Depending on your app and device combo, you can mix sounds via streaming services including Beatport, SoundCloud Go+, TIDAL, and even Beatsource. There are no streaming services available just yet in Rekordbox, so local files are all you can play with, but that could change very soon. The Rekordbox integration is a nice touch and allows laptop DJ’s to access all of Rekordbox’s fantastic performance features for very little money indeed! In Conclusion We take a look at Pioneer DJ’s most affordable DJ controller to date, the DDJ-200. With no audio connections and designed to connect to your phone via Bluetooth this little controller will no doubt turn heads in the DJ community. But aimed at the beginners who care more about ease of use than performance features, could this be the controller that launches the next generation of DJ? Let’s find out! The Pioneer DJ DDJ 200, the cheapest and smallest controller from Pioneer to date. The Hardware Our dedicated Pioneer DDJ 200 course is our most comprehensive to date with lessons covering WeDJ on iPhone and Android, Algoriddim Djay on iPad and Rekordbox on a laptop!

DDJ-200 2-channel Smart DJ controller (black) - Pioneer DJ

While shopping for your ideal DJ controller (this also goes for DJ headphones, speakers, and all your other DJ technology) it’s essential to define your level of DJing proficiency. Lower-end models are barebones with limited creative tools. Connecting the DDJ 200 to Djay is as easy as scrolling through the settings to MIDI Devices, then select Bluetooth MIDI Devices. From here we can connect to the DDJ 200, and away we go. Unlike the Pioneer WeDJ application, Algoriddim Djay has to work with a variety of devices so don’t have the option of changing the pad modes. However, out of the box, the top row of performance pads activate loops, the bottom row activates hot cues. We can hold shift and enable rolls on the top row and delete hot cues on the lower.Depending on the computer’s power-saving settings, etc., the CPU and hard disk may not provide sufficient processing capabilities. For laptop in particular, make sure the computer is in the proper conditions to provide constant high performance (for example by keeping the AC power connected) when using rekordbox. DJs can mix on either their mobile device (with a mixing app & streaming services) or computer (using Pioneer’s Rekordbox DJ.) In our current technocratic age, everyone has a smartphone. Not everyone has a suitable laptop for mixing. The controls are very rudimentary on the DDJ 200, but they get the job done well. Each channel has a 3-band EQ suitable for cutting or bumping low, mid, or high frequencies. An FX filter knob will sweep the high or lows for added mixing flair. The Pioneer DDJ-200 offers a smart way top mix your music. Connect your smartphone, tablet or PC/Mac and start mixing your digital music. The DDJ-200 is compatible with a wide variety of software programmes and apps, including WeDJ for iPhone, WeDJ for Android, djay, edjing Mix and rekordbox.

DDJ-200 - Pioneer DJ Smart DJ Controller DDJ-200 - Pioneer DJ

The controller comes with a headphone splitter that starts from your phone or laptop and splits to your headphones and speaker, both using 3.5mm outs. You can’t, therefore, connect to a pair of speakers without a mixer, or a 3.5mm to RCA cable. A long time favourite amongst the mobile DJ community, Algoriddim’s fantastic DJay application (read our review here) is probably best known for its Spotify streaming integration. With Pioneer DJ not releasing the WeDJ on iPad yet, Algoriddim Djay will become the leading contender for using an iPad with the DDJ 200. A set up we enjoy due to the larger screen and magnetic stands currently available. It’s compact, lightweight, and cheap. The controller is perfect for a DJ that’s just starting, always on the go, and short on cash. Higher-end controllers support multiple inputs from several players to integrate additional vinyl players and other devices. If you have the extra cash to shell out, then turntables & a versatile DJ controller can work together.

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There is also quite a large difference in weight where the DDJ-200 weighs around 4 pounds (1.8 kg) and the DDJ-400 around 7 pounds (3 kg). There is also a considerable difference in size. Weighing only 3.75 Ibs. and measuring 75 x 11.5 x 4 (LxWxH)-inches, it fits comfortably on any table-top and can be carried around easily. There are some cool travel cases for the DDJ-200, so you don’t scratch the controller or break it as you take it around with you to house parties. Using your phone for mixing on the Pioneer DJ DDJ 200 is pretty radical, albeit a little too consumerized for some professional DJs’ tastes. Depending on your app and device combo, you can also mix via streaming music services. Compatible services include Beatport LINK, SoundCloud Go+, Deezer, TIDAL and Beatsource LINK. The Pioneer DJ DDJ 200 is a fantastic little controller that offers outstanding value for money. Even though its hardware isn’t competent on its own with no audio output, the versatility and features the apps provide enable it to perform well above its price point. The fantastic Pioneer DJ layout will set DJ’s upon a clear path of familiarity when progressing onto more advanced hardware.

DDJ-200 vs. DDJ-400 (Which Is Better For You?) - djgear2k DDJ-200 vs. DDJ-400 (Which Is Better For You?) - djgear2k

However, what is unique is that by using the computers mouse, you can access of Rekordbox’s extensive performance features. This means you can even use Keyboard mode with the DDJ 200 just by pressing on the pad modes on the screen. Very impressive stuff even if it doesn’t necessarily appeal to the beginners who will be buying this controller.In conclusion, the Pioneer DDJ-400 is a better choice hardware wise and overall a better choice for a beginner. It offers much more for a little more money, has a standalone Rekordbox software license bundled with it and is more comfortable to use. All that while still keeping a somewhat portable form factor. Is it worth getting a used DDJ-400? With the DJUCED software’s help, light illuminates the controller showing a DJ the exact knobs and controls to use during mixing. Two mixer channels are enough for many people and most of the time are certainly enough for beginner DJs however if you want to start off by building a future proof and extensible setup you might want to consider getting a 4-channel DJ controller from the slightly higher price point such as the DDJ-1000 or the DDJ-SZ. DJ Software integration. And, if like us you’ve fallen in love with DJing and think you could really go for it professionally, we can help you get there fast!