DJ controllers have a very bad reputation by many vinyl purists and some turntablists. I have been using a DJ controller for many years and have no problem practicing the art of turntablism with controllers. Here are some reasons why I use a DJ controller over turntables and a mixer.
Portability
The best thing about having a DJ controller is that you can carry it anywhere you go. Pack it in a single suitcase and you are pretty much ready to go in terms of a board. Some people who have a separate mixer with CDJs sometimes have separate cases which is a lot to carry. With a controller, you can carry it wherever you want and not have to bring in multiple pieces of gear. Especially if you do not want to pay money for checking in bags, controllers are the cheapest route because you can put it up on the overhead storage of an airplane and call it good. I had a wedding gig that required me to travel to Georgia. Got a suitcase for my Pioneer DDJ SZ2, packed it, and took it with me on the airplane. I did not have to pay for a checked in bag which was really nice.
It Doesn't Matter What You Use, It Is How You Use It
I have mentioned this in one of my previous articles about DJing, equipment does not matter, it is how you use it. There are vinyl purists or crazy people that say you need to use certain things, but it literally does not matter. You do not need to buy $5000 worth of DJ equipment that consists of turntables and a mixer. I can get something that will get me to do the same job for less. Especially since I am a person who practices the art of turntablism, I can beat juggle and scratch just fine with a controller. I have had someone tell me that it is not turntablism if you are using non-turntable equipment. I think that it is bogus and not at all true. I have seen people who typically use turntables do the same exact thing on a controller. I dare anyone who thinks that way to tell them to their face that what they are doing is bogus. I surprise a lot of people for using a DJ controller while incorporating techniques of turntablism and it also debunks stereotypes of using a DJ controller. I even competed in the DMC DJ Battle with a controller. People think it is a toy, but it really is not true. Click on this hyperlink to see why.
It's Cheaper
Like I said, you do not need $5000 worth of equipment. I paid for a controller that was $2000 and I can do the same exact things as that $5000 worth of equipment. I can scratch, I can beat juggle, I can play songs, I can mix, what is there that you cannot do? There are even controllers that are motorized which is similar to turntables. It even has a pair of slipmats and control records. It is completely unnecessary to pay for so much money when you can get something with the same features for so much less. If I were to get a mixer and turntables, there are extra things that I would have to buy. For instance, I would have to buy vinyl records or control vinyl records, a slipmat, needles, needle cleaners, vinyl record cleaners, the mixer itself, and then needles again because they can break. Of course, there are alternatives to turntables, but no, people think it is better to do things that way. By that point, it is ridiculous. I do not want to spend more than I have to and neither should you.
I Can Use DVS Friendly Devices With The Controller
I can connect a pair of turntables with my DJ controller if I wanted to, which I happen to do. It is actually nice to go back and scratch with a turntable instead of the default CDJ that is on the controller. Especially if one side does not operate at all, you can have a back up to work with. One of my controllers left deck jog wheel did not work. I was not able to scratch, move the platter or anything. Having that side piece of equipment allowed me to do everything all over again.
I Like It
It is simple as that, I straight up like it. I do not understand why there is so much hate with DJ controllers, it gets the job done. Simple as that. I can do the same things as a professional turntablist would: I can mix, I can take it anywhere at ease, there is nothing to hate about it. If you hate it, tell me why, I am very curious to hear multiple opinions about the topic.
If you are considering of using a DJ controller or making the switch to DJ controllers, by all means go for it. Do not listen to people who shame you for using them.
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