As a digital DJ you have to grow and evolve constantly. Maybe you started out with vinyl because of the relatively low cost. And vinyl has the classic sound. But using vinyl means lugging around crates of records to every gig. Plus your other gear, like turntables, CD players, a mixer, an MP3 player… you know the drill.

The typical progression for a scratch DJ is to learn the tricky craft of scratching on turntables, adding CDs or MP3s and methodically turning yourself into a digital DJ. At the end of that road is a truck packed with gear.

If this sounds like you, it’s time to think about DJ controllers.

DJ controllers are a single piece of hardware integrated with DJ controller software that takes the place of all other DJ components in a single unit. The controls mimic the function of turntables, CD players, MP3 players and all midi equipment. DJ controllers centralize your gear, focus your concentration and improve your DJ skills. The best thing about DJ controllers? Say goodbye to the library you have to lug around. DJ controllers link up to your laptop or PC via software applications and that means you can build your library right into your computer.

Got a Wi-Fi interface at the gig? If you have access to the net at your performance, you can even download new tracks right on the job. Imagine how that will affect requests and staying fresh. DJ controllers will give you real-time access to all the most current tracks, samples and sounds. Talk about exposure… DJ controllers put you in the driver’s seat and elevate your reputation through to the next level.

How Do DJ Controllers work?

DJ controllers work a lot like the DJ equipment you are already using. Just without the records or the CDs. The key factor that makes DJ controllers so economical and desirable is that they can be configured to fit your DJ style. Buttons, knobs, sliders, faders and LED indicators can all be programmed so that all DJs can have a different experience.

The DJ controller base looks like a spiffy turntable, because that’s what it is. Using the digital turntable is a lot like scratching on a vinyl platter. Using turntables and a CD platter in a typical setup wastes time, space and money. Via the DJ controller software, all your music, whether vinyl based or CD based are now open to manipulation through a central point that plays your tracks digitally. Usually DJ controllers have a scratch platter and jog wheels which will digitally copy analog effects. That’s a giant boost to efficiency and adds to showmanship. The best DJs look like they’re playing along when DJ controllers are set up correctly.

The Parts Of DJ Controllers

DJ controllers are usually solidly manufactured of aluminum for stability and durability. The center platter looks like a CD turntable and is used the same way. At least one jog wheel manipulates the digital source to produce any effect you’ve either picked from the DJ controller’s library, or effects you have downloaded yourself. Buttons and sliders work the same way as they do on DJ mixers, but they are usually programmable so you can customize the interface to suit your style. Also, software for DJ controllers is very flexible, allowing the DJ to pick and choose the way they want to show the status information. If you like booming bass, you can have a preset configured to control bass output just the way you like. Lastly, DJ controllers are all Midi programmable so they will interface with any Midi device. That means you can add a musical instrument, like a synthesizer or drum machine, adding another dimension to your performance and sound.

Using DJ Controllers

Because DJ controllers are so versatile, they take some tweaking and getting used to. In the past, analog turntables gained in popularity because of scratching. A DJ could scratch the vinyl manually and get a syncopated result that crowds looked for. Scratching became an art form because of this different sound. DJs were all of a sudden doing more than spinning music.} DJs were actually creating a new sound.

When digital turntables came into vogue, the hardest thing to get the hang of was the simulated feel. And the demands on the processor were too heavy at first. It took awhile for speeds to increase and for the real-time effect to mimic album scratching effectively. DJ controllers can suffer from a similar fate if your PC or laptop is too slow. But generally all that is required is to have a fast enough processor and enough RAM to allow the controller to respond correctly and realistically. PC controllers also usually have the advantage of being fully upgradable by download and already come already capable of matching your drivers. If you can tweak the processor, memory and drivers correctly, DJ controllers will make you sound like you’ve got a lot of DJ equipment in your booth – all in one package.

Cutting back on DJ equipment and source tracks? A Star’s dream come true. If you’re ready to take your DJ performance to the next level, DJ controllers give you the flexibility and sound you’re looking for and that audiences have come to expect.

That’s why DJ controllers give the digital DJ the best chance to stay current, relevant and smoking hot.