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DDJ-FLX4 vs DDJ-FLX2 vs DDJ-REV1: Which First Controller?
Pick the DDJ-FLX4 if you want to learn to blend on a laptop, phone or tablet and like having a mic input and RCA out. Pick the DDJ-FLX2 if you want the smallest box that runs off a phone or tablet. Pick the DDJ-REV1 if scratching is the whole reason you want to DJ and you will play from a laptop with Serato.
The real split: what you plug into and how you want to play
All three are two-deck controllers with a built-in mixer section, and all three are made for people who have never DJed before. The gaps between them come down to two questions. What are you running the software on, and do you want to blend or scratch?
The DDJ-FLX4 and the DDJ-FLX2 are mixing controllers. The decks sit on the sides, the mixer sits in the middle, and the smart features help your transitions land while you are still learning. Both connect to phones and tablets, not just laptops.
The DDJ-REV1 is built the other way around. Its layout copies PLX turntables with a DJM-S style mixer between them, so the decks and tempo sliders sit where a scratch DJ expects them. It runs Serato DJ Lite, and the listing talks about a computer setup, not a phone.
Side by side
Here is what each listing actually says. Where a listing does not give a spec, we put a dash instead of guessing.
The quick read: the FLX4 has the most software choices and the most jacks, the FLX2 trades jacks for size, and the REV1 trades software choice for a scratch layout.
Starter controller specs from our product listings. "Not in our listing" means our product page doesn't state it; ask us.
| Model | Layout | Software | Phone or tablet | Power | Outputs and inputs | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel DJ Controller | Mixing, 2 channels | rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite/Pro, djay, Traktor Play | Yes, Bluetooth | USB-C bus power | RCA master out, 1/4-inch mic in, 3.5mm headphone out | 4.63 lbs |
| AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 Compact 2-Channel DJ Controller | Compact mixing, 2 channels | rekordbox, djay, Serato DJ Lite | Yes, USB-C or Bluetooth | USB-C bus power | 3.5 mm master out, 3.5 mm headphone jack | Not in our listing |
| Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Serato DJ Controller | Battle style, 2 channels | Serato DJ Lite (included), Serato DJ Pro upgrade | Not in our listing | Not in our listing | RCA master out, 1/4-inch mic in, 3.5mm headphone out | Not in our listing |
Laptop vs phone or tablet
If you have a laptop, every one of these works. If you only have a phone or tablet, your list gets shorter. The DDJ-FLX4 talks to mobile devices over Bluetooth. The DDJ-FLX2 connects to phones and tablets over USB-C or Bluetooth, and it pairs well with djay, which a lot of people already know from their phone.
The DDJ-REV1 is a Serato controller with a class-compliant USB connection. Plan on a laptop for it. If you want to scratch but only own a tablet right now, tell Joe what you have before you buy, and he can tell you whether it makes sense today or later.
One honest note on phones: they are fine for learning and messing around. For a full party set, most people end up on a laptop because the screen is bigger and it is easier to manage a big library.
Mixing layout vs scratch layout
Mixing controllers are about smooth blends. The DDJ-FLX4 gives you 8 back-lit pads per deck for Hot Cues, Pad FX, Beat Jump and the sampler, plus Smart CFX and Smart Fader so a transition sounds clean even before your timing is solid. The DDJ-FLX2 has performance pads and smart mixing features in a smaller footprint.
The DDJ-REV1 is for cutting and juggling. It has 154mm jog wheels, 60mm horizontal tempo sliders like a turntable, Lever FX and 8 pads per deck with Hot Cue, Auto Loop, Tracking Scratch and Sampler modes. If you learn on it, the move to real turntables and a battle mixer feels familiar.
Can you blend on the REV1 and scratch on the FLX4? Sure, a little. But a layout tends to shape how you play, so pick the one that matches the DJ you want to be.
Software, power and hooking up speakers
Software is the other big split. The DDJ-FLX4 covers rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite and Pro, djay and Traktor Play, so you can try a few and keep the one that clicks. The DDJ-FLX2 covers rekordbox, djay and Serato DJ Lite. The DDJ-REV1 is a Serato controller, with Serato DJ Lite included and an upgrade path to Serato DJ Pro.
For power, the FLX4 and FLX2 both run on USB-C bus power, so one cable does the job and there is no wall brick to forget. The REV1 listing does not spell out power, so ask us at the counter if that matters for your setup.
For speakers, the FLX4 and REV1 have an RCA master out and a 1/4-inch mic input, which helps at a backyard party where someone needs to talk. The FLX2 has a 3.5 mm master out and no mic input in its listing, so you will want the right cable for your speakers. Tell Joe what speakers you own and he will match it.
Stepping up later: DDJ-REV5 or XDJ-RR
If you start on the REV1 and get hooked on scratching, the DDJ-REV5 is the next step on the same layout. It works with Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox, has a Magvel Fader crossfader, on-jog playhead displays, Stems controls, XLR master out, an AUX input and two USB-C ports for DJ changeovers.
If you start on the FLX4 or FLX2 and end up playing parties where you would rather leave the laptop at home, look at the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR. It plays straight from a USB drive, has a 7-inch color screen for waveforms, and also works as a rekordbox dj controller with a license key included. It weighs about 11.5 lb, so it is a bigger box to carry.
No need to buy for the DJ you might be in two years. Learn on a starter, figure out how you like to play, then step up.
What else to buy, and picking it up
Headphones come first, since you cue the next track in them. The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 is a light on-ear pair with 40mm drivers, earcups that rotate 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, a fold-flat design and a detachable coiled cable. It also makes a good backup pair later on.
After that you need speakers and the right cable from your master out. We are an authorized Pioneer DJ dealer, and Joe can set up Serato or rekordbox with you when you pick up. Everything is bought and picked up at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate. Call (323) 944-7844 or text (213) 674-9042 to make sure the model you want is on the floor before you drive over.
If you want to spread it out, ask about our Payment Plan. Buy Now, Pay Later: 100 days same as cash, or up to one year with Synchrony. Approval and terms set by the provider.
In the shop
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AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 Compact 2-Channel DJ Controller
- rekordbox, djay and Serato
- USB-C bus power
- Bluetooth for phones
$189
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 2-Channel DJ Controller
- Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox
- Magvel Fader
- Stems controls
$1,189
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Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR 2-Channel All-in-One DJ System
- 7 in color screen
- Plays from USB
- rekordbox dj license
$1,129
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Read itQuestions on DDJ-FLX4 vs DDJ-FLX2 vs DDJ-REV1: Which First Controller
Which one is easiest to learn on?
For blending, the DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-FLX2 both have smart mixing features that help transitions sound clean early on. For scratching, the DDJ-REV1 is easier because the layout already matches a turntable setup.
Can I scratch on the DDJ-FLX4?
You can do basic scratches on its jog wheels. If scratching is your main goal, the DDJ-REV1 has the battle-style layout, horizontal tempo sliders and Tracking Scratch pad mode built for it.
Does the DDJ-REV1 work with rekordbox?
Its listing is built around Serato: Serato DJ Lite is included, with an upgrade path to Serato DJ Pro. If you want rekordbox on a battle layout, look at the DDJ-REV5, which works with both.
Do these controllers need a wall plug?
The DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-FLX2 run on USB-C bus power. The DDJ-REV1 listing does not say, so ask us when you come in.
Can I try them before I buy?
Call or text first to make sure the models are on the floor, then come by the shop in South Gate and Joe can walk you through them.