The WeDJ app features might be considered cheating because they automate too much of the DJing process. 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.

DDJ-200 rekordbox – Pioneer DJ Support DDJ-200 rekordbox – Pioneer DJ Support

DJ controllers are useful for DJs mixing strictly digital, as most support USB cable connectivity. They are lightweight and portable, which is great for DJs regularly on the go. 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!

The DDJ-200 also doesn’t feature channel gain control knobs (trim knobs) so you won’t be able to tweak and fine tune the gain of each mixer channel on the device itself. The LED channel level indicators are also not present on the DDJ-200 while the DDJ-400 has small channel level indicator lights for each mixer channel. 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!

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

Algoriddim has done a fantastic job of mapping the controller to work flawlessly straight away. Even the crossfader activates a filter as you sweep across when you select the transition FX. Note you will have to choose the split output in the settings to activate the cue buttons, but this makes complete sense as you wouldn’t be able to cue without the output enabled. The Pioneer DDJ 200 has no audio connections at all and as such isn’t able to output the audio. Think of the 200 more as a remote control for your DJ software. It’s the software on your laptop or phone that’s processing the audio files and then outputting them through the built-in speakers. Connecting headphones requires the use of the included mono split cable. 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. For those who don’t want to use a computer for mixing, DJs can plug in their mobile device directly into the smart DJ controller with the help of the WeDJ, djay, or edjing mix applications. Read this next: DDJ 400: Perfect for Beginner DJs? Things to Consider Before Buying a DJ Controller

Quick response

It’s kind of a bummer that each mixing app doesn’t support all the streaming services. The corporate shills won’t let all the platforms cross over. You’ve got to select the DJing app that suits your flavor of streaming. Overall whether it’s your first DJ controller, you search for a sturdy DJ controller for your curious kid or you want to find some portable gear for mobile usage the Pioneer DDJ-200 will be a great choice. The app does standard mixing stuff like loops, hot cues, and pre-cueing. It’s also got fantastic performance additions. 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. While on the DDJ-200 you won’t be able to control loops using physical buttons, the whole loop functionality is easily accessible from the DJ app of your choice.