Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 vs. DDJ-400 & FLX2: The Upgrade Showdown
The DDJ-400 was the undisputed king in the bedrooms of aspiring DJs for years – loyal like an old VW Golf. But with the DDJ-FLX4 and the brand-new DDJ-FLX2, Pioneer DJ has raised the bar. Who is the true champion for beginners? Let’s take a look at the showdown.
1. Design & Layout: "Matte black is the new black"
Visually, Pioneer DJ has really cleaned things up with the DDJ-FLX4. While the DDJ-400 still had that “I’m-a-plastic-controller” vibe, the FLX4 looks almost grown-up thanks to its matte finish and rounded edges.
The pro advantage: The layout is almost identical to the club standard (CDJ-3000 & DJM-900NXS2). So if you practice on the FLX4 in your bedroom, you won’t panic in the club when you’re standing in front of real equipment for the first time.
2. Software & Connectivity: Freedom for everyone
Here comes the biggest bang: the DDJ-400 was basically married to rekordbox. The DDJ-FLX4, on the other hand, is in an open relationship. Whether rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite, or the djay app on your iPad – the FLX4 says “yes” to everything.
Thanks to the modern USB-C ports, searching for old printer cables (USB-B) is finally a thing of the past. You can also connect your microphone directly, and your voice will be automatically mixed with the music for your live stream. Twitch DJs, rejoice!
3. Smart Features: Cheating for a good cause?
Pioneer has built two new magic buttons into the FLX4 that were missing on the DDJ-400:
- Smart Fader: Automatically adjusts BPM and bass. It feels a bit like parking assistance in a car – technically it’s cheating, but your mix sounds damn good.
- Smart CFX: Create complex effect combinations with just one turn of the knob. Perfect when you need one hand free to hold your cold drink.
New in the family: What about the DDJ-FLX2?
Recently, a new member joined the lineup: the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX2. It’s even smaller, even lighter, and practically fits into your laptop bag. But be careful: it’s not a direct replacement for the FLX4!
The FLX2 is perfect for your pocket and DJing with your smartphone in the park. However, it saves on controls (no trim knobs!) and has significantly smaller jog wheels. The FLX4 remains the real tool for anyone who seriously wants to learn DJing.
The ultimate comparison
| Feature | DDJ-400 (Oldie) | DDJ-FLX4 (Test winner) | DDJ-FLX2 (Ultra-mobile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB connection | USB-B (old) | USB-C (modern) | USB-C (modern) |
| Software | rekordbox | rekordbox, Serato, djay | rekordbox, djay |
| Smart assists | No | Yes (Fader & CFX) | Yes (Smart CFX) |
| EQ & Trim | Full | Full | Limited |
| Target group | Used buyers | Ambitious beginners | Mobile & party DJs |
Our verdict: The DDJ-FLX4 remains the best overall package for your money.
Get the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 now
AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 – Compact DJ Controller for Smartphone, Tablet and Computer The AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 is an easy-to-use DJ controller compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers. Smart features help DJ beginners learn to mix quickly. At the same time, it is also a compact, space-saving solution for advanced DJs at home or on the go. Key Features at a Glance Compact, easy-to-use DJ controller Compatible with smartphone, tablet and computer Works with multiple DJ apps and streaming services Smart features help newcomers learn to mix quickly Smart CFX and Smart Fader for optimised mixing Performance pads with Pad Mode Select, Pad FX, Hot Cue and Sampler Bluetooth 4.2 (Low Energy) and USB Type-C The lightest and most compact DJ controller from AlphaTheta / Pioneer DJ Compatible with Popular DJ Apps and Streaming Services The DDJ-FLX2 works with various popular DJ applications, including rekordbox, djay and Serato DJ Lite. Various streaming services can also be used, so the setup can be tailored to individual styles and preferences. rekordbox for Mac/Windows rekordbox for iOS/Android djay Pro for Mac/Windows djay for iOS/Android Serato DJ Lite Serato DJ Pro – licence required Smart CFX and Smart Fader – Mix Like the Pros Smart CFX lets you