Overall this controller is very capable, reliable, well built, but is certainly not without its faults. Pioneer decided to skimp on a few of the components and as a result the potential durability - since I've had it for only a week or so now - suffers.
Features - As far as features go on a DJ controller, this is perfectly paired with Serato DJ (and it makes sense, seeing as they were developed together). It takes full advantage of the two effects units, library interface,, hot cues, rolls, slicer, and sampler. There simply isn't another controller that has the multitude of features that this one does. You can control both decks on a side (so cool if you're faux-scratching or doing a custom roll loop with two songs blended over top). The censor button is a useful effect, not only for censoring tracks but for making some interesting reverse noises, I just wish that it too would sync up with the master track as it plays backwards. Also another invaluable feature is it's capability to perform as a fully functioning mixer sans a computer, just plugin some RCAs and send out your booth and master outputs and you're set. The UV meters (LED stirps which show input gain) which are a first for a controller, contribute immensely with this aspect.
Layout - The controller's layout works well, even though the asymmetrical approach Pioneer takes can throw you off at first if you're used to other controllers. The only qualm: it is much too easy to accidentally knock one of the pitch faders about and screw up your beautifully matched cue track, just as you're bringing it in. Also, it would be great if the input select switch was on the face of the controller and not the front, but it could be worse (and be placed on the back).
Build quality - The knobs and buttons are all solid, I have no worries or qualms about them. The oversized and metallic filter knobs are a great change from other controllers and each of the selector knobs have just the right amount of give. The rubberized knobs feel great too. The play/pause and cue buttons seem to read your mind, they are that responsive. The other buttons are solid and functional and the drum pads located below are very cool to use and make this controller really versatile, from a controllerist standpoint especially.
The faders, however are suspect, with all of them showing plenty of wiggle room going side to side. The volume faders have a little too much friction and thus are awfully built for throws or quick cuts in volume. The crossfader feels cheap and has no friction or weight to it, making it liable to be accidentally hit or float easier. Also with less than ideal friction, the pitch control faders have very little friction, which makes fine adjustments a real pain. Worse than that, they are placed so close to the jog wheels (and channel 3's eq/filter knobs for deck 1/3) that it makes it way too easy to knock one of the them while trying to fine tune a beatmatch.
The other big issue is it was given a plastic bottom, which is very odd for a controller you'll spend upwards of $800 on. I would have loved for an all metal construction, but alas, I suppose this is what those hefty flight cases are for.
Conclusion - A very good, full-featured controller whose pros mightily outweigh its few cons. Standalone mixer-capable and perfect integration make this a great buy for a DJ looking to take a big step out of the introductory realm and towards the 'big leagues'. Watch out for those faders though!
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 | PIONEER 4 CH DJ CONTROLLER SERATO DJ PRO | Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, 17.70 x 29.90 x 6.90 (DDJ-SX2) | Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 4-channel controller for Serato DJ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (107) | (153) | (113) | (31) |
| Price | $1,859.00 | $2,119.00 | $1,739.00 | $3,999.00 |
| Sold By | STEPLINE, LLC | STEPLINE, LLC | STEPLINE, LLC | STEPLINE, LLC |
| Item Dimensions | 17.7 x 29.9 x 6.9 inches | 13.94 x 26.14 x 2.76 inches | 6.9 x 29.9 x 17.7 inches | 20.6 x 38.5 x 8.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 16.50 lbs | 13.45 lbs | 11.02 lbs | 32.00 lbs |
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FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN USING THE PIONEER DDJ-S1.FOR ME IT WAS A VERY PROFESSIONAL CONTROLLER,I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT IT.FINALLY THIS MONTH I SWITCHED TO PIONEER DDJ-SX AND I MUST SAY THIS IS THE MOST FANTASTIC PIECE OF GEAR I'VE HAD SINCE I STARTED DJING.THE QUALITY OF SOUND COMING OU FROM DDJ-SX IS REALLY SUPERB,NOW I CAN USE THE DDJ-SX AS A STAND ALONE MIXER.THE MICROPHONE QUALITY IS MUCH BETTER THAN DDJ-S1 AND IT HAS MORE FEATURES LIKE PADS,FOUR CHANNELS AND THE NEW SOFTWARE;THE SERATO DJ WICH I LIKE IT SO MUCH.THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR,PIONEER MADE A FANTASTIC UNIT WITH THIS BABY.
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Amazon Customer
thank-you so much for the equipment came today very good condition no damage at all was great worth
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 25, 2017
