What are the best DJ controllers below $1000 for gigging DJs? Many DJs who are currently gigging clubs, weddings, parties, etc.- Feel like they have outgrown the beginner controller that they have had for years. I have been in those same shoes as well.
Without having to pay 7K and up, I was trying to find a solid DJ controller that I can take with me to perform just about any application. While there are many reliable DJ controllers below $1000, it’s always best to find which unit produces the greatest value for the money.
While I have made a few mistakes in my career with purchasing an expensive DJ controller just to return it or become unsatisfied with it, I prefer other DJ don’t make the same mistakes as I have.
Therefore, my team and I decided to form a list of our top 6 DJ controllers below $1000 that will surely be a great bang for your buck. All of these DJ controllers are more than capable of DJs at an intermediate level to advanced. They are all perfectly reliable for touring, festivals, corporate, or any other application without breaking your bank account. We are not saying that these controllers are the best on the market, but they are the best DJ controllers under $1000.
In Short, Here Are The Best DJ Controller Under $1000
- Native Instruments Traktor
- Numark NV II
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
- Denon DJ MC6000MK2
- Numark NS6II
- Pioneer DJ DDJSR
1. Native Instruments Traktor
The Native Instruments Traktor is an outstanding DJ controller for live performance. It has a total of 16 RGB pads, or you could say, eight pads per deck. The RGB pads are great for cue points. Especially for the reasonable price, the effects and controls work exceptionally well with a great feel. The build quality is sturdy and robust.
This controller will last you many years. What I like about this controller is the fact that it can be your beginner controller up till you’re a full-time DJ. It is relatively easy to get started with, and it has basically everything you need for gigging. Overall, I think it is an incredible bang for the buck. I highly recommend it for DJs of any class looking for a great value.
Features and Details
- Pioneer recommends you to download the latest firmware from their website for all of their DJ controllers
- Serato recommends downloading the latest Serato DJ software version from their website
- Software System Requirements : Windows 10/8.1/7 : 32-bit: (CPU) Intel Core i5 or i7 1.07 GHz / (Memory) 4 GB,64-bit: (CPU) Intel Core i5 or i7 1.07 GHz / (Memory) 4 GB. Mac OS Sierra : Mac OS X 10.9.4/10.8.5/10.7.5 – 32-bit: (CPU) Intel Core i5 or i7 1.07 GHz / (Memory) 4 GB,64-bit: (CPU) Intel Core i5 or i7 1.07 GHz / (Memory) 4 GB
- Cue loop mode
- Compatible with Serato and Virtual DJ
- 4-channel
- 16 performance pads total, 8 per deck
- XLR outputs
2. Numark NV II
Next up, the Numark NV II is an incredible DJ controller with four channels. It comes with the Serato DJ software, but it’s also compatible with Virtual DJ as well. Something I like about it is the abundance of controls nicely compact throughout the portable-sized board.
The 5-inch jog wheels have a great feel, look, and are very responsive. Both of the screens on the top left and top right of the Numark NV II have a great look and work relatively well. With the screens, you can scroll through your library without touching your laptop. You can also sort songs on your playlist by the song’s keys or BPM making it very beneficial for your set and transitions.
Above the 8 performance pads on each deck are 5 labeled velocity-sensitive pads. The five pads are cues, auto, loop, sampler, and slicer. You can also trigger an effect only by touching the touch-sensitive knobs. The design is beautiful, and the controller is relatively compact, making it easy to travel with. All of the controls and functions work exceptionally well without any hesitation.
This controller allows you to use up to six effects at the same time per channel. Overall, the Numark NV II is a great DJ controller at a competitive price.
Features and Details
- 4 decks
- 4 channels
- Touch-sensitive jog wheels
- Compact design
- 3-band EQ
- Full-size pitch fader
- 2 built-in screens on the top left and top right
3. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
Once again, Pioneer hit another home run out of the park with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2. One of the highest-rated on the market, this DJ controller is also quite portable as well. The layout, in my opinion, is perfect. You have all of the features and effects you need to perform just about any gig on a relatively compact controller while the knobs are not crammed too tightly together.
The controls are easy to navigate and perform, as well. It also comes with the full version of Serato DJ software. You even can use this DJ controller as a 2-channel standalone mixer.
One of the most important qualities any technological device needs is durability and longevity. Your expensive DJ controller must last you as long as you have it without breaking. If your equipment breaks, that’s the equivalent of throwing your hard-earned money away. That’s what I love about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2. It is incredibly durable for its price range. Made of metal on roughly every end, this controller is built to the last regardless of how many gigs you play. The jog wheels are even made of metal as well.
Features and Details
- Pioneer recommends you to download the latest firmware from their website for all of their DJ controllers
- Serato recommends downloading the latest Serato DJ software version from their website
- Comes with the full Serato DJ software
- Very durable and able to last (made of metal)
- USB port
- Microphone input
- 2 XLR
- RCA input
- 4 decks total (2 outside decks and 2 digital decks on jog wheel)
4. Denon DJ MC6000MK2
Coming with Serato DJ Intro, the Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is the upgraded version of the original MC6000 by Denon. The reason why the MK2, rather than the original MC6000 made this list, is because this controller is much easier to navigate and use. This controller is extremely compact and portable.
Better yet, it’s well built and designed for longevity with its all-metal construction. It is compatible with Virtual DJ Pro, Serato DJ, and Traktor Pro 2. With 4-channels and four decks, this controller also has a built-in stand-alone mixer making this a very versatile unit.
