When you’re mixing, having one or two extra channels to play around with can open up a whole new world of possibilities. Whether you’re blending three or more tracks, or using another deck for samples, having a 4-channel setup can unlock lots of exciting advanced techniques to really take your mixes up a level.
This used to need three of four CDJs or turntables as well as a whole lot of skill. But now, thanks to DJ software like rekordbox and Serato, as well as more affordable controllers, four deck mixing is more accessible than ever.
If you’ve ever wanted to explore all the fun options 4-deck mixing can bring, we’ve put together a complete guide to the best four-channel DJ controllers and standalones on the market today.
Why Upgrade to a 4-Channel Controller?
Having an extra couple of decks available is one of those things where you might not immediately feel like you’ll need it, but once you start using them, it’s hard to go back to just two.
You can use the third and fourth decks to mix in extra tracks, allowing you to create more unique sets. This is especially powerful when blending in things like acapellas, which can let you craft mashups and remixes on the fly.
Some four-channel controllers also come with inputs for external sources. This allows you to hook up things like turntables, synths, and drum machines to create a unique hybrid setup.
Also, having an extra deck on hand to search, prepare and cue up tracks is super useful. While you’ve got two tracks playing on the other decks, you can load up another track on a third to get everything ready before you drop it in.
Best 4-Channel Controllers
AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6
The DDJ-GRV6 is the most affordable 4-channel option from AlphaTheta (previously known as Pioneer DJ), and it brought in a couple of unique and powerful features. You can now create remixes live with the Groove Circuit, which allows you to isolate, swap out and chop up the drum parts of a track. There are also powerful Stems features that let you control and manipulate individual elements of your tunes.
Even without considering these features, it’s a quality controller. Its design mirrors much of what you’ll find on the club-standard CDJ setups, and the build quality is greatly improved compared to previous models.
RRP – £719
Key Features:
- Groove Circuit: Exclusive to rekordbox, this feature allows DJs to isolate, swap, and manipulate drum parts of a track for live remixing.
- Stems FX: In Serato DJ Pro, apply effects like Roll, Trans, Echo Out, and Delay to individual track elements such as drums, bass, vocals, or melody.
- Smart Rotary Selector: Enables intuitive navigation through media libraries with tilt and rotation functions.
- Club-Standard Layout: Large jog wheels, 8 performance pads positioned above the jogs, and Beat FX from the DJM-A9 mixer section.
Ideal For: Intermediate DJs after a club-style controller or looking to do live remixes.
Pioneer DDJ-FLX10
As Pioneer’s flagship controller, the DDJ-FLX10 is designed to give you the closest thing to the club experience in a more portable and affordable package. You get full-size CDJ-style mechanical jog wheels with built-in displays, as well as a full club-style mixer section.
There are also Track Separation features that let you control the different stems with the EQ knobs as well as an automatic mixing feature and lighting control, making this even more capable than the club setups it’s styled after.
RRP – £1,469
Key Features:
- Full-size mechanical jogwheels with integrated displays.
- Track Separation: Isolate and manipulate stems with EQ knobs.
- Built-in lighting control and automatic mixing functions.
Ideal For: Pro mobile DJs looking for a complete feature set in a more affordable and compact setup.
Numark NS4FX
The Numark NS4FX is one of the cheapest ways to get into 4-channel mixing. Despite its entry-level price, it still comes with a few more advanced features you wouldn’t usually find at this level. It’s got decent sized jogwheels with displays and balanced XLR outputs that offer high-quality 24-bit sound, making it suitable for use in professional venues.
It is limited by only coming with Serato Lite instead of Pro, which is a pretty significant drawback compared to some of its competitors and makes its value a bit more questionable.
RRP – £485
Key Features:
- Balanced XLR Outputs: High-quality 24-bit sound suitable for club and event use.
- Layered Jog Wheel Displays: Show track progress and BPM for improved performance accuracy.
- Compact and Lightweight: Portable design ideal for beginner DJs starting out.
Ideal For: Budget-conscious DJs looking to explore 4-deck mixing.
Traktor Kontrol S3
The S3 sits in the middle of Trakors lineup of controllers and still offers 4-deck mixing without many of the fancier features of its older brother. The decks, while not motorised, are still decent and feature an LED surround, which makes 4-deck mixing more intuitive.
The biggest drawback of this controller is that it doesn’t have any dedicated effects controls, which is a major loss, especially as effects are one of Traktor’s biggest strong points.
RRP – £499
Key Features:
- LED Jog Indicators: Clear visual feedback to simplify 4-deck mixing for beginners.
- Streamlined Design: Intuitive layout for DJs new to Traktor Pro.
- Compact and Affordable: A budget-friendly way to access 4-deck Traktor functionality.
Ideal For: Entry-level Traktor DJs exploring 4-channel mixing.
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
The Kontrol S4 MK3 is the top-of-the-line option for Traktor DJs and brings a couple of powerful features. Most notable are its motorised haptic jogwheels which help provide a more authentic vinyl-style feel and physical feedback that’s great for scratching or manual beatmatching – and they’re also pretty cool.
As well as this, the S4 MK3 improves on previous models by bringing in hi-res displays and a range of controls to pair seamlessly with the newer generations of Traktor DJ software.
