Best DJ Controllers 2023 [Don't Buy Until You Watch]

It's time to upgrade my DJ controller, and these are the top 4 options that I've been considering.
Time Stamps
00:00 Intro
01:10 Rane One
03:00 Pioneer Rev 7
04:09 Hercules DJ Impulse T7
04:51 Denon DJ Prime 4+
07:11 Outtro
These are affiliate links, they cost nothing to you and clicking them helps support this channel.
Rane One: tinyurl.com/2rm4wvrp
Rev 7 Gold: tinyurl.com/3fthzccb
Impulse T7: tinyurl.com/4n97akr9
Prime 4+: tinyurl.com/yssvu6jy
================ CONNECT ================
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Instagram: @djdarylbennett shorturl.at/abcu4
For booking related inquiries, visit admdj.com
================ DJ GEAR ================
Chauvet Intimidator Spot 260: amzn.to/3GyeJ12
Chauvet Well STX 180: www.nlfxpro.com/well-stx180-6...
Well STX Mic Stand Adapter: www.nlfxpro.com/wellstx180-mi...
Chauvet Core 3x3: www.123dj.com/lighting/ledlig...
Battery Uplights:
Cedarslink 6.56ft truss: amzn.to/3ERxATw
Soundswitch Control One: amzn.to/3Xp1Axa
SoundSwitch Interface: amzn.to/3Fmk8ra
Donner Wireless DMX Battery: amzn.to/3EzzHdw
Donner Wireless non-Battery: amzn.to/3U1wpoJ
Bunn Gear Command Center: bunngear.com/
Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer: amzn.to/3VuGb4s
Evolve 50: amzn.to/3FnWWJa
EV ETX 18SP: amzn.to/3H2GrmX
EV EKX 12p: amzn.to/3EWtjwX
Sennheiser EW G4 100 Wireless Mic: amzn.to/3Flg4XX
============== CAMERA GEAR ================
Sony Alpha 7C Full-frame Mirrorless Camera: amzn.to/3H3FPxi
Tamron 28-75mm amzn.to/3XQrvy2
Tamron 17-28mm amzn.to/3FjoyPk
Tripod: amzn.to/3VLwtdL
============== AUDIO GEAR ================
Scarlett Focusrite 2i2: amzn.to/3XVzMkj
Kali Monitors: amzn.to/3gR9ZcD
Audio-Technica AT2020: amzn.to/3EVTBiL
================================
These affiliate links give a small commission to help support this channel at no additional cost to you. I'm only sharing gear that I actually use and like!
================================
Song: Balynt - Milkshake
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: spoti.fi/3vHg2VR
#weddingdj #djcontroller #djsetup

[@DJDarylBennett]

Which controller is your favorite?

[@ozkars.5175]

Of Course prime4+ bro Standalone, work with serato, Virtual, engine 3.0 WiFi, control my ligtst this is a very powerful and complete dj console than others.

[@DJDarylBennett]

I want them to make the platters spinny! It's definitely an awesome controller

[@HOOZAR]

I started off Gigging with a laptop + Pioneer DDJ-400 then upgraded to a denon prime go and I'm really happy with it. Trying to learn to do lighting with Soundswitch and the standalone denon unit has been really difficult but your videos have been some of the most helpful by far. I think there's not enough quality tutorials out there covering the basics of Soundswitch and Engine lighting and you could help a lot of mobile DJs with a unit like the Prime 4+.

[@DJDarylBennett]

If I do go that route, I'll probably make videos and share my experiences

[@steveoneil7028]

I've never tried a Prime Go but I've head nothing but good things about me. I'd consider getting one as a backup or something for small gigs but I like the functionality of my Prime 4. I actually had a Prime 2 originally and switched to a Prime 4 when I wanted the 4 channels and larger screen.

[@djccruz1]

Hey Daryl I own a prime 4 and I’ve had it for about 4 years. I take it to all my gigs and I love it. The ability to be able to connect and control soundswitch is amazing. Engine dj is not difficult to learn.

