There are many options when it comes to DJing on a phone or tablet, and choosing the right one can be a bit of a minefield. This Christmas you may have just received a new controller and want to know how to connect it to your iPad... or perhaps you have some Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket and you want to spend it on a mobile controller to use with your phone... or maybe it’s not Christmas time anymore and you're just reading this in June but you still want to know how to use a controller with a phone or tablet... well either way we have got you covered.
In this post we will cover the top current natively supported controllers for phones and tablets, giving a quick guide on how to connect it all up.
This controller is the one of the easiest controllers to use with an iPad.
Simply download the WeDJ app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the device to your phone via bluetooth. Then, connect the included splitter cable to your phone and headphone output, one to your speakers and one to your headphones. Play a track, and away you go.
Android
iPad
iPhone
Beatport LINK
SoundCloud Go+
(No streaming on Android)
This 2-channel pro controller from Native Instruments is one of the higher tier controllers that is natively supported by an iPad. It features fantastic feeling jog wheels and has that high quality German made feel that NI are renowned for. The device can be powered via a USB cable, then it has an additional dedicated USB output for the iPad. You connect your audio via the built-in RCA ports.
View the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
iPad
SoundCloud Go+
Fully integrated with a docking station for your tablet, this is another controller designed with non-laptop users in mind. It features similar connections as the S2 MK3, and it even has a dedicated little switch so you can tell it if you are using an iPad or a computer.
Simply plug your iphone cable to the Buddy’s dedicated iOS port, then to your iPhone. It really is as simple as that.
iPad
iPhone
Android
(Algoriddim djay)
Beatport LINK
SoundCloud Go+
Beatsource
TIDAL
This is the most portable controller we have looked at so far, with a tiny footprint of only 34x10x4.9cm and a miniscule weight of 0.5 kg you really can take this one anywhere. The greatest thing about the Control Mix is that it allows you to connect to your device via bluetooth, then at the same time you can also connect your bluetooth speaker to the same device. This is revolutionary and takes easy setup and wireless DJing to the next level.
Alternatively you can connect the speakers and headphones via a splitter cable just like the DDJ-200.
View the Hercules DJ Control Mix
iPad
iPhone
Android
Beatport LINK
SoundCloud Go+
Beatsource
TIDAL
The Numark Party Mix Live is the latest beginner controller from Numark. Numark is renowned for making fantastic quality bits of kit that really do not break the bank and the Party Mix Live is no exception. It even has built in lights that will flash along to your music, bringing that extra party vibe. This unit is another easy one to use thanks to it’s dedicated power adapter and built-in speakers. Simply power the device, connect it via a USB and a camera connection kit.
View the Numark Party Mix Live
iPad
iPhone
Android
Beatport LINK
SoundCloud Go+
Beatsource
TIDAL
You can of course get almost any controller to work with djay pro by Algoriddim on a phone or a tablet.
1) Apple camera connection kit
2) Algoriddim djay Pro subscription for any unit not on the free list.
3) Supported controller of your choice.
Connect a USB cable between the controller and the connection kit.
Connect the connection kit to your phone or tablet.
Power up the connection kit.
Open software and run your device of choice.