March 2023

DJ Controllers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of DJ Controller rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.

Summary

Between 6 Mar 2023 and 7 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 95 DJ Controller endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

55 DJ Controllers were endorsed in total, only 25 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).

As of 7 Mar 2023, Traktor Kontrol S2 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed dj controller with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 dj controller' this month. It is followed by Pioneer DDJ-1000 and Pioneer DDJ-400 , with 3 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking DJ controllers start at $80 (Numark DJ2GO2 Touch) and go up to $3898 (Pioneer XDJ-RX2). Median dj controller costs $499.99 (Pioneer DDJ-WeGO4).
$80
$3898

At a glance - March 2023 Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price DJ Controller
Consordini
Passionate DJ
LandR
DJ Tech Reviews
Prime Sound
MSpot
Music Critic
Equipboard
Home DJ Studio
Music Radar
1
- $335
Traktor Kontrol S2
1
12
-
8
-
7
-
-
3
8
2
- $1899
Pioneer DDJ-1000
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
- Check price
Pioneer DDJ-400
2
-
-
6
-
4
-
-
-
2
4
- $700
Pioneer DDJ-SB3
-
-
2
7
-
2
-
-
-
7
5
- $998
Native Instruments S4 Mk3
-
2
-
13
4
-
-
-
-
3
6
- $3898
Pioneer XDJ-RX2
-
-
5
11
1
-
-
-
-
-
7
- Check price
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
8
+2 $214
Numark Party Mix
5
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
9
-1 $90
Hercules Starlight
-
-
1
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
10
-1 Check price
Native Instruments S2 MK2
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
1
-
-
11
- $299
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
12
- $300
Roland DJ-202
3
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
6
-
13
- $270
Pioneer DDJ REV1
-
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
9
14
- Check price
Reloop Mixon-4
-
-
-
-
5
-
8
-
-
10
15
- Check price
Pioneer DDJ-RZ
-
-
-
2
3
-
-
-
-
-
16
- Check price
Native Instruments S4 MK2
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
2
-
-
17
- Check price
Gemini G4V
-
-
-
-
2
10
-
-
-
-
18
- Check price
Native Traktor Kontrol S8
-
-
-
3
10
-
-
-
-
-
19
- Check price
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX
-
13
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
20
- $950
Pioneer DDJ-800
-
6
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
- $739
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
-
8
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
22
- $1025
Roland DJ-505
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
23
- Check price
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
24
- $2890
Denon DJ Prime 4
-
-
-
9
6
-
-
-
-
-
25
- $219
Native Instruments Traktor X1 MKII
-
-
-
14
-
-
-
-
-
11

Sorted by price:

Position in ranking Price DJ Controller
#9 $89.99 Hercules Starlight [buy] [more info]
#23 $214.48 Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 [buy] [more info]
#8 $214.49 Numark Party Mix [buy] [more info]
#25 $219 Native Instruments Traktor X1 MKII [buy] [more info]
#13 $269.98 Pioneer DDJ REV1 [buy] [more info]
#11 $299 Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 [buy] [more info]
#7 $299.90 Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 [buy] [more info]
#12 $299.99 Roland DJ-202 [buy] [more info]
#1 $335 Traktor Kontrol S2 [buy] [more info]
#10 $348 Native Instruments S2 MK2 [buy] [more info]
#16 $499.99 Native Instruments S4 MK2 [buy] [more info]
#4 $700 Pioneer DDJ-SB3 [buy] [more info]
#21 $739 Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 [buy] [more info]
#20 $949.99 Pioneer DDJ-800 [buy] [more info]
#5 $998.21 Native Instruments S4 Mk3 [buy] [more info]
#22 $1025.49 Roland DJ-505 [buy] [more info]
#18 $1199.98 Native Traktor Kontrol S8 [buy] [more info]
#2 $1899 Pioneer DDJ-1000 [buy] [more info]
#24 $2889.98 Denon DJ Prime 4 [buy] [more info]
#6 $3898 Pioneer XDJ-RX2 [buy] [more info]

We ranked Traktor Kontrol S2 #1 in March 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Traktor Kontrol S2 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

The best DJ controller under $500

Pros
Comes with Traktor Pro software.
Plug and play functionality allows you to make music anywhere as long as you have a computer.
Includes generous mixing effects and other useful tools for transitions and beat matching.

Cons
Low volume output.
Only has RCA outputs which is a bit outdated.

