Pioneer DJ has announced a new range of DJ controllers: the DDJ-REV series.
The DDJ-REV series is a new line of DJ controllers with layouts that mimic a professional DJM-S mixer + PLX turntable setup, as well as features tailored to open-format and scratch DJs.
The tempo sliders have been moved to the top of the deck sections and turned horizontally for the first time on a Pioneer DJ controller to emulate PLX turntables arranged in a battle configuration.
The Performance Pads, along with the Lever FX paddles, have been placed in the mixer section, exactly where they are found on DJM-S series mixers, allowing you to energetically change the sound during performances.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 DJ controller is a great way for beginners to get started in the world of battle-style mixing without having to invest in a set of turntables and a mixer capable of scratch battle performance.
The REV1 is designed to emulate a pair of PLX decks and a DJM-S mixer battle-style, with a layout inherited from the flagship DDJ-REV7. This layout change has allowed for longer pitch faders in the DDJ-REV1 (when compared to the DDJ-SB3), which provides finer control when mixing. The REV1 has the largest platters of any entry-level DJ controller, and the size increases do not stop with the pitch faders.
The performance pads, like the DJM-S mixers, have been relocated to the mixer section as part of the layout redesign. The extra space around the mixer facilitates scratching, and the placement of the performance pads facilitates transitions using Serato DJ lite’s FX. The addition of FX triggers expands the REV1’s creative possibilities.
The art of scratching takes practice and patience, and the DDJ-REV1 has Tracking Scratch to help you along the way. When you move the jog wheel backwards or remove your hand from the platter, this new feature returns the track being scratched to the cue point. This eliminates the need to use the crossfader and rewind to the beginning of your scratch sound.
If you’d rather use the scratch bank to trigger samples or tracks (which was previously only available to Serato DJ Pro users), simply tap the relevant performance pad. 3/4 deck control is available with the press of a button, and once the levels are set, all four decks can be played in the Serato DJ Lite software.
As a DJ, social media plays a significant role in reaching your target audience. The DDJ-REV1 is ready to help you stream your sets to friends and followers on social media. You can easily talk over the tracks to help with audience interaction by connecting a microphone to the controller. The audio signal is routed directly into your laptop and then broadcast via the stream, so no additional equipment is required to handle the vocals.
Specifications
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Software |
Serato DJ Lite Serato DJ Pro (license/subscription not included) |
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Frequency Response |
20 Hz － 20 kHz |
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S/N Ratio |
103 dB（USB） |
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Total Harmonic Distortion |
0.005% |
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Input / Output Terminals
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Inputs |
MIC x 1 (1/4” TS jack) |
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Outputs |
MASTER x 1 (RCA x 1) HEADPHONES x 1 (3.5-mm stereo mini jack x 1) |
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USB |
USB Type-B x 1 |
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Power Supply |
USB Type-B bus powered |
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Power Consumption |
5V 500mA |
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Maximum Dimensions (W ｘ D ｘ H) |
526.0 × 255.5 × 59.2 mm / 20.7” × 10.06” × 2.33” |
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Weight |
2.1 kg / 4.6 lb |
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Accessories |
USB cable Warranty (for some regions) Quick Start Guide Precautions for Use |
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Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 DJ controller comes with 7-inch Vinyl-style platters, a DJM-S-inspired mixer section, and customisable on-jog displays. This is the ultimate DJ controller for turntablists and vinyl junkies, and it comes with Serato DJ and a voucher to unlock the pitch-n-time expansion pack.
The REV7 departs from the traditional Pioneer DJ layout, which is the industry standard throughout clubland, by adopting a battle-style position for the unit’s deck sections. The pitch control is moved to the top of the unit, and the traditional play and cue button configuration is removed. The lack of a cue button is due to the fact that this unit uses Vinylized platters. Traditional cueing methods are possible with these new Vinylized platters, which are rotated by a high torque motor.
Acrylic platter plates are grooved to feel like vinyl for those who prefer to scratch. When set to high output, the motors produce 1.8kgf-cm of torque, which is ideal for 7-inch scratching and 3.5kgf-cm if a 12-inch is spun. You can also personalise the platter’s feel by using the supplied slip-sheets, which fit beneath the acrylic plate. These slip-sheets allow you to adjust the friction between the platter and the plate to your liking. You can also change the rotation speed from 33 to 45 rpm.
Practice is essential when it comes to turntablism. Pioneer DJ has added the Instant Scratch function to the REV7 to allow users to practise their cuts wherever they are. When activated, the Instant Scratch mode disconnects the deck (but not the entire unit) from Serato DJ, allowing for standalone scratch practise with the included samples and beats. When not in use, the Instant Scratch pads can be used as hotcue, sampler, scratchbank, or saved loop slots.
The now-familiar on-jog displays that have adorned a number of Pioneer DJ products in recent years handle visual feedback. The information provided is the genius of the implementation within the REV7. When it comes to on-jog displays, waveforms are nothing new, but here we’re given the waveform for the opposite deck – giving us a visual insight into track position without having to look at the laptop screen. You can also customise these screens to include logos or other graphics, as well as the standard Serato DJ play position, BPM, Key, and pitch information.
The decks are reliable, whether you need to cut and scratch or mix and blend – but what about the mixer section? You’ll notice that the DDJ-REV7 is the first controller in Pioneer DJ’s DDJ lineup to relocate the performance pads to the mixer section. This shift in position isn’t as revolutionary as it may appear at first. In fact, it brings the REV7 closer to the Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 and S11 mixers.
The REV7 makes use of the most recent Magvel Pro crossfader. This highly durable fader is built to last over 10 million operations, and the load adjustment can be adjusted from light to heavy from the front panel, allowing you to tailor the playability to your preferences.
Specifications
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Software |
Serato DJ Pro |
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Frequency Response |
20 Hz – 20 kHz (USB, LINE, AUX (LINE / PORTABLE), MIC 1, MIC 2) |
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S/N Ratio |
110 dB (USB) 95 dB (LINE) 84 dB (PHONO) |
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Total Harmonic Distortion |
0.003% (USB) 0.005% (LINE) 0.017% (PHONO) |
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Input/Output Terminals
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Inputs |
LINE / PHONO x 2 (RCA) MIC x 2 (XLR & 1/4″ TRS jack x 1, 1/4″ TRS jack x 1) AUX x 1 (RCA) |
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Outputs |
MASTER x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1) BOOTH x 1 (1/4″ TRS jack x 1) HEADPHONES x 2 (1/4″ stereo jack x 1, 3.5-mm stereo mini-jack x 1) |
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USB |
USB Type-B x 2 |
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Power Supply |
AC 100 V – 240 V, 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
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Power Consumption |
DC 24 V, 1000 mA |
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Maximum Dimensions (W ｘ D ｘ H) |
732 x 382.2 x 82.4 mm / 28.8″ x 15.0″ x 3.2″ |
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Weight |
10.7 kg / 23.6 lbs. |
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Accessories |
AC adapter Power cord USB cable Warranty (for some regions) Quick Start Guide Precaution for Use Serato DJ Pro Expansion Pack voucher Marking stickers |
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Price and Availability
The entry-level DDJ-REV1 will be available in late January for $259 and will work with the free Serato DJ Lite (1.5.9) software, though the pro version will also work. Those looking for the high-end DDJ-REV7 ($1,899) will have to wait until February, though no firm release date has been confirmed. This model comes with a Serato DJ Pro (2.5.9) licence and a Serato Pitch ‘n’ Time expansion voucher.
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