Gear Diary Pioneer Unveils DDJ SX Controller Bundled with Serato DJ Software! photo

Pioneer has been on a roll – they started with the WiFi-based XDJ-Aero, then hit the entry-level crowd with the DDJ-WeGO, then the high-end with the CDJ-2000 Nexus.

Now they are back with a new mid-range entry – the DDJ-SX. This new deck was created to work with the brand new Searto DJ software, and when combined create a tremendously powerful system for DJs! The DDJ-SX is set to release in November and will cost $1199. Here are more details:

Pioneer’s DDJ-SX DJ controller utilizes the Serato software as the basis for its control layout and ergonomic design, taking advantage of the software’s features and integrating special trigger pads and controls. Pioneer has also implemented larger jog wheels for precise mixing and scratching, multiple inputs for expandability, and 4-channel mixing flexibility.

“Serato’s newest software lets DJs be more creative with their music, so we’ve built a dedicated controller that enables them to access the software’s features with a precision similar to that in our Pro DJ gear,” said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The DDJ-SX is the first controller in the industry that is designed to take full advantage of Serato DJ’s powerful new capabilities.”

Mixing with Serato

Sold as a complete system that includes the controller and new Serato DJ software, the DDJ-SX provides additional features to provide direct, tactile control of the software’s capabilities, which include a four deck sampler function, dual deck control, slip mode, FX mode and more.

•Dual Deck – The DDJ-SX enables two tracks to be controlled at the same time, allowing scratching or setting and recalling hot cues on both tracks as if they were performed on a single track.
•Slip Mode – While activated, Slip Mode silently continues song playback during a performance loop, scratch or hot cue and resumes audible playback when the loop, scratch, or hot cue operation is ended, creating smoother and more seamless transitions.
•FX Mode – Provides access to two types of effect modes, Multi FX and Single FX – Multi FX Mode – Allows multiple effects to be applied simultaneously
•Single FX Mode – Allows a single effect to be controlled with numerous parameters
•Additional Functions – Up to eight hot cue points can be set for each deck
•Vertical waveform display for fast tempo syncing
Customized Control Layout works as great as it looks.

The DDJ-SX can quickly access the multitude of features Serato DJ offers through its buttons, knobs, sliders and performance pads. Thoughtfully laid out to deliver the best DJ controller experience, its buttons and knobs are designed to match the applicable software functions perfectly:

•Performance Pads – Pioneer added eight “performance pads” located below the jog wheel for four different functionalities – HOT CUE, ROLL, SLICER and SAMPLER. Each soft-touch rubber pad illuminates in blue to enable users to quickly tap the pad(s) for each effect, with the output volume varying depending on the strength of each tap.
•Large Jog Wheels – The jog wheels on the DDJ-SX are enlarged for more precise scratching and mixing. The resistance for each jog wheel was fined tuned to provide users with the best “feel” and the shortest latency. The unit also features an “On Jog” display located on the center of each wheel to provide instantaneous visual feedback of playback status and the position of playing tracks.
•4-Channel Mixer – The DDJ-SX features an independent 4-channel mixer that can be used with other external sources such as turntables. Its master level meter provides instantaneous sound level adjustment as well as independent output controls with a display indicator for each channel when used as a standalone mixer.
•Aluminum Finish – The DDJ-SX sports an aluminum top panel and a brushed aluminum finish for the jog wheels for optimal look and feel.
•Serato DJ Software – The new Serato software is bundled with the DDJ-SX for an easy out-of-the-box experience.
•Multiple Connection Options – The DDJ-SX offers dual CD and phono/line inputs for external devices as well as two microphone inputs, two master outputs (XLR and RCA) and a booth out terminal.
•High Quality Audio – A low-jitter clock and high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) are used for accurate audio playback.
•Built-in Sound Card (audio interface)
•Needle Search – Users can immediately jump to a specific part of a music track with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.
•Adjustable Cross-fader Curve to suit any type of mixing style.
•Channel Fader Start – Enables the use of the channel fader to control and play/cue tracks.

Pioneer has also created a demo video to show off the system:

You can get more info about the Serato DJ software here, or head to Pioneer to learn more about the DDJ-SX!

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I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!
  • Jon

    This is awesome…now how do I convince the wife I need it?



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