DJing has come a long way from simply blending tracks. With the rise of real-time stem separation, DJs can now isolate vocals, drums, bass, or melodies from any song — right from their controller. Whether you're performing live mashups, cutting the beat for an acapella moment, or applying reverb to just the vocals, stems give DJs a new level of creative control. And unlike older systems that required special file formats, today’s leading DJ software uses AI to separate stems on the fly — no prep needed. To take advantage of this, though, you’ll need a controller built with stems in mind. That means intuitive pad layouts, buttons for Stem FX or Split modes, and tight integration with software like Serato DJ Pro or rekordbox. In this post, we’re looking at the best modern DJ controllers for stem mixing, whether you're a scratch DJ, open-format performer, or just want to experiment with more expressive transitions. We’ll also break down what stems are, why they matter, and how DJs are using them in real-world sets.

The Best DJ Gear with Stems Support: Controllers That Let You Remix Live

AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6
RANE Four
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8
RANE Performer
What Are Stems?
Why Are Stems a Big Deal Now?
How Do DJs Use Stems in Practice?
What Makes a Controller Stems-Compatible?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6

The AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 is one of the newest controllers designed with stems and live remixing at the forefront, and it’s bringing something genuinely fresh to the table. Using rekordbox’s Groove Circuit, you can replace drums in real-time, apply roll or trans effects, and even capture rhythmic patterns mid-set to trigger later. It’s a performance-focused system that sits somewhere between DJ controller and groovebox — and it makes remixing feel playful and hands-on. Flip over to Serato DJ Pro, and the same pad section transforms into Stems FX controls, giving you the best of both software worlds.

Physically, it’s got a familiar Pioneer-style layout with large jog wheels, responsive performance pads, and a clean mixer section that mirrors club gear. One smart addition is the Smart Rotary Selector, which simplifies browsing and even suggests compatible tracks using rekordbox’s Discover feature — a subtle but welcome touch. If you’re the kind of DJ who likes to blur the line between mixing and producing, or if you want a compact but powerful controller that embraces real-time track manipulation, the GRV6 might be the most creatively exciting new release in 2025 so far.

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RANE Four

The RANE Four was built from the ground up for Serato’s real-time stems features, and it absolutely delivers. With dedicated buttons for Stem Split and Stem FX, you can isolate vocals, drums, basslines, or melodies instantly and apply effects independently to each element. Whether you're pulling the drums to drop in your own rhythm, looping just the vocal for a breakdown, or doing creative transitions with echo or filter FX, the Four gives you hands-on control that feels intuitive and expressive.

What makes it stand out is how well-integrated all of this is into a truly pro-grade controller. You get high-resolution jog wheels, RGB performance pads with multiple pad modes, and flexible FX routing, all housed in RANE’s famously rugged chassis. There’s also a dedicated section for deck layer control, making it ideal for four-deck mixing and live remixing. If you're a Serato DJ who takes performance seriously and wants to push your sets into new territory with stems, this is arguably the most complete controller for the job — especially if you also value build quality and reliability.

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Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10

The DDJ-FLX10 is a flagship controller that goes all-in on modern DJ performance, particularly with its integration of Track Separation — Pioneer DJ’s own real-time stem feature. With the press of a button, you can isolate vocals, drums, or instruments from any track, making it easy to perform live mashups, filter out vocals for instrumental moments, or drop just the beat to build tension. Both rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro support Track Separation on this controller, making it a top pick regardless of your software of choice.

But the FLX10 is more than just a stem machine — it’s loaded with premium features. The Magvel fader is ultra-smooth and reliable, perfect for both clean mixing and quick cuts. Jog wheel displays show key info like waveforms or track position directly on the wheels, and DMX lighting control through rekordbox Lighting makes syncing your visuals a breeze. It’s also built to feel like a hybrid between club gear and a performance controller, which makes it an ideal bridge for DJs moving between home setups and pro booths. If you want one controller that nails stems while still feeling like Pioneer’s classic gear, the FLX10 checks every box.

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8

With the release of Traktor Pro 4, Native Instruments finally brings real-time stem separation to the table — but with a twist. Instead of doing it live on the fly like Serato or rekordbox, Traktor analyzes your tracks ahead of time to generate stem layers, offering a more precise (but less spontaneous) approach. Paired with the Kontrol S8, a controller built specifically to take advantage of Traktor's stem decks, this setup still offers a deep and expressive workflow, especially for DJs who prefer to prep their sets in advance.

The S8 ditches jog wheels entirely in favor of high-res displays, touch-sensitive controls, and a powerful built-in mixer. Its layout was ahead of its time when it launched, and with Traktor Pro 4’s new stem capabilities, it’s having a bit of a comeback moment. If you’re the kind of DJ who likes to layer loops, remix live, and build sets like a producer, Traktor’s ecosystem might be the most underrated toolset on the market. Just know that you’ll need to commit to the Traktor workflow — and take time to prep those tracks.

