Pioneer DDJ-SX Review (Part 1 - First Impressions - Software not available yet!)

Yes!! I GOT IT!! I finally received one of the most anticipated DJ controllers in history - The Pioneer DDJ-SX!

So as I got home and unpacked it, looked at it in amazement (this controller puts the CDJ350/400 series to shame! the platters are way larger and feels a lot better!) and realized that... there is no way I can use this controller yet, simply because as of today (October 30 2012) the Serato DJ Software is not yet available for download!!

The DDJ-SX package contains a cd and a Free SERATO Video voucher (Only for the first 10,000 buyers of the DDJ-SX - I guess I am among the first batch to get it), however the cd contains only... some instruction manual and a link to the Serato website in which we are to download the Serato DJ software

Problem is... the download link isnt there yet! (as of 30/10/2012)  Even the website stated on the Serato Video voucher does not exist as of now... So I guess this will be only a first impressions review on the hardware based on... just the hardware itself! A full review with the Serato DJ will be coming up ASAP!

The Hardware Overall

This unit really does not feel like a controller, the massive size (overall size comparable to the Numark NS7) and the heavy duty construction screams PRO - but hey no matter how good this is we still wont be seeing this as a standard in the clubs, so dont get expect to see this in clubs unless you are bringing one out yourself - which is unlikely coz its so big haha! it is a LOT BIGGER than the NI Kontrol S4 which already is gigantic in size! It is not too heavy which could be a good thing if you really plan to bring it out

I am very happy to see the full length pitch sliders, something that even the rekordbox equipped XDJ-Aero does not have! I wondered why the Pioneer did not go for the DDJ-SX styled Aero instead? I mean the XDJ Aero is a promising little device that is let down by the tiny jogwheels, the short pitch sliders (in comparison to the Standard CDJ's) and the non replaceable faders

The Faders / Pots

Speaking of Faders and Pots! The crossfader in the DDJ-SX seems to be very easily user replaceable, identical to the DJM-800 series where you can see two screws securing the crossfader in place, I havent tried opening it yet but it seems like replacing the fader will be as easy as popping open these two screws and pulling the xfader out - neat!

Will this be innofader compatible? Im not sure but i hope so!

The line faders have some fine resistance (good for smooth mixing but not so great for cutting, im a blender so i like the line faders with resistance!), the xfaders are reaally buttery smooth and have a very very sharp cut (tested by using the hardware mixer and plugging in an iPod into channel 3), at the sharpest setting the cut in in perhaps around 1mm or even less! its so easy to cut stuff with the xfader, they are certainly different with my Rane TTM-56s (which I still have) but they are still great for skratching

The pots feel great - i have this odd feeling that they are a tad small, but they feel great and semi rubberish. just enough space between them and so far they feel awesome, I tested the hardware mixer part by plugging in my iPod to play some songs (and testing out the filters - more on that later!)

The hardware EQ DOES NOT have full kill - which is no big deal i think,  I never see the critical importance of a full kill, but hey i guess it's a relative thing, some people simply think "I MUST HAVE FULL KILLZ EQ" but in my opinion, perhaps due to my Audio Engineering studies, I simply think that -26 db cut (which is what the DDJ-SX hardware eq is seems to be) is waaay more than enough for general uses and mixing of 2-4 decks

The Filter

the ddj-sx works as a hardware mixer - no laptops needed to operate!

The DDJ-SX has 4 dedicated filter pots on each deck, and yes they are hardware filters too, I have had the opportunity to plug in my iPod into a channel and played with the filters - its definitely the Pioneer filter sound that we all love or hate - There are a lot of audible, fixed resonance with the Pioneer filters, something that people either love or hate - I suppose if you use the filter as an FX then the resonance might be appealing to you but for some people who really like smooth filter mixing, you might find there's a little bit too much resonance for that purpose, lets say in comparison to the XONE filters (with user configurable resonance) or the even more advance filter such the Fabfilter - that thing is just SOO SMOOTH

Still it is great to see a dedicated filter on each of the 4 Decks

The Power Brick

Yes this thing uses a power brick (800 mA) - I dont like Power Bricks (AC Adapter) - they get lost, get left behind, get stepped on, and then gets broken, and then you have to buy a new one or have a spare - No Like! I would much rather that the DDJ-SX uses the standard IEC Plug (AKA the kettle plug!) but I guess they either have to cut costs or dont have the internal space for internal power

To Be continued

That is all for now - I find that there is not much for me to review until the Serato DJ software gets released soon, so I will have a part 2 of the DDJ-SX Review with all the rest of the missing parts reviewed!

Update - Serato DJ is Out! EXTENSIVE REVIEW on Part 2 - Coming Soon!