[@DJDarylBennett]

That sounds awesome, thanks for sharing your experience!

[@triggerdot]

Hi Dj Daryl, i just ran into your video and it's a fantastic comprison. I would like to add a comment for the Prime 4 unit that you have very well explained. There's a little thing your public need's to know. Soundswitch ain't a free aspect of your light controler feature. You have to program your fixtures to make it work well and it mean's that you have to subscribe to soundswitch for that. You also need a laptop to ensure your configurations before you take this out for a gig. Don't get me wrong.. the unit is a perfect machine for your mobile DJ. I just want the viewers to be aware of that spec that ain't mentionned annywhere when you buy this unit. In conclusion, i'd say this is something to consider with a think about it if you buy it for the soundswitch aspect. (The soundswitch is not that expensive but for a wedding DJ it has to be cheap to make your pricing competitve.) Beside's the monthly fee with soundswitch.. you have at least a month of free subscription that give's you time to programm your lighting fixtures. Thanks again for your advices!

[@DJDarylBennett]

Very true! Thanks for sharing

[@DJ2Legit007]

I know I previously said I was happy with my DDJ-1000 and wasn't interested in any new controllers, however I picked up a Rane One last month w/ case for $1000. I'm loving this controller! It has me scratching regularly again!

[@DJDarylBennett]

Awesome! Congrats

[@larrycoffey806]

Just replaced DDJ SX3 w/Rane 4. Deciding factors: designed for Serato including stems, simple and clean layout, split cue, limted plastic yet light weight, lots of inputs/outputs, no power brick. Used at 2 events. Very impressed.

[@DJDarylBennett]

I really like the stems buttons that the rane 4 has, kinda disappointed that the prime 4+ doesn't have that with stems being it's top advertised feature

[@ZykoMike]

Played on the Rane One plenty and own a Rev 7…… LOOOOOOVE the Rev 7, can’t see myself changing it for a long time. Had a DDJ-1000SRT befor

[@djs5889]

Hi, please, is there a better soundquality vs Pioneer DDJ rev7 and the SRT?

[@djmadnez]

I had the Rane 1… I didn’t like it….too heavy so I sold it. Then the Hercules came out… WHOA!!!!! loving it!!!!

[@DJDarylBennett]

Awesome experience, thanks for sharing!

[@majorchutzpah7265]

I'm loving my Rane!

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

Sold mine Way too heavy Got a platinum hercules t7

[@DJGaryP]

I have the rane one it works with windows and Mac just fine. I use mine for everything.

[@DJDarylBennett]

I've heard more than one person say they upgraded their laptop because it didn't work with the rane one. Which didn't make sense to me, it's just a midi controller? Anywho... Thanks for sharing!

[@djerniet350]

I have prime 4 and prime go for ceremonies and happy hour events. I am very pleased.

[@DJDarylBennett]

Very nice, thanks for sharing!

[@javier-fernandez]

Prime 4 plus would be my choice. The folks at Denon are doing a great job with Engine DJ. I have been using my Denon SC Live 4 for about a year and there are software improvements very often. This equipment could also be a good option since it is cheaper and lighter than the Prime. At first I didn't like that the SC had speakers but now I use it a lot to test my mixes without having to rely on external equipment. I recommend it 100%.

[@DJDarylBennett]

That's awesome! Thanks for the feedback

[@gadmar5331]

hi quick questions, what console do you suggest , i want start DJ and grab music from youtube , spotify or whatever , i got a few mp3 files already on usb but i need to upgrade my music and dont know where to start

[@patrickwdoyle]

If you want to use an older laptop, Traktor is a great choice and the S4 mk3 has rotating platters and four channels.

[@DJDarylBennett]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@DMulabiTalejan]

I learnt DJayinng on twin CD players in 2000 (the Denon DN-1800F to be specific). Sometimes you would go to a booth with a different brand and faulty system eg cue button dead and all you had was the play/pause. But you had to quickly find a way of DJaying on this... So i get shocked when i hear people say, it is hard to learn this or that DJ software. Like really...

