The market is filled with multiple DJ devices, so it can be confusing to identify each item’s general function and importance. When you’re a beginner DJ or even an intermediate one, it can become overwhelming to keep abreast with the rapid developments in the DJ gadget industry. Most people become confused when speaking about the DJ mixer and the controller. What is the difference between these two devices, and what are they used for?
In a nutshell, the DJ mixer is a device that requires plugged in CDJs or turntables to its channels to function. A controller, however, is a gadget that already has a built-in mixer and turntables. It directly connects to an appropriate software that permits a DJ to mix and create music.
Nevertheless, such short definitions of the DJ mixer and controller do not suffice. If you plan to start venturing into the DJ industry or upgrade your DJ system, it is better to learn more about the two devices.
Thus, to further identify the differences between both, we decided to flesh out each device’s functions to pinpoint the best one to prioritize when shopping for a new addition to your DJ system.
What is a DJ Controller?
A DJ controller is an all-in-one system that already contains a couple of turntables and a mixer. Most DJ controllers come with four decks, while some come with two decks. This device is designed to connect to your laptop or computer directly and be easily managed via an installed DJ software.
Functions
A DJ controller has the following specific functions:
- It has a couple of turntable jog wheels that allow you to manage each track
- It has around two to four channels depending on the controller version
- It has an equalizer that permits you to control the highs, mids, and lows for each channel
- Equipped with a digital display that allows you to monitor the audio interface of each track
- Each of its turntables contains multiple effects pad buttons and controls
- Integrated with a crossfader function that permits mixing records
- Uses an appropriate DJ software
Inputs and Outputs
A DJ controller has multiple inputs and outputs, as well:
- Microphone input
- USB ports
- Phone/line inputs
- Master out
Benefits
A DJ controller provides you with several benefits. They are the following:
Mixing Capability
Several DJ controllers offer you the capacity to mix tracks directly. This is a crucial addition, specifically if you frequently travel from venue to venue. If there are CDJs at your venue, you can easily plug in your controller to these CDJs and start mixing music with your device.
Space Saving Feature
Traditional systems require you more space to put them in. For instance, a 2- or 4-channel mixer that is connected to turntables is just too bulky to fit into tiny areas. If you are a beginner DJ who doesn’t yet have a dedicated home studio for all your DJ equipment, buying a DJ controller can provide you with the necessary DJ functions that you need without requiring additional space.
Portable
Because it’s an all-in-one system, you do not have to worry about transporting it from venue to venue. Traditional DJ equipment necessitates an appropriate vehicle to accommodate them all, for example, and setting such systems takes more time, as well. With a DJ controller, you can do away with this extra effort and start mixing music in no time.
Affordability
A DJ controller is a recommended gadget for a startup DJ career. Because it’s a device that’s equipped with more than one function, it doesn’t require you to spend too much money on it. Most DJ controllers belong to the $100 to $2,000 price range, but you can, of course, choose to purchase one that sits within your imposed budget.
Nevertheless, it would be best if you remembered that buying your first DJ controller requires careful consideration. Since it is an essential all-in-one system that can hugely help boost your DJ career, you must pick one that provides you the necessary DJ functions. Otherwise, you might be spending a fortune on something that you may not need or even want soon.
Why Do DJs Use Them?
Because DJ controllers are typically equipped to do multiple audio functions, most DJs use them to conveniently mix, play, and create music without the necessary bulk of too many external turntables, mixers, and cables. In a sense, a DJ controller is built for convenience. It’s a modern DJ device that allows you to start making music without luring different gadgets separately. A DJ controller is cost-efficient since you don’t have to purchase turntables and mixers separately.
What is a DJ Mixer?
A DJ mixer is a standalone hardware device. This means that it isn’t dependent on any laptop or digital DJ software to work. Nevertheless, a DJ mixer needs you to plug in turntables depending on how many channels it has to work. While most DJ mixers have four channels, some have two channels, and others even have more.
