The different controllers available on the market are classified on this page according to the functionality they offer for digital DJing.

If you are already familiar with the function groups below, you can go directly to the controller types overview and the buyers guide...

These are the 4 main function groups:
  • Browsing Control
  • Playback / Timecode Control
  • Mixing Control
  • Effect Control

Function:

  • Navigation of playlists and folders
  • Selection and loading of tracks
  • Control of software view / layout

Typical control elements:
  • Jog wheel
  • Buttons

 

Function:

  • Starting and stopping of playback
  • Searching through a track (seek)
  • Precise positioning of startpoints (Scratch / Cue)
  • Control of playback speed (Pitch)

Typical control elements:
  • Jog wheel
  • Pitch fader
  • Buttons

 

Function:

  • To control the playback of digital tracks with traditional turntables and CD players.

Components:
  • Classic turntable or CD player
  • Special 'control signal' vinyl records or CDs

 

Function:

  • Channel volume control
  • Channel equalizer
  • Monitoring function
  • Mixing function (crossfade)

Typical control elements:
  • Vertical channel fader
  • 3 EQ knobs per channel
  • Monitor button per channel
  • Monitor volume control
  • Horizontal crossfader

 

Function:

  • Effect select
  • Effect rate
  • Effect parameters
  • Tempo tap

Typical control elements:
  • Endless control knob
  • Incremental endless control knob
  • Buttons

 
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