The Lowdown
The DDJ-FLX2 is a basic entry-level controller, which, unlike the DDJ-200 that came before it, has a built-in audio interface – the big thing its predecessor was missing. It’s good for super casual DJs and even for more serious DJs who want an ultra-portable second system. Sure, it lacks lots of features – the biggest one for us being any way of selecting tracks in your library – but ultimately, it packs in an awful lot despite the compromises.
Don’t have our latest DJ gear guide? Click here to grab your free copy
Video Review
First Impressions / Setting up
It looks very similar to the DDJ-200 that came before it, a small black plastic box. It has two basic decks with single-colour performance pads underneath each jogwheel, and a short-throw tempo fader with the usual Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta play/pause and cue buttons vertically stacked.
The mixer is ultra-simple with no gain controls and no beat effects strip, but it does have the basic two channels, headphones monitoring, three-band EQ and a colour effects knob for each channel (plus a crossfader).
On the back, there’s a single USB-C socket and around the side are two tiny volume controls and two eighth-inch minijack outputs from the built-in audio interface – one for the headphones and one for the speakers.
Setting up
We recommend using this with a Windows or Mac laptop and the included Rekordbox software, which is one of the FLX2’s big attractions. Rekordbox is a good platform, and it’s free.
However, it also works with Serato on Windows and Mac and with Algoriddim’s Djay Pro on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Incidentally, you can also find the Rekordbox app here, should you want to use that software with your phone or tablet.
The unit can even connect via Bluetooth to a mobile device in order to control the mobile app. You’d still need to power it using the USB-C socket, and you wouldn’t be able to use the internal audio interface (as Bluetooth is only for Midi). So really, whatever you’re connecting it to, wired is the way to go.
Once you’re connected up and the unit’s recognised, you’re good to go.
In Use
So let’s be honest, this controller lacks many features. There’s no microphone input at all, and there’s no meters to be able to check your sound levels at all. As I said, there’s no gain controls, and there’s no beat effects strip. So if you want these things, you’re really best off going for the DDJ-FLX4, which is the next unit up at £90 more.
However, that unit’s a lot bigger than this. And for basic DJing, this is more than adequate. The jogwheels are OK, it sounds fine for the price, and when you get used to the effects that you have been given, they’re actually quite versatile. They have a different way of using the Color FX knobs called Smart Color FX, which we found quite cool.
Learn to DJ with us: The Complete DJ Course
There are good sounding pad effects, and even what’s called “Smart Fader FX” for super, super casual DJs who don’t even want to beatmix. Engage this feature, and it will do everything for you as you move the crossfader across. Not for us, of course, but that’s not to say it isn’t for everyone.
In short, I’d personally be happy to DJ on this, and if you owned this and wanted to take one of our DJ courses, I’d be happy for you to use this as your equipment while you learned – which is a lot more than I could say for the previous model.
Add a £50 pair of basic DJ monitor speakers and a £20 pair of basic DJ headphones, and you’ve got a full DJ system for quite a lot less than the next choice up the food chain.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 fixes the big problem with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-200, which was the missing audio interface.
It’s still probably too limited for most DJs, in that you will outgrow it. But that said, if you know what you’re buying, you might actually grow to like this as a simple second controller, should you own a bigger system.
Either way, it’s perfectly adequate for learning to DJ on. So if you can’t afford anything bigger, or you haven’t got the room for anything bigger, of course, and you’re aware of its limitations, you should go ahead and grab one. It’s certainly a lot of fun, meaning it would also be a great gift for someone getting started in DJing.