RRP – £799
Key Features:
- Motorized Haptic Jog Wheels: Provide tactile feedback for vinyl-style mixing, ideal for scratching.
- High-Res Deck Displays: Built into jog wheels, showing essential track information at a glance.
- Mixer FX: Simple, one-touch effects for on-the-fly creativity.
Ideal For: Traktor DJs after advanced controls and vinyl-style feel.
Roland DJ-707
Roland are probably better known by many for their music production equipment than DJing gear, but the DJ-707 is a Serato controller that can go head-to-head with anything. It’s managed to cram 4 channels and a whole heap of features into a package the size of most 2-channel controllers.
The 707 also features some of Roland’s legendary drum machines built in, which allow you to create fun remixes live, but they’re less prominent than some of their more hybrid performance-focused models.
RRP – £879
Key Features:
- Built-In TR Drum Sounds: Legendary Roland drum machines for live beat creation.
- Compact Yet Full-Featured: Packs professional-grade 4-channel mixing into a portable form factor.
- Advanced Microphone Controls: Includes two mic inputs with dedicated effects.
Ideal For: Mobile DJs who need portability as well as producers who want to experiment with beats.
Reloop Mixon 8 Pro
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is a versatile 4-channel DJ controller that’s designed to work with both Serato DJ Pro and Algoriddim’s djay Pro software – it even comes with a built in stand to hold a iPad. It also offers basically every connectivity option you’d want, including four external inputs (two switchable between line and phono), dual microphone inputs with talkover functionality, and balanced XLR master outputs.
There are also four FX paddles and two effects control areas, which gives you an immense amount of flexibility and control over shaping your tracks.
RRP – £1099
Key Features:
- Dual-Software Compatibility: Fully supports both Serato DJ Pro and Algoriddim djay Pro.
- Customizable FX Paddles: Four paddles let you assign and manipulate effects in real time.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Four external inputs, dual mic inputs, and balanced XLR outputs.
Ideal For: DJs after a portable and versatile option, especially for open-format gigs.
Rane Four
The Rane Four is a premium 4-channel DJ controller designed to integrate seamlessly with Serato DJ Pro. One of its standout features is the STEMS SPLIT button, which allows DJs to divide a track into instrumental and acapella sections, assigning each to its own channel for creative mixing possibilities.
On top of this, you also get 22 built-in hardware effects, which are engineered to complement Serato’s software effects. Overall the build quality is also top-tier, as you’d expect for a flagship controller.
RRP – £1,499
Key Features:
- 22 Studio-Grade FX: High-quality hardware effects engineered to integrate perfectly with Serato DJ Pro.
- Dedicated STEMS Pads: Assign specific track elements to pads for dynamic remixing.
- Quality full-size jogwheels: 8.5 inch platters perfect for scratching.
Ideal For: Advanced Serato DJs after a good mix of scratch and club-style features.
Best 4-Channel Standalones
AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ
The XDJ-AZ basically brings a complete club-standard CDJ-3000 and DJM-A9 setup into a compact and more affordable package. You get all of the state-of-the-art features, including full-size CDJ-style mechanical jogwheels, the whole range of effects and a fantastic 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Unlike the XDJ-XZ this replaces, the XZ offers true 4 channel playback in an all-in-one system by letting you switch between which decks you’re controlling. There’s also support for a range of streaming and connection options.
RRP – £2,799
Key Features:
- True 4-Deck Playback: Independent control of four decks without external devices.
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen: High-resolution screen for intuitive navigation.
- CDJ-Style Jog Wheels: Full-size jogs with adjustable tension for ultimate control.
- Extensive Media Support: Play from USB drives, SD cards, or external sources.
Ideal For: DJs seeking a standalone setup that mirrors the club-standard CDJ experience.
Pioneer DJ Opus Quad
The Opus Quad offers an eye-catching design that veers away from traditional DJ gear, but it’s not just a pretty face – this is a highly capable modern all-in-one system. You get 4 channel playback, a 10.1-inch touchscreen and displays above each deck. The jogwheels and mixer are borrowed from the last generation of club-standard Pioneer DJ gear.
Coming in at nearly the same price and with many of the same features of the XDJ-AZ, it’s a hard call between them and will largely come down to design preferences.
RRP – £2,899
Key Features:
- Unique Aesthetic Design: Unique ergonomic build that breaks away from traditional DJ gear.
- Zone playback: Send different audio outputs to different rooms
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Support: Stream tracks directly without additional hardware.
- XY-Pad FX Control: Hands-on effects manipulation for creative sound shaping.
Ideal For: DJs and venues after an eye-catching and feature-packed setup.
Denon Prime 4+
The Denon Prime 4+ is an incredibly powerful all-in-one DJ system that’s capable of 4-channel standalone playback and because of its wide range of streaming options and inbuilt harddrive support, it’s a perfect option for mobile and open-format DJs. It’s also got a whole range of advanced performance features, and a great selection of effects as well as lighting control.
For more info on how the Prime 4+ and XDJ-AZ compare, check out our full comparison.
RRP – £2,299
Key Features:
- Onboard Streaming and HDD: Access online music services or store tracks directly in the unit.
- Built-In Lighting Control: Synchronize light shows using SoundSwitch integration.
Ideal For: Open-format DJs who need versatility and powerful performance tools.
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