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RANE Performer

The RANE Performer is the newest heavy-hitter from a brand known for building tanks disguised as DJ gear. Designed specifically for Serato DJ Pro, it integrates deeply with the software’s Stems functionality, offering dedicated pad modes, split stem controls, and seamless access to Stem FX. That means you can isolate vocals, strip out drums, apply reverb to just the top end, or do complex live edits — all without diving into menus. Everything is laid out intuitively, giving you powerful creative control right at your fingertips.

What really sets the Performer apart is its focus on tactile feel. You get motorized jog wheels with onboard screens, so you’re always locked in visually and physically, plus adjustable tension on the crossfader — a favorite among scratch DJs. The layout blends traditional battle-style ergonomics with deep performance tools, making it appealing to open-format DJs, turntablists, and remixers alike. Add in the rugged RANE build quality and responsive performance pads, and you’ve got a controller that’s built for serious action on stage or in the booth. If you’re a Serato user who wants the deepest possible integration with stems in a next-gen package, the Performer is exactly what the name suggests.

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What Are Stems?

In the world of DJing, stems refer to the individual components that make up a full song — typically vocals, drums, bass, and other instruments. Instead of treating a track as a single audio file, stems allow DJs to isolate or manipulate each element separately. That means you can mute the vocals, solo the beat, or apply FX to just the melodic layer, all while the track continues to play in sync. It’s like opening up the song and getting access to its DNA.

While the idea isn’t entirely new (Native Instruments once introduced a special stem file format for Traktor), what’s changed recently is the technology behind it. Most DJs today use real-time stem separation powered by AI, where your software analyzes a regular track and splits it into stems on the fly. You no longer need special files — just load any MP3 or WAV and the software does the heavy lifting in the background. This has made stem-based DJing way more accessible and exciting than ever before.

Why Are Stems a Big Deal Now?

The buzz around stems really took off once major DJ platforms like Serato DJ Pro, rekordbox, VirtualDJ, and djay Pro AI rolled out real-time separation. These tools use machine learning to break down tracks into clean, usable layers, instantly. You don’t need to prepare special edits or use pre-split audio — any track in your library becomes a playground for live remixing. It’s turned every DJ into a potential live remixer, mashup artist, or performance wizard.

This kind of power is especially game-changing for open-format DJs, hip-hop DJs, and anyone performing in hybrid DJ/live setups. Imagine dropping just the acapella of a top 40 hit over a gritty techno beat, or stripping away the drums mid-set to create a surprise breakdown. Stems open the door to creative, on-the-fly decisions that used to require heavy prep work or third-party tools. Now, it’s built right into your deck.

How Do DJs Use Stems in Practice?

In a live setting, stems let DJs remix tracks in real time without needing extra gear or edits. For example, you might cut out the beat of a song entirely to expose the vocals, giving you a clean transition or live acapella moment. Or you can loop the drums, pull in a melody from another track, and create a spontaneous blend that sounds like a custom edit. Add some reverb to just the vocal, and you’ve got a cinematic breakdown — all from your controller.

These kinds of tricks were once only possible with remix decks, samplers, or a lot of preparation. Now, DJs just need the right software and a controller with dedicated stem controls — like buttons to mute stems, pads for triggering FX, or split modes to route stems to different channels. That’s why modern stems-compatible controllers are such a big deal: they give DJs the tools to manipulate tracks in creative ways that go beyond simple beatmatching or EQing.

What Makes a Controller Stems-Compatible?

Not every controller can handle stems well, even if the software does. A stems-compatible controller should work with DJ software that supports real-time stem separation (like Serato, rekordbox, or djay Pro AI), but more importantly, it should have dedicated controls that make stem manipulation easy and intuitive. We’re talking buttons to isolate vocals, performance pads that trigger Stem FX, or split modes that route stems to separate EQ sections.

Some older controllers can technically control stems if you map everything manually, but that’s not ideal for most DJs. The best experience comes from plug-and-play integration, where stem controls are clearly labeled and designed to match the software’s layout. That’s why newer models — like the RANE Four or AlphaTheta GRV6 — stand out. They don’t just support stems, they’re built for them, giving you the tactile control you need to perform creatively and confidently in the moment.

Final Thought: Is Stems Mixing Right for You?

Real-time stem separation is one of the biggest creative leaps in DJing in years. It opens up new possibilities for live mashups, hybrid sets, and spontaneous edits that just weren’t possible without heavy prep or extra gear. If you’re the kind of DJ who loves to push boundaries — blending genres, isolating vocals mid-set, or layering loops live — a stems-compatible controller can seriously elevate your performances.

That said, not every DJ needs stems right away. If you're just starting out or still learning the basics of phrasing, mixing, and track selection, you might prefer a more affordable beginner controller with a solid layout and simple FX. Once you’re confident behind the decks, making the jump to a stems-ready unit will feel even more empowering. Wherever you're at in your journey, it's an exciting time to be a DJ — and having the right gear makes all the difference.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.