AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 review: A great entry-level DJ controller
That doesn’t mean there aren’t problems. The jog wheels are inconspicuous at best. They’re helpful for finding the right place in a song, but I can’t imagine scratching or doing real DJ tricks with them. Its usefulness in a live environment is limited by the fact that there is no microphone input and the only two audio outputs (Cue and Main) are 3.5mm TRS jacks. It’s enough if you just want to practice at home or DJ at a small house party, but if you show up to a club with it, you’ll definitely turn some heads.
Excellent integrations
Chances are, regardless of your favorite DJ app, or whether you’re using an iPad, 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 2021 iPad, and a Google Pixel 7. I had few issues connecting via USB-C (aside from connecting to my Pixel). extremely flaky).
Connecting to the iPad via Bluetooth could have been a little smoother, and I never managed to get it to work at all with my phone. However, due to the latency that Bluetooth brings, it’s not really ideal for DJs anyway.
According to AlphaTheta, the DDJ-FLX2 is compatible with Record box, Algorithm DjayAnd Serato DJ Litealthough I only tested it with the first two. Since AlphaTheta also makes Rekordbox, it’s no surprise that the integration is tightest there. It works exactly as you’d expect from the start, and the labels on the hardware reflect the terminology you’ll find in the app. If you haven’t committed to a specific DJ platform yet, Rekordbox is worth checking out as there’s a surprisingly feature-rich free version. It also supports streaming from SoundCloud, Beatport, Beatsource and Tidal if you’re still expanding your library at this stage of your DJ career.
However, I mainly used it with Djay as I learned that software when I joined the ranks of Djay Maker Park Radio All those years ago. It also has Apple Music integration, making it easy for me to add things to my rotation at short notice and with minimal effort. The FLX2 worked without problems with Algoriddim’s Djay Pro software, but the labeling and naming conventions don’t always agree, which can lead to confusion.
Usable in real life
Photo: Terrence O’Brien
In addition to practicing at home, I put on a few episodes of my radio show using the FLX2 and even experimented with making short, seamless blocks of dance music on air. The Smart Fader feature made it easy for a newbie like me to switch between tracks using filter and echo effects while smoothing out small tempo differences. And when I needed a little extra time to make sure I had everything lined up, or wanted to incorporate a mini mashup into the next track, the loop pads worked like a charm. I wouldn’t say I’m ready to DJ in a huge venue, but I feel a little more confident now indulging in the dance mixes in my show.
