![]() BROWSING TRACKSĪt the top of the DDJ-SX’s center mixing section, a push-button encoder and six buttons with Shift functions make of the efficient track-browsing section. It’s also made to be a truly all-in-one controller that you don’t need to fortify with secondary controllers (although you can, as per Serato DJ’s new capability), so that’s another plus in the consideration. It’s solidly built, but the aluminum elements are saved for the top panel and jog wheel face plates. To save weight, the DDJ-SX doesn’t go crazy with the metal construction. Every inch of it squeezes out the ample potential power of Serato DJ, and makes performing with the new software a real treat.ĭespite the size of the DDJ-SX, it weighs less than 13 pounds, which is still more than most all-in-one DJ controller/soundcards, but nothing compared to the 35 pounds of the beastly NS7. T he surface area of the DDJ-SX doesn’t go to waste. However, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t try. In fact, it’s probably too big to comfortably take to any of the last four DJ booths I’ve performed in. ![]() At 26.1 x 14.1 x 2.8 inches, it was actually too big to take to either of the DJ gigs I had while testing it. Pioneer landed on a size between those two units for the DDJ-SX, but nevertheless, it’s big-quite big. Traktor Pro S4 had the Kontrol S4, and Serato Itch had the Queen Mary of all DJ controllers, the Numark NS7. Seemingly, every big new DJ software iteration needs a big ol’ flagship controller with which to welcome it into the world. (Tested the DDJ-SX on a 2012 MacBook Pro with a 2.6GHz Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, and OS 10.8.2, the same machine used for the DJTT review of Serato DJ.) BIG LOVE You can have Dual Deck Control and Slip active at the same time, and when I did, even after getting really busy with cue points and loops, the software reacted in lock step with the hardware, offering no noticeable latency. So for example, if you have cue points set up marking distinct sounds such as a crash, kick, snare, or any good vocal drop or sound effect, in Slip Mode you can drop those sounds in rhythmically at any point during playback, and then playback continues as normal when you take your finger off the pads, or the jog wheel in the case of scratching in Slip Mode. This can be really fun and sound very cool when used with accurate timing. With Slip Mode engaged from the Slip button on either DDJ-SX deck, the track playing in Serato keeps its linear play position active while you scratch, perform hot cues or loops, and then snaps back to the linear position when you are finished ( see a simple demo in this clip on YouTube). Dual Deck Control turns on with the Dual Deck button on each DDJ-SX deck, and it means that the two tracks playing on the deck (either tracks 1 & 3 or 2 & 4) will be controlled simultaneously, so you could, for example, scratch both tracks or hot cue both tracks at once. Serato has also worked with Pioneer to program Serato DJ compatibility with the DDJ-SX’s Dual Deck Control and Slip Mode. Virtually every button and other control on the Pioneer unit correspond directly with a Serato DJ function. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE INTERTWINEDĪlthough you can use the 4-channel mixer portion of the DDJ-SX to connect turntables, CD decks, and other external sources and pass through audio to the main outs without connecting to a computer, obviously the main attraction to the DDJ-SX is its integration with the new Serato DJ software. With the effects sections, Slip mode, Dual Deck mode, 8 cue points and loops each per track, Loop Roll, Slicer, and a Sampler launcher, the DDJ-SX sets the stage for you to go off on a Serato controller like never before. The Bottom Line: While size and price may be detractors, the DDJ-SX uses every inch of its surface to ensure maximum effectiveness over the new Serato DJ software. Have to be careful not to touch Needle Search when playing the effects section. The Bad: Its sheer size can cause problems integrating it into a performance space. Cool light show ensues after sitting idle. Two headphone outputs two microphone inputs. XLR and RCA main outputs, Booth Out, level meters for each channel. The Good: Awesome pad performance section. Manufacturer: Pioneer, with collaboration from Serato Reviewed: Pioneer DDJ-SX Controller for Serato DJ Besides just high-end, great-feeling controls, it unlocks from the software Dual Deck Control, Slip mode, Loop Roll, Slicer, and other powerful performance tools.Įditor’s Note: The DDJ SX was updated in August, 2014. ![]() Was that not written in stone? Along with the recent release of Serato DJ, Pioneer has launched its flagship controller, the monstrously sized and devilishly fun DDJ-SX controller and audio interface. ![]() Behind every good DJ software, there is a great controller.
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