Pioneer DDJ-400 vs. DDJ-FLX4. If you already own a DDJ-400, upgrading to the FLX4 usually isn’t worth it unless you specifically want features such as Smart CFX, Smart Fader, Serato support or mobile device compatibility. If you’re buying your first controller though, the FLX4 will generally be the better choice. Here’s my detailed comparison between the two.
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Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 vs. Pioneer DDJ-400 – full specification comparison
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Main features comparison
The Pioneer DDJ-400 and DDJ-FLX4 are somewhat close when it comes to what they offer in terms of features. FLX4 offers quite a few new creative solutions such as the Smart CFX or Smart Fader effects, and its visual design is quite a bit different from the plain black outer casing of the DDJ-400.
If you’re buying one today, the DDJ-FLX4 is the more sensible new purchase, while the DDJ-400 is mainly worth considering on the used market.
Another thing is that the DDJ-FLX4 has much broader software and mobile support. Besides Rekordbox and Serato DJ, it works with VirtualDJ, djay and Traktor Play, while Rekordbox for iOS and Android can also be used with the controller. The DDJ-400 officially works with Rekordbox and is also supported by VirtualDJ.
Because the devices do not differ by much in terms of the mixing-related features though, the upgrade from the DDJ-400 to the FLX4 might not be the best idea if you’re already a happy owner of the older 400.
You might also like: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 & The DDJ-FLX6 (Full Comparison)
Is the Pioneer DDJ-400 discontinued?
Yes, the Pioneer DDJ-400 was discontinued in late 2022 and is now an archived Pioneer DJ product. The controller has been moved to the archive section on the Pioneer DJ website and new units are no longer being produced.
With that said, the DDJ-400 is still a Rekordbox Hardware Unlock device and remains supported by VirtualDJ, despite being discontinued.
The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is the official replacement for the DDJ-400, and it carries over all of the functionalities of its predecessor while adding some more interesting solutions to the device’s feature set.
If you’re still interested in getting yourself a DDJ-400, the used market is generally the place to look. There are still many second-hand units available, for one, over on Ebay.
All in all, while the DDJ-400 has been discontinued, it’s still a really capable and feature-packed entry-level device that might be worth looking at if you find it at a good price.
Where does the DDJ-FLX6 stand?
Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 is a 4-channel entry-level DJ controller released back in November 2020. It’s the first Pioneer DJ controller from the FLX series, released two years before the FLX4. It’s known for its relatively affordable price and two somewhat gimmicky features, namely the two Merge FX knobs and the Jog Cutter scratch automation functionality.
How does the Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 compare to the DDJ-FLX4? Well, first things first the FLX6 is a larger, 4-channel DJ controller with full-size capacitive jog wheels, and the FLX4 is much smaller, featuring 2 mixer channels and jog wheels similar in size to the ones on the DDJ-400.
While their general feature sets don’t differ that much, their form factor does. In general it’s up to you whether or not you’d like to have this kind of entry-level feature set on hand in a smaller, newer and somewhat more portable device (the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4) or in a slightly larger and more professional-esque form (the older Pioneer DDJ-FLX6).
Remember that the older FLX6 is also missing the Smart CFX and Smart Fader functions present on the FLX4. If you’re looking for a newer 4-channel controller above the FLX4, the AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 is also worth checking out.
DJ software compatibility
In terms of the software compatibility these devices are a bit different (and the DDJ-FLX4 comes off as a somewhat more versatile one).
The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is first and foremost compatible with Rekordbox and Serato DJ. It acts as a Hardware Unlock device for Rekordbox and unlocks Serato DJ Lite when connected. If you’d like to use Serato DJ Pro, you’ll need a paid upgrade.
Here you can read much more about the main differences between the two versions of Serato DJ software: Serato DJ Lite vs. Pro (12 Most Important Differences)
This is quite notable, as not every DJ controller supports both Serato and Rekordbox. If you’re interested in other devices that give you that possibility, check out my list of DJ controllers compatible with both Serato and Rekordbox. The DDJ-FLX4 is also officially supported by VirtualDJ.
You can also use the DDJ-FLX4 with Rekordbox for iOS and Android, either through USB or Bluetooth.
The older DDJ-FLX6 also supports both Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, although its hardware layout is more closely tied to Rekordbox.
When it comes to the Pioneer DDJ-400, it still works as a Rekordbox Hardware Unlock device and is also supported by VirtualDJ. Currently there is no way to reliably use the DDJ-400 with Serato.
Both the DDJ-400 and FLX4 unlock Rekordbox Performance mode when connected, but only the FLX4 also has official Serato DJ support.
The verdict – Should you get a new DDJ-FLX4?
So, is getting a new Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 worth it? Should you upgrade from your DDJ-400? My take on that is as follows: while the new and updated DDJ-FLX4 is certainly the better option if you don’t own an entry-level DJ controller just yet, if you do own a DDJ-400, it might not be worth swapping it for the FLX4 if you don’t exactly need the new Smart CFX, Smart Fader features and the updated looks which are the main selling point of this device.
If you’re currently planning to purchase your very first DJ controller, I’d personally still go for the DDJ-FLX4. If you already have a perfectly functional DDJ-400, I’d keep it unless one of the FLX4-specific features is particularly important to you.
If you’re also considering a Serato-focused beginner controller, I’ve compared the DDJ-FLX4 directly with the DDJ-REV1 here.