recreate complex, dynamic effect techniques known from professional DJs with a simple turn of a knob – ideal for blending tracks and making performances more dynamic. The Smart Fader automatically optimises control of volume, BPM and bass – exactly the parameters that matter when transitioning between tracks. Performance Pads and Sampler With the performance pads and the Pad Mode Select and Pad FX features, tracks can be changed with ease. The Sampler lets you add sound effects or try out performance techniques such as finger drumming. As the lightest and most compact DJ controller from AlphaTheta / Pioneer DJ, the DDJ-FLX2 can be taken anywhere. Specifications – AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (USB) Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): 102 dB (USB) Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.006 % (USB) Outputs: 1 x MASTER (3.5 mm mini stereo jack) Headphone output: 3.5 mm mini stereo jack USB: USB Type-C Bluetooth: 4.2 (Low Energy) Maximum transmission range: approx. 10 m under unobstructed conditions Bluetooth frequency band: 2.4 GHz Bluetooth modulation method: FH-SS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) Power supply: USB bus power (with mobile devices without a USB Type-C port, the connection is made via Bluetooth) Power consumption: DC 5 V, 500 mA Dimensions: 383.2 × 208 × 48.2 mm Weight: 1.2 kg Scope of Delivery AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 USB cable (C to C) Quick start guide Safety instructions for initial operation
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4: Der ultimative 2-Kanal DJ-Controller für Einsteiger Der Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 ist der rechtmäßige Nachfolger des legendären DDJ-400 und setzt neue Maßstäbe für Einsteiger-Equipment. Dieser benutzerfreundliche 2-Kanal-Controller kombiniert ein professionelles Layout mit intuitiven Bedienelementen, die direkt von der Club-Standard-Hardware von Pioneer DJ inspiriert sind. Ideal für alle, die das Auflegen lernen oder ihr Setup kompakt und mobil halten möchten. Maximale Flexibilität: Kompatibel mit rekordbox, Serato & Mobile Apps Egal welches System du bevorzugst: Der DDJ-FLX4 bietet nahtlose Konnektivität für PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad und Android-Geräte. Nutze die volle Power von rekordbox oder Serato DJ Lite (kostenlos inkludiert). Ein besonderes Highlight ist die Unterstützung der djay App. Dank Bluetooth®-Unterstützung und USB-C-Anschluss gelingen spontane DJ-Sessions ohne Kabelsalat. Intelligente Features für professionelle Mixe Der DDJ-FLX4 unterstützt dich mit innovativen Funktionen dabei, wie ein Profi zu klingen, auch wenn du gerade erst anfängst: Smart Fader: Passt BPM und Lautstärke automatisch an für perfekte Übergänge zwischen verschiedenen Genres. Smart CFX: Erzeuge komplexe Effekt-Kombinationen mit nur einer Drehung am Regler. USB-Streaming: Das Mikrofonsignal wird direkt in den USB-Output gemischt – ideal für Live-Streams auf Twitch oder YouTube. Technische Ausstattung & Soundqualität Trotz seiner kompakten Maße liefert der DDJ-FLX4 einen kristallklaren, druckvollen Sound. Mit der integrierten 24-Bit Soundkarte und zwei modernen USB-C Anschlüssen ist er bestens für die Zukunft gerüstet. Technische Daten im Überblick Kanäle / Jog-Wheels 2-Kanal Controller mit kapazitiven Jogs Audio-Interface 16/24 Bit, 44.1/48 kHz Frequenzbereich 20 – 20.000 Hz Anschlüsse 1x Mic (Klinke), 1x Master (Cinch), 1x Phones (3,5 mm) USB-Schnittstelle 2x USB-C (PC/Mac & Power) Maße & Gewicht 482 × 272,8 × 59,2 mm | 2,1 kg Perfekt abgestimmtes Zubehör für den DDJ-FLX4 Um das Beste aus deinem neuen Setup herauszuholen, empfehlen wir die passende Ergänzung. Von sicherem Transport bis zum perfekten Monitoring – bei Zoundhouse findest du alles, was du brauchst: Schutz & Transport: Ein passendes Hardcase oder eine Tragetasche schützt die Jog-Wheels und Fader vor Staub und Stößen. DJ-Kopfhörer: Erlebe präzises Vorhören mit Kopfhörern, die speziell auf die Impedanz des DDJ-FLX4 abgestimmt sind. Aktive Monitorboxen: Verbinde den Controller direkt mit kompakten Lautsprechern für einen satten Club-Sound in deinem Zimmer. Tipp: Schau dir unten unsere passenden Bundle-Angebote an und spare beim Kauf von Zubehör!
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