Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 4-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller

Product Information

The Jog Wheel’s dimensions might be full-sized, but they’re not made of metal. These 7-inch capacitive jog wheels are tactile and weighted, despite being largely made of plastic. The USB power function means that you might find that you don’t get as much volume as you could get elsewhere, but this isn’t too much of a problem for most hobbyists. The design looks good and follows a similar club-standard CDJ and DJM setup, so it allows for intuitive performance. Pioneer DJ has today announced the DDJ-FLX6-GT, a new version of the DDJ-FLX6 controller that replaces the current version in the company’s line-up, and that adds two more DJ platforms to those the controller already works with. Since this is first-and-foremost a software DJ controller, you won’t have to get used to any other inputs for your DJ gear. However, it feels as though we should at least have an Aux input here.

In total, if rekordbox is the selected music software management system then there are eight Merge FX pattern presets (this reduces to four if Serato DJ Pro is in use), and everything is customisable. One Merge FX is made up of four categories Build FX, Build Sample, Release FX and Drop Sample, which include 41 types of effects, all of which can be united to create over 9,000 different patterns. Additionally, there is the option to save eight of the users own patterns, where the FX Select button can be used to recall them when required. New Jog Cutter feature for pro-sounding scratch effects Jog Cutter is a feature that you can access to “scratch” without actually scratching. You turn on the Jog Cutter button at the top right of your DJ controller, then touch your jog wheel to jump your music to the chosen cue point. APlug and play capability is available via the in-built soundcard and DJ Performance functions with either rekordbox or Serato DJ Pro. All you need to do is connect using a USB cable to a connected laptop that is running either of the music software applications, and you are ready to get DJing. There are a set of four DJ software channels to choose from, a set of color FX knobs, and a three-band EQ to enjoy. There’s also access to looping controls, eight performance pads, and some basic inputs and outputs.

Ignore some of the brand-new features like Merge FX and the Jog Cutter, and the DDJ FLX6 gives you a pretty standard DJ controller experience, similar to things like the Denon MC7000. While for us the overall spec of the controller is still a bit underwhelming (find out our thoughts on it in our original Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 review), a plus point is that it does have pretty much the same jogwheels as you’ll find on pro CDJs – something that has undeniable appeal, and looks better value in a market where other DJ controllers seem to be rising exponentially in price. This is the first Traktor-compatible controller – ever – with large jogwheels and a club layout. Jog Cutter allows you to jump between one of six sections on your wheel to trigger different scratching experiences. According to Pioneer, there are around 10 different scratch jog cutter patterns to explore by moving your play head position, as shown on your on-wheel display. This full-sized DJ controller is almost as large as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000, but it feels closer to the DDJ-200 in build quality. This is essentially a device built for beginners and people who don’t want to spend a small fortune on their craft. With Rekordbox, your pads will give you access to musical samples in a keyboard fashion, allowing you to merge and trigger multiple experiences at the same time.Most controllers do follow an exhausting trend of only using an exclusive single-software support option. It’s nice to see more than one option on one device. We do like the dark grey matte finish and the decision to add some really sleek-looking full-sized jog wheels, but this doesn’t take away from the plastic feel of the build. Performance pads You do get a few simplicities built-in, such as a set of beat buttons, a level/depth knob, your standard on/off button, channel select, and FX select.