Updated: May 13
In October 2022, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone as a record producer, musician, and audio engineer, and jump headfirst into the world of being a mobile DJ. Embarking on a journey as a DJ can be an exciting and challenging endeavor, and having the right tools is essential to unleash your creativity. When it comes to entry-level DJ controllers, I believe the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is the best controller for beginners. Packed with impressive features, durability, and seamless compatibility with industry-standard software like Serato DJ Pro, the DDJ-REV1 is the perfect companion for aspiring DJs looking to hone their skills and make their mark at any party or event.
The Pioneer DDJ-REV1 boasts an impressive range of specifications that make it an outstanding choice for beginners. It features a sleek and intuitive design with a professional-grade layout, allowing DJs to easily navigate and access essential controls. Equipped with four-and-a-half-inch jog wheels for precise scratching and mixing, the DDJ-REV1 offers a hands-on experience that mimics the feel of vinyl turntables. The pitch faders are located at the top of the controller, which is the classic ‘battle style’ set up DJ used for turntablism and beat-juggling. Between the jog wheels you’ll find the mixer, which provides easy access to the crossfader, channel faders, fx switches, hot cues, eq, filter nobs and more, just like most professional stand-alone mixers on the market.
The DDJ-REV1 is USB powered, so no need for an additional power supply. Once plugged into your laptop via USB a cable, you are powered up and ready to start mixing. There’s a mini jack (1/8 inch) headphone output on the front panel and an RCA stereo out on the rear panel. Personally, I’d prefer more output options, but the current configuration is more than enough for the beginner DJ. There’s also a ¼ inch microphone input on the rear panel. One of the standout features of the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is its seamless compatibility with Serato DJ Pro, the industry-standard software used by professional DJs worldwide. By connecting the DDJ-REV1 to your computer, you gain access to a wide array of advanced features and tools offered by Serato DJ Pro. These include beatmatching, looping, and a multitude of effects to elevate your mixes to new heights. The tight integration between the hardware and software ensures a smooth and hassle-free performance, allowing you to focus on your creativity and musical journey. However, you will need to subscribe to or purchase the Serato DJ Pro software, as the DDJ-REV1 only allows access to Serato DJ lite.
For beginners stepping into the world of DJing, the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 emerges as the ultimate entry-level DJ controller. At a price point of only $279 USD (at the time of writing this blog), Its remarkable features enable aspiring DJs to unleash their creativity with precision and ease. Moreover, its compatibility with the Serato DJ software, empowers users to explore a plethora of advanced mixing tools and effects. With the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 at your fingertips you'll have a reliable and powerful tool to kickstart your DJ career.
Click HERE to watch a video of me doing using the DDJ-REV1.
