CDJs vs. Controller (Which DJ Setup is the BEST Bang for Your Buck?)

Both items are equivalent in terms of what they can accomplish for stage concerts, but the CDJ takes up less room, sets up more quickly, and has fewer possible points of failure because it does not involve a laptop. 

When performing EDM or hip-hop compositions, a DJ controller gives you greater comprehensive control of specific songs, which may be required.

If you use a CDJ, it could be simpler to DJ at a club. A professional furniture CDJ with capabilities comparable to home is typically available at nightclubs.

Users only need a USB disc containing their songs and any prior technical understanding through utilizing their own CDJ.

Additionally, a majority of DJs nowadays days use CDJs over DJ source code. This is because people are able to mix music without having to invest in costly software or laptops. 

The CDJs serve as their own autonomous mixers, making them simpler to understand and less sensitive to other tools.

Spending money on a controller could be worthwhile if you want to produce a more intricate house or EDM concert. 

You may carry your equipment and play for your audiences anywhere you travel. A CDJ can accomplish a lot of things, but controllers can perform more complicated and creative and lead many researchers.

What Are CDJs?

A CDJ is a music-streaming player used for DJs, a mainstream technology used at the world’s top-tier nightclubs.

CDJs do not need a laptop or DJ program to broadcast your audio; instead, they may listen to music from folders on Memory cards and USB flash drives, which are plugged into the DJ mixer.

Outside DJ Mixer

As was already said, CDJs do not need a laptop to operate, and they are often connected to an outside DJ mixer that mixes acoustic signals rather than using DJ software.

A DJ mixer has effects settings, station crossfader, a multinational organization, and EQ control mechanisms that let you adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies. 

The caliber of the mixers that purchase will have a different impact.  There is no longer any requirement for a laptop because audio files may be stored on Memory cards and USB flash drives that can be inserted into the CDJ and then displayed on the designed display.

How Does It Function?

A CDJ is a music player connected to an exterior DJ mixer, which regulates and modifies the audio output. A typical configuration consists of two CDJs and an additional DJ mixer. 

After connecting your USB memory card or SD card, anyone may load files into the device and start playing music without using a laptop.

The music would then load into the screen that will show wave patterns, BPM, and a variety of other data at a glimpse.

The outer mixer’s jog wheels, EQ knobs, and faders may be used to adjust and combine the tracks. According to the mixer users have, there are different numbers of tracks and features.

In every country, 2 CDJs plus an external sound system are considered the industry standard; nevertheless, if you’re just getting started, you should examine if this configuration is worth the significant price premium over a DJ controller

What Is A Controller?

A DJ controller is far less expensive than even a CDJ + DJ processor configuration and replaces the conventional two CDJs and a DJ mixer. It is used to listen to and mix songs using a DJ program that is loaded on a laptop.

DJ controllers are the ideal option for someone just getting started because they rival classic settings in terms of performance and acceptance in the DJ community.

All-In-One Device

As previously stated, a DJ controller does not need an external mixer to mix the acoustic signal because the DJ program running on a computer or laptop does this.

Using faders, EQ settings, jog sliders, and controllers that may be used for enhancements, sampling, or creating hot cues, a Djing controller offers condensed a standard CDJ configuration into such a comprehensive device.

How Does It Function?

A DJ controller is a MIDI interface for connecting to a laptop. By utilizing the controller’s buttons, the DJ application is instructed on how to combine the sound by the DJ panel.

This enables you to link the controller to the DJ software users have loaded on your laptop through a USB connection.

This allows you to operate the program using the features on the device, such as the jog wheels, crossfader, EQ settings, and plugins, similar to how you would with CDJs.

The DJ software easily connects well with the DJ controller and gives users artistic input over your soundtrack.

You can assign changes or recordings to the controller’s drum pads and view wavelengths as well as a wealth of track data. For a DJ, having this knowledge is vital.

While DJ controllers are moving in the right direction, are more sophisticated, and can compete with any setup a DJ might desire, many less expensive options are still available, which may be ideal for a novice or enthusiast DJ.

The CDJ’s History

Many DJs made the switch from vinyl when the initial CDJ was created. The days of bulky travel cases filled with 12′′ LPs were over, replaced by a thin book filled with CDs (without covers), each of which could hold  74 minutes worth of music.

The first widely used controller, controlled digitally and equipped with a jog wheel for synchronizing locations, was the Pioneer CDJ-500.

Prior versions of commercial CD decks for DJs, such as the Technics SL-P1200, existed but generally did not succeed in capturing the market in the way Pioneers achieved and were frequently made for different sorts of customers.

