Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black, (DDJSB3)

Product Information

So what are some of the features that make Pioneer DDJ-SB3 DJ Controller one of the best units you could ever buy? Well, to find out, read below.

The patterns are simple (from Baby Scratch upwards), but they work fine and are fun; again, you could just as easily do them using the jogwheel, but according to Jazzy Jeff himself (see my exclusive interview with him), that’s the point: These are here to introduce beginners to scratching, and to show them what to practise. While the Pioneer DDJ SB2 was excellent, the DDJ SB3 is great too – offering some exciting improvements on previous generations. The capacitive jog wheels are a little small, as are the pitch-fading tools. However, everything is responsive and efficient. If you hold down shift and move the faders up, this will start a fader start experience that’s great for a lot of mobile DJs. Your utility settings dictate whether the sync is on or off. Effects and Performance pads The trans feature applies to a gate or transformer, which means that it switches on and off rapidly to the beat. It’s a great effect that sounds great on vocals, and there are 8 timing variations to choose from. The Jazzy Jeff Button Additionally, you need to plug in some powered monitors, rather than using your laptop speakers. Since there’s no audio lead provided, this is a bit irritating.Ultimately, the Pioneer DJ DDJ SB3 is a good step up from the DDJ-SB2. If you read our previous review on the last generation, you’ll know that the DDJ SB3 had some pretty big shoes to fill. The SB2 was an excellent beginner controller – and it still is. First and foremost, we will talk about the different types of software both use. The SB3 works with Serato DJ, the DDJ-400 works with Rekordbox DJ. Like with most DJ controllers intended for Serato DJ software, the set-up of this tech is pretty easy. Finally, the TRS microphone input with dedicated volume control is found on the rear of the controller. It is worth noting that the microphones audio is not sent to the computer over USB, meaning you won’t hear it in recordings or streams. 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.

Are you in the market for a Pioneer controller? Fantastic! Which one are you going for? DDJ-SB3? DDJ-RR? DDJ-SZ2? We know, it can be confusing. There are currently over half a dozen Pioneer DDJ controllers on the market right now, all of which have qualities to suit the entire spectrum of DJ needs. Whether beginner, hobbyist, mobile, roadshow or club – this Pioneer DDJ comparison chart is here to make it easier to see where these controllers differ. In the last couple of years, Pioneer DJ have released DDJ controllers that replicate the features of a current version, however with the Pioneer DDJ comparison chart below you’ll realise the reasons why they have done this and how the entire range is harmonious, making it easy to progress through the range from the smaller controllers like DDJ-400 up to bigger controllers such as the DDJ-1000 and DDJ-RZ. What is the best all-in-one Pioneer DDJ controller?

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The device has a mic input circuit that gives you clear, sharp, and distinct audio without even a microsecond of distortion even when the input levels are high. You will get a crystal-clear audio output throughout. DJ equipment used to be big and expensive. The rise of the digital era brought with it the introduction of DJ controllers. This might seem like a bizarre thing to have for more advanced DJs – particularly those who believe in the beauty of finding their own scratching styles.

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! It’s a smooth and convenient effect and something that beginners will have a lot of fun with. Though this might not appeal to some more advanced DJs, it’s definitely a worthwhile solution for people who want to learn. The pads are where you access Hot Cues, FX Fade, Pad Scratch (aka “the “Jazzy Jeff button”), Sampler and Transformer (“Trans”). While the sampler is a stripped down simple sample triggering affair (four slots), the same with the Hot Cues (the other “slots” in both of these settings being used for some additional transport controls including Censor), the remaining three functions are a bit more fun. Before connecting the DDJ-SB3, ensure the latest version of Djay is installed from the App Store . The USB-B port on the rear of the DDJ-SB3 connects the controller and powers it. Using this supplied cable to connect iOS devices does require adaptors which we will link below.

Pioneer DDJ-SB3 is a very decent option if you want an entry-level DJ Controller just to test out your skills and enhance them. With its Aluminum Jog Wheels, FX Fade, Pad Scratch, Performance Pads, Independent Auto Loop and Play and cue buttons, and a well-thought-out and instinctual prototype, it can be a pretty good investment. Performance pads are crucial when it comes to crafting your performance or learning new skills. They also help you to enhance your pre-existing skills and take them up to a new level. When we compared the two controllers, we found that DDJ-SB3 has larger performance pads than DDJ-400.

The Pioneer DDJ Comparison chart you see below has over twenty different attribute comparisons. This may be something as simple and straightforward as the overall dimensions or what software they work with. What we have also included in the comparison are some of the features which may break or seal your fate with your next Pioneer DDJ controller. Features like jog wheel and pitch fader sizes. Why are they important? Some DJs want a larger jog wheel to replicate the club standard Pioneer CDJ-2000NXS2, which has the largest type jogwheel Pioneer make (apart from the vinyl brothers: PLX-1000 and PLX-500) so this feature is an important comparison point. Equally some DJs may prefer a smaller jog wheel as the pad style may be more important to them. Another feature we have included within our Pioneer DDJ Comparison chart is whether or not the controller can be bus powered. If you’re running light on power (or completely mobile, on a beach or festival for example) you’d certainly prefer a controller that can be USB powered, without the need of a wall-wart power supply. Another feature asked by many is product weight; especially for DJ’s who travel, or need to factor in a flight case weight before making their decision. The Pioneer DDJ Comparison chart you have always wanted. You’re Welcome Powered by Serato DJ Lite, Pioneer DDJ SB3 DJ Controller possesses an exceptional Pad scratch that allows you to add the infamous scratch effect to all cued and currently playing songs. The best thing about this? You do not need a turntable! Furthermore, this effect will let you reproduce songs as well as create patterns from the eight different scratch recordings of the famous hip hop icon DJ Jazzy Jeff. The speed automatically matches the BPM, so you do not have to worry about disrupting the rhythm. The patterns available are pretty basic – just like many aspects of the DDJ SB3 controller. However, they’re fun and useful. You could easily accomplish many of the same effects by using the jog wheel. However, that’s the point. The Pioneer DDJ SB3 DJ controller has all of the standard features you’d expect from an entry-level DJ controller, including a filter knob, headphone cue, auto loop, and crossfader.In addition to the above-mentioned features, there is the new Pad Scratch which allows you to reproduce scratches based on the recordings provided by DJ Jazzy Jeff, simply at the press of a button. There are eight different scratch techniques that have been provided by the well-known DJ, and the scratch speed will automatically match the BPM; so even with little knowledge or experience quality sounding performances can be created. Pad Scratch can be used on its own, or in conjunction with your own scratching, which allows for boundless creative potential.