DJ mixers for beginners

A beginner DJ mixer today is almost always a DJ controller: a single device with two jogwheels, a mixer and buttons that controls DJ software on a laptop, tablet or phone. This page brings together controllers for your first attempts at mixing, mostly with two channels and a three-band equaliser. Hercules DJ and Numark have the most models here, with more from Native Instruments, Roland and Reloop. They suit practising at home, your first party with friends and finding out whether you enjoy mixing.

How does a DJ controller differ from a traditional DJ mixer?

A traditional DJ mixer only mixes the audio you feed into it from turntables or CD players. A DJ controller needs no additional players: your tracks are on your computer or a streaming service, and the controller operates the software that plays them. Most controllers have a built-in sound card, so you can plug your headphones and speakers straight into them. As a beginner, you get two players and a mixer in one device, and all you need alongside it is the laptop or phone you already own.

What should you look for in your first DJ controller?

• Software and device: a controller only works with software supported by its manufacturer, such as Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED, Algoriddim djay or Traktor PRO 4. The software in turn determines whether you can mix on Windows, macOS, iOS or Android.
• Jogwheels and pads: larger wheels are easier to handle when matching tempos and scratching. Sixteen pads, as found on the DJControl Inpulse 500 or Mixtrack Platinum FX, give you more scope for loops, samples and jumps within a track.
• Learning aids: Hercules DJ controllers such as the Inpulse 200 MK3 have light guides at the tempo controls and jogwheels to show you which way to adjust the tempo so that two tracks run in the same rhythm.
• Connections: speakers connect to an RCA or jack output, while headphones plug into a 3.5 mm or 6.3 mm socket. Only some models have a microphone input.
• Power: most controllers can run on power from your computer via USB or USB-C, while some need a mains adapter.

Is a controller enough, or do you need a complete starter kit?

If you already have headphones and speakers at home, a controller on its own is enough. If you are starting completely from scratch, the Hercules DJ Learning Kit MK2 is a practical option: the package includes a DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 controller, DJMonitor 32 speakers and HDP DJ45 headphones. For a house party, there is the Numark Party Mix 2 with an LED light show or the Party Mix Live with speakers built directly into its body. You can find any missing equipment in the Studio headphones for beginners and Studio monitors for beginners categories; the Studio for beginners page brings together everything for your first home studio.