How to start DJing – The controller
Hi and welcome to this second series of: How to start DJing? The controller. Today we’ll talk about the controller, and you can find the vinyls and the CDJs there.
The controller, best toy ever. Did I say toy? Yes, and you will see why. But don’t worry, a toy can be good. Look at the sex toys, those are great isn’t it? The more important thing is to not feel shame and the rest is details.
What is a controller?
Well, a controller is a mix station that englobes several elements that you would have bought separately several years ago. This mix station regroups a mix table and two turntables mostly. Of course, it can vary depending on the model. But let’s say that’s our starting point.
The controller needs a computer and dedicated software to work. The most famous software are Serato or Traktor if we take some serious ones. Another one you might have heard of is Virtual DJ. It’s the most accessible one and a good base to start.
The controller aims to simplify mixing. While you needed huge equipment to mix before, now you only need a computer and a controller. Some can think it’s not mixing. Others can feel it’s very practical. Let me give my opinion and help you to decide right after.
But first, let’s see which kind of controller we are speaking about in this guide: How to start DJing – The controller.
The different types of controller
There are different types of controllers out there. And it can be very confusing to choose the right one. So how do you make the difference between a toy and something professional?
Well, that’s the thing.
A controller aims to try to make you feel you’re a professional. That’s what’s going to determine the price. From the toy to the almost pro version, their goal is to develop a feeling and you will pay for that.
This feeling is blended with their utility. In itself, you only need a mix table and 2 turntables to mix. Maybe the buttons for filters to control the high, mid, and low frequency but that’s it. Programmers can get those effects fingers in the nose. So the primary goal of a controller is further than that. It’s to allow you to make crazy mixes with no effort.
The least expensive controller I can think of is the Hercules DJ control inpulse 200. Around 100$, this controller is the perfect tool to understand what mixing is about. The problem is, once you know how to mix with it, it becomes boring.
At the top of the price range, you have the DDJ SZ2 from Pioneer. Well, of course, I haven’t used it. I used something a little less pricey. But look at all those buttons they have. It can make you feel that you have the last turntables but you don’t. Is it something bad? Well, it’s up to you. We’ll talk about that later.
What I have: The Kontrol S2 Mk3. Perfect for throwing parties. Still ok to be used, but of course not the best. But again we’ll dig deeper in this article on how to start DJing? The controller.
Should you spend a lot?
Before answering this question, I need to ask you one question. Are you the type of person using objects 100% until they die? Do you use your bike even if it’s a bit small for you? Do you prefer the results or the feelings?
If you have an answer yes, yes, and results, then you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
Expensive controllers give you the feeling of mixing on professional turntables. You have to choose what suits you. Other than that, you will have to trick your brain to believe you’re mixing professionally.
Let me take an example. When I mix on CDJs, I don’t look at the bpm and waves don’t make sense for me. But when I am on a controller, I have to trick the software to get the same result. It’s a trick that helps me get better, but not happier.
I can make amazing effects with my controllers by just pushing one button. But it doesn’t mean I am at the same level as all my favorite DJs. Now, after 30 minutes of mixing, I feel bored. Because when it’s too easy it’s annoying. It’s like biking with some small wheels for a baby. Would you be proud?
Well then, the less expensive controller, the bigger the wheel. Now you know. At least this is what we advise on this article on how to start DJing? The controller.
Are you gonna be a real DJ with a controller?
Well, let me be honest, if you’re only using a controller and refuse to use others, then no.
If you can’t get access to other types of material, that’s ok, I am not blaming you. But the real problem with controllers is that they are too easy to use. Let’s face it.
They are good to start, I will not lie, but they are not challenging. Yet, some advanced Pioneer are almost like CDJs. Then you will know how to use CDJs. But you still have to invest a good amount of money before. Others might want to learn how to mix before.
So the problem is not the controller, it’s how you learn.
I saw so many DJs being ok by just doing a simple transition. First track running, BPM synchronization. Then change and that’s it. All night long.
Mixing is way more than that. But how can you know if nothing challenges you?
To become a good DJ on a controller, you will have to challenge yourself. Hide BPM, scratch, mix with ears, and so on and so on. Even I haven’t made those exercises. But I know it’s what you, or even we, should do. Because that’s what can make us better DJs.