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Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $500

Go to ranking

DJ Tech Reviews

Best Budget DJ Controller Option

Pros
Excellent compact design
Excellent entry-level price
Very portable
Bigger jog wheels

Cons
Exclusive use with NI software
Soundcard isn’t that great

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MSpot

Go to ranking

Home DJ Studio

Excellent Traktor Controller For Beginners

Pros
Solid Build Quality
DJ Software
Portable
Pro Layout

Cons
Plastic Knobs

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Music Radar

A solid budget controller for Traktor,with iOS compatibility

Pros
Laptop and iOS compatible
Compact and affordable
Well-built

Cons
Just two decks with no extra inputs

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We ranked Pioneer DDJ-1000 #2 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Pioneer DDJ-1000 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controller Over $1000

Go to ranking

DJ Tech Reviews

Best DJ Controller Option

Pros
Advanced performance
Wide range of effects
Large jog wheels
HD screens included
New beat FX feature

Cons
Complicated set-up
Not the smoothest jog wheel
Very heavy

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Music Radar

Pro-level rekordbox control with a CDJ feel

Pros
Large jog wheels with HD screens
DJM-900 inspired mixer section
Updated Magvel crossfader

Cons
Significant size/weight footprint

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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend DJ Controllers.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of DJ Controllers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for March 2023 ranking

We ranked Pioneer DDJ-400 #3 in March 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

Perfect for absolute beginners

Pros
Controller is set up more professionally so that you feel comfortable when you upgrade.
Durable enough to take on the road.
Comes with rekordbox DJ software.

Cons
Not suitable for those who are not absolute beginners.
Not compatible with software other than rekordbox DJ.

Go to ranking

DJ Tech Reviews

Best DJ Controllers Under $500 (Affordable)

Pros
Professional looping section included
Incredibly good build quality
Reasonable pricing and good portability
Responsive performance pad section

Cons
Looping section can be complex for beginners
Plastic throughout

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MSpot

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Music Radar

The best affordable rekordbox controller

Pros
CDJ-style layout
Easy-access loop controls
Great value

Cons
Lacks deeper effects control

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We ranked Pioneer DDJ-SB3 #4 in March 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
LandR

Go to ranking

DJ Tech Reviews

Best DJ Controllers Under $500 (Affordable)

Pros
Helps with learning how to scratch
Lightweight design
Plug and play
Amazing value

Cons
Bit too simplistic
Only comes with Serato Lite

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MSpot

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Music Radar

New to DJing? This is the best Serato controller for you

Pros
Pad scratch function
Bundled with Serato DJ Lite

Cons
Small pitch faders

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We ranked Native Instruments S4 Mk3 #5 in March 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Over $1000

Go to ranking

DJ Tech Reviews

Best DJ Controller for Traktor

Pros
Excellent performance with fantastic features throughout
Feels very solid and reliable – great for pros
Easy enough to understand that beginners can enjoy it too
A dedicated section for remixing decks

Cons
No curve/reverse linefader functions
Only one effect per module
Plastic rotary knobs

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Prime Sound

Best 4-Channel Controller

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Music Radar

Flagship Traktor controller with ‘haptic’ jogwheels

Pros
Innovative haptic jog wheels
Tight Traktor 3 integration
Flexible selection of analogue I/O

Cons
Users of previous versions may feel a little lost

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We ranked Pioneer XDJ-RX2 #6 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer XDJ-RX2 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
LandR

Go to ranking

DJ Tech Reviews

Best Standalone DJ System

Pros
Fantastic and highly durable built quality
8 performance pads per deck for high-level control
Excellent jog wheels that feel fantastic to use
Large touchscreen for easier control
Pro DJ features included

Cons
Quite bulky – so harder to transport
The touchscreen can be a little problematic to use at times

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Prime Sound

Editor's Choice

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We ranked Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 #7 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Music Critic

Our Recommendation

Pros
Comes with all of the same features as the famous Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB in addition to new professional features like trim pots, level meters, pad trans effect etc.
Easy to use
USB powered
It's a compact controller that can fit in the smallest of DJ setups and is extremely portable

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Equipboard

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We ranked Numark Party Mix #8 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Numark Party Mix as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

The best beginner DJ controller for around $100

Pros
Optional light show feature.
Pad Mode for extensive looping.
Automatic beat syncing.

Cons
Loading performance pad files can be difficult.
Pitch sliders are not as precise as a deck.
Not ideal for those with epilepsy or other similar issues due to the light show feature.

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MSpot

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We ranked Hercules Starlight #9 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hercules Starlight as #1.
Critic endorsements:
LandR

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MSpot

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We ranked Native Instruments S2 MK2 #10 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Native Instruments S2 MK2 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Music Critic

Pros
Comes with plug-and-play support for hands-on control with iPhone and iPad. Great for mobile DJ use.
High-resolution cueing and scratching. Comes equipped with silicone-damped jog wheels with aluminum top plates.
Can be played with a desktop, laptop, iPhone or iPad.

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Equipboard

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We ranked Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 #11 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $500

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Home DJ Studio

The Best DJ Controller For Beginners

Pros
Professional Layout
Detailed FX Controls
Software Selection
Modern Styling

Cons
Lacks Balanced Outputs

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We ranked Roland DJ-202 #12 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

Impressive features for DJing anywhere

Pros
Solid construction with handles for transport.
Mic inputs for performing.
Large selection of drum kits for on the fly creation.