Thanks to Valentine Music Centre for letting me get my DDJ-SX with a good price :)

Want to get the DDJ-SX From Amazon?

Pioneer DDJ Series DDJ-SX Digital Performance DJ Controller

Pre-Ordered the Pioneer DDJ-SX! Review coming up soon

I have put in a pre-order for the awesome new Serato DJ controller the Pioneer DDJ-SX, ever since I first saw the trailer (video above) I just cant seem to get this thing off my mind! I guess the gear geek mode kicked in and I instantly decided I had to have one of these

Some of the key features that I just find hard to resist:

• It is priced right (about the same price as the Native Intruments Kontrol S4 - USD $999)
• Looks to be built like a tank (with solid metal construction)
• 4 Deck controller! and with full length 100mm  pitch sliders! 
• Strip Search!
• Awesome jogwheels that is almost the same size as the bigger CDJ's!
• Slicer mode with Velocity sensitive hotcue drum pads!
• User replaceable crossfaders (this is always good!)
• and... it works as a hardware mixer too with hardware filters!!! on each deck

I will definitely be posting a review as soon as I get my hands on these, coming from Traktor Pro, it would be interesting to see how this new Serato software stacks up against the mighty Native Instruments Traktor Pro 2.6

They seemed to have delayed the shipment, I was first informed that the DDJ-SX will come in on the 25th of October over here in Singapore, however there seems to be a problem with something and they are withhelding the stocks, perhaps until the Serato DJ software is released on the 1st of November... Does this mean that version 1.0.0 will be buggy and early Serato DJ users are essentially gonna be... BETA TESTERS?? We shall see!

Speaking of Traktor 2.6, Native Instruments really stepped their game up with 11 new macro FX and the "flux mode", more on that later!


Pioneer DDJ-SX Performance DJ Controler

Serato DJ:

So What's New in the DJ World? Native Instruments are releasing their own DJ mixer, the Z2, Pioneer says "you dont always need a laptop" with their new CDJ2000 Nexus and the XDJ Aero with the Rekordbox + IOS/Android support, meanwhile, Serato has been cooking up a rather tasty treat to try to keep up with everyone else stepping their game up

What is Serato DJ Anyway?

Well the way i see it, depending on which gear you use, Serato DJ can be seen as either the replacement for Serato Itch, or an upgrade path to Serato DJ Intro users (For US$199 - eeeeek??)

Effects has never been Serato's strength compared to native instruments who makes studio plugins, so interestingly they have collaborated with IZOTOPE for the effects - yes IZOTOPE The well loved company behind Stutter Edit, Ozone, Nectar, so i think izotope and native instruments can go head to head here in terms of the fx they are capable of doing - so yeah good one serato!

Itch users will get the new Serato DJ for free, while Serato DJ Intro can pay $199 to get more effects, features, BEAT GRIDS, among others

Interesting? Definitely!

Also note that SERATO DJ allows up to 4 decks - so those Serato DJ Intro controllers such as the VCI400 or the Reloop Terminal 4 which had 4 deck capabilities but was never allowed to explore its full potential, now with the Serato DJ you can maximize your hardware and use all 4 decks - how about that?

interesting development in the DJ Technology World I'd say!

Oh and did you see that awesome Serato DJ controller by Pioneer - the DDJ-SX! It definitely looks good - for those who arent into rekordbox / thumb drives

About Traktor's upcoming DJ Mixer - Traktor Scratch Ready and loaded with goodies

So traktor just released a teaser about their upcoming DJ Mixer, the Traktor Z2~

Now that Traktor is entering the DJ Hardware market, things will get really interesting, their product in the past consists of audio interfaces and midi controllers, if this thing is a standalone mixer that is Traktor Scratch certified, then they would officially go head to head to many dj manufacturers (hello there Pioneer!), particularly if this Z2 thing is priced well

If the price is set at around $599 USD or $699 USD  and it has a decent build quality then it has the potential to CRUSH all other low end mixer manufacturers, well we'll wait and see shall we?

So Pioneer decided to give Laptops the middle finger with its XDJ-Aero and CDJ2000 Nexus that plays off smart phones and tablets, and NI is releasing their own hardware? Man this is getting really interesting!

Some questions though...

• What kind of X-fader does it have? Is it user replaceable if not? Is it the non-contact kind that has super long life? this will be the deal-breaker for many
• Does the filters work without a computer connected? If yes ~ AWESOME
• Is the top surface shiny and scratch/finger print prone like in the S2/S4? If yes then seriously they need to get this fixed before it gets released!!

