Algoriddim’s djay Pro is a powerful DJ software platform. It runs on iOS and macOS, for one relatively low annual subscription. So for Apple fans, it may well be the perfect DJ software to commit to. There is also a Windows version, and an Android version – although the Apple versions are the ones the company tends to prioritise.
But whereas competitor platforms like Traktor, Serato and Rekordbox have lots of obvious hardware that is designed either by the companies themselves or under tight licence – meaning choosing hardware to use with those software platforms is relatively easy – that’s not the case so much with djay Pro.
Read this next: 5 Ways Algoriddim Could Improve djay Pro
And unlike VirtualDJ – another platform from a company that doesn’t make its own hardware – djay Pro is pickier about what it works well with. And with djay Pro having lots of features not available in other software, this means that if you’ve ever been tempted to give it a go, it’s important to choose the hardware you’re going to be using with it carefully. In this article, then, we’ll look at five great hardware “fits” for djay pro, of all types and for all budgets.
Contents
- Best high-end controller
- Best entry-level controller
- Best for DVS
- Best pro club set-up
- Best motorised DJ controller integration
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5 Best DJ Systems For Algoriddim’s djay Pro
1. Best high-end controller – Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
Powerful, stylish and boldly designed (including a large slot that can take the biggest iPad, should you wish to use the controller with a tablet rather than a laptop), the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is designed specially for Algoriddim’s software.
It has a pleasing “mirror image” deck design that is unusual to see on controllers nowadays (but which some controller users prefer), and has more comprehensive effect controls than is usual to see on similar software controllers. Overall, it’s a great pairing for any edition of djay Pro.
Price: $1250 / £1099 / €1299
Full review: Reloop Mixon 8 Pro Review
Find out more: Reloop website
2. Best entry-level controller – Reloop Buddy
This compact little DJ controller is an officially licensed djay Pro device. It has a slot for your iPad/iPhone (but also works well with laptop).
It has Neural Mix access on the hardware (Neural Mix being Algoriddim’s powerful real-time stems separation tech), connects natively with iOS connection, and overall is easy to use and affordable.
Price: $329 / £215 / €249
Full review: Reloop Buddy
Find out more: Reloop website
3. Best for DVS – Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 mixer + PLX-1000 turntables
The Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 mixer works plug and play with djay Pro, and when paired with djay’s own control vinyl, provides access to Neural Mix real-time stems directly from the vinyl itself.
This combo also offers best-in-class latency on both iOS and Mac. (You could also use the Reloop Elite mixer and Reloop RP-7000 turntables for an alternative DVS set-up.)
DJM-S7 price: $1449 / £1399 / €1599
PLX-1000 price: $739 / £750 / €789
Full reviews: Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 / PLX-1000
Find out more: DJM-S7 / PLX-1000
4. Best pro club set-up – Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 players + DJM-A9 mixer
Officially certified by Pioneer DJ, this is a straight plug-and-play experience with the Mac version, allowing you to use djay Pro with all its exclusive features on “club standard” DJ gear, thus offering a true alternative to Rekordbox, Serato etc.
It unfortunately doesn’t officially work with the iOS version, so walking up to a pro booth and plugging in your phone for a full DJ set is still a step away – hopefully that won’t be long, though…
CDJ-3000 price: $2549 / £2169 / €2599
DJM-A9 price: $2699 / £2469 / €2799
Our reviews: Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 / Pioneer DJ DJM-A9
Find out more: CDJ-3000 / DJM-A9
5. Best motorised DJ controller integration – Rane Twelve/One
Algoriddim and Rane worked together to make sure that the performance of Rane’s motorised controllers with djay Pro, whether you choose to use it on Mac or iOS, is as good as can be. The result is as good a hardware/software integration as you’ll find with any platform.
Whether you choose the Rane One controller or add a pair of Rane Twelve controller decks to a mixer, it’ll work perfectly.
Rane One price: $1599 / £1299 / €1345
Rane Twelve price: $899 / £719 / €749
Our review: Rane One
Find out more: Rane One / Rane Twelve MkII
Finally…
Djay Pro works with a wider variety of controllers and devices than ever – it’s always worth checking on the company’s hardware page to see if yours is covered. What’s more, if you’ve got a bit of time, it is nowhere near as hard as it may sound to “map” any Midi hardware to this software.
DJ like a pro using ANY set-up: The Complete DJ Course
That said, what we’ve presented to you here are five integrations, with a few variations thrown in, that we think particularly stand out. If you have any questions, or want to share your experiences, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Phil Morse
