Best DJ Controllers Under £500 2018
7th Jul 2018
Here At Music Matter We Round Up The Best DJ Controllers Under £500 For 2018 Featuring Brands Such Denon DJ, Numark, Native Instruments, Pioneer & More!
If you are an aspiring DJ then a great way to get that perfect DJ set-up is to go all-in-one & look into DJ Controllers: DJ hardware that is dedicated for complete control of your DJ software. Here at Music Matter we guide you through the best DJ controllers under £500 for 2018!
DJ software such as Serato & Rekordbox has changed the DJ Industry in the last decade & naturally to help get caught up with the evolution of the DJ a multi-channel / deck controller is a great way to control your software & still have the look & feel of a physical set-up. The DJ Controller market has become a huge area of the DJ industry therefore becoming harder to choose which hardware to get: 2-channel? 4-channel? Built FX? Included Software? Price? Well Music Matter take you through the best budget controllers for under £500 to get you started & one step ahead.
DJ Controllers - What To Look Out For:
DJ Software
Hardware Features
Connectivity / Ports
1. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Whether it’s bass-heavy breakdowns, steppy synths, or peak-time rewinds that define your style, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3 has everything you need to make your mix happen. Craft sets on two decks and get creative with easy-to-use tools like looping, beat syncing, and club-grade effects.
A noticeable difference is the new large jog wheels. These offer more responsive touch-sensitivity, giving you precise control when scratching ad nudging to ensure your beats are beatmatched perfectly.
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 Key Features:
Music Matter Recommends:
If you're part of the Traktor eco-system this DJ Controller is amazingly reliable, comprehensive, consistent & intuitive. With the added lightning capability you can tackle any live environment with ease.
Order The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 Today:
2. Pioneer DDJSB3
Pioneer combined the popular features of the DDJ-SB2 with their leading Serato DJ controllers to make learning to DJ more accessible than ever. The ideal tool for beginners looking to hone their skills, this 2-channel controller is easy to navigate, featuring a professional-style layout inspired by our top DDJ-S range. Master Serato DJ Lite, then when you’re ready, purchase Serato DJ Pro to progress on the one machine.
Transition between tracks with ease thanks to the added FX Fade feature and experiment with scratch effects without using turntables via the new Pad Scratch function. Co-developed with DJ Jazzy Jeff, this technique adds scratch recordings to tracks at a touch of the Performance Pads.
Pioneer DDJSB3 Key Features:
Music Matter Recommends:
The DDJSB3 expands on the hugely popular SB2 with new improved features & controls, the controller also includes some of the same features of their premium controllers which makes this extremely good value.
Order The Pioneer DDJSB3 Today:
3. Denon DJ MC4000
The MC4000 features touch-activated jog wheels and, for those seeking a greater degree of control over their live performance, dedicated hot cue and sample pads are provided for live improvisation. To ensure accurate and tactile control of pitch adjustment the MC4000 also features 100mm pitch faders – you’re in control when it comes to balancing complex set elements.
Denon are renowned for their sound quality and the 4000 isn’t lacking in this area – featuring a premium 24-bit audio path and studio-grade signal ducking when the microphone is in use. In addition to pristine audio quality the Denon MC4000 is supplied with Serato DJ Intro and is compatible with both Traktor 2 and Virtual DJ 8.
Denon DJ MC4000 Key Features:
Music Matter Recommends:
Apart from the usual features the big plus for the Denon DJ MC4000 is that is really well built which leads to a high-end feel for not a lot of money, it's steel casing also makes this DJ controller incredibly rugged.
Order The Denon DJ MC4000 Today:
4. Roland DJ-202
The Roland DJ-202 DJ Controller is the latest addition to the DJ controller range from Roland, with a two-channel, four-deck configuration that allows you to create complex mixes, even while incorporating live FX and samples. This innovative Serato DJ Intro controller provides an ergonomic layout with backlit buttons and a straight-forward design that takes your DJ skills to the next level.
Building on the success of the DJ-808, the DJ-202 is a compact and streamlined controller that retains most of the most prominent features from its predecessor including performance pads as well as a revitalised sequencer that is designed to control Serato DJ Intro’s sampler, allowing you to create rhythms and beats on the fly. The controller also ensures optimal audio fidelity thanks to the 24-bit/92kHz sample rate, powered by high-resolution digital-to-analog converters.
Roland DJ-202 Key Features:
Music Matter Recommends:
Even though Roland have been around for a long time this the first forray into pro DJ Controllers but the DJ-202 can more than compete with the established brands, a dream start-up controller with sampling & sequencing is a big draw.
Order The Roland DJ-202 Today:
5. Numark Mixtrack Platinum
One of the most unique and prominent features of the Numark Mixtrack Platinum DJ Controller is the custom 1.75’’ high resolution display. This integrated display is featured in the middle of the jog wheels displaying vital information about bpm, platter position, time remaining, key lock, pitch adjustment and more.
This display will also allow you to switch between four deck and control whichever deck is active for added versatility. This custom display provides added convenience, eliminating the need to constantly check your laptop screen for the information you need, letting you spend more time on the controller and focused on the mix.
Numark Mixtrack Platinum Key Features:
Music Matter Recommends:
The Mixtrack Platinum from Numark improves on the Mixtrack 3 with added channels, FX & more. The big selling point of this DJ controller however is the innovative LCD Displays built into the jog wheels which is quite impressive for a budget Controller.
Order The Numark Mixtrack Platinum Today:
DJ Controller Under £500 2018 Comparison Table:
| Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 | DDJSB3 | MC4000 | DJ-202 | Mixtrack Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels / Decks | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Jog Wheels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Faders | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crossfader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Software | Traktor Pro 2 | Serato DJ Lite | Serato DJ Lite | Serato DJ Intro | Serato DJ Intro / Prime Loops |
| Trigger Pads | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 8 |
| Connectivity | USB / MIDI / Lightning | USB | USB | USB / MIDI Out | USB |
| Audio Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Output | TRS Jack / RCA | RCA | XLR, TRS Jack, RCA | RCA | RCA |