Cons
Drivers can be difficult to set up on your computer.
A bit too lightweight.

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MSpot

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Home DJ Studio

Great Choice For Creative DJs

Pros
Built-In Drum Machine
Responsive Jog wheels
4 Channel DJ Controller
Midi Out

Cons
Flimsy Feeling Build Quality

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We ranked Pioneer DDJ REV1 #13 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $500

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Home DJ Studio

Entry-Level Battle Style Serato Controller

Pros
Big Jogwheels
Affordable Serato Controller
4 Channels Available
Battle Style Layout

Cons
Intro Software

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Music Radar

The best budget controller for scratch DJs

Pros
Decent scratch capabilities at a low price
Battle config and DJM-style layout
Decent crop of performance pads

Cons
No software license included

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We ranked Reloop Mixon-4 #14 in March 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Prime Sound

Best for Tablets

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Music Critic

Pros
Industry-first hybrid designed to work with djay Pro and Serato DJ software
Capable of supporting multi-platforms such as IOS, Android, PC, and Mac
Comes with multiple inputs and outputs

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Music Radar

The best iOS and Android DJ controller

Pros
Multi-platform support
Plug and play with djay PRO and Serato DJ Pro
Integrated docking station can hold an iPad Pro

Cons
Mic input not XLR

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We ranked Pioneer DDJ-RZ #15 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
DJ Tech Reviews

Pros
Sturdy build with intuitive layout
Excellent range of high-level features
Double USB inputs
Rekordbox DJ licensing included

Cons
Huge and heavy, so not great for transport
Only works with Rekordbox DJ

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Prime Sound

Premium Pick

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We ranked Native Instruments S4 MK2 #16 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Critic

Pros
4-deck product specifically designed to work with TRAKTOR DJ software.
The look, feel and the visual feedback of this unit have been upgraded from previous models.
Plug-and-play, with TRAKTOR DJ for iPhone and iPad.

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Equipboard

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We ranked Gemini G4V #17 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Prime Sound

Best Value

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MSpot

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We ranked Native Traktor Kontrol S8 #18 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
DJ Tech Reviews

Pros
Incredible high-quality performance
MIDI connectivity and Stems compatibility
Easy enough to transport
Fantastic range of analogue inputs and outputs
Fun to use

Cons
No Jog wheels included
No pitch faders

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Prime Sound

Best Controller without Jog Wheels

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We ranked Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX #19 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $500

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Home DJ Studio

Best Beginner DJ Controller With Screens

Pros
Long Pitch Faders
Screens on Jog wheels
Soundcard
4 Deck Mixing

Cons
Appearance

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We ranked Pioneer DDJ-800 #20 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $1000

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DJ Tech Reviews

Best DJ Controllers Under $1000 (Mid-Range)

Pros
Compact design
Professional inputs and outputs
LCD screen with a feature-rich mixer

Cons
Only two channels
Effects only work with the Rekordbox DJ tech

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We ranked Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2 #21 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $1000

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DJ Tech Reviews

Best DJ Controllers Under $1000 (Mid-Range)

Pros
Multiple connections so you can link to a professional PA system
Lightweight and portable design
Large jog wheels included
Fantastic range of integral controls
Plug and play performance

Cons
Small pitch fader
Lots of knobs and buttons make the interface cluttered

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We ranked Roland DJ-505 #22 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Passionate DJ

Best DJ Controllers Under $1000

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Music Radar

A Serato controller with classic drum sounds onboard

Pros
Plug-and-play setup
Easy to use
Quality built-in sounds

Cons
Looks a little garish

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We ranked Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 #23 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

A fantastic all-in-one controller

Pros
Extremely realistic feeling platters with pitch control.
16 pads for launching loops and going between hot cues.
Precision crossfader for seamless mixing.

Cons
Platters don’t move as smoothly as original vinyl records do.
Lack of individual gain control for the decks.

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Equipboard

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We ranked Denon DJ Prime 4 #24 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
DJ Tech Reviews

Best Standalone DJ System

Pros
Beautiful design
Excellent beat and loop controls
Pitch feels smooth and amazing
Plug and play
Easy to use

Cons
Jog wheels feel very loose
Screen layout is a bit cluttered
Lack of buttons

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Prime Sound

Best Heavy-Duty Controller

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We ranked Native Instruments Traktor X1 MKII #25 in March 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best DJ Controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
DJ Tech Reviews

Bonus Alternative

Pros
Great for tactile control of multiple effects with various FX units
Touch-sensitive knobs for extensive access to a range of performance components
Multi-purpose touch strip for loops and FX
Very small and portable

Cons
No Jogwheels included
Doesn’t feel like a full DJ setup

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Music Radar

The best add-on Traktor controller

Pros
Assignable touch strip
LEDs and digital readouts

Cons
No included software

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