For instance, karaoke DJs who embraced CDJ innovation were fond of rack-mounted twin CD players from manufacturers like Denon, Gemini, and Vestax with distinct controllers.

However, DJs could not use this kind of CD player, which is why Pioneer entered the market.

The Controller’s History

DJ Pierre, a mixer and musician, created the first DJ controller in 1992 with the introduction of the P2J Box, which allowed DJs to handle digital audio recordings rather than record players.

Since then, controller makers have kept on creating increasingly sophisticated controllers.

As CD-ROM technology gained popularity in the early 1990s, several individuals started utilizing CD-ROM drives to listen to music on personal laptops.

However, there was no effective method for a DJ to do beat matching, which is an essential component of DJing.

This led a few businesses to develop equipment that would make it simple for DJs to beat match CDs on the pc. Stanton Magnetics, as well as Mixman Electronics, have been two of these firms.

Pros And Cons Of CDJs Vs. Controllers

CDJs and controllers perform the same function, but they also vary and have advantages and disadvantages. Among these variations are the following:

Comparing CDJs To Controllers, Better Functions Are Often Available

One of the primary reasons people might prefer a CDJ setup to a controller is when you desire the equipment with the greatest functions available and are unwilling to accept any compromises. 

Compared opposed to controllers, CDJs frequently contain a few unique capabilities that are not particularly necessary for DJing.

However, they provide a large number of imaginative DJs trying to spice things up with their compositions and a lot of new options. 

The variations among CDJs and controllers could be significant, particularly a minimum when it comes to combining, granted that such a DJ in concern makes use of these CDJ-only functions. 

There are certain drawbacks to this, though. The first is that having more features results in a more difficult configuration, which may not be suitable for those who want to adhere to the fundamentals. 

Additionally, CDJs with a lot of extra capabilities are sometimes fairly pricey, which, if your budget is tight, might not be the greatest choice.

Given that you additionally need to purchase a compressor and additional players, CDJs are already considerably more costly than controllers.

Controllers Are More Cost-Effective And Provide More Value

One of the reasons controllers are so well-liked by aspiring DJs is that they may cost thousands of dollars less than an equal CDJ and mixer setup. 

In contrast to most current CDJs, which require an additional player and a self-contained mixer, entrance controllers often include two tracks and an integrated sound system.

The only additional equipment needed to play is a computer to download the music. As a result, the controller is significantly more cost-effective and inexpensive.

Many entry-level controllers cost less than $250, making them relatively accessible to most people.

Choosing a less expensive brand is additionally a smart option since many customers would finally stop using it within a few weeks, making it less worthwhile for all these men to spend $2,000 on it.

The Industry Standard For Professional DJs Is CDJs

You could choose a CDJ setup for a variety of reasons, including the fact that Pioneer’s CDJ range is widely regarded as the industry standard for professional DJs.

Every respectable nightclub with considerable influence would typically have two to four CDJ speakers and a controller in the booth. 

It makes more sense that some very enthusiastic individuals will only think about using this kind of equipment to perform since the longer you use it, the more you will understand the specifics.

Many high-end CDJ players, like the most recent version of the iPhone or sports car, are viewed as status symbols since they are frequently seen among well-known DJs. 

If owning the greatest equipment is essential to you, investing in a CDJ can be justified because they are the “new kids on the block” and provide professional DJ equipment. Choose a standard controller in its place if individuals do not give a hoot about this.

Conversely, Some CDJs Maintain More Value Than Controllers Do

While many DJs think controllers are a terrific option for the typical beginner searching for the best value, there is a grab: controllers depreciate far more rapidly and readily than the ordinary CDJ. 

Since controllers are frequently less expensive than CDJs, many companies choose to make them since people are undoubtedly well aware.

In comparison to a comparable CDJ configuration, the outcome is a more delicate object that loses value more quickly.

However, this is certainly not the sole reason they lose value more quickly. The reality that CDJs are generally the more sought-after DJ equipment is one of the additional causes. Used CDJs are particularly prized due to their high price. 

However, this is not the case with controllers, resulting in generally cheaper pricing. Do not forget that not every CDJ hold their quality well, either. Some less well-known firms do produce CDJs that deteriorate quickly.

CDJs Can Play Music Without A Laptop

In contrast to many controllers, most CDJs have a significant benefit over them: devices may play the music from numerous sources, such as CDs, USBs, as well as SD cards, as opposed to controllers, which often only take songs from a computer. 

You can thus use them in their settings with no hassle and play the music from a friend’s disc, giving them the impression of increased versatility.

