PIONEER DDJ-FLX6

Product Information

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. When Pioneer DJ launched the DDJ-1000 controller, it changed things up. Instead of having controls as I just described, the controls were more like those found on club mixers, such as the DJM-900NXS2.

Overall, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 is a decent consumer-focused controller intended for the mid-level market. This device focuses primarily on performance features rather than build, with four channels, and a host of new features – though some are more appealing than others. As for the professional market, I believe a Mk2 version is needed with balanced outputs before the FLX can be viable for them. Nonetheless, the FLX6 has found a seemingly untouched niche in the DJ market, and will likely sell very well to lower-budget hobbyist DJs. One bonus is that you will be able to choose between whether the mic goes through the Booth outputs or otherwise.

Virtual DJ Support

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 Take away the Merge FX and the Jog Cutter and this is a completely standard software controller – think Reloop Mixon 4, Denon DJ MC7000, Numark NS6II (although generally those are higher specced, better units than this one). It has four software channels, three-band EQ, Color FX knobs (they’re filter only when using Serato), eight performance pads, looping controls. 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.

The DDJ-FLX6 looks to be Pioneer DJ’s solution to this market, providing a midrange controller that focuses on performance features. Instead of a standalone mixer section and a metal-reinforced body (like the SR2), the FLX6 sports four channels and full-sized jog wheels –two very enticing features that are generally only found on higher-end Pioneer DJ gear. Dual software supportThe DDJ-FLX6-W is available in selected regions (only available at specific retail stores in Asia Pacific and the Americas and Latin Americas – not available in EMEA regions). 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 This is a software-only DJ controller, so you can’t plug in extra equipment, even if you bought your CDJ or turntable directly from Pioneer themselves. 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. From a control perspective, this certainly isn’t the most advanced option on the market. There are a few things missing, such as key shift hardware or sync buttons.