Beginner Getting a bit overwhelmed with first controller

Personally I think spotify is highly overrated, mainly because you can’t use it to play out. There is an intermediate solution that would get you going with Spotify and a controller if you have an iPad laying around. You could get either the DDJ-Wego4 or the Reloop BeatPad 2 and use DJay (Pro) software on your tablet. All set.

I would forget about getting an intermediate or higher controller when starting. If you fear you will want to upgrade too soon (I predict you will need at the very least 6 months to a year of pretty regular practicing (not long hours but rather frequently) before you master all the basics enough to start figuring out what you are missing and/or want in your next controller. And that is if you take a course like the DDJT How To Digital DJ Fast one to get you started in the proper direction.

Should you worry about the upgrade thing, you can always opt to get a used starter controller. You can still resell it 6 months or a year later when you upgrade, but you will keep loads of money in your pocket towards the upgrade, buying music, a new laptop, good set of headphones. And should you lose interest, you might sell it for only half what you paid for it, but that would mean a loss of only 100 bucks or so.

Just my 3 cents worth.

Yeah, that would be my choice.

By playing out I mean taking your gear and going out to play a party at a bar or venue or any other public performance. Clearly it’s good for music discovery in the privacy of your own practice room.

If you have the budget, you need to buy a Reloop Beatpad 2. It has every possible option you could ever need in a DJ controller. While your at it, order a coffin case for it because that controller will serve your needs for years and years until you wear it out.