Software & Hardware Advice for complete beginner

If you don’t want to use a controller with it keep Virtual DJ, it’s completely free if you don’t use a controller

There really isn’t a hardware/software combo currently for sale that makes sense. All introduction level controllers come with LE/Lite/Intro versions of software, meaning you’ll have to buy the full version to get the most out of your hardware. Otherwise it would be a little like buying a new car that comes with a speedlimiter at 50 mph.

Reloop Beatmix 2
Numark Mixtrack Pro 2
Pioneer DDJ-SB
Denon MC-2000

Those are, in no particular order, the current controllers that we usually recommend for starters. Not saying there isn’t anything else out there that could suit your needs, controller (and software) choice is a very personal thing after all, but these 4 will definitely not disappoint and all have good balance between price, build quality and features.

Software choices, also in no particular order, are Virtual DJ (as stated already), Mixvibes Cross (also free to try without a controller), Algoriddims djay Pro (for Mac users) and obviously Serato and Traktor (for the latter, be sure to read up on it – if you think Traktor is for you, you might want to look at a (used) S2 controller instead).

Again, there are more brands out there, but these are the 4-5 main flavors really.

Actually all 4 are very good for the price, there really isn’t a “best” among them. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and even those are in the eyes of the beholder. For one person the absence of performance pads can be a weakness, while another person is happy he doesn’t have ‘useless’ buttons cluttering his/her workspace.

After you gave some thought to your workflow and picked the software that you think will suit you best and have picked the two controllers you think you are going to choose between, it’s indeed a good idea to visit a shop that has both models. Go there and spend some time on each if they are hooked up.

<prohinited text removed> i am using serato dj intro but need more .. but tried to download the trail version but says i nedd winzip but i dont want that.

I consider this 3 offenses by Clinton and hence I swing the ban-hammer, sorry.