This does not mean that there are no problems. Jog wheels are the least fun. They are helpful for finding a place in a song, but I can’t imagine trying to scratch or do real DJ tricks with them. Limiting its usefulness in live settings is the fact that there is no mic input, and the only two audio outputs (cue and main) are 3.5 mm TRS jacks. It will do the job if you are just looking to practice at home or DJ a small house party, but if you show up to the club with this, you will definitely get some looks. Whether you’re using an iPad or laptop or even an Android phone, the DDJ-FLX2 should work with your setup. I tested it with a MacBook Pro, a six-year-old Dell XPS, a base model iPad from 2021, and a Google Pixel 7. I had some problems connecting via USB-C (other than the port on my Pixel. It’s extremely flaky). Connect to the iPad via Bluetooth could be a bit more neat, and I never managed to get it to work at all with the phone. That being said, because of the latency Bluetooth introduces, it’s not ideal for DJing. AlphaTheta says the DDJ-FLX2 is compatible with Rekordbox, Algoriddim Djay, and Serato DJ Lite, although I only tested it with the first two. Since AlphaTheta also makes Rekordbox, it is unsurprising that the integration is the tightest. It works exactly as you’d expect right out of the box, and the labels on the hardware reflect the terminology you’ll find in the app. If you’re not committed to a specific DJing platform, Rekordbox is worth checking out as it has a feature-rich free version. Plus, it supports streaming from SoundCloud, Beatport, Beatsource and Tidal, if you’re still building your library at this stage of your DJing career. joined the ranks of Maker Park Radio all last year. Plus, it has Apple Music integration, which makes it easier for me to add stuff to my rotation quickly and with minimal fuss. FLX2 works out of the box without problems with the Djay Pro Algoriddim software, although the labeling and naming conventions do not always line up which can lead to some confusion. Used in Real LifePhotograph: Terrence O’Brien In addition to practicing at home, I DJed several episodes of radio show with FLX2 and even experimented with doing short neat blocks of dance music on air. The Smart Fader function made it simple for a noob like me to transition between tracks with the help of filters and echo effects, while smoothing over small differences in tempo. And when I wanted a little more time to make sure I had everything lined up or wanted to do a mini mashup to the next track, the loop pad worked like a charm. I wouldn’t say I’m ready to DJ a big venue, but I feel a little more confident indulging in the dance mix at the show now.
AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 Review: A Great Entry-Level DJ Controller
