ) Looks the real winner here is the prime 4 ;) Oh and that... club standard... thats so 1990....

[@thenatmann1]

ddj 800 is way better than the flx6.. Took the flx6 out to the desert one time and all the faders and knobs are all crunchy now.. ddj 800 took to the desert dozens of times and everything feels super smooth still! No xlr on flx6, the jogs on flx6 feel like plastic crap, the gimicks on the flx6 are not worth the premium price tag. The ddj800 has beat fx, pad fx, color fx, displays on jogs, and feels exactly like what the club standard is and it has 4 channels, you just gotta figure out how to use the extra two, also it has independent power supply unlike flx6.. Flx6 is plasticky junk, feels cheap, and is definitely not worth the price tag

[@redataoussi]

800 is a 2 channel! And a lot more expansive, don’t forget to whom the flx6 was made for! Personally I started in the flx6 and expect all the gimmicks it’s really amazing for its price! Waiting for my ddj1000 tho

[@tmus1905]

totally agree with that podium line up, looks like they almost stack up the same in price too, with the xz being the most expensive($5k nzd in nz) followed by the ambitious prime 4 at 3.5k nzd. glad you took the flex6 off the table, would have been mortified if you had taken the 800 and left that on there

[@jaybrickman1094]

Denon Prime 4 & 2

[@d17mop]

Is the prime 2 bein discontinued. Seems to be a lot of speculation. ?

[@popescocristian9838]

I love my ddj 1000 👌

[@Savage_7_99]

Yesssirrr. It's a certified BEAST

[@Ravinstomper]

sure is but if you use vinyl as well it has poor phono stages and i had to get rid of it because of this :(

[@ImpactSpace]

Too much plastic and poor phono preamps quality. But I love its design and mixer effects.

[@XBASS247]

Never mind top controllers them 2 man needs their own TV show

[@alcane]

Rane One?

[@mikehanna120]

From all these choices I'd go for the xz as number 1, the prime 4 as number 2 ( although i own a prime 4, the downside of it that it's a denon and not a pioneer) and the ddj 1000 for 3rd place

[@FKNBASSALIEN]

Rx2 gang 💪

[@michaelcasey6892]

can you hook a cdj up to the flx6? to use it as a 3rd channel?

[@GetintheMix]

In a sense yet. You can't connect it directly to the FLX6, you would need to connect it to you computer and use it as a controller alongside the FLX6.

[@gintstiltins9755]

Ddj 1000👍

[@djbennytrill8198]

SZ2? Sx3?

[@trimworld3730]

I have the 800 I was pissed when they took it off the table.. Real world use for the size you get alot for you money.

[@ImpactSpace]

It's too expensive compared to the 1000. It has too much plastic. You can't use any effect standalone. There is no standalone Talkover either. For the money the other 5 shown controllers and AiOs are simply better. So no reason to be mad :)

[@tmus1905]

@@ImpactSpace totally agree, if you gonna spend that much moolah, might aswel pay the extra few hundy and get the best of that series rather than settle for second place. i.e. if my wife found out I spent $1600nzd on a peice of DJ kit she'd be fuming... however if she found out I spent $2400 on a peice of kit, she'd still be fuming just as much.... see where I'm going with this? your already up there in the pro mid range, and granted the 800 has it's place in the market as does all entry level controllers(except the flex6), but when your that committed, and you want to future proof your controller for the next 5yrs might aswel go for broke get the top dog.

[@trimworld3730]

@@ImpactSpace the reason I went the 800 route wasn't too do with the price it was more about the size, featured and fitting it onto a portable table with a laptop stand. The 1000's is a tad too big. For 2 channels controller it's feature rich! plus its the same layout as the 1000. Not everyone wants 4 channels and not everyone has space. I know which one I'd prefer to carry around

[@trimworld3730]

@@ImpactSpace talk over isn't a deal breaker use the faders! Depends what sort of DJ, everyone has a different use case

[@ImpactSpace]

@@trimworld3730 Of course it's not a dealbreaker, but having the DDJ800 'taken from the table' isn't a dealbreaker either! It's a good controller, but there are simply some better ones :)

[@superiridocyclitisgameon6532]

I use iPad Pro with djay pro what controllers are suitable I want and upgrade from the Hercules 300

[@jakepatel8403]

The hercules inpulse 500 is really good that I have but its only usb powered.