[@DJDarylBennett]

Thinking on the fly is a good skill to have, but not the preferred situation lol being prepared is the way to go, each software has their own quirks

[@djason_music]

Prime 4 also has lots of streaming options which has got to be useful as a mobile DJ. And the extra zone out so you could have a separate playlist going in another area? Not useful for me but def targeting mobile

[@DJDarylBennett]

As a wedding DJ, that scenario hasn't ever been applicable in my entire career. If another area requires a separate speaker, I use an iPad. But still cool to know it's an option!

[@djsticks6351]

Daryl I have 2 denon sc6000m’s and a pioneer djm 900 nxs 2 Best setup ever

[@DJDarylBennett]

What a beast of a setup! While I don't doubt it's awesome, I'm personally looking for something a little more portable for mobile gigs.

[@steveoneil7028]

I got a pair of SC6000Ms a few years ago to go with my Pioneer DJM750 mkII mixer. Absolutely love those SC6000Ms and any time I use CDJ3000s now it seems like a big downgrade in comparison. However, right around the time I got them, I started doing a lot more mobile gigs so I wanted more portability. My case with the 2 decks and mixer inside is big and heavy. I love the Denon decks so much that I got a Prime 2 and that was a very nice unit for mobile gigs. After it served me well for a while I decided I wanted the extra functionality of a Prime 4 and got one. It's hands down the best all-in-one deck on the market currently. I haven't upgraded to a Prime 4+ basically because I don't need to. One of the great things about Denon is that they frequently release software updates that don't just fix bugs like other brands. They regularly add entirely new features. So a four year old Prime 4 with the latest software updates is only minimally different from a brand new Prime 4+. In that way, Denon do a very good job of future proofing their gear and I've noticed that a lot of their updates seem based on feedback and suggestions from their forums. And recently adding soundswitch to my Prime 4 has been a massive gamechanger for me. Being able to have such control over my lights from the same screen I use for my music without even needing a laptop. Brilliant!

[@aaron_the_dj_hawaii]

Rev 7 is still my favorite overall controller. I do wish however it had 4 channels, that would’ve made it better. I have the Rane 12 with the S11 mixer which I love to play with the most, but transporting it sucks ass, so heavy

[@DJDarylBennett]

The rane 12 combo does look awesome but a beast to transport! Thanks for the feedback

[@steveoneil7028]

Denon Prime 4 hands down. If it had rotating platters (like on the Denon SC6000M or Rane One) it would be the perfect deck for me because apart from that is has everything I could possibly want in a DJ deck. Only when you've spent time using one do you truly appreciate just how amazing the feature set is. I have one and it's superb with soundswitch. Not needing a laptop for either DJing or controlling lights, yet still having such an impressive array of functionality. It beats the pants off anything Pioneer currently has out including the Opus which costs twice as much for less functionality (and looks kinda tacky too in my opinion). If I was going to use a laptop with my setup then I'd go with a Rane One (I do love those platters), but I've tried using a laptop with a controller / DVS vinyl and really didn't like it. After years of using either vinyl turntables or CDJs I just couldn't get in to having everything on a laptop off to the side.

[@DJDarylBennett]

Agreed! The prime 4 is awesome

[@JohannesNielsen]

I personally would go with the Dennon as Pioneers parent company brought Serato and that puts both Rekord box and Serato in the no go zone for me. Rekord box is buggy asf. As far as I am aware Engin DJ is stable and reliable

[@DJDarylBennett]

I went with the Denon and so far so good! 😁

[@JohannesNielsen]

@@DJDarylBennett fantastic. After quite a break I am going back to DJ'ng for private events

[@drsonido]

if you value portability, denon prime go is a no brainer, I do all my weddings with it also has the ability to control lightning, all in the same place.. nothing like that in the market. The downside is that it's not as appealing as the one's you mention

[@DJDarylBennett]

I've thought about the prime go for ceremonies, it looks awesome! It may be a little too compact for my main controller... Haha If I were to be a jogging or biking DJ, that would be my first pick

[@anthonyirving6728]

Owning a Prime 2 in biased. The ability to control lights and not needing a laptop. That's a no brainer. Engine learning curve can be steep. But, if you can learn SoundSwitch you can learn Engine.

