In addition to the small pitch faders, the performance pads are identical in size and build to those found on entry level Pioneer DJ controllers with a button placed inside the pads.

Serato does its best to imitate the Merge FX from the true rekordbox version, but it’s not quite the same.

The lack of balanced XLR or ¼ outputs is a turn-off for many pro DJs, as PA systems tend to rely on the greater stability of balanced outputs. Because there are four channels in use, tracks can be played on decks 1 and 2, while scratching can be done on decks 3 and 4.

headphone jacks, meaning no flimsy adapters are required to connect professional headphones to the device. Nonetheless, the FLX6 has found a seemingly untouched niche in the DJ market, and will likely sell very well to lower-budget hobbyist DJs. The new unit adds support for VirtualDJ (license available separately), and retains free compatibility with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro.With full-sized jogs, four channels, and a plethora of new (albeit slightly confusing) performance features, the FLX6 is very enticing for hobbyist DJs who want features without breaking the bank. Powered by the same USB cable used to connect the computer, the FLX6 is limited to unbalanced audio connections. Jog cutter doesn’t seem to do anything, here, and generally speaking, non-Native Instruments Traktor controllers that are MIDI-mapped in this way are notoriously laggy. The idea is that you could build out of one of these tracks, and then just drop mix straight into the next deck by hitting play. This is a direly needed solution to a long-standing annoyance for scratch DJs, who previously had to load tracks filled with consecutive scratch samples and navigate them with hot cues.

The best part about this new feature is that it is accessible to users who are new to scratching and have never scratched before. Press it to engage the effect, turn it to alter the speed to add tension to the music, and press the knob again to release the effect. The DDJ FLX6 also comes complete with FX Pack and Pitch ‘n Time DJ Expansion Packs license keys for Serato DJ Pro, which allows access to these advance features whichever application is selected. With a built-in sound card and support for DJ Performance functions in rekordbox (equivalent to the Core plan) and Serato DJ Pro, all you need to do is connect the DDJ-FLX6 via USB cable to a laptop that’s running either software application and you can start DJing.The Serato FX Pack and Pitch 'n Time DJ Expansion Pack licence keys are also included with the DJ controller. The controls on the DDJ-FLX6-GT are set up the same way as on its predecessor, which is a club-standard CDJ + DJM setup. The beauty is that it can be done at any point throughout any track and then play can be selected on the other deck to introduce the next track (from any genre with a different BPM) flawlessly. As for the professional market, I believe a Mk2 version is needed with balanced outputs before the FLX can be viable for them. If you already own a beginner controller, the FLX6 would only be advisable if having access to four decks was essential.