Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 vs Next Beat by Tiesto DJ Controller, DJ Control Deck with Audio Mixer & Beat Match, SX1
Buy the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 for learning to DJ properly. It works with rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite for free, runs off USB-C bus power, and its layout carries over to club gear. The Next Beat SX1 is the cheaper first deck at $171.99, but it is a basic beat-matching trainer. Check the current price of each at every store before you buy.
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Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
Choose the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 if you want one controller that teaches you on rekordbox or Serato and still feels familiar when you step up to club equipment.
- Free rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite licenses
- Smart Fader and Smart CFX make transitions easy
- USB-C bus power, no power brick
- Works with phones and tablets, not just laptops
- Layout mirrors Pioneer club gear
- No hardware effects; effects run in software
- No standalone mixer mode
- Costs more than the SX1
What separates them
| Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 | Next Beat by Tiesto DJ Controller, DJ Control Deck with Audio Mixer & Beat Match, SX1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Software | rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite included free; Serato DJ Pro via license or subscription | Basic beat match and mixing controls; no rekordbox or Serato support |
| Channels | 2 channels | 2-channel style mixer section |
| Effects | Smart Fader and Smart CFX, software-based | No onboard effects |
| Power | USB-C bus power, DC 5V 500 mA | Not stated; compact desktop unit |
| Devices | PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android | Single controller deck |
| Streaming | TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+ with subscriptions | None |
| Size and weight | Portable, larger than the SX1 | 6.5 x 17 x 1 in, 2.2 lb |
Price history
- Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: lowest $339.00 on Oct 28.
- Next Beat by Tiesto DJ Controller, DJ Control Deck with Audio Mixer & Beat Match, SX1: lowest $171.99 on Oct 28.
Specs compared
| Spec | Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 | Next Beat by Tiesto DJ Controller, DJ Control Deck with Audio Mixer & Beat Match, SX1 |
|---|---|---|
| With Onboard Effects | Yes | — |
| With USB | Yes | — |
| Number Of Channels | 2 channel | — |
| Via USB bus power | DC 5V, 500 mA | — |
| Brand | — | The next Beat |
| Color | — | Black |
| Model | — | 22401 - The Next Beat SX1 |
| Dimensions | — | 6.50 x 17.00 x 1.00 in |
| Weight | — | 2.2 lb |
| Input/output direction | — | Output |
What reviewers say
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
Owners and reviewers treat the DDJ-FLX4 as the default first controller. They praise how quickly beginners get mixing and how familiar the layout feels when moving to club gear. Criticism centers on the plastic body, small jogs and reliance on software effects.
- Easy for beginners to learn on
- Smart Fader makes transitions sound clean
- Free rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite included
- Familiar Pioneer layout for upgrading later
- Plasticky build quality
- Small jog wheels
- No hardware effects or mixing
- Serato DJ Pro costs extra
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a total beginner?
- The DDJ-FLX4. Free rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite plus Smart Fader get you mixing faster, and the skills transfer to club gear. The SX1 is cheaper but teaches less.
- Is the DDJ-FLX4 worth the extra money?
- For most people, yes. You get two free software platforms, streaming support and a club-style layout. The SX1 only makes sense if $171.99 is your hard ceiling.
- Which lasts longer?
- The DDJ-FLX4 is the safer long-term buy because it stays useful as you improve and works with pro software. The SX1 is a starter trainer you will likely outgrow.
- Can I use either without a laptop?
- The DDJ-FLX4 runs on USB bus power but still needs a device running rekordbox or Serato. The SX1 is a standalone controller deck with its own mixer and beat match controls.
- Which is easier to carry?
- The SX1 at 2.2 lb and 1 inch thick is the more portable of the two. The DDJ-FLX4 is still light enough for a backpack.
- Do either come with effects?
- The DDJ-FLX4 has Smart CFX and Smart Fader, but they are software effects. The SX1 has no effects.
