Turntablism is the art of manipulating the sound by hand and creating music, sound effects, new mixes, and other highly creative sounds and beats, typically using two or multiple phonographs and a DJ mixer equipped with a diagonal cutoff shop. In this article, I will introduce the top 17 best dj controller for scratching.
The technology behind the DJ tables and the software they use is constantly improving. Because of this, our picks won’t hold the “best” position forever. For that reason, I will regularly review the market and update our list of the best DJ tables at the moment. At this point, I feel that the following DJ desks are the best representation of the 2-disc DJ table criterion you cannot ignore. Below you will find 17 of the best dj controller for scratching that will help you in choosing the best dj controller for scratching. Keep reading Carroll / Fletcher to keep up with trends for the best dj controller for scratching in 2023.
best dj controller for scratching Comparison 2023
| DJ Hercules DJ Control Instinct P8 | PIONEER XDJ-1000MK2 | Numark Party Mix |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| best for beginner |
best for small size |
best for party |
** You will find our detailed reviews of the best dj controller for scratching below, also, click these following links to view the current prices and customer comments on Amazon.
Top 17 best dj controller for scratching Reviews 2023
DJ Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
A great DJ desk for beginners, Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 is an updated version of the original Mixtrack Pro. This version has a more beautiful and natural design. The wider design allows the knobs and sliders to be evenly spaced, and the control buttons apart.
If you’re already familiar with Mixtrack Pro 2, you’ll love the Mixtrack Pro 3’s deeper two-channel jog wheel, which is very helpful. The per-channel filters are also an improvement on its predecessor.
This DJ desk runs on Serato DJ Lite which you can download for free after online registration. You will have to pay extra to get the full version.
The onboard sound card means you won’t have to worry about having to connect to an external recording soundcard. Inputs and outputs are standard for this price range, with two headphone jacks, one inch TRS microphone port, and one dual RCA output.
DJ Denon DJ MC4000 Premium 2-Channel
Not quite the most powerful DJ table, but Denon DJ MC4000 possesses enough power to suit digital DJs “breaking into the ranks of professional DJs”.
With this DJ desk, the Denon brand has succeeded in creating a panel that is designed to follow the principles of ergonomics. Using it the first time may not feel convenient but you will certainly feel everything, including the repeats and hot cue – right where it is needed.
The designers are also not “crazy” with the jog wheel. It is activated by touch, with an obvious, almost natural feel. The remote faders feel like a CDJ, while sample pads and hot cue can also be felt right under your fingers.
This DJ desk runs on pretty much any software. The supplied Serato DJ Lite software is sufficient for beginners. More premium DJs will want to upgrade to the full version to unlock the best features.
DJ Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 4-channel is an updated version of the old S4, with iOS compatibility being its most recognizable feature. Native Instruments’ flagship DJ desks come with some cool new features. With full, bright, color-coded RGB triggers for points, loops, and patterns, this DJ desk provides instant visual feedback so you don’t have to look at your computer.
It also includes a dedicated Remix Deck section for live remixing and creative layering. And, since the top Traktor S4 and Traktor Pro 2 software are built by the same team, you can rest assured that both are perfectly integrated. Everything you need is right here – track decks, remix decks, instrument input, and even the ability to add CDJs and turntables.
The look of the DJ desk is admittedly not much different from the old S4, but the new aluminum jog wheel upper gives it a distinctly shiny, industrial look. In addition, the jog wheel’s brush control gives a much smoother feel. In fact, that’s when you start scratching, you’ll find this DJ table on par with the best DJ tables for scratching.
DJ Pioneer DDJ-SR Pro
If technics is the standard for the vinyl turntable, then Pioneer can definitely claim its reputation in the digital DJ space. The DDJ-SR offers many of the top performance features of the flagship 4-channel DDJ-SX2, including a built-in Serato sound card, large jog wheel, and slide mode. But with 2 channels and USB power support, this smaller, lighter DJ Pioneer DDJ-SR desk is ideal for Serato DJ Pro users who want to perform on the go.
This Pioneer DDJ-SR Pro 2-disc DJ desk is in the mid-range segment of the DJ desk market. It’s reliable, sophisticated enough to grow with just your skills, and will be a great first step in a professional DJ job.
PIONEER DDJ-SB3
Pioneer has combined popular features of the DDJ-SB2 with its flagship Serato DJ console to make DJ learning more accessible than ever. Ideal for beginners looking to hone their skills, this 2-channel controller is easy to navigate, featuring a professional-style layout inspired by Pioneer’s flagship DDJ-S series.