Why the XDJ-AERO looks promising

So I've been thinking about getting a pair of CDJs that are rekordbox-ready so I can play out in the clubs without bringing my laptop

Why? Coz I think setting up between DJs in a dark DJ booth is kinda troublesome, for example, on my last gig the guy before me uses Serato Scratch Live, I use Traktor Scratch + Timecode, and the guy after me uses the rekordbox... So after the guy before me finishes, I need to hook up my Traktor Audio6 into the spare channels on the club's mixer, and then once he's done I need to unhook the RCAs off his SL1 unit into my A6, the whole transition thing was really messy, cables everywhere, plus it was really dark too, and once i was done, i have to help the guy after me (which is the right thing to do of course - you gotta help each other right) hook the rcas from the CDJ900s straight into the club mixer again

This whole setting up thing with DJs using different mediums really got me thinking - maybe I should ditch the laptop too? If everyone used rekordbox its just plugging in - ready to go? Plus it seems to be a lot more fun jamming without a laptop - just like the olde days!

So while i was daydreaming about whether to get CDJ850s or not, Pioneer introduced the XDJ-AERO~

At first i was like "Uh... WTF? Wifi? Gimmick! Its not gonna work" but then as i look at the whole thing with more perspective, I began to see why this is potentially an excellent value home jamming system, all-in-one! well im writing this to tell you why i think the XDJ-AERO really has great potential

ITS REKORDBOX READY! No laptops needed!

Yup, you can play off a single usb stick that you prepared in rekordbox - just like the big boys CDJ900 and CDJ2000! The CDJ350's and 850's require you to have one usb stick on each drive, its not a big deal as i think you should bring out TWO anyway, but hey its good to be able to play off the same thumb drive no? and this is the cool thing, using the same thumb drive you use to jam at home, bring it over to the club with cdj850/900/2000 and you are good to go, its club ready pretty much!

Dedicated Filters on Each Deck

This was a feature that used to be only on the premium Pioneer Mixers (until they introduced the djm250 that is), having a filter on each deck is really awesome for smooth mixing and for effects usage - Seriously you can never go wrong with having low pass and high pass filters on each deck!!

Built in Effects on Each Deck

Again, the effects that were popular on the big boys' DJM Mixers are here : ROLL, TRANS, and Echo, nevermind the FLANGE as i think CRUSH would be the better choice, but hey you cant have everything right? Plus the FX has dedicated Time/Depth rotaries on each deck, think of it as the CDJ400 effects with more bpm accuracy and more control - having time and depth control means you can do a really cool roll effect just like in the bigger DJM Mixers

Its a mixer too!

Oh wow look at the back, you can plug things in, say a cdj or a turntable, and the thing will act as a mixer! Not bad Pioneer not bad...

It has QUANTIZE mode!

Yep this thing has quantize mode - means you can pretty much set a perfect loop that will not go out of time, that is if you set your beatgrids right. This feature was really reserved for the higher level (read: expensive) Pioneer devices like the CDJ900/2000, so now that this new xdj-aero has it, its really cool!

What's Missing??

Well first of all - it would have been awesome if they put full length pitch sliders instead of the shortened ones, secondly as of yet the unit does not have hotcues, cue markers or waveform displays on the unit itself (however i am quite sure that if you link your smartphones to aero via wifi you can see the waveforms - but thats another story)
oh and see those numbers "1/2/3/4" under the fx? i wonder if there will be hotcues in a next update?

Its full featured enough to be a solid home setup

Well for 2 deck mixing + FX + Filters, QUANTIZE and rekordbox functionality, and bonus WIFI Features (that i suspect will be more and more popular after Pioneer launches the CDJ2000MK2 which i suspect will support the same feature), this thing can really be either a solid home practice deck, or a good starting setup for anyone who wants to get into the whole rekordbox djing (no laptop)

Im pretty sure Im getting one as soon as its out here in Singapore! 

It will be a great addition to my current setup (Rane TTM56s mixer + X1 + Traktor Scratch + Turntables) as the XDJ-Aero can be my rekordbox jamming unit in cases where i dont wanna bring my laptop out for gigs!

Some Videos

The XDJ-Aero is Available NOW in the USA!

Uh you guys are lucky! I wish I can get my hands on it NOW :(

Amazon Link (From USD $1099!):

Pioneer XDJ Series XDJ-AERO Wireless DJ System

Pioneer's "Evolution" Teaser - New CDJ's coming up??

Have you seen this new Pioneer Video?

It looks like a teaser for a brand new Pioneer gear

Im guessing, from the comments of the (sponsored) artists, that it will be similar to the XDJ-Aero, but the PRO Version perhaps? like a CDJ2000 + AERO features? So I guess Pioneer would be pushing the whole wifi thing + smart phone? hmmm... interesting!