Pioneer DDJ-1000 Review - The New Controller in NXS2 Layout
The DDJ-1000 is the first Pioneer DJ controller specifically designed for the Performance Mode of Rekordbox software. Previous Rekordbox controller offerings like (DDJ-RB/R/X/Z) were essentially reimagined versions of the classic Serato controller line. The biggest advantage of this controller is the complete CDJ2000NXS2 layout, pressure-sensitive jog wheels, and a mini DJM-900 mixer with a fully-equipped effects section.
Find out how the new controller performs and whether the NXS2 setup can stay at home!
The DDJ-1000 has been discontinued by Pioneer DJ. The successor is the DDJ-FLX10, which works with both rekordbox and Serato DJ.
The Jogwheels of DDJ-1000
Undoubtedly the stars of this controller, these wheels feel direct and responsive and are inspired by the CDJ 2000NXS line. While the jog displays within the wheels provide useful information (BPM, waveforms, position indicators, phrase counts, deck assignments), it's the feel of the jog wheels that can truly convince.
If you're not familiar with CDJ jogs, the pressure-sensitive design of the capacitive touch wheels, which you won't find on many other digital DJ controllers, is decidedly superior. Aside from better tactility and responsiveness, it also eliminates many errors from accidental touches.
Another welcome feature is the adjustment of the resistance of DDJ-1000's jog wheels. This should be standard on every non-motorized wheel on the market. This setting is particularly useful for DJs who want to scratch or perform turntablism techniques on the controller.
Premium First-Class Quality
While the controller is made up of a plastic base with some metal trim on the platters, it's built very solidly and has the typical Pioneer DJ build quality. The controller has a weight and solidity that just feels good and secure. While it doesn't match up to an all-metal design controller, it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy - it has nothing to hide from high-priced Pioneer DJ equipment.
The pots respond very solidly, the faders have the typical Pioneer feel, and pretty much everything feels like it comes directly from high-quality CDJ/DJM equipment.
Magvel Crossfader
Pioneer DJ's touchless Magvel Fader technology, I can confidently say, is one of the best on the controller market. Even compared to other controllers with the same fader technology (like the SZ), the fader used in the DDJ-1000 feels as smooth as butter.
Unlike the "clicky" feeling of Magvel faders on the SZ or even the DJM-900NXS2s, the fader installed on the DDJ-1000 feels almost identical to the Magvel Pro fader on the DJM-S9 battle mixer. However, the S9 lacks the extreme customization options (tension and independent curve adjustment for left and right sides) found on the S9.
Since the DJM-S9 is pretty much the de facto scratch/hip-hop mixer nowadays, this quality is definitely a good thing. The easy way to adjust cut lag (in software settings) is a welcome feature compared to the utility mode offered by other controllers.
Hardware Effects
The DDJ-1000 offers 18 different hardware effects to choose from - 4 Color FX, 12 Beat Effects, and 2 Mobius Effects (essentially Shepard tone generators). The functionality, implementation, and layout are exactly like a standard 4-channel DJM mixer. The workflow is identical and consistent with Pioneer DJ's way of working.
Since these effects are exclusively hardware implementations, they can be used on any audio source - CDJs, vinyl, even through the microphone input. The effects sound great, are highly functional, and users can delve deeply into creative use of the effects.
However, one can also easily add some of the countless Rekordbox software effects - All effect junkies will be thrilled by the possibilities with all the combinations available to them.
CDJ/DJM Layout/Feeling
The DDJ-1000 reflects consistently the CDJ/DJM design and feels closer to the "real hardware" than any other controller on the market - even the standalone XDJ-RX2 controllers.
The mixer section is essentially a trimmed-down DJM-900, and the wheels and pitch sliders have been directly borrowed from the mighty CDJ-2000NXS2s. You cannot get closer to a CDJ-2000 setup with a controller currently.
For those seeking a more affordable controller to get accustomed to the big Pioneer DJ setups, look no further - The DDJ-1000 delivers just that - though it lacks the crucial standalone mode most people would desire.
Sound Quality
Pioneer products' sound quality has always been very good - yet, some manufacturers go further. Compared to other controllers and mixers on the market, a noticeable improvement in sound quality of the DDJ-1000 over older Pioneer controllers has been observed.
It's not clear whether this is due to the converters in the controller, a better sound card or DACs, the difference in processing in Rekordbox compared to other software, or all of the above. However, the sound quality of the DDJ-1000 compared to many other Pioneer DJ controllers has increased. For our taste, the highs are still a bit too sharp and the bass is somewhat thinner than with other hardware, but overall the DDJ-1000 is one of the better products in terms of sound quality from Pioneer DJ.
Conclusion
In our opinion, this is the best all-in-one controller on the market. The DDJ-1000 feels great, is solidly built, sounds good, looks impressive, and comes closest to a complete CDJ/DJM setup, as you won't currently find in any other controller.
For Rekordbox users looking for a perfectly matched controller in the NXS2 layout, this is exactly what they need.