Switch between tracks with ease with the added FX Fade and experiment with scratching effects without using the turntable through the new Pad Scratch function. Developed in collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff, this technique adds scratch recordings to tracks when the Performance Pads are touched.
The luxury gold limited edition Pioneer DDJ-SB3-N DJ desk offers plug and play simplicity with the world’s first Pad Scratch for professional sound DJ performances. Specially designed for use with Serato DJ Lite, this powerful DJ desk offers 4-deck control and a compact yet rugged design ideal for modern mobile DJs on the go.
Developed from the recordings of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s performances, Pad Scratch simulates eight of his scratching techniques with the simple manipulation of performance pads built into the controller. Any track you are playing or showing signs of will be processed and the scratch speed automatically matches the track’s BPM. So even if you don’t know how to scratch, you can create professional scratching effects without breaking the beat. Use the Pad Scratch feature alone or combine your own scrubbing skills on another deck for limitless creative possibilities.
PIONEER XDJ-RX2 REKORDBOX DJ SYSTEM
The Pioneer XDJ-RX2 DJ table is a new improvement from the previous generation of XDJ-RX of the DJ Pioneer table brand. Still, a DJ table with many unique mixing features along with sophisticated details, this product is always favored by professional DJs.
As you can see, the DJ Pioneer XDJ-RX2 stands out thanks to its large 7-inch touchscreen size, sound effects, track information, and user status. All the details displayed are arranged in a visually vivid way, making it easy to see what is happening at the moment.
In addition, the display also comes with QWERTY keyboards for faster song searching combined with a large scroll wheel, and the Needle Search, Track Filter, and Short Cut features inherited from the CDJ-2000NXS2.
The keys are adjusted sound effects when activated will display very vivid colors. These keys make it easy to use features like Hot Cue, Beat Jump, Beat Loop, and Slip Loop – pro features are common today in professional DJ work.
With 2 separate USB ports, it’s easy to import playlists into your own PC music management app to prepare for performances by analyzing BPM, setting up Hot Cue and Loop.
When using the USB CONNECTION (Link Export) mode, you connect your laptop to the XDJ-RX2 and you can play songs directly without exporting them to a USB device. In addition, you can also easily record your mix by plugging in a USB more and using the Master Rec feature.
DJ Hercules DJ Control Instinct P8
Hercules has just introduced the DJ Hercules DJ Control Instinct P8 table, the newly updated version of the DJ Control Instinct controller. This is a compact 2-channel included controller with jog wheels and rubber tab pieces used by the DJ UCED 40 software provided as soon as you buy this DJ table. It also comes with its own audio interface and also features a pair of RCA Master outputs and a 1/8 headphone jack so DJs can easily set up a party setup. small space locations.
Hercules DJ Control Instinct is a great choice for those who want to experience the DJ world without spending too much on their equipment. DJ Control Instinct P8 continues its tradition of being budget-friendly but with an updated set of new features and control panels for modern digital DJs are just getting started.
DJ Behringer CMD Studio 4A
Behringer DJ Desk CMD Studio 4A is a four-deck MIDI DJ controller that features a built-in four-channel USB interface audio. It has 2 6 inch touch-sensitive hard disks as well as backlit buttons that correspond to what’s happening in your software. The mixer features vertical faders, a tri-band EQ, assign FX, and load suggestion and monitoring buttons. The CMD Studio 4A has a total of 8 hot cue buttons and 2 FX modules. It supports library navigation, loop control, and keylock. The CMD Studio 4A is extended with other CMD controllers. In addition, the Behringer CMD Studio 4A DJ desk also comes with DJ software.
PIONEER XDJ-RR
After the great success with XDJ-RX and XDJ-RX2, Pioneer continues to release with more optimal design and price. It is the DJ Pioneer XDJ-RR table, this DJ table inherits the advantages of the brothers before. XDJ-RR is a dominant product and is warmly welcomed by the world sound market, especially the DJ world. Here are the highlights of this popular DJ table.
The Pioneer XDJ-RR DJ desk is the successor to most of the advantages from the design to functionality of the XDJ-RX and XDJ-RX2 desks. Of course, Pioneer does not hesitate that for this product line to ship, XDJ-RR must certainly have its own advantages.
If you have a special love for the DJ XDJ-RX, you will also be pleased with the DJ Pioneer XDJ-RR table. The Pioneer XDJ-RR DJ desk is also inherited with 2 separate USB ports capable of recording music sets, a 7-inch touch screen, effects, Beat FX and Sound Color FX, and even Rekordbox DJ software.
Rekordbox DJ software will help you experience various types of DJ-ing via USB or use Link Export to connect directly to your computer. The 7-inch color display lets you easily keep track of all the song’s parameters.
