Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 Review - The BEST BEGINNER DJ Controller?

[@Crossfader]

Watch the free lesson on the DDJ-FLX4 here: wearecrossfader.co.uk/ddj-flx4-lesson Check out he Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 Course here: app.wearecrossfader.co.uk/online-dj-courses/Pioneer-DJ-DDJ-FLX4-Course

[@butterflymusicberlin030]

I think you should giveaway this controller. It seems much better for beginners than the big XDJ RX3.

[@SLAVE_to_PAIN]

@@butterflymusicberlin030 I'll take the RX3 🤩 It's a standalone and not everybody has a good PC.

[@Djpetegordon]

OOOSH...yes please!!

[@djfame]

Hello Jamie, how do I save loop in serato DJ pro?

[@ENTERTAMEANT23.]

When will come to HP laptops software called virtual DJ

[@ZyDoxx]

As a hobby DJ doing a few house parties a year these are things I suggest: 1. If you've never DJed before, start with buying just a dj controller (like DDJ-400 or FLX4). If you already own any type of speakers, use those and find good quality sources to rip. This is to check if you truely like DJing or if it's just one of those sort term things you'll waste way too much money on. 2. If you like it, buy better speakers (preferably studio monitors). You can either upgrade your song quality by getting a subscription to a DJ pool, or you buy audio enhancing/analyzing software like Platinum Notes 4 and Mixed in Key (this is what I did). Remember to use good quality rip sources otherwise take a subscription. 3. If you enjoy DJing even more now and you want to try small parties/venues, decide whether you want to use the same speakers or upgrade to PA speakers (monitors are better for close range small groups and PA to really go LOUD!). I upgraded to a big PA and subwoofer combo for parties. I also bought a bluetooth adapter in case I don't want to DJ. Even if you're a bit of an audiophile like me, you'll never hear the difference between quality rips and the official sources unless you use insanely expensive speakers. A one-time purchase of audio enhancing software in combination with being able to rip anything on the internet was worth way more to me than getting a DJ pool subscription that does not include everything I search for. This is just from my own experience but consider the choices. Best of luck😁

[@gabrieldulon4752]

What kind of "audio enhancing software" are you referring to?

[@ZyDoxx]

@@gabrieldulon4752 Platinum Notes

[@gabrieldulon4752]

tanks for the fast reply

[@HussarrNL]

came here to ask the same, Thanks!

[@tizzy345]

@@ZyDoxx Know any good quality sources to rip from?

[@anthonyfonseca2417]

I love youtube so much. So much free, valuable information available

[@yan5362]

The fact that it can be connected to other sources like tablet, mobile and not only laptop, that's a huge step for an entry level.

[@Debeedoo3146]

Great tutorial! I recently bought the DDJ FLX4 and as a beginner hobby DJ, I had minimal clues as to what the controller could do. I now have so much more insight as to its potential! I can’t wait to have more of a play with it! Thanks

[@sweetsoul7518]

What laptop do you use with this please? I want to start djing but nobody really talks about the laptops best for it

[@Rob-nv7ew]

What you want to do is look at the software you're going to use and Google to find the recommended PC specs for it. Then any laptop that meets those specs will be fine, but to be honest these programs won't be massively intensive so you're not going to need a top of the line laptop @@sweetsoul7518

[@1belujsh]

Bruh I literally just bought the DDJ-400 like 2 weeks ago. Why couldn't they have released this sooner? My bank account is in shambles

[@lms5608]

Most online stores allow you to return within 30 days, where i live at least

[@vort3x_za]

Same here bro🥺

[@albinengstrom3379]

I mean besides the new effects and a new way to use the cross fader I honestly don’t see that it’s a crazy upgrade from the DDJ400 but that may be because Im salty i have the 400😂

[@Crossfader]

Don't worry, the DDJ-400 is still an amazing entry-level controller. The only things you can do on this that you can't on the DDJ-400 are unique anyway and you can't use the smart features on any other equipment, so if your end goal is to play on CDJs and rocking clubs then you wouldn't want to get used to the new features on this controller as they can't be applied on any other setup.

