Best DJ Controllers (over $1000)

Table of Contents

If you’ve reached the next level of your DJ career and looking for a DJ controller that costs over $1000, you expect a certain level of quality a features that are similar to a club setup.

As Pioneer DJ rekordbox software can be found in most clubs, many look at the DDJ-1000 or XZ All-In-One System as two obvious choices when it comes to mixing at home.

For a professional DJ controller, you want responsive jogwheels, and a mixer selection that is similar to a standalone mixer like the Pioneer DJM-900.

Some of the DJ controllers on this list can also function as a standalone mixer; meaning you won’t even need a laptop or computer to make use of it.

Here are our choices for the best DJ controllers over $1000 available on the market.

Overview

DJ ControllerSoftwarePrice
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3TraktorCheck price on Amazon
Pioneer DDJ-1000RekordboxCheck price on Amazon
Pioneer DDJ-SX3SeratoCheck price on Amazon
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8TraktorCheck price on Amazon
Pioneer XDJ-XZ DJ SystemRekordboxCheck price on Amazon
Denon DJ PRIME 4SeratoCheck price on Amazon

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 Controller

Coming in at around the $1000 mark, Native Instruments are responsible for one of the most popular DJ software available besides rekordbox, called Traktor DJ. The company is known for producing some quality hardware, and the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 delivers a refreshed design and pitch faders moved to mimic a typical CDJ-style setup. The jog wheels have been improved and offer tactile feedback of cue points and more.

The Kontrol S4 Mk3 also features a new Mixer FX section, plus small LED displays sitting below each jog wheel, which can be useful while performing.

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Pioneer DDJ-1000 Controller

The Pioneer DDJ-1000 is a popular rekordbox DJ controller that features a similar feel and layout to a CDJ setup. If you’ve ever performed in a club, the mixer is similar to the DJM-900 with effects section and also has full-size pressure-sensitive jogwheels that make them feel like the real deal.

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Pioneer DDJ-SX3 Controller

If you prefer to use Serato as your DJ software of choice, the DDJ-SX line is considered to be a high quality DJ controller and comes in at an affordable price. The Pioneer DDJ-SX3 is a four-channel controller with a sturdy body and aluminium top. Just like the DDJ-1000 controller above, it’s similar to Pioneer club hardware. The jog wheels are a bit small, but highly responsive.

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8

Native Instrument’s Traktor Kontrol S8 is currently their flagship products, and pulls out all the bells and whistles to take advantage of the Traktor software including extensive capabilities for Traktor’s Stems and Remix Deck feature.

This controller lacks regular jog wheels, as the Kontol S8’s touch strips can be used for scratch effects, seeking through a track, pitchbend and more. However, without pitch faders, you might have an issue beat-matching tracks. For live remixing, this is a fantastic controller to get creative with samples, loops and effects.

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Pioneer XDJ-XZ All-In-One DJ System

If you want to ditch the laptop, the Pioneer XDJ-XZ All-In-One DJ System is a similar experience to a club standard setup and many professional artists praise this AIO system for its convenience and price point. However, due to its size it’s a bit less portable for taking to gigs.

The XDJ-XZ is the new AIO flagship system from Pioneer. It feels similar to an NXS setup but won’t cost you so much money. It includes a bright 7-inch full-color LCD display, network connectivity and more.

However, if you’d like to use a laptop, the XDJ-XZ can also be used as a full out controller for Rekordbox DJ, Virtual DJ or Serato DJ Pro.

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Pioneer XDJ-RX2 All-In-One DJ system

Another popular option with Pioneer fans, the RX2 is an older all-in-one unit but features features a 7″ touchscreen with QWERTY search and dual-waveform displays, offering information from both players simultaneously including playback position, BPM, and beat grids.

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Denon DJ PRIME 4

The Denon DJ Prime 4 is the new all-in-one standalone DJ system that is intended to compete with Pioneer’s best offerings. In fact, this unit allows for four decks, responsive touch screens, a huge 1TB hard drive inside, USB support and more.

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If some of these choices above are beyond your price range, perhaps read our best budget DJ controller guide, which is intended for entry-level users.

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