AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 review: A great entry-level DJ controller

That’s not to say there aren’t problems. Jog wheels are underwhelming at best. They’re helpful for finding your place in a song, but I can’t imagine scratching or trying to do any real DJ tricks with them. Limiting its usefulness in a live setting is that there is no mic input and the only two audio outputs (cue and main) are 3.5-mm TRS jacks. If you want to practice at home or DJ a small house party, it will do the job, but if you show up at a club with it, you’ll definitely get some looks.

Excellent integration

Chances are, whether you’re using your favorite DJ app or whether you’re using an iPad or laptop or even an Android phone, the DDJ-FLX2 will work with your setup. I tested it with a MacBook Pro, a six-year-old Dell XPS, a 2021 base-model iPad, and a Google Pixel 7. I had some issues when connecting via USB-C (my Pixel is extremely finicky without the port).

Connecting to the iPad via Bluetooth could be a bit more seamless, and I’ve never been able to get it to work with my phone. That being said, due to the delayed Bluetooth introduction, it’s not really ideal for DJing anyway.

AlphaTheta says that the DDJ-FLX2 is compatible Recordbox, Algorithm DjayAnd Serato DJ LiteI only tested it with the first two though. Since AlphaTheta also makes Rekordbox, it’s surprising that the integration there is tightest. It works exactly as you’d expect out of the box, and the hardware labels mirror the terminology you’ll find in the app. If you haven’t committed to a specific DJing platform yet, Rekordbox is worth exploring as there is an amazing feature rich free version. It also supports streaming from Soundcloud, Beatport, Bitsource and Tidal, if you’re still building your library at this stage of your DJing career.

I mostly use it with Djay though, since that’s the software I was trained on when I joined its ranks. Maker Park Radio All those years ago. Plus, it has Apple Music integration, which makes it easy for me to add stuff to my rotation on short notice and with minimal fuss. The FLX2 worked out of the box without issue with Algoriddim’s Djay Pro software, although labeling and naming conventions don’t always line up which can cause some confusion.

Usable in real life

Photo: Terence O’Brien

In addition to practicing at home, I DJed a few episodes of my radio show with the FLX2 and even experimented with doing short seamless blocks of dance music on the air. The Smart Fader function makes it easy for a noob like me to transition between tracks with filter and echo effects, while smoothing out minor inconsistencies 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 on the next track, the loop pads worked like a charm. I wouldn’t say I’m ready to DJ a huge venue, but I feel a little more confident now to indulge in a dance mix at my shows.