[@1belujsh]

@@Crossfader i guess you right. that makes me feel a bit better about my 400. Still the GOAT

[@Samsteazy]

I sold my DDJ-200 a few months ago because I felt like it was a very basic controller and I wanted a little more in a controller. After watching this review, I think I might end up copping myself one. It really looks like it'll fit my needs and is a better fit overall for me for what I'm looking to do in beginner dj-ing :)

[@mixxcast]

The content that you provide for free is amazing, hands down 1 of the best. Thank you.

[@Crossfader]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@illegalLettuce]

I just bought this to start my dj journey! THANK YOU for the music pack!!! Those trax will be perfect to get me up and running! 😫🤘

[@Yapap1234567]

i wanna start. is this deck good

[@illegalLettuce]

@@Yapap1234567 yes! Its a fantastic way to get into dj. Use the software to ORGANIZE your songs and add markers to easily jump between parts of each song... think REMIX on the fly!! Super fun! Good luck and welcome! 🤝!

[@ArmaghRed]

Wow. Brilliant video Jamie. I got my flx4 delivered last Saturday and this video is exactly what I have been looking for. Exactly 20 years ago I sold my 1210's but recently got the itch again to get back into it. Things have changed massively in last 20 years, there's a lot more emphasis on effects now so when I got the flx4 I was a bit overwhelmed with all of the effects and hot cue pads etc. Basically I've been messing about with trial and error until just now when I came across your video. You've basically explained every question I had for getting to grips with this within 30 mins. Thank you so much for this!!

[@INTHEMIX74]

but simple decks is bettert sometimes i have 30 year old 1200s and there not goin anywere...theres to much bullshit in these sorta things now and its all about effects and not a decent mix

[@ArmaghRed]

@@INTHEMIX74 Completely agree mate. Nothing more satisfying than finding 2 tunes that blend together, beat mixed and allowing them to play out over a couple minutes. I do miss that.

[@anthonyryan8482]

I've had a little go of these and you still can mix traditionally without all the bells and whistles if you choose ....im in the same boat got rid of my turntables and records around 15 year ago...im finding for me the hardest thing to go back to vinyl is cost buying loads of linyl again won't be cheap here you have a door to millions of tracks on apps at a small cost per month..saying that mixing with vinyl will always be the best imo

[@DrudgeAudio]

I already have a DDJ800 and turntables, but like to keep my ear to the ground on beginner controllers, and this is a banger for the price! Like all the extra details like pass through charging, USB-c, smart colour effects etc. just seems really well thought through

[@Crossfader]

Glad you like it!

[@DJBillionator]

But, you can do the same thing with VDJ and key shortcuts.

[@user-lv8lt8gu4g]

You can? I wish to go to vdj7. Theres so incredibly much braincell losing dev decisions about Rekordbox. I keep being annoyed by it, because i came from vdj. ​@@DJBillionator

[@user-lv8lt8gu4g]

Or are there any other programms i can use with it?

[@guitarzone5778]

this video is more like a master class for ddj flx4 users, thank you

[@lasoundwaves]

Bought one last week, I`m very happy with it!

[@electrickrain]

Nice. I'm definitely considering one

[@dhaneshgujar2480]

I had almost bought ddj 400 last week. Had a new brand piece in my hand but the guy was selling it for more price so I decided to wait out a few days. Thank God I waited. I go for the flx4 🥳

[@dkae92]

Just get cdjs.. if your gonna do it do it properly..

[@drewblood3530]

i upgraded from the 400 to this and it feels great

[@AGZT94]

@@dkae92 you got to start somewhere… cdjs are expensive

[@user-lv8lt8gu4g]

Is there really much difference?

[@artrese]

This was quite helpful thanks . as a newbie bedroom dj ...I'm excited to use this

[@walterfowler7557]

Wonderful step-b-step tutorial on all the features. hats off to Crossfader. Thank you

[@fouskalini]

Great review Jamie! I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything so thoroughly!

[@Crossfader]

My pleasure!

