Pioneer DJ Pioneer, Black (DDJ-SP1)

Product Information

Also included: several key updates to Rekordbox Video, an expansion offered in a previous update released in tandem with the DDJ-RZX. The new features include: With this powerful tool, you get to add pre-mapped dials and buttons to the software samples, including eight hot cues and more than 30 FX options powered by iZotope. With DDJ-SP1’s Serato Video enabled, you get to manipulate videos with transitions, visual FX, and various other functions, such as your own images, text, and graphics. Again, it’s another unit that confirms the long ago predicted move to modular controllers. A mixer is a mixer is a mixer, but it truly becomes a Serato DJ controller only when you add specific software based features via hardware add-ons. I feel that as a SP-6 controller, it still falls short of harnessing the full power, and for me is more of an overall controller for key features. This still only triggers samples — there appears to be no control for the finer elements of the SP-6.

The Pioneer DDJ-SP1, which gains significant control ability in Rekordbox DJ with this update, was originally released in 2013. The design was to offer the same Serato controllerism functionality as the highly popular DDJ-SX (Slicer, Loops, and control of the SP-6 sampler engine).Pioneer is one of the biggest market leaders in the digital world for a reason. While you might pay a premium for a solution like this, you also get a well-constructed and comprehensive way to update and improve your mixing experience. Just like its predecessor, the Digital DDJ-SX, the SP1 has designed and constructed to be strong and sturdy yet lightweight, and to uphold excitable use. The controller looks smart with the aluminium facade, durable rubber pads and overall slim build. Add a visual dimension to your sets with Serato Video for Serato DJ*. Manipulate the videos with visual FX and transitions, or add your own images, graphics and text. Plus, it supports iZotope Audio FX and karaoke files (MP3+G). If you’re a Serato DJ user who doesn’t think their controller provides adequate access to certain performance modes and effects, then the Pioneer DDJ-SP1 could be perfect for you. Performance Pads – there are 16 durable, LED lit, rubber Performance Pads that are allocated to 7 modes: Roll, Sample, Hot Cue, Slicer, Hot Loop, Manual Loop and Auto Loop. The Performance Pads includes Velocity Mode which allows the user to manage the sample volume dependent upon the applied pressure. The LED lit pads show the user the position of play.

Designed as an expansion controller for Serato DJ, the Pioneer Pro DDJ-SP1 digital DJ controller gives you a ton of hands-on control over your samples, effects, and much more. This makes the DDJ-SP1 an excellent option for anyone DJing with a CDJ or vinyl setup who also wants to take advantage of the advanced functions in Serato DJ. As you'd expect though, all of the DDJ-SP1's controls are MIDI-based, so you can really use it to control just about anything you like in your DJ software of choice. But with convenient Serato Video controls (plus a copy of the Serato Video plug-in) to play with, it's clear that the Pioneer Pro DDJ-SP1 has a lot to offer. In the multi-effect mode, the 1-3 encounters and buttons work to turn effects on and off. You can select your effect from a list and adjust the amount of effect you use. iZotope, Powered by iZotope is a trademark or US registered trademark of iZotope, inc. in the US and other countriesThe Pioneer DDJ-SP1 is completely MIDI assignable through the USB port included as part of the hardware. Get involved with plug-and-play control of Serato DJ with dedicated buttons for FX and advanced features such as Beat Jump, Slip mode and Quantize. Simply connect your PC/Mac and start playing. Although the DDJ-SP1 specifically supports Serato software, there’s a template available if you decide to use the device with other software.

In a single effect mode, the same kind of buttons and knobs control the effect to switch it on and off. You can also adjust the parameters of the effect according to your musical needs. Pioneer seems to have something for everyone in its collection of powerful controllers and add-on tools. For those who want to transform their Serato DJ Pro experience, one particularly compelling product is the Pioneer DDJ-SP1.

Tech spec

Just like its predecessor, the Digital DDJ-SX, the SP1 has been designed and constructed to be strong and sturdy, and to uphold excitable use. The controller looks smart with the aluminium facade, durable rubber pads and overall slim build. The lightweight and sturdy construction enables the Pioneer DDJ-SP1 to be placed in flexible locations (with or without the use of the T-U101 S-stand which is sold separately) and to be set up instantly. Features The DDJ-SP1 can be used as a fully assignable MIDI controller and supports all kinds of MIDI-compatible software. Earlier this week, Pioneer DJ announced a significant update for their Rekordbox DJ library and performance software. Most notably, this update stabilized the fledgling DJ software compatibility with the latest version of Mac OS, Sierra, as well as offered Rekordbox DJ support for the Pioneer DDJ-SP1 performance pad controller when combined with another supported controller. DDJ-SP1’s Evolution The DDJ-SP1 adds more physical dimensions to its performance thanks to things like Performance Pads. The rubber LED pads to give you access to seven modes, including Slicer, Hot Cue, Hot Loop, Roll, Auto Loop, Manual Loop, and more. Velocity mode also allows you to control the volume of your samples according to how hard you hit your pads.

A single fader in the central part of the controller handles the volume, while knobs on both sides control FX parameters. Is the DDJ SP1 any good? (in short) Like the forerunner that came before it, the DDJ-SP1 withstands the unpredictable environment of the DJ booth, with a stylish yet durable aluminum faceplate.While you can potentially use the DDJ-SP1with virtually any software, as long as you know how to map things out according to the templates provided, Pioneer created this machine for Serato. Since debuting its flagship Serato DJ controller, the DDJ-SX, about a full year ago ( read our complete review here), Pioneer has unleashed a spate of new controllers for just about every use case scenario, from the iPad-centric DDJ-WeGo2 to this Serato DJ accessory controller, the DDJ-SP1. While the SP1 is optimized for Serato DJ (but works with other MIDI-compatible software), it does not actually include a license for Serato DJ. Rather, you must use it in conjunction with another Serato DJ-compatible mixer or controller. Pioneer designed it for the purpose of complementing its DJM-900SRT Serato DJ-compatible mixer, but it could pair quite well with a mixer from Rane, or any number of Serato DJ controllers. Borrowing some of the best stuff from the DDJ-SX ( left)