Apart from that, it is all the same – nothing has changed about the hardware apart from the colour, and the only other difference is the updated firmware inside. Existing DDJ-FLX6 owners can upgrade their firmware to get all the same functionality. The controller gives any DJ an edge when it comes to performing, and is a great way to keep the crowd's attention and take them on a journey they will not forget. It has incredible versatility with four available channels and new features and has easy plug-in-and-play functionality. Other features All of these solutions are stored on the front of the DDJ FLX6 unit, with no split cue available, unfortunately. The dual Serato DJ Pro or Lite and Rekordbox compatibility is quite a positive surprise for a lot of mid-level DJs in search of versatility. Since this is first-and-foremost a software DJ controller, you won’t have to get used to any other inputs for your DJ gear. However, it feels as though we should at least have an Aux input here.

Pioneer DJ has today announced the DDJ-FLX6-GT, a new version of the DDJ-FLX6 controller that replaces the current version in the company’s line-up, and that adds two more DJ platforms to those the controller already works with. The design looks good and follows a similar club-standard CDJ and DJM setup, so it allows for intuitive performance. Despite a couple of grumbles, the DDJ-FLX6 is still impressive in its own way. There are a few advanced functions that you won’t get anywhere else. Pioneer also boasts a new aesthetic for this DJ controller, but we’re not sure how much of a benefit that is at first glance. Some DJs will probably find it easier to use the jog cutter feature than to learn how to scratch in the first place. It seems pointless to focus your attention on learning this new functionality when you could just practice scratching – and use your skills on other devices too. Beat FX

Features

The Merge FX experience is relatively easy to get used to. All you need to do is choose a pre-set and press the knob to start building your music. The jog-wheels on the FLX6 are the same size as those on the CDJ-3000 multi-player. Scratching and pitch bending feels natural, and the inclusion of on jog display ensures vital information can be seen at a glance. Sample Scratch - the all-new pad mode Each jog wheel comes with an on-jog display to help you keep an eye on your position, and they look aesthetically great too. 1/O Connectivity The DDJ FLX6 is all about versatility, hence the decision to ensure it works with both Serato DJ Pro or Lite and Rekordbox.

Jog Cutter is a feature that you can access to “scratch” without actually scratching. You turn on the Jog Cutter button at the top right of your DJ controller, then touch your jog wheel to jump your music to the chosen cue point. ADespite this, we should note that you certainly have a much tighter integration if you’re a Rekordbox fan. Pioneer’s jog wheels on the DDJ FLX6 are responsive and lightweight, so they’re a decent choice for making natural and bending feel as natural as possible.

The jog wheels have displays in the center and are lovely for gaining an insight into exactly where your needle is. If you’ve already used a high-level controller with better-built jog wheels, however, you might find that these jog wheels feel a little cheap. Pioneer DJ dominates the DJ landscape as one of the best-known and most popular companies in the industry. Pioneer systems are versatile, effective, and often pretty great to look at too.

One bonus is that you will be able to choose between whether the mic goes through the Booth outputs or otherwise. The DDJ FLX6 bypasses things like advanced connectivity options and a metal-reinforced chassis to bring you a different set of bonuses, including full-sized jog wheels and four channels. According to Pioneer, the DDJ-FLX6 ensures you can “flex” your creative muscles with a host of new features and an easy-to-use interface. Usability/ Ease of Use Ignore some of the brand-new features like Merge FX and the Jog Cutter, and the DDJ FLX6 gives you a pretty standard DJ controller experience, similar to things like the Denon MC7000.

In total, if rekordbox is the selected music software management system then there are eight Merge FX pattern presets (this reduces to four if Serato DJ Pro is in use), and everything is customisable. One Merge FX is made up of four categories Build FX, Build Sample, Release FX and Drop Sample, which include 41 types of effects, all of which can be united to create over 9,000 different patterns. Additionally, there is the option to save eight of the users own patterns, where the FX Select button can be used to recall them when required. New Jog Cutter feature for pro-sounding scratch effects Most controllers do follow an exhausting trend of only using an exclusive single-software support option. It’s nice to see more than one option on one device. The USB power function means that you might find that you don’t get as much volume as you could get elsewhere, but this isn’t too much of a problem for most hobbyists. You’ll also find VU meters in all four of the channels here, but there’s no master VU meter available. The meters are a little dim, however, so make sure you’re equipped to see them properly if you’re DJing in outdoor festivals with a lot of sunshine. D DJ FLX6 : The Verdict On the plus side, the system is USB bus-powered, which makes it a little more portable in general than some other larger solutions. You don’t need to install any audio drivers when plugging the device into your computer, and you can start mixing immediately with a built-in sound card that connects straight to any amplifiers or speakers through a single RCA cable. You can also record directly to Rekordbox with the USB connection. Mixers, Effects, and Faders

Tech spec

While all of this might seem simple enough at first, it’s actually a lot more complicated than you might expect. Jog Cutter allows you to jump between one of six sections on your wheel to trigger different scratching experiences. According to Pioneer, there are around 10 different scratch jog cutter patterns to explore by moving your play head position, as shown on your on-wheel display. The microphone input doesn’t connect directly to the soundcard, so you can’t add effects to your voice directly. If your computer doesn’t work, or something crashes, your music will stop too. For voice-over and other elements, the DDJ FLX6 has its own microphone input, but this routes directly to the outputs, so you won’t be able to apply effects. This full-sized DJ controller is almost as large as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000, but it feels closer to the DDJ-200 in build quality. This is essentially a device built for beginners and people who don’t want to spend a small fortune on their craft.