[@ChantingInTheDark]

I started off my DJing hobby over two decades ago with Pioneer CDJ-500S CD decks and DJM-300 mixer (because I had a ton of CD singles). I soon transferred fully to vinyl on a pair of Technics 1210s (because it was hard to find full length mixes of many tracks, I did keep the same mixer). Even though the DJM-300 had BPM counters on them, I never used them, I learned to mix the old school way - by ear, I prefer it. Managed to play a few bars (even had a Friday night "residency" at one for a while) the local club a few times and a ton of house parties and weddings. I got a job in America so had to leave all my DJ equipment and records behind (would have cost FAR too much to ship it all). I just bought a Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 to get back into it (yet to turn up) looking forward to it, although I have to say, the user interface for Rekordbox is fugly as sin, it could be SO much better, and the fact you need to buy a subscription for all the features is a major L, I'll just be using it for basic mixing I reckon.

[@michaellangham1556]

im pretty sure with buying a Pioneer ddj you get the full acces to recordbox and have all the features already! :)

[@hahabanero]

@@michaellangham1556 is it full version of the app or just basic one/demo/trial?

[@ayyjayy5018]

@@hahabanerofull

[@Therondevuu]

If you’ve already mastered regular transitions and don’t just rely on this to “MIX FOR YOU” (can’t believe I ever said that) then it’s a step in the right direction. To enhance. We’ll see how this goes. I just ordered mine. :)

[@nicolasdiaz6888]

where did you order it?

[@EricBishard]

The design is very nice, I know a lot of people like Denon, but pioneer contributes to be the leader in sleek, high quality design. Bravo.

[@TheFunkloft]

Denon gear is built like a tank but looks like a child's toy. Pioneer goes the other way 'round, unfortunately. :D

[@promo-only]

I think there are pros and cons to both (I have both) that said without Denon pushing Pioneer, this unit would do less and be more $$$ so as a DJ you want the competition!

[@EricBishard]

Yeah after using it, I will never play on a controller for a gig again. It's great for the bedroom and beginners to get a hang of DJing. But I will take a XDJ-XZ or Denonin the case I can't play on CDJs

[@seandalton7094]

Was this a review or a dj'ing lesson?? Because honestly, as someone who really wants to learn how to dj, this has been so insightful! 😃😃😃 Thank you 😅

[@bigdaz7272]

Damn Pioneer dropping something proper decent Rekordbox orientated, last thing was the DDJ1000 in 2018. Defo ticked all the boxes on this one imho, tempted to pick one up for when i wanna chill on the couch and spin, hope someone comes up with some kind of Bracket/Clip you can add your Phone to the top of it.

[@lukwagobrian5767]

I like the way you explain everything makes it much easier to learn how to use the control thank you keep up the good work 👍

[@Crossfader]

Thanks. We’re glad you enjoy the explanations!

[@roberthainline4552]

I really love this review because it’s honest and forthcoming with information that you usually don’t find out until after you buy the controller I think that the difference between software is was deliberate but I am hoping they change that but that being said I do think this is a pretty good controller excellent for that price range I just would have liked to have seen them try it with Serato pro

[@AdmanMVR]

Wow. I kind of wish I'd waited for this instead of getting the DDJ 400. It looks like it has some great features and updates on it.

[@Crossfader]

It does, however, don't be disheartened about having the DDJ-400. Still a great choice that has stood the test of time!

[@AdmanMVR]

@@Crossfader Absolutely! The DDJ 400 is still fantastic and more than enough for my needs👍 Just need more free time to practice on it

[@Bipolar_Weasel]

@@Crossfader - "Stood the test of time" I mean, let's be real though, the DDJ-400 was released in June of 2018 and was produced by Pioneer up until January 2021...so it was in production for 2 1/2 years. It is a great controller but it really isn't that old.

[@maxschmidt8779]

Outstanding video. Nothing else to say, I'm writing this just for the algo to boost it further. Great job here and thank you!

[@luciens3588]

Works also great with the djay pro android version ( purchased app ). The only downside is that when someone calls or app you it disturbs the mixing session. First thing you gonna have to do is connecting it to windows on your pc in order to get it working and update the firmware if its need to. I use Google pixel 7 and it works pretty proper. It makes me so happy 😁

[@jaykumarr1]

I too got one yesterday & using an android tab, but I'm having trouble with my tabs battery as it drains fast, I tried powering it up by a samsung charger but it dint work. Any idea bro? How do you power up your ffx4?

[@ciskokid87]

Just got one recently. Love it ❤ Great breakdown. This was very helpful!