Something I really like about the Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is the two separate microphone inputs. One mic input is XLR, and the other is a quarter-inch. Both microphone inputs each have a separate 3 band EQ on the front panel. This enables you to mix both microphones independently for different voice types.
The only downside to the Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is that it doesn’t have performance pads. However, every other quality in a professional controller that you can think of, the MC6000MK2 has it down-packed.
Overall, the Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is definitely one of the top DJ controllers below $1000. I highly recommend it if your not in need of performance pads.
Features and Details
- Compatible with Virtual DJ Pro, Serato DJ, and Traktor Pro 2.
- USB port
- Made of metal
- 4-channels
- 4 decks
- 2 microphone inputs (one XLR, one-quarter-inch)
- Metal Jog wheels
- Stand-alone mixerNo performance pads
5. Numark NS6II
Next up, the Numark NS6II is a solid choice for anyone in need of a DJ controller below $1000. Primarily designed for Serato, with the purchase, it comes with the full version of Serato DJ as well. You also have the option to upgrade to the Serato DJ DVS expansion.
Something I love about this controller is the Dual USB outputs for a much smoother change-over. Not including the 8 performance pads per deck, on top of them, it also has 5 separate effects pads. These effect pads include sync, cues, auto, loop, sampler, and slicer.
It has a built-in 24-bit stand-alone mixer with four channels. The mixer has a 3-band EQ (lows, mids, highs), Gain, high low pass filters, and a crossfader on the bottom of the controller. Unlike most mixers, this controller is very efficient with the EQ frequencies. You can eliminate any of the EQs or boost them quite nicely.
Both of the jog wheels have a screen located in the center of each of them. The screen is very beneficial since it can show the pitch, time, and BPM. Overall, the Numark NS6II is a great DJ controller below $1000.
Features and Details
- Stand-alone mixer
- Jogwheel screens show BPM, pitch, and time
- 16 total performance pads (8 per deck on each side)
- Dual USB ports
- 2 XLR outputs
6. Pioneer DJ DDJSR
Next up, the 4-channel Pioneer DJ DDJSR is a reliable DJ controller. It comes with Serato DJ in the form of a CD or driver. However, it’s also compatible with DJay Pro, and Virtual DJ 8. I must say, this DJ controller certainly helped expand the growth of my DJ skills.
I recommend it for beginners all the way up to the advanced level. It’s easy to use, and it has just about everything you need for an advanced DJ. It has a great design and robust build quality with its aluminum plate, aluminum jog wheels, and sturdy knobs. Both of the aluminum jog wheels are large and have excellent scratching abilities.
This DJ controller is relatively compact and easy to travel with. After the software download, it’s a relatively easy setup and entirely powered by USB.
The audio controls are designed very well and perform great. The crossfader located on the front panel works excellent for smooth transitions or quick changes. Each channel has a filter for either a low pass or high pass. Something I like about the Pioneer DJ DDJSR is the features of the performance pads. You can trigger samples, effects, and cue points with them easily and effectively. Overall, this DJ controller is a great value.
Features and Details
- 4-channel mixer (total)
- Comes with Serato DJ
- Relatively compact
- Able to layer between decks
- Large jog wheels for great scratching abilities
- Pioneer recommends you to download the latest firmware from their website for all of their DJ controllers.
- Serato recommends downloading the latest Serato DJ software version from their website
- USB powered
- Front panel: Headphone input and volume, crossfader reverse, and crossfader curve, mic input, and mic level.
- Back Panel: Aux input, booth out, master out, USB port, and on/off
- Low and high pass filters
- Sampler volume control
7. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2
The popular and Highly-rated Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 is a fantastic and affordable DJ controller. It is compatible with Serato, Rekordbox, Virtual DJ 8, and DJ Pro software. For the competitive price, you will be surprised by how well it functions and the robust build quality.
This controller also comes with a quarter-inch if you want to hook up a microphone. It has 4-decks total with multiple different functions. To access decks 3 and 4, you must press the button located on the left and right-hand side of the console.
The mixer section is the center of the SB2 controller has a filter and three separate EQ knobs for each channel. Overall, this controller is a top-tier product for entry-level DJ’s who want to start performing at parties and clubs at a reasonable price.
Features and Details
- Crossfader
- 2-deck
- 2 filter knobs
- Pioneer recommends you to download the latest firmware from their website for all of their DJ controllers
- Serato recommends downloading the latest Serato DJ software version from their website
- RCA output jack
- USB Jack
- Compatible with Serato, Virtual DJ 8, DJ pro, and DJ Pro
Our Winner
Keep in mind that any DJ controller on this list will be a great pick. Some controllers may be more suitable for you and your situation. However, after countless hours of research and testing, we ended up with a winner. Our overall top DJ controller below $1000 pick is the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 since it delivers the highest performance for the competitive price. This controller has phenomenal ratings across the board. I highly recommend it.
What’s a DJ controller?
A DJ controller is the unit DJs use to mix music with DJ software. DJ controllers and DJ software work together.
How much does a DJ controller cost?
With a few exceptions, most DJ controllers have a vast price range and can run you anywhere from as low as $89 all the way up to $3000. Some of the more popular controllers hover between $140-$700.
How much does a DJ controller weigh?
Although it highly depends on the size, most DJ controllers weigh between 6.6-13 pounds. However, some of the pocket DJ controllers weigh much less than that.
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best DJ Controllers Under $1000
- Native Instruments Traktor
- Numark NV II
- Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
- Denon DJ MC6000MK2
- Numark NS6II
- Pioneer DJ DDJSR