While a DJ mixer is highly similar to a DJ controller, the two are also different from one another. The massive difference between both is that a DJ mixer does not require turntable jog wheels. It is heavily dependent on the turntables connected to it, enabling it to create music.
Functions
To give you a more defined idea of what a DJ mixer does, here are its basic features:
- Has two, four, or more channels
- Contains equalizer knobs that allow you to manage the highs, mids, and lows of each channel
- Incorporated with channel effects knobs or buttons
- Integrated with master effect knobs or buttons
- Equipped with a crossfader to mix music
Inputs and Outputs
- Microphone input
- USB ports
- Headphone output
- Phone/line inputs
- Master out
- MIDI output
- Earth ground terminals
- AC mains
Benefits
Software Not Required
The DJ mixer isn’t dependent on any digital software or laptop. In a way, this specification allows you to save money because it doesn’t require you to purchase a separate laptop or DJ software if you do not have them yet. With a DJ mixer, you can easily play, create, and mix your music as long as you have the required turntables plugged into it.
Versatile
Because it isn’t laptop or software-dependent, this device is highly versatile as well. You can connect multiple gadgets to this equipment, allowing you to explore more tracks or samples to develop an original mix. With the DJ mixer, you can even fuse different music formats, permitting you a first-hand experience of the traditional DJ setups of the more seasoned artists.
Preferred in Clubs
Because the DJ mixer is part of the traditional DJ repertoire, it is the more common device found in music clubs or DJ booth. It is also the more preferred gadget by clients who want to have a more impressive DJ setup. While it isn’t automatically recommended that you purchase a DJ mixer rather than a DJ controller, it is better to know that having a DJ mixer can help you broaden and apply your DJ skills. For beginner DJs, this gadget is an excellent recommendation if you want to understand and enhance the basic application of the trade.
Why Do DJs Use Them?
A DJ mixer is a highly versatile tool because it permits you to connect various devices to it, including CDJs, vinyl turntables, DJ samplers, guitar FX units, and beat pads. With this DJ gadget, you get to play and fuse multiple music formats, as well. While the DJ mixer is similar to the DJ controller in that it permits you to mix music and manage channel levels, music effects, and EQ, its traditional appearance and application make it a popular option for both beginners and intermediate DJs. It doesn’t require a laptop and corresponding software to function, as well.
Difference Between a DJ Controller and DJ Mixer
While there is an unending debate on the benefits of both the DJ controller and the DJ mixer, we found it best to present to you the key differences between both devices. Here are the difference between a DJ controller and mixer:
Portability
The DJ controller is arguably lighter than the DJ mixer because it’s an all-in-one tool that already contains turntables and a mixer. It is designed to be connected to your laptop, which has an installed DJ software in it that allows you to create, mix, and play music. This device is a more modern variant since it uses the current computer technology, which makes it easier for you to bring it along from one venue to another.
DJ Software
Nevertheless, a DJ mixer isn’t dependent on a DJ software or a laptop to function. As long as you plug in the required turntables based on your mixer’s number of channels, you can already do multiple music creations and even fuse different formats. Nonetheless, some high-end DJ controllers permit you to connect turntables or CDJs for added functionality and capability.
Entry Level
If you are a beginner DJ, a mixer can help you learn more about your chosen craft. It enables you to learn more skills, as well, because the hands-on feature of knowing which goes with which is your best bet towards enhancing your DJ career.
Space Saving Feature
However, you should know that DJ controllers can save you more space. If you do not yet have a dedicated room for your DJ equipment, you should consider the all-in-one function of the DJ controller. The DJ controller doesn’t require you too many gadgets. You merely need a laptop with a DJ software installed in it to use this DJ device.
Conclusion
Checking out the current market trends online, you will find out that both the DJ controller and the DJ mixer are popular picks for DJs. While you can purchase a DJ mixer rather than a DJ controller, you will have to remember the additional costs required for CDJs and turntables. A DJ controller, being an all-in-one unit, can help you save more dough, especially if you already have a laptop to use. Nevertheless, depending really on your preference, both DJ devices are excellent DJ setup additions meant to jumpstart your career.
