The 5 Best DJ Controllers for Scratching

Whether you are a professional DJ or just hope to be someday, the equipment you use makes all the difference. Choosing the right DJ controller is absolutely essential, and it is not always easy to pick the right one, especially if you want accurate and realistic digital scratching.

With so many DJ controllers on the market, it is important to do your homework and know what to look for so you’re able to stand apart from other artists. So, without further delay, let’s take a look at five of our favorite DJ controllers for scratching.

What to Look for in a DJ Controller for Scratching:

• Number of Inputs/Pads/Knobs: Depending on what you’re going to be using your DJ controller for, either live music or as an interface for mixing at home, you’ll need to figure out what features you need. All of the DJ controllers on our list have enough knobs, switches, inputs, mic inputs, aux inputs, and outputs to do pretty much anything you can think of with your new DJ controller.
• Latency: You want immediate response time when using your DJ controller. That’s why we’ve chosen controllers that respond accordingly and can keep up with your scratching.
• Price: You don’t want to overspend on your new DJ controller. If this is your first time purchasing a piece of DJ equipment then don’t overspend and go with one that’s within your budget. Remember to still find a controller that packs in all the features you desperately need to sound your best.

Hercules DJControl Instinct S Series

Read customer reviews

With more than 30 overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Hercules DJControl Instinct S Series is one of the most affordable, and most powerful, DJ controllers for scratching on the market today. This great DJ controller is designed to be ultra portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

The Hercules DJControl Instinct S Series is perfectly at home with your headphones, with modern audio outputs. Entertainers can also use the Hercules with speakers, making it easy to preview tracks and try out different sounds.

The Hercules DJControl Instinct S Series also comes with the popular DJUCED mixing software, along with mixer controls right in the center and a pair of pressure-detecting virtual turntable deck controls and jog wheels. If you are looking for an affordable DJ controller for scratching, this is definitely one to consider.

What Users Are Saying:

• Love the low price
• So many unique features
• Gorgeous design

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-Channel Controller for Serato DJ

Read customer reviews

With nearly 100 Amazon customer reviews and counting, it is clear that real-life DJs love the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-Channel Controller and we had to take a closer look. With a list price of well under $500, this is one of the priciest DJ controllers for scratching on our list, but it is also one of the best.

In fact, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 is a #1 Best Seller in DJ Controllers, further proof of its quality and reliability. This great DJ controller is extremely portable, do professionals and amateurs alike can take it almost anywhere. With 2 channels and tactile performance pads, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 is also one of the most versatile and capable on the market. With its authentic DJ play, manual filter, MIDI controller, USB power and built-in soundcard, this DJ controller for scratching has all the bells and whistles.

What Users Are Saying:

• Amazon #1 best seller at the time of this review
• Extremely portable with an affordable list price
• USB powered with built in sound card for zero latency

Gemini DJ G4V DJ Controller 4-Channel Midi Controller

Read customer reviews

Next up is the Gemini DJ G4V DJ Controller which is also on the high priced end of our list of 5 best DJ controllers for scratching and will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but like the Pioneeer, the Gemini is also one of the most capable.

The Gemini DJ G4V DJ Controller 4-Channel Midi Controller has garnered high praise from customers around the web, and the vast majority of those reviews are positive ones. On Amazon alone, it is clear that this is one of the favorite DJ controllers for scratching on the site.

Unlike many other DJ controllers on the market, the Gemini G4V is a fully class compliant MIDI device, so it can be used with any type of software with the MIDI learn feature. If you are looking for a DJ controller for scratching that is easy enough for a beginner to use but powerful enough for the pros, the Gemini is definitely worth a look.

What Users Are Saying:

• Looks like a beast
• Moderately priced
• Easy enough for beginners, and powerful enough for pros

Denon DJ MC4000 Premium 2-Channel DJ Controller with Serato DJ Intro Download

Read customer reviews

This is the most expensive controller on our list, the Denon DJ MC4000 Premium 2-Channel DJ Controller is clearly aimed at the professional DJ market. But with a host of special features and exceptional reliability, the Denon DJ MC4000 is also one of the most powerful DJ controllers for scratching you can buy.

Whether you are a new DJ ready to make a name for yourself or an old pro looking for the best equipment, there are many reasons to choose the Denon DJ MC4000 Premium 2-Channel DJ Controller. For starters, this great DJ controller for scratching comes with the popular Serato DJ Intro download, so you can get started right away and learn some new things along the way.

The Denon DJ MC4000 is one of the best reviewed controllers on the Amazon site. The plethora of great features it provides is no doubt responsible for many of those positive reviews – buyers get a premium 2-deck controller that is perfectly designed for the mobile DJ, along with professional-grade steel construction for exceptional durability.

There is also a USB connection for your computer, along with a pair of mic inputs with separate EQs and even an RCA aux input for connecting external devices. What it all adds up to is a balanced DJ controller that can get the job done.

What Users Are Saying:

• Expensive but worth the cost
• So many options, knobs, settings
• Mic inputs, RCA aux inputs, it has it all

Numark Mixtrack 3 USB DJ Controller with Trigger Pads and Virtual DJ LE Download

Read customer reviews

Finally let’s take a look at the Numark Mixtrack 3 USB DJ Controller as it’s one of the most affordable on our list. With over 107 positive Amazon customer reviews, this DJ controller for scratching is also one of the most widely cited on the entire site.

The Numark Mixtrack 3 is powered by a USB connection, making it the perfect choice for both home DJs and aspiring professionals. Unlike some of its competitors, the Numark Mixtrack 3 does not come with a built-in sound card, making it easy for professional and home DJs to add their own external audio interfaces.

The Numark Mixtrack 3 also comes with the popular Virtual DJ LE software download, as well as long 100mm pitch sliders to keep the controller in perfect sync. There are also touch-sensitive metal jog wheels, 16 backlit rubber trigger pads, a multi-function touchstrip and an easy to read volume level display.

What Users Are Saying:

• Cheap and reliable
• USB powered and comes with virtual software download
• 16 beautiful back lit trigger pads and a  touch strip

Nicky Babineaux

I started Music Store Central with one simple goal, to help answer all the questions that I know other musicians have. I wanted to make buying new instruments and gear for your passion completely effortless.