[@patriotsfan164]

This motivated me to start my journey 🤟🏽

[@PierreVonStaines]

Jamie’s still rocking’ his lockdown locks.

[@Goke213]

Thank you, this helped to make my mind up, I'll be buying this and come to watch your extensive tutorial video on it

[@DJPeterLo]

I like how he starts saying that this is a great entry controller for people agnostic of their software- then only lists recordbox and Serato as if it’s the entire universe. There’s dozens of us on VDJ and Traktor! Dozens…! But in all seriousness this looks like a cool controller.

[@nigelvegas4106]

I'm getting one today after this video thanks for the explanation

[@Evoxjeet]

The fact that she’s so happy while she’s telling us just had me watching the whole thing

[@firstofall2676]

Thank you! your work helped me to choose this controller for my 14 year old son. Carlos from Montreal

[@hiddy-24]

Well put together editorial . Brilliant

[@djamitkirti]

what a mind blowing explaination ! this unit is a KILLER 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Crossfader]

👏👏👏

[@allentastic]

If you use sync you can do the smart fade stuff “manually” pretty easily

[@madinge711]

Damn, I didn't know about that saved loop feaure, thanks!

[@nizarsulmi3749]

Crossfader the best channel for dj in the word...

[@atdfilms360]

I wish some of these beginner consoles would let you plug in vinyl decks. Love some of these new features but without the decks input it's a deal breaker for me. The price is amazing though for all the features.

[@LegendaryMaoMao20]

I've noticed something from the 400 to the FLX4, though this may not be too worrisome but something that stood out to me personally 1, The redesigned FX area improves workflow for those uses FX a lot. Moving the beat-size selector closer to dry/wet knob is going to be more pleasant. Too bad the FX select is still a button, and not an endless encoder. Which would make FX selection so much easier. 2, About the FX channel selector, noticed it now say "1, 2, 1&2". This is different from the DDJ-400 where it's "1, 2, MASTER". It might be pedantic, but there is a difference in "FX on deck 1 & 2" or "FX on MASTER channel". The latter also include ALL DECKS, plus the SAMPLER DECKS. The former is literally only deck 1 and 2. 3, Headphone controls are closer to the channel fader, which is also a nice touch for workflow. 4, For someone that wasn't too impressed with MergeFX: The Smart CFX button is almost begging to be MIDI remapped to CFX Select Next and CFX Select Prev. Smart CFX is very much a cousin of MergeFX. You can achieve similar (or better) results with extra MIDI controllers that has faders, knobs, encoders. I think personally it's at least not as intrusive or outstanding to be like the FLX6 which I don't like honestly but the FLX4 has a much better implementation. 5, I wonder or that mic volume knob can be MIDI remapped for CFXSubParameter. Which is still at feature very much missing on the entry level controllers. 6, No phantom power for the mic input makes the whole mic feature just so there is the ability to. Also is the mic input send to a separate channel in the audio interface or will it be mixed down to a stereo channel before going out the USB interface? So in comparison, the DDJ-400 was a 2x4 interface (2 ins, 4 outs), is the FLX4 also 2x4 or a 3x4? 7, The RCA connectors looking bit sturdier on the FLX4 but more inputs on the FLX6 but only unbalanced outs. 8, Glad they moved the USB connector away from the RCA outputs: now you can use any L-shape USB connectors with the unit. Which was a problem with the aftermarket USB DJ cables. 9, No more markers on the crossfader is a bit of shame, but I'll admit it does look cleaner this way. But they were somewhat useful when I just started on learning how to do cut techniques with the crossfader and probably some people will find it helpful too. 10, On the DDJ-400 there were lots of noise in the unit, both the headphone cue output as well the rear RCA. I wonder or the FLX4 is doing any better at managing noise level. Hopefully it does a better job at it.

[@ukdjalliance]

Brilliant walkthrough of a excellent new beginning level controller from Pioneer

[@blingdog15]

This sent me down a rabbit hole and I ended up buying one as my first controller, so cheers for that lmao

[@CalculatedLife1122]

How it’s going bro!?

[@blingdog15]

​@@CalculatedLife1122 incredible

[@jagajitdas]

Thanks for this great video. I am new to DJing, learnt a lot.