In particular, the Pioneer XDJ-RR also allows you to select any segment of the song very quickly. At the same time, the display light on the bezel will allow you to keep the track in its place without having to look at the computer screen.
The professional and familiar design of the XDJ-RR will make it easy to use and experience the product. The compact design and intuitive layout and tactile Pads Performance make the DJ XDJ-RR table stand out and be loved. At the same time, the design is much more compact but still ensures full features and the power is the outstanding advantage of the DJ Pioneer XDJ-RR table compared to the previous series.
Sound quality is one of the standout advantages of the DJ Pioneer desk. The Pioneer XDJ-RR DJ table features a master and booth output circuitry that ensures reproducible sound sources are authentic, powerful, and clear. The Pioneer XDJ-RR DJ table delivers clean, quality output through the ingenious handling of Pioneer filters. In addition, the XDJ-RR is slightly cheaper than the XDJ-RX2 with a more compact design.
PIONEER DDJ-1000
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000 is a brand new DJ controller that has been recently released by Pioneer company. This product aims to bring new and enhanced features to the familiar Rekordbox DJ software.
The first impression and attraction on the DDJ-1000 controller are that the Jogwheel of equal size aluminum on the CDJ is specially designed with a high-resolution LCD screen with parameters such a Waveform, Cue Point, BPM, Loop Point, remaining time. Although equipped with a full-sized Jogwheel similar to the flagship CDJ-2000NXS2, the DDJ-1000 still weighs only 6kg, equivalent to the DDJ-SX2 or XDJ-RX.
Another highlight to note is that the track selector has been designed by DJ Pioneer to the right of each deck (instead of in the middle of the mixer like previous generations), helping DJs avoid confusion. Choose tracks between decks.
In addition to the 10 most familiar Beat FX on the DJM series mixer, the DDJ-1000 also has 4 brand new effects including Enigma Jet, Mobius Saw, Mobius Triangle, and Low Cut Echo.
However, it seems that this FX is built on computers and not integrated into DDJ. Pioneer DJ introduces 2 USB ports on the DDJ-SZ for the first time to make shifting or B2B easier and it’s great that the DDJ-1000 has the same functionality. Each channel can switch between USB A, USB B, and Line / Phono.
With a completely new design unlike any other product, the Pioneer DDJ-1000 DJ table is designed with a more rotating wheel and is special on the swirling screen that also bears the image of DDJ and this change of position brings. are new to the user.
PIONEER XDJ-1000MK2
DJ table is a compact design with lighter material compared to other DJ series also Pioneer brand. Therefore, this DJ table is considered to be convenient for performing at music events or parties.
The turntable is designed in a similar fashion to its CDJ-2000NXS2 cousin. Combined with a 7-inch touch screen, with better resolution. This screen will show all the information you need: wave zoom, count down, phase measurement, frequency, and more.
Compared with its predecessor, the DJ desk has made advances in technology. Typically there is no CD player but instead a USB reader, Pro DJ Link, …
With this DJ keyboard, you can easily use the dial besides the screen or use the Qwerty keyboard to access the sound library quickly.
The eight controls added Quantize, allowing you to play Cue and Loop points at the same time as the tracks in Rekordbox.
In addition to MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF formats, the DJ desk also supports high-quality FLAC and ALAC audio formats up to 48kHz / 24 bit.
PIONEER DDJ-800
As a 2-channel DJ controller that inherits the popular club-style layout and features of the DDJ-1000 in a lighter body, the Pioneer DDJ-800 DJ desk is a professional DJ setup that allows users to perform work anywhere. That also means: with the DDJ-800 you have a professional performance controller with high portability.
At the same time, Pioneer shows its sophistication in listening and understanding customers with the addition of a compatible Feedback Reducer feature in dj rekordbox. In addition, the DDJ-800 is designed to be used to mix sounds from external sources and apply Sound Color FX, Beat FX, EQ, Trim, and more.
It’s easy to see that the DJ Pioneer DDJ-800’s on-table design is more compact and more maneuverable than its cousin DDJ-1000. Specifically, it is up to 22% smaller than DDJ-1000 in terms of volume and 1.3kg in weight. As a result, users can comfortably transport it between events.
The Pioneer DJ-DDJ-800 is the first 2-channel controller with a high-resolution LCD display. This screen displays information such as playback time, BPM, waveforms in the center of each Jog wheel, range Cue, … This makes mixing faster and more accurate.
