Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4-W 2-Channel DJ Controller for Serato

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4-W (DDJ-FLX4W) is the limited edition white 2-channel DJ controller for rekordbox, Serato DJ Lite and djay, and it works with a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet. It has two 5.2-inch (132 mm) touch-sensitive jog wheels, 8 back-lit performance pads per deck, a 3-band EQ per channel, a 1/4-inch microphone input and an RCA master output, and it runs on USB bus power from a laptop with no separate adapter. It measures 18.98 x 10.74 x 2.33 inches (482 x 272.8 x 59.2 mm) and weighs 4.63 lb (2.1 kg). It is a controller, not a standalone player: the music and the DJ software live on the connected device.

Two features are there for people who have never mixed before. Smart Fader automatically adjusts the volume, bass and BPM of both tracks as you move the channel faders or the crossfader, so a transition stays together while you learn; turning it on also turns on Beat Sync. Smart CFX puts a combination of effects on a single knob. Pioneer DJ says the rest of the layout is inherited from its professional products and from the DDJ-400.

Is the white DDJ-FLX4-W the same controller inside?

Yes. Pioneer DJ lists the same specifications and the same 4.63 lb (2.1 kg) weight for the DDJ-FLX4-W, and its DDJ-FLX4-W page links to the same instruction manual, so the controls, connections, software and Bluetooth are identical. The difference is the finish: Pioneer DJ sells this one as a limited edition in white, in listed regions only, and the United States is one of them. Everything on this page applies to the unit you receive.

Do I need a laptop, or will my phone work?

A phone or tablet works, but the DDJ-FLX4-W always needs a connected device, because it has no screen and plays no music on its own. Pioneer DJ supports PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. A computer powers the controller through its USB cable. A phone or tablet cannot: plug a USB power adapter rated DC 9 V, 3 A, or a 9 V mobile battery, into the second USB-C port. Android devices with a Micro USB port should connect over Bluetooth, because Pioneer DJ does not guarantee a cable connection to them.

Is the software free, or is there a subscription?

The software you need is free. Connecting the DDJ-FLX4-W unlocks Performance mode in rekordbox for Mac and Windows without a paid plan, which Pioneer DJ calls Hardware Unlock, and it unlocks Serato DJ Lite. rekordbox for iOS and Android, djay and Traktor Play are also free to use with it. Serato DJ Pro is a paid upgrade (license or subscription), and djay Pro is a paid app that needs a subscription. Nothing comes on a disc; download the software from rekordbox.com or serato.com.

Can I DJ with Spotify, Apple Music or TIDAL?