The Pioneer DDJ 1000 is a feature-packed controller that will keep the crowd guessing. It’s a powerhouse that links well by synchronizing with what you’re playing in your set. Specifically, the mixer section is busy with an excellent range of performance and control options with impressive jog wheels. Overall, it’s a top-of-the-line Rekordbox controller that is hard to fault and, performance-wise, can be used for club gigs and home practice sessions.
Value for Money - At $260, it's a controller worth your money and time as it's fun and easy to use, even if you've never used an S series mixer from Pioneer. Also, it performs well even if you're a house DJ, battle DJ, open format DJ, a new DJ, or a pro DJ.
Convenience - It's great for DJ hand-offs or playing back-to-back sets. Also, it's much easier with 2 USB ports, and as controllers progress, it seems to be becoming a standard feature in the future.
Features - It has many features and lets you practice the current NXS/DJM club standard for a low price. However, the biggest drawback is the stability, as Rekordbox feels like an unreleased beta version with its bugs and hiccups that interfere with a perfect set. Regardless, it's still a worthy buy for 1000€ because it's fun to play with, considering you can also add in the Pad FX mode to access a further array of FX options, including your favorite pre-programmed sets. Overall, it's an all-round excellent controller all-round.
Comfort - It helps beginners as entry-level controllers as it allows users to learn the basic skills needed to DJ without spending a large amount of money on a club setup to also help them when transitioning to pro gears. Moreover, having a firm understanding of beatmatching and proper EQ'ing will make you more comfortable as a DJ. Additionally, as Pioneer becomes a staple among clubs and bars, thus, it remains the best premium DJ controller.
DJ-friendly - It offers great value for money, though there is still room for improvement; it varies from person to person, depending on their needs. Nevertheless, it's aimed towards performance DJs and club/mobile DJs who like to add something extra to their sets, and it's also light enough to transport or carry to the club and small enough to fit any home setup.
Performance - It's a great controller, mixer, and CDJ device that's great to use for clubs or to perform gigs. However, it may not be for people who prefer Serato, but it's recommendable for users or DJs who love mixing, are just getting started, or even pros. As far as Rekordbox controllers are concerned, it's something you'll want in your home.
Recommendation - It's fun to use, as you'll find yourself playing with the jog wheels for hours on end, especially with the scratching features. Worth recommending.
Size - Weight - It's a bit on the bigger side and might not be friendly for mobile DJs, plus it's not super compact. Nevertheless, it packs a heavy punch and is bundled with Rekordbox software.
Overview - It's a feature-packed controller that will keep the crowd guessing. It's a powerhouse that links well by synchronizing with what you're playing in your set. Specifically, the mixer section is busy with an excellent range of performance and control options with impressive jog wheels. Overall, it's a top-of-the-line Rekordbox controller that is hard to fault and, performance-wise, can be used for club gigs and home practice sessions.
Pros - The pros are that it's a simple plug-and-play with easy setup, comes with a free software activation key included, offers a full club-style design and layout, has an easy learning curve, lots of connectivity around the back for bigger sound systems, numerous connectivity options, great build quality, long-lasting Magvel crossfader that's great for scratching, full-sized full-color jog wheel display, light and transportable, great for mobile DJ's, can be a standalone mixer, feature-packed controller offering great value with an extensive selection of hardware FX.
DJingPro - David H.
03/04/2022
ProsPlug and PlaySoftware Activation KeyClub Standard FeaturesLearning CurveConnectivity OptionsBuild QualityMagvel CrossfaderPortabilityController
Cons - The cons include being locked with Rekordbox DJ, which may put loyal Serato users off, the crossfader curve can only be adjusted by clicking through four tabs, lack of a knob for navigating the Rekordbox interface, it's a bit small, and it lacks a dedicated IEC plug.
AC Adaptor - The AC adaptor is plugged in on the rear of the controller, and next to it is a cord hook to prevent the power lead from being pulled out. There's also a push button on/off switch and a Kensington security lock.
Build - Physically, it's Pioneer's pride and joy. It is solid enough and feels like it can be used daily without any negative impacts on the build. Overall, it's like a club setup in a controller form, with everything placed right where you expect it to be. Color-wise, it's an all-black controller, making the pads' colors add vibrancy to the look. However, the jog wheels' central mixer and top plate are fingerprint magnets, so they need to be cleaned after every session. On the left side, the sampler, mic, cue controls, and 2-band EQ are located, while the right side contains the master output control options, booth monitor knob, Beat FX, level meter, and depth knob. Size-wise, it's a big controller that takes up a lot of space, which is hard to avoid considering it has 4 channels and a large jog wheel.