So if you want to be a great DJ with a controller, be ready to challenge yourself. Be careful, it might just hurt your ego. But it’s definitely possible according this article on how to start DJing? The controller.
The difference between a controller and real turntables
I never really understand why people thought being DJ was so cool. Seeing from the inside, it’s pretty simple. But some people think it’s the coolest thing to do.
On a technical side, using the tools we have, djing is the most overrated activity on earth. On paper, it’s pretty inefficient. But in real life, that’s the opposite. People don’t care if it’s efficient or not, they care about the overall vibe. The reason to dance. The reason to let their body move on the music. That’s a pure ritual and that’s what makes it so valuable.
So I understand why you want to take part in this ritual. And like in every culture, there are codes for every ritual. One of the biggest codes is that you need to use pioneer turntables. You might not agree, but that’s the truth. It’s due to the huge amount in marketing that Pioneer spent into being present under our eyes.
From this angle, here is the difference between a controller and turntables. It will make you less professional and less following the ritual.
Does it matter when you have a house party? No. Does it matter when you’re mixing in front of Boiler Room’s camera? Maybe. Does it matter for your ego? If it doesn’t you’re lucky and you should go for a controller. Other than that, you’ll have to mix harder to pay those real turntables.
The advantages of a controller
I am not going to lie, controllers have a lot of advantages. First, their size and their weight.
You can take it anywhere you want. it’s compact and not heavy. I mean, between a 5000$ set that weighs a lot of kilos and a 350$ controller that weighs nothing. One should know where to balance the risks. There, you won’t need cases for your equipment. The original one is enough. I still have mine even.
I used it to throw any types of parties that weren’t too serious. When I say serious I mean festival, so any type of parties. Like house parties or parties up to 300 people. That made the job and it was easy to carry. One just needs a pair of cables, a PC and that’s it. I had the controller in one hand while biking. The PC in the backpack and that was it.
Also, I already said that but it’s really easy to plug. I felt dumb sometimes when we were done setting up in 10 minutes. Because I needed one cable. It helps you avoiding stress and preparation.
Also, it’s cheap. Not everybody can afford several thousand in CDJs or vinyl. Me the first. And I know how important it is to have equipment close to you when starting. So for me, controllers are the perfect tool to start with.
The disadvantages
Controllers feel like toys. Most of the time in plastic, we don’t feel we have a professional tool. It can give professional results, don’t get me wrong. And as long as your crew dance it’s great. But come on, you want something special. Something that says you’re the master.
CDJs or turntables feel like engines. Like spaceships. They are big and intimidating. Knowing how to control them gives you the flow. This is why people respect the DJ. Again, it’s a ritual and you’re the shaman.
Controllers on the contrary are not. They are smaller and the effect can be dissipated. That’s a matter of feeling I know, but it matters a lot.
Another thing is that you might only look at your PC. As a DJ, when you have a computer with you, you’ll only look at it. It’s a bit of a shame. It feels as if you’re isolated from the crowd. DJs are in general isolated from the crowd, they are in the future, but still. With a computer, you might cut yourself from it.
What do I advice
Of course, I advise you to have a controller. Just in case.
They are small and don’t take too much space. They are good tools, from practicing to playing. For me, they are the perfect tool to start with mostly if you do not have the budget.
Of course, getting more serious equipment is always better. But not everybody is a pro and if you don’t earn money with it, well go for something easy.
I would however advise you to take something in the middle range, around 300$ at least. They are solids and professional enough. You can go upper in price but the minimum for me would be a Traktor or a pioneer. It’s qualitative and you can have fun with it. It’s not that much of a toy and you can still feel like a real DJ with it.
Final words
I like discussing good and bad things about DJ equipment. It’s a matter of knowledge, not truths. If you like using a controller or not, do what you like. As long as you take pleasure in DJing, everything is good.
The author
Benoit Dervieux is the initiator of Lesk. He started DJing around 14 years old, bought his first pair of vinyls at 22 and started organizing parties at 25. He has a master in entrepreneurship and is developing Lesk hoping the product will enter the market. You can contact him directly on instagram @lesklights.