The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 inherits a professional feel from other controllers in the Pioneer DJ range, but removes many of the barriers which often put people off giving DJing a try. It’s compatible with PC and Mac computers, Android, as well as mobile devices, so you can connect it to the device you use every day. There’s a choice of DJ apps to mix music with, including the free Serato DJ Lite software for PC/Mac, or the upgraded Serato DJ Pro if you buy a license or take out a subscription. You’ll find it easy to start mixing music when you get your hands on the DDJ-FLX4, even if you’re a complete beginner. The design is clean and user-friendly, so you can find your way around the controls. DJing for the first time won’t feel daunting on the DDJ-FLX4, especially when you try out the controller’s two Smart Mixing features. Switch on Smart Fader, and you can effortlessly transition between two tracks—even if you want to go from one musical genre to another, which is usually a difficult skill to master. Simply moving the fader makes the BPM, volume, bass volume and other aspects of the music automatically adjust to create a smooth transition—and you don’t even need to have the sync function turned on. And, you can spice up your favorite tracks with Smart CFX, which applies complicated combinations of effects to the music with the turn of a single knob. When you’re ready to share your performances with friends and followers, the DDJ-FLX4 is the perfect piece of gear. Its USB mic output means you don’t need an external mixer or sound card to add your voice to your mix. This makes streaming your set from a single computer seamless. Smart Mixing Don’t know how to mix? Don’t worry. You can get started right away with the Smart Fader feature, which automatically adjusts the speed, volume and frequencies of the music, so you can smoothly transition from one track to the next. This means you can have fun and get a grasp of other fundamental DJ skills, such as track selection and cueing, before you start learning how to beat match and EQ. Plus, with Smart CFX, you can put your own stamp on every song, by simply turning a knob to apply a combination of effects that will add drama to the sound. USB Audio Output If you’re keen to MC or sing in your sets, you’d usually need a separate mixer or sound card to mix the audio from the microphone with the music before inputting it to your computer or device. But the DDJ-FLX4 streamlines your workflow by mixing the audio for you, so you can connect the controller to a single device—and hear your mix along with the output from the microphone. Serato and rekordbox Compatibility You can also use rekordbox with a PC or Mac, as well as Serato DJ Lite. And if you want to upgrade to Serato DJ Pro for PC/Mac, you can buy a license or subscription for the premium version of the software.