Buttons - The buttons in the DDJ 1000 include channel faders that feel nice, smooth, and tight. Magvel crossfader that Pioneer claimed to last for 10 million movements, and it runs on magnets and uses contact-free technology for a smooth and responsive action. Quantize button for performance mixing, which makes snapping of the beat in line with triggering hot cues and loops. Slip button that keeps a track playing at the original rhythm in the background while looping, scratching, and using hot cues. Deck select buttons for switching between control of up to 4 decks in the Rekordbox software. Lastly, the standard play/pause, cue, search, shift, and cue/loop memory buttons are for quickly storing cue and loop points.
Connectivity - It has a variety of connective options. Specifically, at the front face are the ¼-inch and ⅛-inch TRS jacks or headphone ports, and at the back are 2 master output options (XLR and RCA), a TRS Balanced Booth output. On the other hand, the Line-In Options include 4 RCA channels that allow additional external/sound hardware connection. The USB connections include 2 USB ports that can be hooked up to either a laptop or a USB stick to quickly access music, and the Mic inputs include 2 balanced mic inputs (TRS and XLR) for directly tying to the controller's speaker setup, and recording or storing sounds, which also has power buttons. Specifically, the 2 Phono level inputs are for connecting turntables, the ¼-inch input for routing live instrument synthesizers, and RCA plugs for connecting monitors.
Controls - The controls include a dedicated panel for both microphone outputs that allows volume control, EQ adjustment, on/off the power, and a talk-over setting to automatically drop the volume of the music when speaking; browse knobs for loading, scrolling, and selecting tracks; and key controls positioned next to the pitch faders that allow setting of the Master Tempo of a track and full Tempo Range. Key locking allows tempo alteration while playing a track, which is important for harmonic mixing.
Design - Design-wise, it's made to appeal to DJs and tear up the club scene. Specifically, its design and layout are based directly on the DJM series, with all the buttons and knobs arranged in the same layout as the club standards CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 setup.
Inclusions - It comes packed inside two boxes with polystyrene inside for protection during transit. Also, it comes with a power adaptor, USB cable, 2-pin and 3-pin power lead, user manual, and a license key for a free copy of Rekordbox DJ.
Knobs - The knobs included are a volume knob that allows manipulation of sound effect intensity, color knobs for adding effects, and cue/master and level knobs for accurate preparation of mixes. Design-wise, the knobs feel great, are not cheap or loose, and have a stiff/hard feel. Performance-wise, knobs are responsive and have great density and scratch to them.
Beat FX - The Beat FX panel auto-detects the BPM of the track and displays the figure on the mini screen. It offers 14 FX with 4 new effects, namely Enigma jet, Mobius Saw, Mobius triangle, and low cut echo. It has an auto mode, but it can also be tapped to get a perfectly synced FX when it fails. It can be assigned to all 4 channels, the microphone, sampler, or master channel. Visual-wise, the effect gives the sound a feeling of infinite rising for a cool build-up effect. It can be switched on/off via the blue button that flashes when active, and intensity can be adjusted via the level/depth knob.
Beat Jump - The beat jump function allows the skipping of large amounts of a track, and it can be pre-programmed into all 8 pads to easily choose how many beats to jump and in what direction. Performance-wise, triggering a beat jump doesn't affect the rhythm of playback, which is also great for jumping long intros, performing mixing, or skipping past curse words.
Beat Loop - The beat loop function triggers a loop, which will play in the number of beats assigned to the pad. This function makes looping and triggering them easier by pressing a pad to enter and pressing again to exit.
Channels - It offers 4 channels that can be switched between USB A or B to control two computers. Specifically, channels 3 and 4 can also be switched to phono for controlling turntables, which is great for scratch DJs and turntablists who want a traditional feel. Also, each channel is equipped with 3 band EQ with trims, VU meters, cue assign buttons to listen to the selected channels via the headphones, and a separate one for the master channel.
Crossfader - The Magvel crossfader is claimed to handle more than 10 million movements, a great durability improvement for aggressive scratch DJs. Also, each channel can switch between different crossfader modes for more control. However, it's a bit heavy, and the crossfader curve can't be adjusted on the controller as it can only be done within Serato. Performance-wise, it's smooth and has zero resistance.