[@royalmazan4216]

Gonna come back to this video when I get my controller 👌 good stuff bro

[@gabrielhuff6969]

Omg the cyber jet cfx turned counter clockwise is soooo sick

[@yotaiji012]

I love it! I have a rx3 and I love my flx4. It’s portable cheap. Does everything you need.

[@tomwells4899]

i just bought one and look forward to the seen improvements.

[@kylopootis6489]

0:27 why does this sound so good

[@therealdjx214]

I bought the Rev1 3 weeks ago and I love it. Especially connected with dj pro ai on my iPhone it's amazing.

[@johnnychipello919]

I think the Rev 1 is better. You have the option for deck 3 & 4 also the effects are easier to use imho..but mine went belly up after 4 months though. For a few hundred dollars it should last a few years at least.

[@Kratto0s]

This is a certified ddj 400 moment

[@vegaf2011]

Once I found out about the pass through charge feature I was sold and bought it fast lol.

[@d.c.1204]

I do have the DDJ-400 and this one is pretty close to its functionality. Any news on whether there are plans to release a successor to DDJ-1000?

[@Crossfader]

No news but surely it's coming. Just makes sense now they have DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-FLX6

[@d.c.1204]

@@Crossfader Hope so, fingers crossed!

[@hrmny_]

The DDJ-1000 is still a much better controller than the DDJ-FLX6, I really hope they don't replace it with a FLX controller

[@shroud4269]

@@Crossfader I'd say it's HIGHLY likely a flx8 or maybe even flx10 shall come 2nd or 3rd quarter 2023, just wait for it, I'd bet money on it

[@shroud4269]

@@hrmny_ they will

[@aaronlipp8994]

I just got the Hercules Inpulse 500 last month, really fun but I feel like it's worth switching to this so I have access to rekordbox and some of the other features like keyboard mode..

[@amackclassic6737]

I'm excited to get this and try to combine my performance workflow with a Fantom. It's super cool to me that I can spontaneously mix my original compositions with acapellas plus FX that you can play! I hate editing in DAW, so a cheap but capable DJ controller is super useful!

[@tommyto123]

Thank you for this video, so well explained and executed

[@mhova04]

If were looking to eventually do clubs or festivals should I learn without all the smart buttons?

[@rjeption]

This is insane 🔥🤯

[@BadEraJunkie]

Can we use it on other DAWs for example Ableton?

[@oritmutznik2834]

Have learned so much! Thank you Jamie!

[@Dnaro79]

Amazing review! Has the "smart-fader" been fixed in Serato?

[@oponder]

💁🏼‍♂ one thing I don't really get is this: is the controller doing the effects processing? or is it all in the app / software running on the computer? Like the smart crossfader... that's not happening on the device itself right. So why is that some kind of exclusive thing to this controller?

[@scamculture]

Yeah I wanna know this

[@Jayveiii]

One day I will take the time to learn everything.😭😭 must feel Godly to DJ 😭

[@djdanh77ify]

Dose the smart fader work on serato pro?

[@ls2011schorsch]

thanks alot for your video ! I really need to buy this deck to learn how to djing :D

[@jasonlegister2277]

thx nice video, price is right, got me thinking,

[@domdevil91]

The function with ios and android Bluetooth and recordbox will be a revolution

[@Themistoklis16]

If you want to hear the opinion of an old man who has already been playing in bars and clubs for 30 years and has not been left behind technologically and you also like the various technical tricks, I have only one thing to tell you, it will not raise your level in the set more expensive pioneer , or what else .. You have to listen to a lot, a lot of music, even music that you don't like, you have to have an opinion ... For me, too, most of the tricks you can do are not just for once in a while set, if you constantly do technique and tricks during the set, you will tire the ears of those who listen to you, learn to flow in the set, raise your technique by playing without synchronization and I tell you again, the good dj has listened to 20 000 to 30 000 albums.

