The best midi controllers on the market come with different features and software compatibility; however, all of them will do everything you need as long as it’s compatible with what you want down the line! With the introduction of technology into the music industry came equipment such as DJ controllers which introduce new ways for DJs to perform live.
A DJ controller allows you to mix tracks on your computer through various effects, samples, loops and more while using software such as Traktor or Serato with two turntables/CDJs connected together so that sounds played from one device will play out of both devices at once giving an interesting sound effect when mixing between songs.
Alright without further ado, let’s get into it!
Our Recommendations of Best Budget DJ Midi Controllers
- Pioneer DDJ-400
- Pioneer DDJ SB3
- Numark Mixtrack Platinium FX
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3
- Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ 200
1. Pioneer DDJ-400
The Pioneer DDJ-400 best budget DJ midi controller is a bestseller at the moment and has many great reviews and ratings. It’s reasonably priced and has a great build quality. The price of the Pioneer DDJ-400 best budget DJ midi controller is around $250 which makes it an incredibly affordable option for any DJ.
The best features on this budget DJ midi controller are the jog wheels, loops, effects and pads that allow you to add more live feeling into your performance. This budget DJ controller also has 2 channels so you can mix two different tracks simultaneously which gives you full freedom to do whatever you want with your best budget DJ midi controller.
Overall this DJ midi controller is a very easy and smooth to use and understand which makes it suitable for beginners as well as advanced DJs. The layout and design avoid unnecessary complexity and focuses on the best features that matter: Performance, display and layout.
The DDJ-400 is best known for it’s durability and portability so you can easily take it to your next best budget DJ gig. It is compatible with Mac and PC systems and it also functions as a full-fledged MIDI controller for use in popular DAWs.
2. Pioneer DDJ SB3
The Pioneer DDJ SB3 controller is perfect for DJ’s on a budget. The best thing about this controller is the amount of features it has for an entry level controller, making it great for beginner DJs. One of the best features of the DDJ-SB3 are the jog wheels, which are high-quality and allow you to accurately scratch with ease. The DDJ-SB3 also has a lot of external input connections.
This allows you to set up your mixer externally before connecting them to your laptop or computer. This is very helpful if you’re short on USB ports or want to use your computer as a recording device with an external interface. The best thing about this controller is that it’s compatible with Rekordbox DJ software just like the DDJ-400.
This means that the controller is mapped to work best with this software, making it easier for DJs who are transitioning from vinyl or CD decks. The board also comes with 1/8″ microphone input and can be connected via Bluetooth. If you’re looking for best budget dj midi controller, you can’t go wrong with the DDJ-SB3.
3. Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
Numark has released the best budget DJ controller on the market, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX. It is an absolute steal that will not only allow you to gain full control over your mix but also gives you many other features that are worth its price tag. All of its buttons are backlit so you will never have trouble finding what you need in a hurry.
It also has an integrated 3-band EQ with kill switch and high-pass filter for each channel, which is especially handy if you want to separate instruments. It also connects to your computer via USB connection so there’s no need to worry about carrying around extra wires or installing drivers.
With this controller, you will be able to choose between using the DJ Controller Software or downloading the Native Instruments Traktor Pro 2 LE software. This is completely your choice by no means are you getting a lesser quality product because one comes with the other. Native Instruments has been around for years now and is arguably among best DJ software available on the market.
Featuring a built in sound card and 24-bit audio interface, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is nothing short of amazing at this price point. You can also use it to play your music from an MP3 player or smartphone with the 1/8″ input. One last unique feature is that all of its buttons are touch-sensitive, which is not only convenient but also makes this controller stand out from the rest. Get your Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX today and have a blast while you mix all of your favourite songs!
4. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3
Another best affortable dj controller on the market is the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller. One of the best features is that it has a built in sound card and audio interface. This means that you don’t need to purchase additional equipment to use this digital mixer and DJ controller.
The best thing about this dj controller is that even though it’s quite affordable, all of the functions are very easy to access so it’s beginner-friendly. It also comes with free downloadable TRAKTOR 2 software so you won’t have any problems getting started with your DJ experience. This best budget DJ controller also has drum pads, gain control knobs, volume faders, integrated 24-bit sound card, and all necessary inputs/outputs.
The best thing about this best budget DJ controller is that it’s very affordable yet you’ll still get the best results out of this model. All of the basic functions are easy to access and it also has a built in sound card and audio interface. The best budget DJ midi controller is compatible with PC, Mac OS X, and iOS devices which means that you won’t have any problems using this product regardless of your preference.
The S2 Mk3 also comes with free downloadable software so you don’t need to purchase any additional equipment right away. Not only is it very affordable, but all of the basic functions are easy to access and won’t take long for beginners to master.
5. Pioneer Pro DJ DDJ 200
Last but not least, the Pioneer’s DDJ200, which is the best of the best for a tight budget. It has a 2-channel mixer with a large jog wheel, so you can scratch and beat match, and a best of three hot cues per channel. The best features are that it is cross-platform compatible, coming with Serato DJ Intro, which means that if you’re not sure what software to use it with, then this one is for you! It also comes with full MIDI compatibility and has an audio input.
The best thing about the DDJ-200 is that it also has an input for your microphone, so if you want to be able to talk through your sets or sing along, then this is the best pick. This one will easily fit most budgets without sacrificing too much of the best features.
Some might say that no controller with less than three channels is best for a beginner, but the best things about this one are its price and performance. You can learn any DJ software with it without too much hassle. The only limiting factor that might be an issue for some is that there’s no option to add on another controller or CDJ-type device down the line.
If you’re looking for best in class, the best midi controllers on the market are the Pioneer DDJ-SX with Serato DJ and Traktor Pro. These come with 4 channel mixers and 64-bit digital signal processing with effects. The best part about this is that it’s compatible with so many different software types, including Serato DJ, Traktor Pro, and Rekordbox. That means no matter what you choose to go with later on it will still work. It also comes with best in class audio quality for great sounding digital vinyl system (DVS) mixes.
What’s Next?
No matter what your budget is, these are undoubtedly the best DJ midi controllers for beginners. However, the best of the best in terms of both performance and features come with a higher price tag than some may be able to afford.
If you want an affordable controller without sacrificing too much quality or features, then we recommend Pioneer Pro DDJ 200. All in all, you can’t really go wrong with Pioneer.
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