Pioneer DJ DDJ-Rev1 in 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 turned 90 degrees and a modern scratch mixer and packs it into an entry-level controller. It gets most things right, but the pads could be a bit small for some fingers.

First Impressions / Setup

The DDJ-REV1 is an entry-level device and is made entirely of plastic, but the build quality is okay - many professional DJs like to use these types of controllers as portable secondary devices to prepare a set on the go.

The first thing that stands out is that the "decks" are arranged with the play/pause button (and a small "cue" honor button) at the bottom right and the pitch sliders arranged horizontally at the top - as if you were to rotate two conventional turntables 90 degrees, just like Battle/Scratch DJs like to do. No DJ controller has done this before - and once you've seen it, you have to wonder: Why not? It makes a lot of sense!

DDJ Rev1 Battle Layout

Next, you'll notice that the mixer section looks like a compact battle mixer - the lower third is extremely cleanly designed (for unobstructed access to the crossfader), the performance pads are located just above it, and finally, the EQ controls are arranged in the Pioneer DJM-S7/S9 format.

So, overall, it's a classic battle layout packed into an all-in-one DJ controller. However, it really is just a pure controller - there are no aux inputs or anything like that. 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, download the Serato DJ Lite software from the Serato website and connect the controller to your computer. Then, connect headphones, a microphone (if you want to use one), and active speakers - if you don't want to do that, you can also choose to play back through the laptop.

With that, you're basically ready to go. The setup is really beginner-friendly and doesn't require any major IT knowledge.

As with most programs nowadays, Serato works with your own music files, but it 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 relatively large and feel good to operate. They do not have on-jog displays and, of course, are not motorized like those of the larger sibling Pionner DDJ-REV7, but they are an improvement over the DDJ-SB3, for which this controller is essentially the successor.

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

Also, on top, you'll find the sync buttons as well as the master volume (right deck) and headphone volume (left deck).

Mixer Section

The mixer section stands out for its width - it's much larger than what you'd expect from controllers of this size, giving it a spacious, clear feel. While the upfaders and crossfader have plenty of space, the performance pads are small - more on that in a moment.

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

Since it's a "battle" emulation, the mixer is more than just a mixer - it also houses 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 that controlled three effects each - many knobs and buttons, which many DJs eventually found overwhelming. Recently, hardware control of effects has been scaled back, but in our opinion, some entry-level devices have gone a bit too far with that.

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

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

Pioneer DDJ Rev1 FX Section

There's also a separate filter control per channel, as you'd expect from any controller these days.

Performance Pads

The pads are rubberized, but they are small, close together, and only single-color backlit. However, they offer hot cues, auto-loop, sampler, "scratch bank" (a great feature previously only found on expensive Serato devices), and the classic trans(form) effect.

DDJ Rev1 Pad Section

All these functions are limited in Serato DJ Lite, but fully unlocked in Serato DJ Pro (paid), where you also get Beat Jump and Roll in addition.

However, even in the Lite version, there's an important new feature - "tracking." This allows you to digitally turn the crossfader on and off in various pre-programmed patterns, creating cool scratch effects without having to do anything yourself.

Overall, the pads are okay - just make sure you can handle their small size. Also, they visually give the controller a somewhat quirky appearance.

Other Points About the DDJ-REV1

The metering is well done - the level meters show feedback per channel, not the master level, which makes more sense when you only have two meters available.

A great feature if you want to record livestreams with this device is that the microphone jack is connected to the computer via the USB port, making it very easy to set up a livestreaming rig - usually not found in controllers in this price range.

DDJ Rev1 Front and Back view

In addition to the USB port for connecting to the computer, there's a master RCA output on the back. The sound quality here is decent. We also liked the 6.3mm jack for the microphone, which even has its own volume control. Nice.

Keep in mind, though, that the REV1 only has a 3.5mm headphone jack. If your headphones have a 6.3mm jack, you'll need an adapter. We think that's manageable...

Conclusion

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

It's good and reassuring to see that Pioneer DJ has done this.

One might have thought that the company, with its own software (Rekordbox) and corresponding controllers, would have signaled the end of Serato controllers from Pioneer DJ, but that's not the case. It seems that Pioneer DJ has taken a pragmatic approach, which is good because Serato controllers have traditionally been very popular.

The new separation between Rekordbox and Serato Pioneer controllers now seems clear: Rekordbox controllers adopt the "club" layout (two CDJs and a DJM mixer), while Serato controllers copy the "battle" layout (two turntables turned 90 degrees and a scratch mixer). In this regard, it makes sense for Pioneer DJ to continue supporting Serato.

However, the Rekordbox controllers are still slightly cheaper as the included software is more powerful than Serato DJ Lite, and upgrading 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 of the scratching and performance features here and there, the DDJ-REV1 would be a great entry-level device for you.

It's also an ideal secondary controller for mobile DJs who want to work on a set on the go.

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!

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Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
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