DJing has exploded from niche hobby to mainstream entertainment.
But you’ll hit limitations trying to perform advanced mixing techniques on basic 2 deck controllers.
Using an advanced 4 deck DJ controller unlocks far greater creative possibilities through simultaneously manipulating up to 4 channels of audio.
Let’s explore what sets these controllers apart and how having 4 decks enables more intricate performances compared to entry-level gear.
What is A 4 Deck DJ Controller?
A 4 deck DJ controller is a hardware device that enables DJs to manually control and mix between 4 channels or “decks” of audio all at once using jog wheels, faders, equalizers, transport controls, and other components dedicated to each deck.
This allows for incredibly creative transitions, mashups, textures, and performances compared to limiting 2 channel controllers.
Now let’s explore more deeply why 4 decks sets elite controllers apart.
What is a DJ Controller?
A DJ controller is a hardware device that allows manual manipulation and playing of audio files through physical controls like jog wheels, faders, knobs, pads, buttons, and other components.
It serves as the central interface that DJs use to mix songs, transition between tracks, add effects, and perform advanced DJing techniques.
Controllers give tactile feedback and control that is not possible with just a laptop and software.
They are designed to emulate the feel of working on actual vinyl turntables or CDJ media players in the digital age while adding more flexibility and features.
DJ controllers work in conjunction with DJ software installed on a computer.
The software handles the playback and loading of music files, while the controller functions as the physical interface to control that software.
Popular DJ software packages include Traktor, Serato DJ, Rekordbox, and Virtual DJ.
Settings and device drivers allow the software and controller to communicate back and forth, making the controller a dedicated hardware controller for the DJ software on the computer.
Benefits of Using a Controller vs Laptop Only
Using a dedicated DJ controller has many benefits compared to only using a mouse, keyboard, and laptop screen to DJ.
Controllers give important tactile feedback and a sense of mechanical control that feels more natural and intuitive when mixing.
The physical knobs, faders, wheels, and buttons mimic the functionality of actual turntables and CDJs, helping replicate that familiar experience digitally.
Additionally, DJ controllers have large jog wheels for scratching, pitch bending, and tempo adjustment which provide greater accuracy and feel than a slippery laptop trackpad or mouse.
The dedicated controls allow DJs to learn tactilely and develop muscle memory.
Performing DJ tricks like beatmatching tracks, transitioning on phrase, slip cueing, scratching, and effects manipulation is much easier with the hands-on control that controllers provide.
Finally, lugging DJ controllers to gigs is easier than bringing multiple laptops or surfaces that are not purpose-built for DJing.
Having an all-in-one unit reduces setup time and the change of technical difficulties.
The tactile control, portability, and reliability make controllers very popular among hobbyists and professionals alike compared to laptop-only DJ setups.
Key Features of a 4 Deck DJ Controller
The key feature that defines a 4 deck DJ controller is the ability to independently control 4 channels or “decks” of audio at the same time.
This allows DJs to mix and layer between up to 4 separate tracks or music streams simultaneously.
Most basic controllers only have 2 channels, for playing one song into another.
But 4 deck controllers open up vastly more mixing capability and creativity.
On a 4 deck controller, each deck or channel has its own separate set of controls including a touch-sensitive jog wheel, volume fader and meters, EQ knobs, transport controls, cue points, sampler buttons, and often an effects dial.
This provides individual control and monitoring for 4 independent audio sources.
Additionally, a master mixer section ties the 4 channels together with controls like headphones cue, master levels, and crossfader assignment switches to transition between various combinations of the 4 decks.
Having 4 decks exponentially increases the mixing combinations versus only 2 channels.
DJs gain the flexibility to mix between tracks, incorporate external inputs, blend streaming audio, integrate samplers and drum machines, and more creatively cue tracks and layer sounds.
The additional decks essentially act as extra virtual turntables for more intricate blending.
Mixing Capabilities with 4 Decks
The main benefit of 4 deck DJ controllers compared to standard 2 deck controllers is having double the audio channels for much more intricate and interesting mixing capabilities.
Instead of simply transitioning between 2 tracks at a time, 4 decks allow effortlessly switching, blending, and layering up to 4 separate tracks or loops.
Key mixing techniques enabled by 4 decks include spinning longer DJ sets with more seamless track transitions by cueing up the next song on an unused deck before mixing it in.
DJs can also get creative by smoothly mixing different combinations of the 4 decks playing simultaneously.
Layering and mashing up elements of multiple tracks in unique ways becomes simpler than with only 2 channels.
Additionally, the 2 extra decks tend to be used for adding samples, acapella loops, drum patterns, external synths, virtual instruments, and more creative musical elements both independently and on top of a full mix.
Effects like echoes, filters, and beat-synced loops can also engage multiple channels for more complex sonic manipulation.
Ultimately, 4 decks greatly enhances both smooth transitions between songs for continuous energy and also richer musical compositions from layering more sounds together.
Popular Brands and Models of 4 Deck Controllers
As 4 deck DJ controllers have continued to gain mainstream popularity, major DJ hardware companies have released their own flagship 4 channel controllers.
Some popular and well-reviewed 4 deck controller models include:
Pioneer DDJ-1000
Pioneer is an industry leader, making the CDJs and mixers found in most professional clubs.
The DDJ-1000 emulates the pro gear with excellent quality jog wheels, an intuitive layout, and integrated display screens.
It works seamlessly with Rekordbox DJ software and comes feature-packed.
Denon MC7000
Long respected for their innovative media players, Denon now also makes quality DJ controllers.
The full metal MC7000 has a premium feel, offering balanced layout with 4 big jog wheels and integrated screens.
It delivers advanced features for the price point.
Numark NVII
Numark have been making beginner-friendly yet full-featured controllers for years.
The NVII 4 deck builds on past success with an integrated laptop mount, LCD displays, and extensive compatibility with all major DJ programs, affordable for new hobbyists.
Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3
If using Native Instruments’ industry-standard Traktor software, the Traktor S4 gives deep program integration with advanced Remix Decks and Stems mixing capabilities alongside standard 4 deck control in a compact form factor.
While these controllers have similarities in key functionality, they each offer unique interfaces,build construction, integration with different software, reliability, and price points.
Many also come in 2 deck versions to suit different needs and budgets.
But they all deliver professional 4 deck mixing capability.
Conclusion
In summary, a 4 deck DJ controller is a powerful hardware interface that unlocks more creative mixing potential versus limiting 2 deck controllers.
Offering simultaneous control of 4 channels or “decks” of audio rather than just two allows DJs to smoothly transition between more musical elements while also layering tracks in more intricate ways.
Leading brands like Pioneer, Denon, Numark, and Native Instruments all offer quality 4 deck controllers that integrate with DJ software to deliver exceptional tactile control over dynamic and engaging live sets.
With the right controller and practice, amateur bedroom DJs and professionals alike can unlock enhanced mixing and performance capabilities from the expanded creative possibilities enabled by 4 simultaneous decks.