Well, I bought an FLX6 today, and it's definitely a step down from the DDJ 1000.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great controller for someone who might find the DDJ 800 or 1000 too expensive and too high level.
I do think PioneerDJ missed the bullseye, but they're still on target. The could have made the overall controller a tiny bit bigger to accommodate the headphone mix and level knobs, or they could move these to the side of the crossfader, so at least they're on the top of the deck and not on the front.
The merge FX are definitely a gimmick for ANYONE who's serious about their art, sure they're nice to use once in a while, great for a build up now and again, but that's it.
There's no Master Tempo button on the controller, no big deal in reality, but I do miss it from the 1000.
The FX selector and channel selector are buttons and LED's tell you what FX and where. There's also a beat FX range selector button going from quarter, half, three quarters and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 beats. To be honest, why not just add an FX knob and channel knob? At least with knobs your getting closer to Pro level gear.
The Crossfader cannot be disabled on the controller.
Things I do like.
Merge FX, one press build-up, good for one or two uses in a one hour set.
Load buttons on the top of the channels. Yes the load button was moved and above the trim control on all the channels too. So you can easily see and select the correct channel to load a track on to.
The only outputs are RCA, and that immediately puts it in the category of bedroom DJ's, less mess and fuss and confusion.
So why did I buy the FLX6?
A couple of months ago I sold the DDJ 1000 because I saw that they XDJ XZ was back in stock across several stores. So I sold it, and it sold on the same day too, though the guy came from Manchester and at about 7pm.
By the time I sold it and had the cash in my pocket, the XZ had sold out everywhere.... again.
So I waited for the stock to be replenished, and waited and waited, it's now going to be January or February 2022 before I can get one.
I was tempted by the Rane One, but I am not and cannot scratch, so as gorgeous as it is, it's wasted on me. Plus I wanted another 4 channel controller, and the Rane is sadly just 2 channels, and Serato only. I'm NOT a fan of Serato, there's a reason Rekordbox is DJ's favourite software. It's just so much better to use.
So overall I've taken a hit, I can't get another DDJ 1000, or an XZ. So I had to get something, and something is better than nothing, and the FLX 6 is actually pretty good, especially for those making an upward purchase, from say a DDJ 200 or 400. For that, it cannot be faulted.
For me, it's a big step back, but oh well, at least I'm playing and mixing again.
