Although similar in appearance to the CDJ units, these jog wheels are capacitive rather than mechanical. As for the professional market, I believe a Mk2 version is needed with balanced outputs before the FLX can be viable for them. All you need to do is connect using a USB cable to a connected laptop that is running either of the music software applications, and you are ready to get DJing. No matter the BPM or key of the next track, add drama to your set by using the Merge FX feature to mix different styles of music. The unit is bus powered and, when connected over USB, it will unlock whichever included software platform you choose.

The new Merge FX feature makes it easy to add flair to sets and mix between genres, regardless of the BMP or Key of the next track. It has one button to toggle between each of the six different effects in Serato and Rekordbox FX banks, which can be chosen by the user. 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. The mic input does not have soundcard connectivity, thus it does not output sound to software recording or streaming programs directly.In total, if rekordbox is the selected music software management system then there are eight Merge FX pattern presets (this reduces to four if Serato DJ Pro is in use), and everything is customisable.

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 effect will either create a build-up or break down depending on the direction the DJ turns the dial.One great aspect of the Merge FX is that they allow for very complex FX chains, which would usually require more than two hands. 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.

Especially when compared to the much less expensive DDJ-400 controller, lacking the rubber-like paint used by most other Pioneer DJ controllers. The Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 is a 4-channel DJ Controller that boasts new features, a unique style, fresh looking layout, full-sized jog-wheels, use of pro-sounding scratch effects, and the ability to mix tracks from different genres effortlessly. So, the fact of the matter is: this is a rekordbox controller, and a decent Serato controller too (considering it does unlock that software and doesn’t require you to configure a single thing). There are 10 different scratch patterns that can be accessed by simply moving the playhead position (on the jog wheel’s display), and when you lift your hand, the track will continue to play as normal. They inherit the best from the professional S-DJX series and Pro Audio speakers, including a front-loaded bass reflex system for a rich, tight bass and DECO* technology for a wider reach and sweet spot.If you’re using Rekordbox DJ there are over 9,000 possible effect and sample patterns – giving you multiple drop options. However, this DJ controller introduces a fresh look, with a high-quality dark-gray matte finish and redesigned jog wheels that will make your setup stand out. 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. While this feature seems useful for EDM DJs as well as a way to recover lost time from a mistake, they can sound quite garish and almost too intense for more minimalist genres like house.

Serato does its best to imitate the Merge FX from the true rekordbox version, but it’s not quite the same. If you already own a beginner controller, the FLX6 would only be advisable if having access to four decks was essential. With just one-hand and 10 different scratch patterns, you can make pro-sounding effects within your mixes. Plug and play capability is available via the in-built soundcard and DJ Performance functions with either rekordbox or Serato DJ Pro.

The FLX6 feels like a cross between the DDJ-1000 and DDJ-400, offering four channels and full-sized jog wheels by forsaking build quality and connectivity options.