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

Product Information

Still, the brand surprised most music enthusiasts when it released the new DDJ FLX6, a Rekordbox, and Serato DJ Pro dual-compatible DJ controller with a host of tools for creative mixing. We haven’t had time to properly get used to this unit here at the school yet, but once we have we’ll be happy to answer questions about it – ask in the comments! But for now, here are three first thoughts: 1. Big jogs are a winner 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. From a control perspective, this certainly isn’t the most advanced option on the market. There are a few things missing, such as key shift hardware or sync buttons.

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. The DDJ FLX6 bypasses things like advanced connectivity options and a metal-reinforced chassis to bring you a different set of bonuses, including full-sized jog wheels and four channels. Despite this, we should note that you certainly have a much tighter integration if you’re a Rekordbox fan. This is a software-only DJ controller, so you can’t plug in extra equipment, even if you bought your CDJ or turntable directly from Pioneer themselves.Apart from that, it is all the same – nothing has changed about the hardware apart from the colour, and the only other difference is the updated firmware inside. Existing DDJ-FLX6 owners can upgrade their firmware to get all the same functionality. The DJ controller makes a bold statement with a new aesthetic design. The new style includes a familiar layout of controls similar to how you would find them on the club-standard CDJ and DJM setups allowing for intuitive performances. The FLX6, however, features a new high-quality dark grey matte finish and re-designed jog wheels that will be sure to make your DJ setup stand out. DDJ-FLX6 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. A

You’ll also find VU meters in all four of the channels here, but there’s no master VU meter available. The meters are a little dim, however, so make sure you’re equipped to see them properly if you’re DJing in outdoor festivals with a lot of sunshine. D DJ FLX6 : The Verdict 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.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. The FX select simply cycles through the effects you’ve chosen for the two engines, with up to 6 options available. 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. Overall, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 is a decent consumer-focused controller intended for the mid-level market. This device focuses primarily on performance features rather than build, with four channels, and a host of new features – though some are more appealing than others. 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

The DDJ FLX6 is all about versatility, hence the decision to ensure it works with both Serato DJ Pro or Lite and Rekordbox. There’s also the added issue of the tiny pitch faders, which really don’t seem large enough for the rest of a DJ controller.The microphone input doesn’t connect directly to the soundcard, so you can’t add effects to your voice directly. While all of this might seem simple enough at first, it’s actually a lot more complicated than you might expect. The controller gives any DJ an edge when it comes to performing, and is a great way to keep the crowd's attention and take them on a journey they will not forget. It has incredible versatility with four available channels and new features and has easy plug-in-and-play functionality. Other features

I mention it because an equivalent consumer four-channel controller for Serato, the Numark NS4FX, does not come with the pro version of Serato at all, making that unit bad value in comparison (plus, the NS4FX officially only works with Serato, although in practice it works fine with Virtual DJ, too). 3. The Traktor mapping may turn out to be underwhelming Some DJs will probably find it easier to use the jog cutter feature than to learn how to scratch in the first place. It seems pointless to focus your attention on learning this new functionality when you could just practice scratching – and use your skills on other devices too. Beat FX The Merge FX experience is relatively easy to get used to. All you need to do is choose a pre-set and press the knob to start building your music. The jog-wheels on the FLX6 are the same size as those on the CDJ-3000 multi-player. Scratching and pitch bending feels natural, and the inclusion of on jog display ensures vital information can be seen at a glance. Sample Scratch - the all-new pad modeThe machine weighs around 3.8kg and comes with a 24-bit sound card, as well as a set of two full-sized jog wheels to explore. Features include: All of these solutions are stored on the front of the DDJ FLX6 unit, with no split cue available, unfortunately. 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. 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. 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.