TECH AWARDS 2016 ULTIMATE DJ CONTROLLER

Reloop Beatpad 2

£499
Hype
Four channel controller for Algoriddim’s djay Pro with high quality components and lovely jog wheels that plays nicely across all formats.
Gripe
Can’t be used as a standalone mixer unlike some of the others in this price range.
Summary
A controller that manages to be just as good as any other of the big boys offerings in this arena, will definitely deliver the goods.
8/10

Pioneer DDJ-RZX

£2499
Hype
Built-in touch screens and video mixing, bringing an all new experience to the controller crowd.
Gripe
A bit big and heavy to lug around from gig to gig.
Summary
Pioneer’s newest flagship controller brings CDJ and DJM controls and functions — as well as video mixing — to the controller set with a beast of a machine.
Tech Verdict
9/10

Denon DJ MCX8000

£949
Hype
A fantastic controller that can really deliver the best of both worlds; be it as a Serato controller or as a standalone piece of kit with Engine.
Gripe
Wish it was released ages ago.
Summary
The MCX8000 is a very good piece of kit, perfect for serious home enthusiasts as well as jobbing DJs. Great build quality and sound — no doubt will win over a lot of fans in the DJ community.
Tech Verdict
8.4/10

Numark NS7 III

£1179
Hype
Now with new screen extension the NS7 III is a wicked controller that continues to unleash the fun factor in terms of digital DJing.
Gripe
Still need to hook it up to a laptop, it’s heavy!
Summary
Numark’s NS7 III is an amazing controller that offers digital DJs the closet experience to traditional DJing with its motorised platters, while the new screen extension focuses your attentions on pure DJ performance.
Tech Verdict
8.8/10

NI Traktor Kontrol S8

£829
Hype
STEMS enabled, lovely high-resolution colour screens, and touch-sensitive controls that work together to provide an ultra-intuitive workflow, plus a fully-featured standalone four channel mixer.
Gripe
There is very little to grumble about... no jog wheels?
Summary
A fantastic workflow and features, such as the colour screens and touch sensitive controls mean this controller is absolutely perfect for the modern DJ who likes to remix and mash-up tracks on the fly in their sets.
Tech Verdict
8/10