One of the advantages people might prefer a CDJ more than a controller is the increased adaptability, which is unquestionably a significant bonus.

Everyone should be aware that while most controllers do not listen to music from the sites indicated previously, some do. These are not as prevalent, although.

Since controllers with these extra functions are often more expensive compared to the more affordable variety, purchasing this type of DJ equipment rather defeats the point.

Why Do CDJ DJs Frequently Dislike Controller DJs?

Unfortunately, this is still frequently the case. However, they have limited memory. In the past ten years, vinyl DJs treated CDJ DJs in the same way. 

People frequently ridicule what they do not understand. However, if people intend to DJ using controllers, it is up to them to clarify any misconceptions about how terrible you are doing.

Which Controller Is The Most CDJ-Like?

Several devices may resemble the club design of a CDJ setup if people want the greatest of both worlds, the sensation of a CDJ but the ease of a computerized DDJ controller.

Many DJs preferred the Pioneer DDJ-1000 when it initially came out since it broke from the conventional controller layouts of earlier DJs and opted for a solitary mixer component attached to two multimedia controllers that resembled CDJs, each having a big 7″ jog button in the middle.

Rekord Box connectivity and a huge LCD display deliver laptop-like functions without requiring additional laptops.

What Are The Major Differences Between DJ Controllers & CDJs?

CDJs Are Unique, Stand-Alone DJ Devices

CDJs are independent musical devices that let DJs regulate pace; unlike DJ controllers, they are not integrated into anything.

Connect A DJ Mixer To A Number Of CDJs

In comparison to a DJ Controller, a DJ mixer offers far greater versatility because you may purchase and combine many CDJs. Particularly if you wish to DJ with multiple decks to make your DJ mixes more inventive.

DJ controllers essentially forbid that from occurring. DJ controllers are made to serve as a reliable DJing device since they are designed to be.

CDJs Play Music From CDs Or USBs

Most CDJs on the market now retrieve songs through a CD (for earlier versions, at least) or by plugging in USB sticks.

DJ controllers need to be linked to a computer so that the computer may download DJ music, whether it would be through music that has been downloaded or through Rekordbox’s connections with streaming audio services for DJs.

Price Variations

Historically, CDJs have been more costly than contemporary DJing gear like DJ Controllers.

CDJs are expensive, probably due to the lack of market competition and their prominence in bars as the DJ hardware benchmark.

According to studies, the current valuation range for CDJs is between £169 to £2,000 on average. Therefore, you must increase it by two to obtain the actual result. 

The Range Of Products Varies Quite A Bit

Emerging DJs have a limited selection of CDJs to choose from; however, many more options are available when selecting a DJ controller.

This is ideal financially if you want to begin DJing on the cheap with a laptop and DJ controller. There is little need for concern because DJ controllers at lower price ranges are of acceptable quality.

There are fewer options available for CDJs, and some more affordable models are built with lower-quality materials. In contrast, the cheaper price range DJ controllers have substantially greater product construction and quality.

DJ Controllers Work On A Computer

DJ controllers must be linked to a computer to function. I refer to a laptop, smartphone, or tablet when I say “computer.”

Yet another consideration is that certain modern, high-end, and expensive DJ controllers fall under the “All-In-One” DJ Controllers category.

DJ controllers of this quality are referred to as “Professional” grade DJ controllers. Because the equipment includes DJ software, DJs may stop utilizing a laptop that is hooked to the DJ controller.

Which Is Better, Then?

A DJ controller is fantastic for learning if you are just beginning in DJing or are on a tight budget. There are a variety of DJ controllers in every price range.

If money is not a concern and people want the greatest setup available, CDJs plus an external mixer may be right for you. 

However, do not discount some of the increased DJ controllers on the market; many better choices can compete with CDJs on all fronts.

A controller is superior to a CDJ, albeit a MIDI CDJ, for example, may do just as well in some circumstances. You ought to include a DJ controller in the plan.

This is only a result of how reasonably priced and accessible they are. Additionally, they can do nearly all tasks a CDJ performs.

However, individuals that invest in a set of MIDI-compatible CDJs would be capable of using the same hardware found in most DJ controllers.

On the other hand, a CDJ’s individuality from a computer or electronic technology and capacity to forge stronger connections among listeners may be quite advantageous to an experienced DJ.

So at the end of the day, only you can decide; nevertheless, there are several things to think about something before you decide to purchase: the sort of DJ that are, your degree of experience, the venue where you will perform, and your requirement for mobility.

However, using a DJ controller seems to be a superior option and a far more crucial component of a DJ setup.

Frequently Asked Questions