Features - Some features of the DDJ 1000 include its software, performance pads, jog wheels, pitch faders, mixing section, FX options, and different loop controls.
FX Control - It has different FX features in both hardware and software-based. Specifically, the mixer section houses a 4 Color FX with 14 different hardware-based FX features, and adding a Pad FX mode gives access to a complete array of FX options.
Jog Wheels - The 8-inch mechanical jog wheels are the selling point of the unit, and with the full-color performance pads, the experience feels similar to using a CDJ. Performance-wise, the tension adjustment on the jog wheel isn't as great, with only a minimal difference from all the way heavy and all the way light, but it's responsive with no lags, and playback is precise and clean. Nevertheless, it works from pressure as it does not touch capacitively. Hence, it must be pushed down to stop the track or scratch. Build-wise, it has a shiny top plate that is grippy and offers an excellent scratching experience. Overall, the jog wheels seem durable, with a solidity not seen in many controllers these days.
Keyboard Mode - The keyboard mode changes the pitch of the hot cues, which increases creativity by using different sounds on cue points that are close together. Pressing the pads to switch back and forth in time with the beat adds an unusual effect to sets.
LCD Display - An LCD screen is placed at the center of the jog wheels, showing 17 pieces of information, including the BPM, key, track's length, track's waveform, and set cue points. These visual cues and information on the jog displays are shown to make the DJ aware. It also prevents the DJ from getting distracted and making a mistake as they don't need to constantly peek over at their computers. Plus, it allows DJs to easily make smart mix decisions without looking at their laptop screens.
Loop Controls - The FX options include a variety of methods like an In/Out point that allows you to create and activate a preset loop, Loop Adjust & Reloop options that grant additional control over how the loop sounds, granting you the ability to further refine it, as well as with the Pad Modes that allows activating of a predetermined loop length. Also, it comes loaded with sample packs from loop masters on its internal memory. However, to shorten or double a loop, you have to hold SHIFT+ IN/OUT Loop, which will require two hands because of the distance between the buttons, making it unideal, but it can be re-mapped if you don't use the in/out function.
Middle Fader - The middle fader sometimes doesn't appear centered in the Rekorbox even though it's on the controller, though it can be fixed by moving it a bit and then back to the middle.
Mixer - The mixer section features 3 Band EQ & Trim, Channel meters, Beat/Color FX, Master Gain, Master Level Meter, Booth Level, Cue Mix/Level, 2 Mic Control, 4 Channels, Sampler Cue/Level, and a Magvel Fader. Specifically, each channel contains a full 3-band EQ, trim knob, and color knob used with the color FX for adding FX to tracks. Overall, the mixer section offers a variety of functionality.
Options - An extensive array of options makes the DDJ 1000 a good controller for users who like detailed control over their mixes. It also offers plenty of creative flexibility.
Performance Pads - In addition to the main pad mode options, 4 extra pad mode options can be accessed via the "Shift" button, which opens the Keyboard, Pad FX2, Beat Loop, and Key Shift functions. Specifically, the keyboard, key shift, and key sync buttons allow access to more track manipulation. At the same time, the pad FX2 offers an additional set of software-based preset options to play with, and the beat loop is an alternative to the loop points control. On the other hand, the main pad modes include the hot cue that allows the setting of an immediate cue for any specific or key parts of a track, and the pad FX1, the only available installation of Rekordbox. It's a software-based FX option that offers many creative and texture layering options, beat jump that allows the moving of tracks based on the number of beats rather than seconds, and the sampler that is used to store away several sound samples for later use. Build-wise, the pads are backlit and made of rubber with an impressive size that feels good to press. Performance-wise, the pads are velocity-sensitive, which helps in replicating an actual drummer sound.
Pitch Fader - The pitch fader shows the BPM of your track at a glance, and the precise controls make it easier to beat match by ear. There are other controls besides the pitch fader, including the key locking, which allows you to alter the tempo but maintain the song's key. Also, there's a pitch mode used for bending samples.
Platter - Pitch Bends - Performance-wise, the platter, along with the pitch bend, felt nice to scratch. It also feels heavier and sturdier and less plasticky. On the other hand, the pitch bend felt good and was very responsive.
Pre-Amps - The phono pre-amps aren't great; thus, buying a separate pre-amp is advised if you plan on playing vinyl on it. But if you're only using it for DVS functionality, then there's no problem.
