Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 vs Pioneer DDJ-400 (Complete Comparison)

Most people will agree that one of the most important decisions a new DJ must make is choosing which controller to purchase. And when it comes to this, two of the most chosen controllers are the DDJ-400 and the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3. Both controllers are lauded for their cost-effectiveness and ease of use, making them a great choice for anybody new to DJing. Now, have you wondered which one is superior?

And the answer is that it depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a controller with great build quality, a more complete Dj software, and are willing to pay a little bit more for it, then go for the DDJ-400. Now, if you are looking for a more cost-effective controller, are on a very strict budget, or are looking for features not found not the DDJ-400, go for the Mixtrack Pro 3 instead.

Both of these controllers are aimed at the entry-level market, so don't expect any fancy features or top notch build quality. But if you are looking for a more barebones, back to the basics controller that won't overwhelm a new DJ with tons of knobs and buttons, these two are definitely worth a look.

If you want to a video review of the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 you can watch the following video below.

If you want to watch a video demo and review of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 you can watch the following video below.

In this article, I talk a little bit more about these two controllers, their main differences, along with some similarities too. This article is perfect if you are looking to purchase your first controller and have narrowed down to these two, but aren't sure which one to choose over the other. I hope you find the information below useful!

Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Vs Numark Mixtrack Pro 3: Main Similarities and Differences

So as I said above, while both controllers have the same basic features and are an excellent choice for anybody looking to get into the world of Djing, they obviously have features only found on one controller and vice-versa. I decided to list the main differences, and some similarities, below.

The DDJ-400 feels better made

While countless DJs around the world have criticized Pioneer for their high prices, you can't really argue the fact that they make the most durable equipment on the market. Even their entry-level product, the DDJ-400, features respectable build quality and some good attention to detail. The faders feel light but decently sturdy and the jog wheel isn't too bad either.

In contrast, the Mixtrack Pro 3 isn't anything to write home about. The durability of this model isn't too bad, but I do have noticed a few things that suggest cost-cutting measures from Numark. For example, the jog wheel feels almost toy-like (even though it works really well) and the plastics feel quite cheap to the touch. If you care about the aesthetic and build quality of your controller, it might be wise to choose the DDJ-400 over the Numark model.

The Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 is a little bit more affordable

While both models are excellent choices for anybody looking for a budget controller for learning the ropes or playing at smaller gigs, the truth is that there's one of these models that are more affordable than the other, and that is the Mixtrack Pro 3. Now, the prices are quite similar, but you can easily find the Mixtrack at fifty bucks cheaper on several physical stores and at Amazon too.

Not only that, but because of the fact that this controller tends to be less popular, many retailers selling the Numark model tend to include several freebies with it, including but not limited to DJ headphones, hard cases for storing the controller, and even things like a complete set of audio cables and adapters. This is something that rarely happens with the DDJ-400, which tends to only come with Rekordbox DJ and a plastic bag as the only freebies.

The DDJ-400 comes with a more complete DJ software

While both controllers come with their own DJ software included when purchased, they each have their own differences. I would argue that Rekordbox DJ, the software that comes with the DDJ-400, is the more complete and comprehensive DJ software compared to Serato, which is Numark's software solution. And this is because of several reasons.

First of all, Rekordbox DJ is simply easier to use. It is more intuitive and accessible to the average DJing newbie and doesn't have as many bugs as Serato too. Not only that, but one main thing that distinguishes Rekordbox from Numark's software is the fact that the former comes with a permanent license with the DDJ-400, unlike the latter, which only comes with a 1-month subscription, requiring users to start paying for it as soon as that time period elapses.

Now don't get me wrong, Serato is an excellent Djing software with many features that you won't find on Rekordbox and excellent customer support too, but the truth is that it does take a while to really get used to it. They have a few features that claim to make the learning experience more streamlined and straightforward, but not everybody will find them useful though. It might be wise to try both software to see which one you like the best

The Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 allows you to use four channels

One of the perks that come from owning a Mixtrack Pro 3 is having the ability to use up to four channels, compared to the DDJ-400 that only allows you to use two. While this might be a niche feature and not all DJs will find a use for it, those reading that are looking to incorporate more than two passages in their mixes will love this feature. It is definitely a very cool functionality that gives experimented DJs more tools to work with.

There's just one caveat to this though: you are forced to use the four channels in two decks for obvious reasons. I don't need to point out the fact that this can be overwhelming for some of you, and many interested in this perk will just prefer to purchase a four-deck controller instead. Still, it's a great feature that gives more options to skilled DJs looking to create more layered mixes.

The DDJ-400 retains more value overtime

One of the great things about choosing Pioneer equipment is the fact that their gear tends to have better residual values than the controllers of other brands. Sure, their product's price tags might be elevated, outrageous even, but you cannot really argue that Pioneer's gear has the best resale value out there, especially when compared to Numark's products.

Pioneer's equipment has great resale value for several reasons. First of all, as I said above, their gear typically has excellent build quality, which translates into reliability. There's also another factor: the name brand. It's often said that Pioneer is premium stuff, considered the hottest, most exclusive gear on the market, and this definitely affects resale values.

Overall, these factors make the DDJ-400 a wise choice if you are looking to use the controller to learn the ropes of the profession, and then sell it a year down the road.

If you would like to get the Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 you can click on the link to get it.

If you want to go with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 you can click on this link to get it.