The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 has been a popular pick for many DJs after a reasonably priced and highly capable controller for rekordbox or Serato. But the newer DDJ-GRV6 has come along with some exciting new features that look set to shake up the mid-priced controller market.
They’re both aimed squarely at intermediate DJs looking for feature-packed controllers as an upgrade from their beginner setups. Despite the different names on the top of these, they’re made by the same people – Pioneer DJ renamed to AlphaTheta in 2023 – and the GRV6 is intended to be the direct replacement for the FLX6. Pioneer made two versions of the FLX6 – the standard FLX6 and the FLX6GT. The only differences with the GT were a new graphite colour scheme and slightly upgraded jog wheels. As they’re so similar, for this comparison, we’ll use the term FLX6 to refer to either of these models.
We’ll break down the differences between the FLX6 and GRV6, covering everything from features to build quality, performance, and value for money.
Key Features:
DDJ-FLX6
The FLX6 has a couple of special features that make it stand out from the pack. Its headline feature is Merge FX, which aims to make transitioning between genres or BPMs super easy. By twisting a dial, you can create a buildup or breakdown to jump from one track to the next. This is sometimes handy when you need a crazy transition between two completely different tracks, but overall it’s not the most useful thing to have on a controller.
The Jog Cutter is the FLX6’s other party trick. It’s supposed to let you automate scratch patterns by controlling them with the jog wheel. Quite frankly, it’s not worth bothering with. It rarely works as intended and sounds pretty cheesy when it does work.
DDJ-GRV6
The standout feature of the GRV6 is undeniably its unique ‘Groove Circuit’. This allows you to strip out the drums of a track and swap them out with new loops or even extract and remix drums from other songs. It’s perfect for DJs who want to remix and mess around with tracks live on the fly. This is certainly a powerful tool and definitely fun to play around with, but is currently held back by rekordbox stems not sounding too clean.
If you’re into Serato DJ Pro, instead of the Groove Circuit, you get a Stems FX feature. This lets you isolate different elements of a track—vocals, bass, melody, or drums—and apply individual effects like echo, roll, and delay to each stem. This is a really unique tool and sounds great, thanks to Serato’s top-tier stems extraction. How much you’ll end up using it, however, depends on what kind of DJ you are.
Verdict:
In our opinion, the features on the GRV6 vs FLX6 are night and day. AlphaTheta have clearly heard peoples feedback on the FLX6’s special features and massively improved it on the GRV6. You now have a couple of genuinely useful and innovative tools that you’ll actually want to use in your sets. Rekordbox users will find the Groove Circuit still limited by the software, but regardless, this is an easy win for the GRV6.
Build and Design:
DDJ-FLX6
When we first reviewed the FLX6, one of our biggest complaints was with the build quality of the unit. As a mid-priced product, you can only expect so much but we still felt a bit let down. It’s by no means terrible but the whole thing just feels a bit plasticky and cheap, especially compared to some of its competitors.
We were certainly impressed by the full-size CDJ-style jog wheels, even if they’re not the best feeling. In terms of design, the two units are broadly similar, but this has more of the typical controller layout with the performance pads under the jog wheel. The pads are ok but a bit ‘clicky’ and not as premium as found on some other models. If you’re a bedroom DJ or taking it to casual gigs, it’ll do just fine, but it might not hold up as well in more rugged environments.
DDJ-GRV6
The GRV6 brings the more premium feel that you’d expect from AlphaTheta’s higher-end gear. From the matte black finish to the large jog wheels inspired by the CDJ-3000, everything feels solid, and built to withstand the wear and tear of regular gigging. This isn’t a plasticky toy you’ll grow out of – it feels like a serious piece of gear.
Layout-wise it’s designed to mimic club-standard setups, which means you’ll have no problem transitioning to pro-level gear when the time comes. For example, the performance pads are now above the jog wheels and the effects are in the same format as Pioneer club mixers.
Verdict:
In terms of build quality, the GRV6 took a clear step up from its predecessor. For the extra money, you’d expect an improvement and this does make it take the step up from the realm of bedroom DJ gear to more serious equipment.
Compatibility and Connectivity:
DDJ-FLX6
The FLX6, like all of the FLX (Flexible) range of controllers from Pioneer DJ, is designed to work with both rekordbox and Serato. It also hardware unlocks rekordbox performance mode and Serato Pro, which is a big step up from may controllers which just unlock Serato Lite.
For connections, the FLX6 falls a bit short. It only has unbalanced RCA outputs, which is fine for home or small setups but not ideal for a club gig. It’s powered through USB, which is great for portability but limits the controller’s overall power output. That said, if you’re just streaming or playing small gigs, this probably won’t be a dealbreaker. But for more professional setups, you’ll miss those balanced XLR or ¼ inch connections.
DDJ-GRV6
The GRV6 offers an upgrade on the FLX6 with both RCA and balanced ¼ inch outputs. This puts it more in line with ‘pro’ DJ gear that would be more at home in a proper venue or club. The USB-C connectivity also makes it future-proof and ready for any device, whether it’s a laptop or mobile.
In terms of software, it works exactly the same, with both Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox being supported and hardware unlocked.
Verdict:
The main difference between these two units is the upgraded audio outputs on the back. This is unlikely to be a major factor for many DJs, but if you’d like to take these controllers out to mix live in clubs, the GRV6 just edges out.
Value for Money: Worth the Investment?
DDJ-FLX6
Coming in at a retail price of £569/$599, the FLX6 offers pretty solid value for money in a competitive mid-priced controller market. As a four-channel controller for both rekordbox and Serato, its a highly capable unit, even when you put its extra features aside. For the money, however, you’d be well within your right to expect a higher build quality. This doesn’t feel like it’s been designed as something to last you for years. Indeed, we’d imagine many DJs will outgrow this quicker than they will with the GRV6.
DDJ-GRV6
For its new model, AlphaTheta did have a pretty hefty price increase, up to £719/$829. However, we feel the increase in quality, design, and features more than justifies it. The new Groove Circuit and Stems FX features are a lot of fun and are certainly capable but while they’ll take most of the headline, they’re not what makes this great. Above all, this actually feels like a proper bit of pro-level DJ gear, both in build and layout – we love having the CDJ and DJM style format in a mid-level 4-channel mixer.
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a long-term investment, the GRV6 is worth the extra money. The FLX6 is cheaper, but it feels more like a stepping stone rather than a controller you’ll stick with for years.
Final Thoughts: GRV6 vs FLX6 – which one’s best for you?
If you’re serious about DJing and looking to explore more creative and professional-level features, the AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 is the way to go. Its remixing tools, sturdy build, and superior connectivity make it a controller that can go with you from bedroom practice to club performances.
While fun and accessible, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 feels a bit more limited. It’s a solid option for beginners, but if you’re planning to advance your skills and perform in bigger venues, you might outgrow it pretty quickly.
Now that it’s being discontinued, you might start to see the FLX6 appear second-hand. If you can get a used unit for a good price, it’s still a very capable piece of gear. The additional features will largely be gimmicks to most DJs, but even without them, it’s still a great controller.
If you want to learn how to get the most out of either of these controllers, check out our Rekordbox Intermediate course. You’ll learn the performance features and effects of your DJ controller as well as tips, tricks and techniques to start thinking outside of the box and mixing creatively.
7.5 hours 49 lessons Intermediate
Rekordbox DJ Course
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