Follow-up on my dream 'standalone-like' DJ controller

DJ Hardware
1

So I’ve been thinking about my dream djay controller and decided to add a few ideas:

  • Instead of a slot for a tablet (e.g. iPad mini), the controller could have a safe slot for the device (e.g. phone, tablet, etc.) and use the front screen as a touchscreen monitor (vertical or horizontal) when wired.
  • This might be difficult, but I prefer the DJ controller to be able to be bus-powered.

Here’s my new (but still bad) mockup for my dream djay controller:

Screenshot 2026-10-21 at 19.06.05
Screenshot 2026-10-21 at 19.06.051428×1184 94 KB

3

Thanks for sharing @Nguy_n_Nam

4

dj controller
dj controller1536×1024 306 KB
dream controller here

5

Nice one @Space_Cadets

6

That’s cool. I think if iPads are really going to be taken seriously for pro djing more devices need to be able to charge as well as connect through the single usb-c port like the FLX4 does. A dedicated docking port would be ideal. Using adaptors and hubs is necessary if you are playing any length of time but it can get a bit chaotic, unsightly and unreliable at times.

7

Most of the newer Reloop hardware can charge an iOS device.

8

True. But their range of devices isn’t that great these days. The Mixon 8 and Mixtour Pro are the only real considerations for any kind of pro set up, the former being a bit dated now and the latter a bit too niche for me and a lot of others. The iPad slots on the Mixon and the Buddy are/were a nice idea but not quite there as they didn’t offer a lot of stability/confidence. It would be great to see a newer device where the iPad is more integral as in @Space_Cadets image. I think we’ll be seeing the standalone hybrid reinvented now the iOS realm has just got bigger.

9

Thanks for the additional input @daniel_curley