Introduction: What Does a DJ Controller Do?
A DJ controller is a piece of MIDI hardware that lets you control the music being played on your computer. They can be used for mixing music, controlling the playback of the music, tweaking the sound of the music, or all three. DJ controllers allow you to easily and intuitively control what your crowd hears when you are DJing.
The main job of a DJ controller is to hand you control over what’s happening with the DJ software that’s running on your laptop. It uses different knobs, sliders, or buttons to control the show. For example, if you want to line up the next song you are playing in your set, you can use the buttons on your controller to look for that song in your library.
In short, a DJ controller is a MIDI device that is used by DJs to control music playback from DJ software without using any mouse or keyboard. They allow for hands-on music creation and manipulation, seamless beatmatching, and fluidly adjustable tempo.
What Features can a DJ Controllers Offer?
DJ controllers come with lots of features designed for music producers and audio engineers to compose, produce, remix and edit music. These features include and more.
DJ controllers have a bunch of features that can be used to control musical tracks such as multiple decks, faders, filters, effects controls, jog wheels, dials for beatmatching, and drum pads. These features do can also be configured according to one’s requirement for a customized interface.
Some DJ controllers come with features that simplify the set-up process. For example, they might have built-in audio interfaces and multiple USB ports to allow for multiple laptops to connect with the device at once.
In addition to physical features, many DJ controllers come with a free version of the company’s proprietary DJ software which makes it easier for people who are new to the art of DJing.
What Kind of DJ Controllers Are Available?
These are the 3 different types of DJ controllers that you can choose from. The three types of DJ controllers are CDJs, DJ mixers, and midi controllers. Find out what each one does and offers so you know which is best for your needs. As you can imagine, this is a big decision for anyone considering to take up the craft.
CDJs
CDJs are stand-alone DJ solutions that don’t require a laptop. The CDJs can be used without any additional software. The user can plug in a USB stick or CD with music on it and use the CDJ’s to play it. However, some DJs prefer to use their CDJs in MIDI mode in conjunction with the software they have on their laptops.
A CDJ is a very common piece of DJ equipment in bars and clubs. They can help you keep control of your playlist and allow you to vary the types of music that play during the night. A CDJ will have a turntable to control the music and will usually have a mixer with faders and crossfaders, which you can use to manipulate the volume, fade in/out, Loop, cue and manipulate songs with ease. You can dominate a show with a CDJ.
DDJ Mixers
DJ mixers are pieces of equipment that have channels for audio inputs and outputs, EQs for boosting or cutting sound frequencies, crossfaders to mix two channels together, and knobs for adjusting the volume levels or tone of sounds. They also have features like effects units or buttons for triggering samples. Midi controllers are used by DJs who want more control over their mixes and don’t mind bringing a laptop with sophisticated DJ software along with them. DJs typically use DJ mixers for performances because of their versatility in handling laptop-created music files.
MIDI Controllers
MIDI controllers are designed to be used by musicians who want to produce music, compose music, and create soundtracks. MIDI controllers are interactive devices that let you play sounds from a range of sources. They’re also capable of controlling digital audio workstations, samplers, sequencers, keyboards, synthesizers or any other MIDI-enabled device.
A controllerist DJ (or DJ controllerist) is someone who uses a MIDI controller as their primary interface for DJing. This is to differentiate them from traditional turntablists or digital DJs who use DDJs and CDJs as their primary equipment.
Live performance with midi controllers can be seen as a skillful show because it requires musicians to be skilled in both playing their instruments and creating music through these controllers.
Choosing the Best DJ Controller for You
In order to get the best controller for your needs, it is important to take into account who you are as a person and what type of DJing you want to do. There are three main types of controllers: CDJs, DDJ Mixers, and MIDI controllers. Each of these comes with its own features and price levels: beginner, standard, performance-based, and all-in-one controllers.
Depending on your skill level and what type of Djing you want to do, one kind may be better for you than another. The price range varies from about $100-$1500 depending on which type you choose to purchase, and there are many factors that go into this decision.
What kind of DJ do you want to be? The choice is yours.
