Dj Controllers 2021

Without doubt, the one main pieces of DJ Equipment that has evolved over the last few years is the DJ Controller. It’s been a steady improvement until recently with controllers originally starting out as a basic bridge between the DJ and digital files. 

The early controllers suffered from nontactile, non-responsive buttons and jog wheels and in some cases suffered from latency and build quality issues that made them not suitable for professional use. Fast forward to now and we with the aid of modern technology we have controllers ranging from very basic to full-blown stand-alone (no computer needed) sophisticated pieces of hardware that have moved the art of Dj’ing to the next level. 

So how did controllers first come about? Well, they were born out of the need to mix and DJ with MP3 files stored on computers or hard drives. The very early versions were rack mount and had tiny jog wheels (very much like the cd mixers of the time) and basically had playback, pitch, and simple looping controls. 

PCDJ was one of the very first MP3 programs that had a controller before Native Instruments took the driving seat with their infamous ‘TRAKTOR’ software. Originally pitched as a DVS System there is no doubt that when Native Instruments introduced its first 4 channel controller (S4) the landscape was set to change forever. Let’s not forget Vestax who’s PCI controller was the first to incorporate jog wheels giving tactile and confident feedback for the working DJ.

One important person, we must mention in the evolution of the controller is Ean golden (AKA DJ Tech tools) who was the first to recognise the power of DJ Controllers and his modified version of the Vestax PCI was a game-changer. He upgraded the faders, controls and re-mapped the midi to turn the controller into a full blow battle mixer and changed the game forever. His blog (djtechtools.com) is full of interesting articles on all the latest controllers and software. He has helped with R&D for Native Instruments and Pioneer bringing the necessary updates needed for controllers to work just how Dj’s need them to. 

The early controllers had potential but still seemed a bit of a novelty when set up by DJs at a gig and were often frowned upon as a gimmick. This is certainly not the case today as many of the new school DJs begin their journey playing on them and are producing sets on another level. 

Processing power and the internet have enabled infrastructure for the new breed of hardware like no other. Streaming services have been incorporated into the latest software (Tidal, Beatport, etc) enabling a ready-made library of songs to be mixed and programmed into sets like never before. 

Every professional DJ knows a good performance relies on confidence in the equipment they play on. Fortunately even the most basic of controllers are solid enough now to work out with and indeed most professional DJ’s use them as their main mixer without problems. 

The Pandemic has led to a massive surge in controller sales as people have had more times on their hands, it’s funny to think that not so long ago the thought of Dj’ing with MP3’s and files was seen as a bit of a novelty, now it’s an industry standard and one that’s only sure to get better. 

We have compiled a selection of Controllers below split into 3 categories, Beginner DJ Controllers, Intermediate and Pro. Take a look and don’t forget to check our website as this is only a small selection of what we have on sale. 

Buying DJ equipment can seem a bit of a daunting prospect sometimes but don’t worry our expert team is on hand to help you with any questions you may have. We have a large showroom with all the controllers on display for you to get hands on and demo in person (Lockdown laws permitting). 

Keep an eye on our Social media for all the latest Controller releases and updates and most of all enjoy your DJ’ing!!