Pioneer Unveils New DDJ-SX Controller For Serato
Pioneer Electronics has unveiled an advanced performance DJ controller designed specifically for the newly released Serato DJ Software. Pioneer teamed with the New Zealand concern to birth the DDJ-SX DJ controller, which utilizes 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 CDJ jog wheels for mixing and scratching, multiple inputs for expandability, 4-channel mixing flexibility, and eight MPC-like pads at the bottom of each deck.
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. The first 10,000 units of the DDJ-SX sold worldwide will be bundled with a free license for the Serato Video plug-in (worth $149).
The DDJ-SX finally gives Numark’s excellent NS6 Serato Itch controller a run for it’s money, albeit about $200-400 more since the NS6 is streeting around $800. The NS6 is one of the most road-worthy controllers on the market with a robust build, stellar controller and solid ergonomics. The only downside to the unit is the absence of individual channel meters, which Pioneer took note of and included on the DDJ-SX.
Features:
» 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
» Up to eight hot cue points can be set for each deck
» Vertical waveform display for fast tempo syncing
» 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 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’s DDJ-SX will be available in November 2012 with a suggested retail price of $1,199.
The Future: We don’t know who’s in charge of Pioneer’s DJ websites, but both the US and Europe versions pretty much suck. And have been stuck in the quagmire for years. Going to the DDJ-SX page (not even available on the European site) tells you basically nothing about what it’s capable of…It’s high time for Pioneer to get it together on the interactive front.
