Best DJ Decks for Beginners: Find Your First DJ Controller

When you’re first starting out as a DJ, it’s difficult to find out what equipment you need as a beginner. Decks, controllers, turntables, mixers - without knowledge of what exactly does what, you will struggle to build a set-up that works for you.

Nowadays, there are plenty of options out there aimed at beginner DJs. In this guide we’ll look at the pieces of kit that make getting started as a DJ hassle-free and easier than ever.

The first thing to understand are the different types of DJ equipment.

In this guide we’ll be looking at DJ controllers. These are used to control DJ programs, and they’re what you’ll see people using when they DJ with a computer or laptop.

DJ decks refer to standalone players, but they’re part of a more comprehensive set-up that includes a second deck and a mixer.

You can also use a standalone controller that is almost like a combination of each of these. With today’s technology, there’s not much difference between any of these options, and it largely comes down to your personal preference and workflow!

So without further ado - let’s check out our picks for the best beginner DJ controller..

All of the brands we’ve listed below make a great range of controllers and decks for starter DJs.

We’ve picked our favourite options from each of Pioneer, Numark, and Native Instruments. They’re tried-and-tested manufacturers that can be relied on for a gig of any size - and each of our choices is a worthy pick for the best dj controller for beginners.

Pioneer are creators of some of the best, industry-standard professional DJ gear in the world - but they also cater for beginners and budget-conscious DJs with products such as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 Smart DJ Controller.

Aside from the intuitive design and fantastic portability, one of the reasons we love this pick is due to its ability to connect with a wide variety of devices and software.

No matter if you’re an Android user or an iPhone owner, side with PC or Mac, the Pioneer DDJ-200 DJ Controller is compatible and easy to set-up.

You can use the DDJ-200 with an array of software, including WeDJ, djay, edjing Mix, and rekordbox DJ.

Plus, if you get the WeDJ application for iPhone you can use it completely free with no in-app purchases required - with every single one of the core features available to you.

Other key features are:

• Intuitive layout for beginners
• Compatible with external speakers, headphones, or device speakers
• Professional transition FX
• Lightweight

Another leading brand in the DJ game, Numark is a reliable choice that comes with a guarantee of quality.

The Party Mix range birthed one of the best-selling controllers of all time, and the Party Mix II comes complete with some extra pro-level features that allow you to energise the dancefloor in super-quick time.

Compatible with desktop, laptops, and even mobile devices, this beginner controller is flawlessly compatible with popular DJ softwares such as Serato DJ Lite and Algorridim djay PRO AI.

It also includes:

• Large Touch-Sensitive Jog Wheels
• Large Filter Effect Knobs
• Sync, Play/Pause, & Cue Buttons
• Pitch Sliders for Tempo Adjustments
• Performance Pads with Effect, Cue, Loop, and Sampler modes
• Library Controls for Scrolling & Loading tracks
• 2-Band EQ on Each Deck

Traktor software is renowned for ultimate DJ performance, and the Kontrol S2 MK3 from Native Instruments is one of our top picks for a beginner DJ controller.

Perfectly suited for DJing at parties and practising at home, this controller allows you to mix across four decks with the industry’s tightest and most reliable looping and beatjump functions.

The re-designed jog wheels are smooth and precise for unbeatable accuracy and response - plus, they incorporate two performance modes for classic spin-to-nudge or Scratch modes.

Traktor Pro 3 DJ comes included, so it’s ready to go straight out of the box!

Some other things we like are:

• Stems, Remix decks and over 40 deck effects
• New user interface with club-situation simplified layout
• Enhanced audio quality with mixer bypass mode and Elastique 3 time-stretching
• New dedicated Mixer FX
• Improved browser section

After reading this article you should have a better understanding of what to look for when buying your first DJ decks.

DJ equipment, decks, and controllers can seem confusing, but the brands listed above each does an awesome job of making the life of a beginner DJ as easy as possible.

Whether you opt for one of our picks or want to take a closer look at some alternatives, you can find a huge range of DJ Equipment at PMT stores and online.

Check out our range below:

Want to find out about the latest DJ and Producer gear at PMT? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.