Pioneer DJ launch two new Serato controllers

Pioneer DJ has launched two new Serato controllers with a totally new design – the DDJ-REV-1 and the DDJ-REV-7. Aimed at opposite ends of the experience spectrum, both controllers are designed with battle-style DJs in mind, mimicking the layout of two turntables and a mixer. 

First off, the REV-1 is the entry-level controller in the range, aimed at users of Serato DJ Lite, which the layout mimics. Keen eye’d DJs might notice the mixer section also mimics that of the DJM-S series, which is Pioneer DJ’s flagship battle mixer range. There’s Paddle FX levers for adding quick performance FX, eight performance pads with a range of modes including Hot Cues, Sampler and Scratch Bank to auto-load some classic scratch techniques. There’s also a three-band EQ and dual-pass filter per channel. 

The deck section is where Pioneer DJ has switched tac, moving the tempo slider to the top of the controller rather than on the side. This is similar to how scratch and battle DJs layout their turntables. Pioneer DJ has also made the jogs the same size as those on the higher-end DDJ-SB3, for more accurate scratching. 

A new feature called Track Scratching has also been added, which automatically jumps back to the previous cue point when you move the platter backwards or when you lift your hand, to make it easier to scratch. It means you won’t have to quickly try and find the exact point to start your scratch from. Pioneer DJ has also combined the mic and master output from the mixer so that the mic feed runs to your stream rather than only to the master output as it does on some other controllers. 

REV-7 is aimed at pro users, with a full suite of pro features you’d expect for the seasoned Serato DJ Pro user. Also a two-channel unit, the REV-7 features motorised jog wheels, as well as a near-identical centre section to the DJM-S series mixers. Like the REV-1, Pioneer DJ has moved the tempo slider to the top of the jog wheel, to mimic the setup of a battle DJ. The jogs are full 7-inch and feature the now common-place on-jog display. 

It features a similar mixer layout to the REV-1, with long-throw volume faders, crossfader, three-band EQ and dual-band filter per channel, with eight RGB performance pads, with the same modes: Hot Cue, Roll, Sampler, Scratch Bank and more. 

The main difference between the REV-7 and the REV-1 is that many of the features such as sample triggering and FX are all built into the unit and can be used without a computer. The 7 has 22 FX that can be applied to any input signal, regardless of whether you’re using Serato or not. It also includes the Color FX section with a further five FX. And because of that, the REV-7 has a lot more I/O options including phono amp inputs, two mic ins, two aux ins, quarter-inch jack booth outs, unbalanced RCA master out and balanced XLR outs. As mentioned, the jogs are motorised, and the on-jog display shows the waveform and track info of the music or sample loaded on each deck. Anyone who buys the REV-7 will also get three months of TIDAL Hi-Fi for free. 

The REV-1 will cost £259 while the REV-7 will cost £1,829. Both are available now. Watch the video below for more info and visit the Pioneer DJ site for the full spec.