As mentioned above, Pioneer has not only talented but also sophisticated designers and engineers. This is partly due to the addition of the new Feedback Reducer feature in the Rekordbox DJ that instantly detects the frequency of feedback mic howling and controls it to its lowest level. At the same time, two independent mic inputs are designed to give users more flexibility when bringing the mic to the speakers and MCs.
The unit is designed with a familiar interface with all the buttons, knobs, and levers on the controller arranged exactly like Pioneer’s CDJ and Club DJM devices. The Pioneer DDJ-800 DJ desk allows users to operate it as easily as using Pioneer DJ’s flagship setup.
In addition, the Feeling Adjust feature allows players to put the resistance on the Jog Wheels at whatever weight they want to Scratching with the popular Sound Color FX and Beat FX. Thanks to the dedicated Beat FX display, it allows users to instantly reference the selected BPM and FX name without even looking at the PC / Mac screen.
DJ Numark NS7iii
Numark NS7iii is the pride of Numark, is the best DJ table in the world today with the full functionality of a top DJ table: NS7iii fully integrated 4 decks with basic functions like 3 floors sound, long tempo sound, cue, loop, sampler, filter roll, touch activate nob, slicer, hot cues, …
The 3600-tick per-turn automatic turntable to simulate turntable saves money scratchers on the turntable and still scratches/slip just like the real thing. The inversion bar, when used, can cause the dial to rotate backward (whereby the music also rewinds) for a certain time or for long periods until the function is turned off.
The effects of key integrated touch make it easy for the user to coordinate the effects and the use of all 6 effects at the same time has become possible. Three full color – led displays integrated display: music list, effects, parameter tempo, music wave to combine music …
The needle search function (needle search): makes finding / rewinding the exact position in the song faster with the custom function of start slow/delay stop for a smooth start and stop of music according to set time. The LED system around the table shows parameters of volume, position/song length, bpm – beat between decks with soundcard great sound quality.
Roland DJ 505
While this model’s feature set isn’t a lot, it’s a controller capable of all the features a DJ needs. The addition of drum machine functionality sets it apart from other controllers at this price point. With reliable and feel-good running wheels, it’s also a good choice for professional DJs.
The 505 offers a built-in drum equalizer just like its big brother DJ 808. Although there are some missing controls like fader for soundbanks, you can easily layer the drum patterns and incorporate them into your DJ set.
One of the main selling points of the Roland 505 series is that it is an affordable product. You have 4 to 2 channels but that should be more than enough for most DJs. It is also a compact and sophisticated design. If what you care about are portability and size, then the Roland 505 is a great choice.
A jogging wheel gives you the feeling of realism and brings the great sound, you can fine-tune as you like
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
As the most successful DJ device from Native Instruments, the S2 MK3 has a pretty simple yet incredibly powerful look with its hardware. Although the design is quite compact, it is not light to carry often, because inside the products of Traktor always comes with quite high-quality materials. This is the advantage point but also the downside of Traktor when many customers report that the device is quite heavy when they want to bring it to parties, or events where DJ equipment is not available.
Pioneer DDJ-WeGO3
Up to now, the Pioneer DDJ-WeGO3 DJ table is dubbed the DJ table with the smallest size. The DJ Pioneer DDJ-WeGO3 table quickly received everyone’s attention thanks to its mesmerizing appearance. The table is made of high-quality aluminum material, lightweight and durable. The rotating wheel is equipped with a blue led light. The centralized layout of controls for easy operation. With a compact design, the DJ table gives players easy control, as well as easy to take anywhere.
Flexibly connect with iOS devices by running Igoriddim’s djay 2 apps to use the console. You can also connect with Android devices, or PC / Mac using music player software including Virtual DJ software that allows you to mix and match tracks, loops, cue with various effects
and Serato DJ software with the built-in intro, which you can rearrange your music library then simply drop tracks on the DJ table to control your music.
The DJ table can easily connect directly to the amplifier or speakers without the need for external sound cards. Besides, the Pulse Control temple control supports beginners to easily track the effect, music speed.
Numark Party Mix
With a low price, compact design, built-in soundcard, and comes with a music sensor Led light with many different projection modes, this is an extremely suitable product for a small party at home or convenient to carry with you to far places.
Compatible with most of today’s DJ software like Virtual DJ, Serato DJ, and a few other applications on the phone, this is clearly not a flashy toy, but really a cheap, compact DJ controller with fully featured for you to comfortably use anytime, anywhere, in any party or event.
Buyer Guides For Buying Best DJ Controller For Scratching
When you buy your controller, one thing is for sure there are so many options out there. The challenge is finding the right controller for your needs and budget. That said, your selection is unlikely to be driven by a feature or quality. So consider the more important considerations below to select the best dj controller for scratching for you.
