We could only list features on the controllers you mention, as what is pro or con is up to you. Something I might like and think a huge pro might be a con for you or vice versa. So, we can’t make your decision for you. Also there is a perfectly good controller buyers guide available for free from the main site, with reviews done on all newly launched controllers. In short, there is plenty of information there.
Assuming you are not interested in Traktor, our controller shortlist for starters would look something like this (in no particular order):
* Pioneer DDJ-SB2 (Serato)
* Pioneer DDJ-RB( RekordBox DJ)
* Numakr Mixtrack Pro (Serato)
* Numark Mixtrack Platinum (Serato)
* Denon MC-2000 (Serato)
* Reloop Beatmix 2 mk2
With the RB you buy into the RekordBox DJ ecosystem and give up options of using anything else. All the Serato controllers will let you use Virtual DJ, DJay Pro (Mac only), Mixvibes Cross and such and even iPad DJ software. And if you are not sure which software is gonna be right for you, even if you want to go Pioneer, I’d go for the SB2 as it will work with RekordBox DJ but still give you the option to switch software should you want to.
Try looking up some of the articles on these forums on starter controller choice. We have a pretty simple “stepping stone” approach that starts with determining your (intended/desired) workflow, then picking the software that most closely matches that workflow, then setting a budget, shortlisting 2 or 3 controllers, getting some hands-on if possibly and finally picking your “weapon” of choice. Follow those steps and the process becomes more manageable in our humble opinion.
Lots of features, as said, become pro or con depending on your specific needs. If, for example, you like manual beatmatching and/or playing around with pitch and such, good jogs and long pitch faders become important, whereas when you intend to do most of your stuff using sync, pitch faders lose a lot of their importance. Or if you are gonna being doing all kinds of cue and loop playing or slicing or live remixing, then the presence, number, quality and location of your performance pads becomes an issue. If you intend to go do mobile gigs, having a mic channel and the way it works is something you want look at. If you plan on moving your controller around a lot in your backpack, build quality will be much more important than when it sits on your desk in your bedroom forever. And I can go on. When you follow the steps you will most likely narrow it down to 2, maybe 3 controllers that will actually all be best fit for YOU and from there on it’s a matter of personal taste.
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