ESI UDJ6 review

Matchbox-sized DJ interface

  • £89
  • €119
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The UDJ6 is designed for use as a middleman between your DJ software and your mixer

MusicRadar Verdict

If you're using a MIDI controller with no soundcard or if splitting the decks on an external mixer is a priority, the UDJ6 is great for the price.

Pros

  • +

    Plug-and-play. Flexible. Light and sturdy.

Cons

  • -

    No inputs. No volume control.

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The UDJ6 is designed for use as a middleman between your DJ software and your mixer
The UDJ6 is designed for use as a middleman between your DJ software and your mixer

ESI UDJ6 review

The UDJ6 is a mini monster, offering six channels in a package the size of a large matchbox. It provides six outputs for DJ software, like Traktor, Djay or Ableton, with two RCA outs per channel and a stereo 1/4" jack for headphone cueing. Light yet sturdy, there are no inputs but this has been designed for use as a middleman between your software and mixer.

"The UDJ6 allows you to separate decks A and B into two stereo channels on the mixer offering flexible routing for effects and EQ"

The NI Audio 2 DJ is similar in size and price, so let's compare it to that for the sake of this review. The main difference is that the Audio 2 DJ only offers four channels: a stereo master out and a stereo cue, both via 1/4" jack.

The UDJ6 allows you to separate decks A and B into two stereo channels on the mixer, for example, offering more flexible routing for effects and EQ. If you're used to an external mixer or prefer the EQs on a certain board than those inside the software, the UDJ6 is the better option.

Unlike the Audio 2 DJ, the UDJ6 has no volume control. This is its main downfall as if you did decide to use the UDJ6 to cue, you'll need to map a MIDI controller to the software to control mix and cue volume.

Finally, the plug-and-play and bus-powered nature means there's no faffing.

Declan McGlynn