As VirtualDJ software actually works with pretty much all DJ gear, every year I ask the boss of VirtualDJ the same question: which five controllers do you reckon work best with your software? He has skin in the game, he knows the mappings inside out, and his picks go straight into our annual Gear Guide alongside our own recommendations for all the other platforms (you can get the latest gear guide here).
This year’s five are below. They make for an interesting list, because again VirtualDJ has never been tied to one hardware platform – their software works with everything, which makes a “best of” list more revealing than usual. Some of his claims are real wins for VirtualDJ users, others a bit less strong, and one or two make a good claim for actually switching to this platform.
Watch the video for the full breakdown.
1. Pioneer DDJ-FLX10
The strongest claim of the five. VirtualDJ’s stems mapping on the FLX10 lets you keep your EQs working as EQs while using the unused EQ pots from the other two channels to control stems – useful if you mix on two channels but want stems on tap. Add to that the four-stem control on the padsand the fact that VirtualDJ’s stems sound great, and you have a meaningful reason to use VirtualDJ on this controller specifically. The stems sound a long way better than rekordbox’s, and roughly on par with Serato’s. Big tick.
2. Rane One MkII
VirtualDJ’s scratch engine is great. Steve here and the scratch DJs we trust have tested it exhaustively and they agree. But Serato is already in the box on this one and feels every bit as good. So while this is a nice demonstration that VirtualDJ can match the best on motorised platter hardware, it’s not really a reason to switch. Humble brag, but a fair one.
3. AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ
VirtualDJ’s pitch here rests on two things: the OneLibrary format (export your tracks to USB and run the AZ standalone), and access to more streaming services and cloud drives than any other platform when you do plug a laptop in. Both true. But the reality is most XDJ-AZ buyers are deep in the AlphaTheta club ecosystem already, or aspiring to be. They bought this for rekordbox, not as a reason to leave it. Worth knowing about though, especially if you’re already a VirtualDJ user eyeing the AZ.
4. Reloop Mixtour Pro
This is the unique one. You can’t run the Mixtour Pro with Serato or rekordbox at all. So if you don’t want algoriddim’s djay Pro – the software it’s built for – VirtualDJ is your only proper alternative. The mapping is impressive given how small the unit is, and VirtualDJ users tend to be the kind of DJs who enjoy hacking mappings to make things work exactly how they want. A real win for that specific user.
5. Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
We rate the FLX4. We recommend it to beginners every day of the week. And yes, VirtualDJ integrates beautifully with the Smart Crossfader FX and Smart Fader (better than Serato, an ‘offical’ choice here). But here’s the thing: the FLX4 already comes with a perfectly good free copy of rekordbox in the box. VirtualDJ costs money, either as a one-off or a subscription. Beginners don’t need to spend that money to make this controller sing. The claim isn’t wrong, it’s just that the free option is good enough.
Want our full picks across every platform?
The Gear Guide covers VirtualDJ, Serato DJ Pro, rekordbox, Engine DJ, Traktor and algoriddim’s djay Pro. It also helps you decide which software is right for you in the first place, and whether you should be looking at a controller, standalone gear, CDJs, or turntables and a mixer. Free when you join the community.
Get the latest gear guide here.