[@EleventyOnee]

Jamie every time a new controller is released: “COULD THIS BE THE NEW BEST”

[@antoniopalacioeguiguren7654]

I really think that this gimmicky new features are bad for beginners, don’t take me wrong, they are great and sure they make transitions and stuff way easier for beginners, but they ain’t learning to do them for real because it’s the software doing it for them and the general idea it’s that this type of hardware be your gateway in the path to play with cdjs, and if that is the case you will be completely lost when using them because you will not find this easy way of doing things. This actually happened to me going from numark controller to an FLX-6 and then trading to play on cdjs, of course most of it is the same, but if you get use to this gimmick it’s going to be really hard to use professional equipment in the future. It’s just a personal opinion, I think the 400 is a great peace of equipment and so is this, but yes, my advice is to learn djing the old school way soy then you don’t get caught off guard.

[@christophersonawane]

This looks great for DDJ 400 replacement but the important question is when will this be available? None of the stores have it.

[@mysterydpt4663]

It’s not released yet . It’s available for pre order in some online retailers . Will start shipping out in 2023

[@Crossfader]

We heard from Pioneer DJ that it would be available from the launch. Hope it's not 2023!

[@carlflegg]

Doing open format parties (I love house and speed garage, but open format is what will usually get you paid) with that smart fader will become so much easier.

[@spicyrich5229]

Hahaha. I looked up Beat SAUCE and realized you said Beat SOURCE hahaha omg. Great video, thanks!

[@andrew72587]

I like this very very much. I already own ddj-400. Now my question is I do not pay for the rekordbox monthly subscription. Will this still work without paying the subscription?

[@antiqueboy1234]

Can we do VDJing on ddj flx 4 connected to laptop?

[@agirlfromcountryside5080]

This is amazingggggg thank you so much ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stanislawignacy]

This smart fader thing is kinda weird, but I think it could be useful to more versatile DJ's on pop music, hyperpop or trap dj sets

[@Loltrollface]

IDK, I like my DDJ-400 pretty well, but the FLX4 seems like a great into controller aswell

[@zahoga.999]

i hope i win the draw , thanks for the introduction

[@kikesanchez6544]

Hey! Thanks for the review. One question, does it come with a rekordbox license?

[@Femititi100]

KZbin University Wins again! 💪🏾 Great Video & Info thanks!

[@Growpotatoesorganically]

It was very fun to use but some of the functions crashed on rekcord box Recording came out very low but sounded very loud in headphones easy to mix with its not bluetooth and works only by connecting to android system not to Mac you have to buy an extra cable for that.

[@stevebell2113]

Just about to buy this unit 🤩 Wish me luck 🍀😉

[@ErnestasKaminskas]

give me 50% larger rgb pads, faders and motorised jogs with display and you've got yourself a customer coming up from ddj-rb2. Hopefully they update the flx6 or ddj800 sooner than later.

[@LitLord-ht9eu]

is this good for a beginner??

[@AK-nf1kl]

Do I get a rekordbox license key with this dj controller?

[@DJ_PeterSteel]

You always make great reviews! Keep it up it's much appriciated.

[@Crossfader]

I appreciate that!

[@yaxee9769]

What means „in ADJ“ and „out ADJ“?

[@innerdrums]

Loop in/out adjustment I suppose

[@rp_a3480]

I’ve had the flx6 for a year and the only complain I have is the jog wheels are rough and bumpy because it has plastic gears inside

[@Crossfader]

Yeah we feel that too on our's. 😔

[@dhruvababji8721]

Holy moly, you guys are really fast

[@Gmh6477]

I think it’s a lot more than a “beginner” unit tbh it looks very useful for a pro who just wants a prep machine or something travel friendly wish these reviews would stop insisting on making out there only for beginners.

[@D.Technical.S]

Just a question , do you think / know if the new smart color affects could be mapped to djm 900 of 850 mixers ? Cheers , thx for the review . Keep up the good works !

[@Riso-Musik]

You say it's a beginners controller but it's got more features than my Traktor S5. Depending on the price it could be useful for practice as well.

[@bigfotogmbh]

I like how you named the third chapter "rekordbox&ddj400" and as an ddj 400 owner i would say its the black matt version xD

[@heartbeatbillionaire]

has the smart fader been fixed in serato yet?

[@anklesoncredentials]

what's the step up from here?

[@TheAndred1]

Many thanks ,just what I needed to know .

[@saazcouk]

Thanks for all the information

[@edwebb4057]

Absolutely brilliantly explained! This dude dosnt umm or errr once….👍