Sampler - The sampler cueing lets you preview how samples will sound in your mix in your headphones. Also, the sampler allows you to load and play your samples.
Slip Reverse - The slip reverse immediately enables the slip mode once a track is put into reverse, and as soon as you put the track back into forward mode, the track jumps back to where it would have been, just like the normal slip mode.
Step Sequencer - A multicolored step sequencer allows users to program and create a groove of the samples loaded into each pad, which can be extended up to four bars in length.
Tempo Slider - The tempo slider feels solid, while the slippery verse and quantized slip allow you to rotate between decks 3 and 1, and it's also the way to load in your tracks double them.
Touchscreen - The 7-inch touchscreen has 3 modes in the screen home for an overview of the samples, loaded sequence, or the mixer screen to balance the levels of each sample.
Durability - After over a year, the load knob on the left deck and the 3.5mm headphone jack doesn't work anymore, but other than those, it still works well.
In-Use - Getting a feel for the mixer was easy, especially if you've used Pioneer mixers. Plus, the headphones have more than enough volume, and the separate cue assign buttons are handy for louder venues.
Set-Up - To set up the DDJ 1000, first, download the software from the Pioneer website, install then register, then you have to configure the audio output and sound card in the preferences tab; if you're using the controller outputs, you need to disable the PC master out because if you don't disable it, your computer speakers will also output sound which plays slightly out of sync with the master out and headphones. Next is to configure the crossfader, as there's no crossfader curve adjust knob on the interface. Lastly, you need to transfer your tracks/playlist, which can be done through a USB.
Rekordbox - Each Pioneer DDJ 1000 comes with a full version of Rekordbox. Specifically, Rekordbox DJ software is an impressive technology that continues to grow and improve over time as new patches are installed. It doesn't only provide basic functional features. Still, it adds a few additional ones, including the detailed tagging system that allows users to organize and catalog their music however they want. Additionally, it's easy to set up and get the hang of, which is great for beginners. However, it comes with some faults, like problems registering the movements of the jog wheel. In comparison with Serato, the Serato software seems to lack a lot when compared to Rekordbox.
Serato - It can't be used with Serato, but the Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT variant is the Serato version of this controller. Additionally, Serato gives full access to samplers.
Software Processing - The Pioneer DJ has refined the software processing for jog wheel and crossfader operation to help reduce latency, so scratching feels more intuitive. Each channel can also switch between different crossfader modes allowing more control.
Pioneer DDJ 1000 SRT - This is for DJs who prefer Serato as it runs in Serato software. This is near identical to the DDJ 1000 with same level of high-quality components, and a full Serato DJ Pro included.
Pioneer DDJ 400 - This can be considered a budget-friendly alternative for the DDJ 1000. It is compact with 2 channels inspired by pro-level layouts, comes with a full Rekordbox software. However, the mixer section feels a little cramped.
Pioneer XDJ RX3 - This has a big on-board screen so you won’t need a laptop anymore. It also has a club style layout with plenty of performance features. However, it is only a 2 channel controller.
DDJ-1000 vs DJM - The DJM has a far superior phono pre-amps build than the DDJ. But the quality of the DDJ-1000 is fantastic for £1000, and if you want extra functions, you can spend £2k on the XDJ-XZ, and if you have enough cash, buy the CDJs.
TripleDistance
05/25/2022
DDJ-1000 vs DJMComparisonPreampQualityExtra FunctionsPrice
DDJ-1000 vs DJM/CDJ - The DJM/CDJ setups are made for clubs and festivals where they have to run nonstop. On the other hand, if you only need a bedroom setup, then a Pioneer DJ would be enough as a standalone unit.
Value - The DDJ 1000 does look cool but does little. It is a good buy if you're buying it because it syncs with a Nexus environment, and you have no other experience with a sampler/sequencer on the market. But for an experienced DJ who can manually sync beats, it's just a waste of money and space.
Flaws - Some flaws of the DDJ 1000 are the gritty, sticky, clunky, and not smooth controls, the sound cards and pre-amps that don't sound good, the mediocre mixer, hardware effects that are not that good, cramped space, and the lack of tap.
Popularity - Over the years, Pioneer DJ has produced numerous controllers of varying qualities, and most are good, while others are considered amazing. Since the release of the DDJ 1000, people have regarded it as the best DJ controller made by Pioneer. Plus, it's a popular controller packed with features.
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