Battle DJs, the turntablists who perfect the art of cutting and scratching music to create new creations in no time at all, are getting new gear for the mobile digital world. Until now, most of the devices for this type of mixing have been either the classic turntable and mixer combinations or expensive modular units. Today Pioneer DJ announces its new DDJ-REV series of controllers, focused on the mixing style of battle DJs, aimed at both beginners and professionals. The new entry DDJ-REV1 ($ 259) and the Pro level DDJ-REV7 ($ 1,899) are both Serato DJ compatible and offer a customized layout for fans of the side turntable and Pioneer DJM-S series of mixers.
Newbies interested in this style of DJing can get a taste of what’s to come with a few useful flourishes for the live streaming generation. The 2-channel DDJ-REV1 controller runs Serato DJ Lite and includes a 14-day trial version of Serato DJ Pro. It’s bus-powered, has slightly larger jog wheels than previous models in this price range, and has a microphone input so you can be chatty on live streams without any additional equipment. Aside from the microphone, the only other input is the USB port, and you only get a single RCA master output.
Though small, the layout is reminiscent of a classic battle DJ’s choice with platters at the bottom and a horizontal pitch slider at the top. A side turntable allowed for easier scratching without the tonearm getting in the way, resulting in an unusual placement of the pitch control. It seems some have gotten used to this layout, and this type of controller layout accommodates that familiarity.
The DDJ-REV1 controller.
Pioneer DJ
The central mixer is also borrowed from the popular Pioneer DJM-S series, with performance pads in the middle and lockable FX switches. There is also a scratch bank for storing your selection of audio clips and the tracking scratch function. This saves you from having to go back to a scratchable cue point by doing it for you when you take your hands off the fluted capacitive jog wheel or turn it back.
If you have more experienced skills and / or want to spend more money, the 2-channel DDJ-REV7 is more suitable. This high-end model features 7-inch motorized jog wheels with vinyl-like cover plates and adjustable torque for a classic turntable feel. Each side also includes a 3.5-inch on-jog display that lets you see waveforms and other data, or switch to a Serato virtual deck view, song artwork, or your own logo with easy-to-see omnidirectional display.
As with the economy model, the DDJ-REV7 imitates a classic cut-and-scratch layout with the DJM-S-like central mixer, performance pads and FX switcher. These jog wheels are on the leading edge with the pitch slider on top. In between are the corresponding control buttons, which are somewhat reminiscent of the layout of the Pioneer CDJ series.
Further highlights for the DDJ-REV7 are onboard scratch samples, a Maglev Fader Pro and 22 built-in Beat FX. If you want to flank your controller with turntables or CDJs, you’re in luck, as there are line and phono inputs on each channel. Are you planning to swap with another DJ during live sets? The dual USB ports make life easier. You will need a computer for most things as there is no USB stick or microSD slot. It seems you can store entire tracks along with clips in the built-in scratch bank, but that’s not really a solution. The outputs are XLR and RCA connectors for the master output as well as balanced 1/4 inch TRS for the cabin.
The entry-level class DDJ-REV1 expected to retail at $ 259 in late January and will work with the free Serato DJ Lite (1.5.9) Software, although the Pro version also works. Who is interested in high-end DDJ-REV7 ($ 1,899) has to wait until February even though no firm availability date has been confirmed. This model includes a license for Serato DJ Pro (2.5.9) and a voucher for the Serato Pitch ‘n’ Time expansion.
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