[@DJDarylBennett]

Yeah it definitely looks appealing! Wedding season is slowing, so I may do it

[@javier-fernandez]

Engine DJ has no secrets, it is super easy to use. Soundswitch does require hard learning, that's why we watch your videos Daryl. @DJDarylBennett

[@anthonyirving6728]

@@javier-fernandez engine was no easy task when I was first learning. Support staff was pretty much useless. It's much better now.

[@javier-fernandez]

--- Disclaimer: This is a translation. My tone in these remarks may not be appropriate. I apologize, it is not my intention to create controversy. --- I've only been using it professionally as a DJ for events for a year. I've never had doubts about its functionality, but undoubtedly the system needs improvement. For example, I recently accidentally deleted a folder, and there's no way to recover that information or to undo the action. A recommendation for those starting with Engine DJ: make a backup before closing the program. Engine DJ improves with each update, and its evolution is very positive for professional use. I'm sure we can agree on that, right, fellow?"

[@steveoneil7028]

To be honest I was nervous about switching to Denon after roughly 20 years of using CDJs (with the last half of that using Rekordbox). Turned out I was worried over nothing. Denon imported my Rekordbox library with no hassle. I still maintain my Rekordbox library for when I do club gigs with CDJs. I know there's software that can keep engine and rekordbox synchronised but it has a lot of functionality I don't need and is pretty expensive for what little I would use it for. When I first started using Engine, it was pretty clunky and there were many areas where I thought Rekordbox was better but since then, Denon have made massive improvements while Rekordbox has hardly changed at all in the same time.

[@Ziggy_v2]

I prefer the Rev7, however for selfish reasons, I would like to see how "you" integrate SoundSwitch with the Prime4 standalone. The videos currently out are not that great.

[@DJDarylBennett]

Tbh, I might go that route if for nothing else for that lol

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

You’re insane if you don’t go with the prime 4 plus. Truly. I have the prime 4 for years. I’ve been djing since 1990. Nothing comes close.

[@DJDarylBennett]

The prime 4 plus is awesome

[@marcolondon88]

I wish I had the money , is 900£ more compare to SC live 4 . I think I'll go for that one as soon as I'm convinced.

[@mannythedj2023]

DENON ✨🔥✨

[@DJDarylBennett]

🙌

[@DJGaryP]

They just dropped the price of the rane one to $1299 now is the time to buy lol

[@DJDarylBennett]

Ikr? Has me wondering if they're planning on releasing something new soon...

[@user-fn7qp8cc8p]

Denon sc live 4

[@DJDarylBennett]

nice!

[@thatchinaboi1]

You sleeping on Rane Four. 😂

[@DJ_CJ_NL]

get the flx 10

[@DJDarylBennett]

If I used rekordbox or rekordbox lighting, I'd definitely be putting this at the top of my list

[@DJ_CJ_NL]

@@DJDarylBennetti understand. Such a shame soundswitch isn’t compatible with rekordbox

[@antoniolockhart21]

​@DJDarylBennett Yes I was going to ask why Flx10 wasn't an option. But I guess you answered that question.

[@DJDarylBennett]

@@antoniolockhart21 the platters don't spin else it would have been a contender. The opus would wasn't a contender because the prime 4+ makes so much more sense for my workflow as a soundswitch user

[@Loaf_Ov_Bread]

Tbh i tried giving your video a chance, but i cant with how mono tone and un enthusiastic you are.

[@steveoneil7028]

Sounds harsh. His voice seemed fine to me. I actually only just found this channel and I watched one of his earlier videos which had interesting content, but he's clearly come a long way in presenting his videos since then since that older video seemed more like what you described. Good on him for putting the helpful content out there.