Pioneer DJ DDJ-Rev1 Under Review

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 is a bold new entry-level DJ controller for Serato DJ (it comes with the Lite version), which for the first time adopts the "Battle" layout of two turntables rotated by 90 degrees and a modern scratch mixer, packaged into an entry-level controller. It gets most things right, but the pads might be a bit too small for some fingers.

First Impressions / Setup

The DDJ-REV1 is an entry-level device and therefore is entirely made of plastic, but the build quality is okay - many professional DJs like to use this type of controller as portable secondary devices for preparing sets on the go.

The first thing you'll notice is that the "decks" are arranged so that the Play/Pause button (and a small Cue button) is at the bottom right and the pitch controls are arranged horizontally at the top - as if you were to rotate two conventional turntables by 90 degrees, as Battle/Scratch DJs often do. No other DJ controller has done this before - and once you've seen it, you might wonder: why not? It certainly makes sense!

Additionally, you'll notice that the mixer section resembles a compressed battle mixer - the bottom third is extremely cleanly designed (for unobstructed access to the crossfader), the performance pads are located directly above, and finally, the EQ controls are arranged in the Pioneer DJM-S7/S9 format.

So, overall, it's a classic battle layout packaged into an all-in-one DJ controller. However, it's really just a controller - there are no auxiliary inputs or similar features. It works with Serato DJ Lite (included), but it can also be used with Serato DJ Pro (paid).

Setting up the DDJ-REV1

To get started, you'll download the Serato DJ Lite software from the Serato website and connect the controller to your computer. Then, you'll connect headphones, a microphone (if you want to use one), and active speakers - if you prefer not to, you can also choose playback via the laptop.

At that point, you're pretty much ready to go. The setup is really very beginner-friendly and doesn't require any significant IT skills.

Like most modern programs, Serato works with your own music files but can also work with streaming services, allowing you to play tracks from TIDAL, Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, and SoundCloud Go+.

Jog Wheels and Decks

Using this controller is fun. The jog wheels are fairly large and feel good to operate. They don't have on-jog displays and are naturally not motorized like those of the larger sibling Pioneer DDJ-REV7, but they are an improvement over the DDJ-SB3, which this controller is essentially the successor to.

Above the jog wheels, there are simple but effective loop buttons, and here you'll also find the buttons for switching to decks 3 and 4. Even with the free, limited software Serato DJ Lite, you can control four software decks in this way. It's a bit fiddly, but it works and is possible even in the free version - hats off.

At the top, there are also the Sync buttons and the master volume control (right deck) and the headphone volume control (left deck).

Mixer Section

The mixer section stands out for its width - it is much larger than usual for controllers of this size, providing a spacious and orderly feeling. While the upfaders and crossfader have plenty of room, the performance pads are small - more on that shortly.

Here too, there is a three-band EQ and a trim control (level), and at the top of the mixer are a rotary encoder and two load buttons for navigating the library and loading tracks.

Since this is a "battle" emulation, the mixer is naturally more than just a mixer - here you'll also find the effect and performance pads, which we'll look at next.

Effects

In the "old" controller layout that was popular a few years ago, there were two effect engines, each controlling three effects - lots of knobs and buttons, which many DJs eventually found overwhelming. Recently, control of effects via hardware has been scaled back, but in our opinion, on some entry-level devices, this has gone a bit too far.

Not with this controller.
There are still two effect engines available, the ability to select three effects per channel via the device itself, and change the effect cycle value. The only real compromise is a single control to trigger the effects.

But more importantly, with the convenient effect paddles, you can easily toggle each effect engine in Serato on and off, both momentarily and latched. The operation is great and is an exact copy of what you'd find on far more expensive, professional scratch/battle mixers.

There's also a separate filter control per channel available, as you would expect from any controller nowadays.

Performance Pads

The pads are rubberized, but they are small, close together, and illuminated with a single color. However, they offer Hot Cues, Auto-Loop, Sampler, "Scratch Bank" (a fantastic feature previously found only on expensive Serato devices), and the classic Trans(form) effect.

All these features are limited in Serato DJ Lite software but fully unlocked in Serato DJ Pro (paid), where you also get Beat Jump and Roll as additional bonuses.

But even in the Lite version, there's an important new feature - "Tracking." This digitally toggles the crossfader in various pre-programmed patterns, allowing for good scratch effects without having to do anything special.

Overall, the pads are fine - just make sure you can handle their small size. Also aesthetically, they leave a rather odd impression on the controller.

Additional Points on the DDJ-REV1

The metering is successful - the level meters display channel-specific feedback, not the master level, which makes more sense when you only have two meter displays available.

A fantastic feature if you want to record livestreams with this device is the fact that the microphone jack is connected to the computer via the USB port, which means it's very easy to set up a livestreaming rig - typically not found in controllers of this price range.

In addition to the USB port for computer connection, there's also a master RCA output available on the back. Sound quality here is okay. We liked the 6.3 mm jack connection for the microphone, which even has volume control. Nice touch.

Also worth considering is that in the REV1, there's only a 3.5 mm headphone jack to be found. Anyone with a 6.3 mm jack on their headphones will need to use an adapter. But we think you can live with that...

Conclusion

As mentioned in the review, this controller is essentially the successor to the aging yet highly popular Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 Serato Controllers.

It's first and foremost good and heartening that Pioneer DJ has done this.

One might have thought that the company, with its proprietary software (Rekordbox) and its associated controllers, would have phased out Pioneer DJ's Serato controllers, but that's not the case. It seems Pioneer DJ has been pragmatic, and that's a good thing, as Serato controllers are traditionally very popular.

The new distinction between Rekordbox and Serato Pioneer controllers now seems clear: Rekordbox controllers take on the "Club" layout (two CDJs and a DJM mixer), while Serato controllers mimic the "Battle" layout (two turntables rotated 90 degrees and a scratch mixer). In this regard, it makes sense for Pioneer DJ to continue supporting Serato as well.

However, Rekordbox controllers are still slightly more affordable, as the included software is more powerful than Serato DJ Lite, and the upgrade from Serato DJ Lite to Serato DJ Pro is paid.

If you're planning to DJ at small private parties and want to use some scratching and performance features here and there, the DDJ-REV1 would be a great entry-level device for you.

Also, for mobile DJs who want to work on a set or two on the go, the REV1 is an ideal secondary controller.

All in all, the DDJ-REV1 is a more than worthy replacement for the DDJ-SB3 and should appeal to Serato DJs of all kinds and levels!