If you’re an audiophile, then at some point in your journey throughout the musical world, you’ve probably experienced the desire to be behind the DJ controller. Whether you’re already a professional or you’re just about to begin your trip into the DJ world — you would probably need a reliable hardware to support you through you journey. For beginners it is mostly recommended to start with 2 channels and gradually upgrade to where they feel most comfortable. Unfortunately though, some controllers are very expensive and still do not provide you with the quality and functionality needed to properly learn how to be a DJ. Playing on anything less than the best 2 channel DJ controller is not ideal for you listeners and for your future reputation as a DJ.
To help you find the best 2 channel DJ controller for you, I’ve tested quite the number of devices and I’ve come up with my list of top five best 2 channel DJ controllers on the market right now. Whether your budget is tight or not, you will be able to find the best solution to your needs and preferences here, without the worry of buying into some cheap tech that could be rendered useless after a few months or years of usage.
| # | Image | Brand | Price |
| 1 |              |
Pioneer | $699.00 |
| 2 |              |
Native Instruments | $399.00 |
| 3 |           |
Denon | $399.00 |
| 4 |               |
Gemini | $119.95 |
| 5 |             |
SKP Pro Audio | $125.99 |
1. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SR2
When it comes to audio manipulation, as expected, the worldwide leader Pioneer takes the first page. Their team of product developers has a long experience in the area of music production and mixing, which you as an audiophile might find very convenient. The DDJ-SR2 is specifically build to work around Serato DJ and comes with a price tag of 700$, making it easily the best 2 channel DJ controller.
On the DDJ-SR2 you will find a series of dedicated buttons. Those buttons were created to trigger the key-related functions in Serato DJ — switch between the Key Shift, Key sync, and Key Reset to play with keys without ever changing your tempo. Another great addition you might find useful is the large, multi-colored tactile Performance Pads. Their function is to trigger the Hot Cues, Roll and Sampler feature that you will probably also find convenient. The pads change their colors as they indicate the selected pad mode and playing status.
Thanks to its lightweight and portable design with specific grab handles, you can easily take the controller with you wherever you go. For simple Plug-And-Play connectivity, you have the option to chose between a USB adapter or an AC power adapter. If you’re worried about audio quality — you’re at a big mistake. The device comes with two balanced XLR outputs that let you easily connect to professional PA systems. A booth and two master outputs allow you to monitor your mixes, while the line and phono inputs allow you to connect to a multiplayer and turntables. If you need monitor speakers for you future mixes, feel free to out our review of the best monitor speakers right here.
2. NI Traktor Control S2 MK2
The second spot is secured by a device manufactured by Native Instruments. They’re famous for their multi-OS DJ mixing software and the high-end tech that comes with it. One of those, the second best 2 channel DJ controller, is the Traktor Control S2 MK2. The device is more compact, mobile and intuitive than the previous models in the Traktor Kontrol S2 lineup.
The Kontrol S2 MK2 is precisely fine-tuned for full maximum integration with the Traktor software. The device also pairs to Traktor DJ, which is only available for iPad and iPhone. The controller comes with a 2+1 design that provides you with two decks, Remix Decks, and a professional-grade mixer — all built in an intuitive manner. The mixer comes with multi-effect units that are ready to respond at your command with no latency at all.
With the Kontrol S2 MK2, you get a full version of Traktor PRO 2 with Remix Decks support, included in the package. The device also comes with RGB backlit buttons that keep you in control even in the darkest clubs. Over the device is sturdy and lightweight, allowing you to easily make this masterpiece an addition to your mobile mixing setup.
3. Denon DJ MC4000
The next gadget on the list is manufactured by the worldwide known Denon. The device comes with a sleek modern design and inviting appearance. The device comes with unique features, great portability, dependability, and sound quality while providing you with a seamless to use professional mixing hardware. The MC4000 continues Denon DJ’s reputation for innovative features just as it is on the third spot as ‘best 2 channel DJ controller’.
If you’re looking for a tough and robust build, then this device is perfect for you. It is built with a steel chassis and is ready for all travels a mobile DJ could have. It comes with the basic inputs, outputs, and mixing capability needed for a professional party built-in to reduce needs for additional equipment when setting up.
One of the greatest features of the MC4000 is that it also includes the Serato DJ Intro software, which is easily user-upgradable to full Serato DJ. The device is also compatible with Traktor 2, Algoriddim djay Pro and Virtual DJ 8, as well as many other other DJ software that supports MIDI mapping.
4. Gemini SLATE
The fourth spot is taken by the innovative, yet still cheap, Gemini SLATE. Whether you want to mix music professionally while still keeping the hardware lightweight on your pocket or you just want a cheap alternative device to learn on — you’ve found the best 2 channel DJ controller for you.
The Gemini SLATE is designed to make mixing music easier and in a more natural manner than ever. It comes with high-quality RGB backlit pads that are ready to answer to your commands at any time and let you know of your settings even in the darkest spaces. The innovative, newly designed capacitive jog wheel makes beatmatching and making the scratch effect a painless task. The design of the device is natural, familiar to most software and alternative hardware available out there for the consumer. The device is designed to fit perfectly all ranges of experience — from beginner to professional. The device has two decks, two rows of pads and supports two channels of mixing, all packed into a strong enclosure.
Overall the specs make the Gemini SLATE one of the best budget-friendly alternatives to professional mixing gear. It is reliable and portable enough for the longest trips. The device comes with DJ tools that include pitch fader, key-lock, and advanced effect controls that give you an instinctive control over your sound.
5. SKP Pro Audio SMX-800
And on the last spot sits another cheap alternative to the best 2 channel DJ controller — the SKP Pro Audio SMX-800. The device is built to work best with Virtual DJ, which you would be pleased to find included in the package (Virtual DJ LE). It comes with a built-in sound card that provides ultra-low distortion levels and produces an amazing sound, ready to dominate your next party or training session.
The device is USB powered and comes with a built-in headphones output (3.5mm). Inside the package, you will also find a bag. The device is extremely lightweight and thanks to the included bag — bringing it with you wherever you go is nowhere near a hassle. The built-in high-quality sound card powers a three-band EQ.
The SMX-800 comes with a low latency ASIO driver, ready for immediate use. The signal to noise ratio is less than 80 dB, THD+N is less than 0.003% and the crosstalk is 80 dB.
Comments