Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 2-deck Serato DJ Controller

Product Information

Nowadays, more and more DJs are using VirtualDJ Pro Full to be able to use digital music instead of traditional vinyls or CDs. Still, using digital music doesn't mean you'll have to sit behind a computer and use a mouse and keyboard. Pioneer DJ DDJ-400– Not interested in scratching, take a look at Pioneer DJ’s entry-level controller aimed for club DJs!

Put simply, scratching feels noticeably better than the previous jogs found on DJ controllers at this level. If you’re thinking about getting into battle mixing and scratching, there is no better place to start than the REV1.Not so here. You get two effects engines still, the ability to choose three effects per channel from the unit itself, and to alter the effect cycle value. The only real compromise is a single effects level knob. Demoing the paddle function, a feature that makes controlling effects more creative and fun. Overall, the DDJ-REV1 is a more than worthy replacement for the DDJ-SB3, and should prove popular with Serato DJs of all types and levels. The limited-edition DDJ-REV1-N is now on sale in selected regions (only available at specific retail stores in Asia Pacific and the Americas). Overall, the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 provides an excellent basis for playing, perfect for learning and getting practice for those up-and-coming scratch battles.

Expand the number of people watching your set by live-streaming your DJ sets. Unlike most DJ Controllers, the DDJ-REV1 mixes the audio of the mic input with the master output, meaning you can sing, rap, make announcements and hype the crowd without an additional soundcard, mixer or recording software (microphone sold separately). Streaming is easy with the DDJREV1, and vocals or speech can be added with a connected microphone, a first for an entry-level DJ Controller. The audio goes straight to your laptop via Serato DJ Lite and into the stream, meaning there is no need for an external soundcard or mixer. Serato DJ Lite Integration As stated, this controller is basically the replacement for the ageing but hugely popular Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 Serato controller. The DDJ-REV1 is a bold replacement for the ageing, yet popular DDJ-SB3. It’s particularly effective with scratch sounds (some are supplied with Serato), and I demo it in the accompanying video if you want to hear how it sounds. Lightweight and easily transportable, the DDJ-REV1 is perfect for mobile DJs. Protect the controller on the move with the Pioneer DJ DJC-REV1 Controller Bag. A Scratch DJ Layout, Ready For BattleFirstly, it’s good to see that Pioneer DJ has done this. You might have thought that as the company has its own software (Rekordbox) with its own supporting controller range, that we’d have seen the end of Serato controllers from Pioneer DJ, but not so. It looks like Pioneer DJ has been pragmatic, and that’s a good thing, as these units are traditionally very popular. Collection and delivery costs are included for the first 2 years in the event of an item becoming faulty The new divide between Rekordbox and Serato Pioneer controllers now seems clear: The Rekordbox ones adopt the “club” layout (aping two CDJs and a DJM mixer), while the Serato ones copy the “battle” layout (two turntables thru 90 degrees and a scratch mixer). In this way, continuing to support Serato makes sense. The ‘battle-style’ design refers to the unique layout that is normally reserved for analog turntables and mixers. The specialised design aids in scratching, allowing you to move the jog wheels with precision. The unique arrangement coupled with the cutting-edge design makes this one of the most comprehensive, affordable DJ controllers on the market.

The REV1 even supports Serato DJ Pro, meaning that as you grow as a DJ, you can still upgrade your setup to a more advanced rig. Take your performances to the next level with a free trial of Serato DJ Pro (paid permanent upgrade available separately). It’s fun to use, the jogwheels are relatively large, and they feel good. They have no in-jog displays and of course they’re not motorised like the bigger-brother DDJ-REV7‘s are, but they’re an improvement on those of the DDJ-SB3, which this controller is basically a replacement for. But, if you don't find what you need here, keep in mind that VirtualDJ Pro Full is compatible with many other controllers, mixers, etc. on the market.Some DJs may be initially off-put by the removal of a traditional cue button found above play/pause. However, in use, the smaller relocated button is quite a nice change. Forcing DJs to get used to working without relying upon the cue, a button that obviously isn’t available on a turntable set-up. However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers. You will find below a small list of the best hardware for digital DJ one can find on the market today. Many of which come with a version of VirtualDJ Limited Edition (LE) so you can immediately start using your controller.

For the first time on a controller of this size, the microphone audio is sent to the laptop. Allowing the microphone to be recorded and streamed without the need for additional hardware! Next, you notice that the mixer section is like a shrunken battle mixer – it has the same clean, simple lower third (for uncluttered access to the crossfader), then the performance pads above that, then the EQ controls laid out in the Pioneer DJ DJM-S7/S9 format. That said though, this design certainly won’t appeal to DJs wanting a more traditional club layout. With the DDJ-SB3 being discontinued upon the REV1’s release, this leaves DJs wanting an entry-level Pioneer DJ controller for Serato with no other option than this battle style layout. Something which might polarise a few potential buyers! REV DJ controllers are a series made for the DJ that wants the experience of using a turntable/mixer setup, with all the benefits of a controller. The layout is perfect for performing scratching techniques, familiarising yourself with a battle style configuration and even includes specialised features for open-format DJs.

Video Review

So overall, we’ve got a battle layout… in an all-in-one DJ controller. It is only a controller – no Aux inputs or anything like that. It works with Serato DJ Lite, but would also work with Serato DJ Pro if you already owned it, or upgraded to that software. Master of innovation, Pioneer have created this affordable battle-style DJ controller for use with Serato DJ Lite (can also be used with other DJ software). The new scratch-style design is perfect for honing your scratching skills as well as providing an ergonomic design for mixing. The DDJ-REV1 is designed to replicate the setup of the DJM-S mixer and the PLX turntables but with digital users in mind.