[@superiridocyclitisgameon6532]

@@jakepatel8403 I’m looking a DJ Controller with the connections in the back. The Hercules 500. Are good. If thy release an upgrade version of the 500 with the xlr connections and the rest day one buy for me. I like the djay pro app so much it’s awesome

[@richardhopkins1000]

Top of the range

[@veritas6931]

Not my line up but can see why it's yours. Peace 🖖🇬🇧 #Denon

[@GetintheMix]

Very reasonable, have a nice day 🖖

[@korikreationsatl]

Honorable mention DDJ SX3 DDJ SR2 DDJ RXZ

[@ImpactSpace]

I agree that the SX3 is fine. SR2 is a joke though (too expensive, poor audio quality, EQs and filters dont work standalone) and the Mixars Primo much better in comparison. And RXZ, hmmm, way too exotic and bulky.

[@SuperPussyFinger]

Where is the Rane One?

[@IamCoast2coast]

Prime go is battery powered complete usp, best second or third set up

[@dj-supag7920]

Mixars Primo for me.

[@ByronGraham]

Rane 1 all day!

[@djniceone2525]

Please how can I get Ddj sz gold???

[@rogerdjezddefreese1135]

Hands Down S-8 !!!!

[@eddyayoung]

PRIME 4

[@maus3454]

The bigger the device, the better...apparently 🤣. GO!!!!!!!

[@GetintheMix]

Manufacturers need to start releasing Size: XXL controllers 🔥

[@dustycolombo6487]

Didn't bring out the Rane One? was all the other controllers scared?

[@GetintheMix]

😆 It wasn't in stock in the UK at the time!

[@raphymartinez]

How do you do a 2021 controller debate without the RANE ONE?

[@GetintheMix]

Unfortunately we couldn't include it as it's not in the UK yet!

[@raphymartinez]

@@GetintheMix ah that makes sense. Best controller I’ve ever used, love mine.

[@foodstampz]

Have a ddj sz with flip back laptop..equal to prime

[@andriushka07]

Top 3 is right on a money.

[@ushanefrancis6638]

Am in jamaica I need one rite now how much does it cost

[@chriswong8262]

How is Roland 707m not on this list?

[@soothing1244]

my number one is ddj 1000

[@Savage_7_99]

I come just to hear the guy with the mouthful of gravel talk 😆 Wu-Tang- Gravel Pit in this bish

[@cafofos]

Rane One vs Prime 4 ? ? ?

[@davidseay8097]

DdjRZX? Pretty legit! Where’s it at?

[@djblack7079]

They look good sound good but when the sun hit that strain or moist get on the screen it look like it's a done deal

[@DJOHHMYY]

The rane one blows all of these out of the water surprised it wasnt in the video

[@GetintheMix]

We'd have loved to feature it here in this line up but delays have meant it hasn't arrived in the UK yet 👎

[@ImpactSpace]

It blows out nothing out of the water. Just because you like it doesn't mean other people agree. For example, I couldn't care less about motorized decks. Also, no standalone effects are a big no-go. Certainly not better than the XZ or Prime 4, as they are also standalone.

[@DJOHHMYY]

@@ImpactSpace without turntables i.e “motorized platters” we wouldn’t have static platter controllers or standalone systems 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@KagedDJ]

@@DJOHHMYY so? It’s not even 4 channel how is it better in any way

[@DJOHHMYY]

@@KagedDJ unless your mixing edm why would you ever need more than 2 channels

[@jetpackscooters]

it so weird because on paper the prime 4 and the prime 2 have more features-than the ddj rxz and ddj rx3. For example wifi, streaming, on board analysis and stand alone 4 channels. However pioneer take the top position because they know that if you are a professional DJ (which you most likely would be if you were going to spend £1500-£2000 on equipment) don't care about those features all they care about is the feel of the controller and the reliability .For example look at the jog wheels on the rxz compared to the prime 4. Plus pioneer being the club standard helps