Functionality: How does the controller work? Does it plug into your smartphone or laptop? Do you need to bring any charging cables and power systems with you on your trips? The best micro- controllers are often conveniently easy to transport.

Ultimately, a micro DJ controller is almost exactly the same as any controller, just smaller, and more portable. This means that buying the right controller will often follow the same process as you’d use when purchasing any DJ equipment. The Reloop Buddy DJ Pro is a great option for those that truly enjoy the versatility and mobility that comes with a smaller and more portable DJ controller. For customers in outlying areas of the country, the price of the Extended Warranty may be marginally higher, due to the potential for higher collection and redelivery transport costs. The Looper feature can also be used via the one-knob loop encoder feature that is set for either channel. To do this, you must press down on the loop encoder knob to instantly turn the loop on or off. With the Buddy, trusted DJ equipment specialists Reloop aim to provide the ideal solution. It’s a two-channel controller designed for Algoriddim’s Djay software, which is one of the leading options for entry-level DJing. It’s a simple unit that covers all the basics of mixing at a reasonable price. This is a competitive part of the DJ controller market, but the Buddy’s feature set and Reloop’s reputation for making reliable, cleverly designed hardware makes it an appealing option.

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It’s fun! Everything you need is here, and paired with an iPad, you have a very portable and pretty powerful DJ system. Plus, smaller controllers and fewer features also mean lower prices. However, microcontrollers aren’t necessarily built to be cheap, cheerful, and simplistic. There are two effects engines in djay Pro, each with three “manual effects”, but these knobs and buttons only control the top effect of each pair of three, and whatever you select is duplicated across the pair. That all makes sense, and is similar to how most such controllers implement these types of effects nowadays – keeping it simple. The Reloop Buddy is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC and Android devices. Being compatible with so many devices is great for versatility, however it has lead to the Buddy featuring various methods of connection. Connecting to mobile devices will require external power, supplied by either a battery bank or USB power plug both of which aren’t included. The Reloop Buddy will charge the connected phone/tablet when used in this mode. Connecting via the USB-A port using the devices original charging cable. Also considered Algoriddim’s version of “Loop Roll”, Bounce Loop works by activating various loop lengths when pressing any of the pads.

One or two of the features of Algoriddim’s djay Pro software will perplex DJs coming from other systems (the non-standard Slicer is one; figuring out that you have to find an “invert” button in the settings to make the tempo sliders work the way they work in Every. Other. DJ. System. is another!), but you’ll get used to them. The Reloop Buddy with its family of supported hardware. For us, though, the best way to use this is with djay Pro AI on an iPad.Also, the Reloop Buddy includes extensive Neural Mix controls for pad as well as EQ mode. By using a simple switch on the controller, users can instantly turn the EQ knobs into dedicated Neural Mix controls, allowing to isolate drums, instruments, and vocals in real-time, thus fully exploiting Algoriddim’s AI-powered technology. FX PADDLES This compact and powerful 2-channel DJ controller was designed and developed in close partnership with Algoriddim for the tightest integration possible with their award-winning djay app. VirtualDJ Pro Full is natively compatible with an impressive list of hardware from many manufacturers. And, with the full MIDI compatibility and the open plugin architecture, it can connect to virtually anything. As many of the controls of the software (most, really) can’t be controlled from the hardware, you’ll be using the touchscreen quite a lot too, but that’s by design. You’d think that these things would be made from super-hard plastic and just a nightmare to use. Instead, they’re completely rubberized and very comfortable to touch and press down on.

Software: Your micro DJ controller needs to work perfectly with the software you prefer to use. There are tons of great options out there, including Serato, Traktor, Virtual DJ, and many others. The one you choose is likely to be a matter of personal preference. Flexible powering options: connect a regular USB power supply, power bank or laptop (optional USB power supply available as accessory) Incl. USB cable, RCA cable and instruction manual *An internet connection and a Tidal Premium or HiFi subscription, Soundcloud Go+ subscription is required. This ability runs along with all eight performance pad slots and can be controlled via touchscreen using Algoriddim’s software. From there, you can connect it with either a power bank charger or any android device via an additional USB-C or Micro USB cord. Mac & Windows PC We already knew that Reloop understood the demands of experienced DJs, but Buddy proves they also know how to encourage beginners. Buddy helps you to get started with DJing in a way that will truly develop your skills and allow you to progress with your performances. Buddy really is your friend.Particularly with the effects, you will want to turn on the effects window and switch to show manual effects so you can see what you’re doing. But overall it’s all pretty intuitive. The filters work as you’d expect, turning to the left for low-pass filter on each channel, to the right for high-pass filter. Monitoring in headphones

This “slices” the current eight beats and spreads them across the pads, and lets you play from the start of each beat by tapping its corresponding slicer pad. Still, there are downsides to this. While the size is a fun novelty, considering everything that’s included, it is much more of an annoyance due to just how cramped its button space is.

On a physical note, the “high” EQ knob is very close to the iPad screen, so you’ll need to be careful not to accidentally touch something on the screen when using it.