What software do you like?
The DJ controller is designed as the external interface for DJ software. They give you external control over the software and help with simple tasks like changing BPM, tweaking FX, editing and changing markers, syncing tracks, and many other tasks
The software platform you choose to run with your controller will determine what you can and can’t do. However, more and more manufacturers are removing the luxury of choosing which software to run, and hence DJ controllers are made for use with certain software.
Although there are controllers that you can use with other software, they only work best if run with the specified software. There is software that allows you to use it with just about any piece of software, and Serato is the standout out of all. One caveat is that you should avoid using software that is not recommended for the controller as that increases the digital latency issue.
If the software is an important factor then you should do your research to find out the software that really suits your purpose and buy the controller only after you have identified the software it is capable of tightest integration.
Crossfader And Jogwheel
The DJ scratching feature involves speeding up, pausing, slowing, and reversing recordings to change the sound during playback.
The Jogwheel is a digital emulator of a turntable disc and that means you need to get a responsive and natural jog wheel. The same goes for Crossfader in order to avoid lag issues in the specs, which are common with digital controllers.
The size of the jogging wheel is an important issue. Trying to reproduce the dimensions of the turntable setup is difficult to achieve on the controller. However, you can still get very good-sized running wheels that give a good level of control and feel. Complicated scratches can be difficult with very small rollers, but the size is not everything. With experience, you can achieve a great scratching technique on small jogging wheels.
As you would imagine, there is a lot to incorporate so that a running wheel can emulate the natural feeling and experience of spinning to produce the best sound and the main thing you need to notice. is the feature that adjusts the tension of the running wheel. Remember that only selected controllers have this function.
A jogging wheel also needs to be full-sized to handle any scratches. Too small jogging wheels will really limit your style.
Control Right
Different DJ controllers take advantage of different features and tools, and each lineup has its own unique feature.
The all-in-one controller is typically packed in basic digital DJ features and other features you’ll typically find in standalone equipment like the mixer, MIDI, drum pad, and audio interface. These will cost significantly more than the basic entry-level controllers. It is important to know what features are important to you before you choose to buy yourself the best dj controller for scratching
The number of channels and ports connected to the controller also determines how much you can do with your controller. How many inputs do you want your controller to have? On the market, there are more input and output options that give you the flexibility to perform small to large-scale performances
A Portable DJ Will Need A Compact, Portable DJ
If you have to move a lot due to your performance schedule, your sets need to be sure to move to avoid damage but be compact and flexible.
Your gear will suffer damage if you have to carry heavy equipment to move between locations. Hence, a compact all-in-one controller would be a great convenience.
The controllers are usually compatible with each other, with manageable size and weight, especially when you compare them to vinyl turntables.
Perhaps more important is choosing the one that comes with a good sound card so you don’t need an audio interface anymore, which will add to the equipment you have to carry with you.
Latency
Latency is the time between the execution of an action and the time it is reflected in your software or performance. When it comes to a jog wheel, one thing is for sure, we all have to make sure the slowest sound lag possible. Mixing is all about timing and this becomes even more important when making scratches.
Most modern DJ controllers offer a running wheel with very low latency however problems will arise as time passes on the product. To avoid unexpected problems, it’s best to keep both your software and firmware up to date. If possible, try to invest in a good quality jog wheel like a good quality running wheel will also be more resistant to wear, which can also affect responsiveness and lag. Besides, buying high-quality DJ equipment from trusted brands is the best way to make sure you won’t run into problems like this, or at least your dj table can last a long time.
Conclusion best dj controller for scratching Top Pick For The Best
Buying the best dj controller for scratching that satisfies your requirement is not so hard. There are numerous things about the best dj controller for scratching for you to find out; however, they will be a little bit complicated and challenging for you for the first time.
If you would like more information, it is almost always a fantastic idea. Please take a look at my top 3 best dj controller for scratching. You may return to a list of the best dj controller for scratching and discover the one which meets your favorite
And a final thing before we wrap up is:
| DJ Hercules DJ Control Instinct P8 | PIONEER XDJ-1000MK2 | Numark Party Mix |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| best for beginner |
best for small size |
best for party |
I hope this guide will be of some help to you to select the best dj controller for scratching. If you would like to comment or require further information, please use my contact form to get in contact.
Thank you for reading this far! We hope that the information provided in this article will be helpful to you.
- Don’t forget to share your thoughts about best dj controller for scratching at the comment box below!
Read also:
Top 17 Best DJ Mixer – Perfective Recommendations And Reviews 2020
