As this controller wouldn’t can’t connect to a professional balanced set up, the booth connection seems a strange decision. Despite being capacitive, they act very similar to Pioneer DJ’s infamous CDJ jogs: weighted, noisy, and tactile.

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6-GT is compatible with various DJ software applications, including rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro and is also compatible with VirtualDJ (license available separately) and TRAKTOR PRO 3 by downloading the TSI file. And, it’s the same sort of thing: built-in Traktor FX and functions to make an approximation of Merge FX, with weird quirks that don’t match the other software. Designed for both beginners and those who want to further develop their skills and start performing, the DDJ-FLX6-GT has improved playability and a new, super stylish look. When you activate Merge FX, you can see the software engaging built-in FX and sampler to try and simulate the sound.I did, however, find the unit to be more responsive with Serato DJ, but that may just be due to the fact that Serato DJ has traditionally optimized as a lighter program designed for turntablists. Pioneer DJ supply the DDJ-FLX6 with both Rekordbox (the Flex is a hardware unlock device) and Serato DJ Pro. This is where sounds that have been allocated to the sampler can be loaded on to the decks, which in turn can be used with the Jog Cutter function.

That said, the FLX-6 is a Rekordbox unit first and foremost, as its Serato DJ integration isn’t nearly as tight – there’s no MIDI mapping and less customization over features like Merge FX. The layout, inclusion of full-sized jog wheels, and brand-new Jog Cutter feature on the DDJ FLX6 GT allow for energetic and intuitive performances. Sample Scratch relies on Rekordbox’s usual sample bank and sadly offers less options than Serato’s Scratch bank.The Magma DJ Controller Workstation For Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 is customized to transport and protect the Pioneer DDJ-FLX6-GT / DDJ-FLX6 controller.

The FLX6, however, features a new high-quality dark grey matte finish and re-designed jog wheels that will be sure to make your DJ setup stand out. VirtualDJ is compatible with the updated unit (licenses available separately), which also offers free use of the rekordbox Core plan and Serato DJ Pro. The FLX6 features the same sized jog wheels as traditional CDJ units with an inbuilt needle position indicator.The new unit adds support for VirtualDJ (license available separately), while retaining free compatibility with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro. Sample Scratch is a new pad mode in rekordbox which allows you to select sounds that have been assigned to the sampler and then load them on to the decks, which allows you to scratch with your favourite sounds.

The DDJ-FLX6 looks to be Pioneer DJ’s solution to this market, providing a midrange controller that focuses on performance features. The controller gives any DJ an edge when it comes to performing, and is a great way to keep the crowd's attention and take them on a journey they will not forget. Turn on Jog Cutter and simply move the jog wheel to apply a professional-sounding scratch effect to the last Hot Cue or playback position you used on that deck.I predict that the FLX6 will sell quite well with home DJs, who finally have an affordable four-channel controller with large jogs. All new on the DDJ-FLX6-GT is the jog cutter, this allows you to add professional scratch sounds without having to actually scratch yourself – aiding learning of how scratch works.