Last Updated on March 25 by Monty Python

DJ job is considered to be a very exciting one but it requires a lot of hard work as well. The starters are required to get themselves familiarized with all of the DJ equipment and how they contribute towards the overall system and the output. The novice DJs are often confused when it comes to knowing the difference between a DJ controller and a mixer.

There is a considerable difference between the two and the differences are quite prominent especially with so much technological advancement in the DJ equipment. Learn more about Pioneer DJ Controller DDJ-SB3 Review. At a glance, a DJ controller comes with built-in turntables along with a mixer that connects with the DJ software.

It allows the DJs to mix the music. On the other side, a mixer is something that requires CDJs or turntables to plug in each available channel, and then the DJ could mix the music.

Table of Contents

What is a DJ Controller?

A DJ controller is a device that comes with a mixer and a couple of turntables. It is attached to a laptop that has DJ software installed on it. This enables the DJs to drag and drop the available music files that go on each of the turntables. The DJ controller then provides an excellent range of control over any song with a range of different effects and EQ. Then, the crossfader is ultimately used for mixing the same into some other track. In some scenarios, the DJ controllers enable DJs to connect the turntables. This configuration offers the mixer option so that the CDJs could then be connected directly with a DJ controller.

A DJ controller typically comes with a couple of turntable jog wheels. These are used for controlling soundtracks. There are usually 2 – 4 channels and this is dependent upon the model of the DJ controller. The EQ knobs are provided onboard for controlling the low, mid, and high settings for every channel. You will be typically provided with a digital display for monitoring the audio wave of the soundtrack that is played. The crossfader provided could be maximized for the sake of mixing the tracks.

On the connections side, it comes with the USB option. For the inputs, you will have the option of microphone, and phone line. Finally, it offers you the master output.

What is a DJ Mixer?

A DJ mixer on the other hand is a standalone hardware device. Unlike the DJ controller, it is not always dependent upon the laptop with the DJ software in it. This equipment is reliant on the turntables which need to be hooked into the available changes before any soundtrack could be played. Such mixers at the minimum come with a couple of channels and more commonly, they come with 4 of such channels, and even more at times. The controls of the DJ mixer are quite similar to those of the DJ controller.

The major difference is in the turntable jog wheels which are not present in the DJ mixer. They are dependent upon the separate turntable equipment which needs to be connected for playing and then mixing the music. The primary purpose of the DJ mixer is to allow the DJs for making the connection of the CDJs, vinyl turntables, beat pads, DJ samplers, and the guitar FX units even. The mixer in comparison to the DJ controller is found to be more versatile especially for allowing mixing music of different formats.

The functionality of the DJ mixer is backed with the EQ knobs for controlling the different settings. The control buttons are provided for the channel effects along with master effects. There is also an option provided for the crossfader for mixing the tracks.

There are plenty of connectivity options with the DJ mixer. It has the USB connection option along with the AC main and the earth-ground terminals. There is an option for the microphone input and phone-line input. On the other side for the outputs, there is an option of the master out, MIDI output, and headphone out with jack or the mini-jack.

Video Credit: SoundsByShelly

Conclusion

A DJ controller and a mixer make a striking comparison. In comparison, a DJ mixer is found to be much more versatile than a DJ mixer. You can trust a DJ mixer for connecting several devices while providing the DJ the flexibility for adding in sounds coming from a sampler.

It doesn’t require any sort of DJ software for operating the equipment or playing the music. The DJ mixer is the most common equipment found in clubs and bars. On the flip side, the DJ controller is more portable than the mixer which makes it a good choice for those DJs who travel a lot from one venue to the other.

They come with space-efficient designs along with a good range of mixer capabilities. Moreover, they offer DJs with good value for money. Finally, the DJ controller and mixer both have their unique functionalities and the main thing that matters here is the preference and comfort of the DJ.