DJ digital controller

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DJ digital controllers are MIDI controllers for playing computer based music tracks, normally at clubs or events. They are hardware that connect to DJ software, installed on a PC or laptop, that allow for control of the DJ software with the hardware interface of the controller. The GUI interface of the DJ software is normally operated by the PC keyboard and mouse.

The controllers are similar in operation to a mixer/turntable/CD turntable set up, so traditional DJs or turntabalists that are used to using these can generally relate to them better than a software interface. Some come with substantial shuttle jogs that mimic turntable control of a track, though with obviously less accuracy.

The software on the Computer will generally play Mp3 or Wav files. So the upside of using these, or any Software based DJ is that CDs aren't needed to be carried around. This is particularly beneficial to Mobile disc jockey who are increasingly using computer based DJ set ups.

A problem with controllers is their latency ie the time between the manipulating the jog shuttle controllers and the effect on the music track. However this does vary with computer speed, sound card latency, and MIDI latency, and by either changing configuration settings or upgrading hardware this problem can often be easily resolved.

Price of DJ controllers has recently come down to the point where they are now a lot more common, and increasingly DJs are using these instead of CD or vinyl turntables.