ReviewFinder DJ Controllers

Pioneer DDJ REV1

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5 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [5]

91
Total expert reviews: 5
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 2
Highest score by Home DJ Studio
92
Average score based on 5 reviews
91
Lowest score by DJ Tech Reviews
90

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller is a versatile and reliable controller suitable for both beginner and advanced DJs, with a battle-style layout, powerful effects section, and compatibility with Serato DJ software.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller is a versatile and reliable controller suitable for both beginner and advanced DJs. It features a battle-style layout with a comprehensive control scheme that is fast, easy, and clear, making it a very efficient and streamlined controller for professional DJs.

The controller has a powerful effects section, dual effects sections, and unique features like the "Instant Scratch" button and Tracking pad mode, making it a great choice for beginner scratch DJs. The Pioneer DDJ REV1 is primarily made of plastic but has a solid build quality and feels sturdy and secure.

It is portable and comes with a padded carry bag for easier transportation. The controller is highly compatible with Serato DJ software, providing users with a smooth and intuitive DJ experience. Overall, the Pioneer DDJ REV1 is an excellent choice for DJs who require a reliable and robust controller for their performances, especially for those interested in scratching and want a controller designed with that in mind.

Features

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 is a two-channel DJ controller with a powerful effects section, comprehensive control scheme, and unique features that make it a great choice for beginner scratch DJs.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 is a two-channel DJ controller with a powerful effects section that can help with transitioning between tracks and genres. It features dual effects sections that are easy to use and offer a wide range of effects, including delay, echo, reverb, flanger, phaser, and more.

The REV1 has two stereo RCA inputs and outputs, a built-in microphone input, and a headphone output, making it easy to connect to a laptop or computer, speakers, and other external audio devices. The controller has a comprehensive control scheme that is fast, easy, and clear, with a well-thought-out layout and easy-to-access features and functions.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 is a great choice for beginner scratch DJs, with unique features like the "Instant Scratch" button and Tracking pad mode. Overall, the Pioneer DDJ REV1 is a well-executed controller that delivers on its promise as a gateway to a scratch DJ-style layout.

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User interface

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller is a scratch-focused controller with a battle-style layout, performance pads, and customizable knobs and faders, making it an efficient and streamlined choice for professional DJs.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller has a unique layout that is specifically designed for scratch-focused DJs. It features a battle-style layout with the play/pause button, cue button, and pitch sliders all clearly visible. The mixer section is in the center and features performance pads instead of EQs.

The pads on the REV1 are smaller than those on the DJM-S11 but still feel good and allow you to access hot cues, samples, the Scratch Bank, and the Tracking Scratch feature. The controller has 16 performance pads, 8 knobs, and 4 faders that can be customized and assigned to different functions within Serato DJ software according to user preferences.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 has a workflow that is fast, easy, and clear, making it a very efficient and streamlined controller for professional DJs. The large jogwheels on the DDJ REV1 are a huge step up from similar entry-level controllers and are very comfortable to scratch with. Overall, the Pioneer DDJ REV1 is an excellent choice for someone who is interested in scratching and wants a controller that is designed with that in mind.

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Build quality

The Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is made of plastic but has a solid build quality and should last a decent amount of time with proper usage and care.

The Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is primarily made of plastic, but it has a solid build quality and feels sturdy and secure, according to expert reviews. The material used in the construction of the controller does not seem to negatively affect its durability, but users should handle it with care as it is an electronic device.

The Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is suitable for DJs who require a reliable and robust controller for their performances. It should last a decent amount of time with proper usage and care.

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Size and portability

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller is a portable and compact battle-style controller with larger jog wheels that is great for scratch DJs and suitable for gigs and performances.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller has dimensions of 632 mm (W) x 334. 5 mm (D) x 69. 7 mm (H) and weighs 3. 7 kg, making it slightly larger than the DDJ-400 but still considered portable. It comes with a padded carry bag for easier transportation. The wider, shallower format allows for larger jog wheels, which are placed right at the front of the unit to become the main focus in terms of control.

This makes it more comfortable and easier to control during performances, especially for scratch DJs. Overall, the Pioneer DDJ REV1 is great for pros that want a portable and compact battle-style controller to practice on and is suitable for gigs and performances.

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Compatibility

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 is a highly compatible controller that comes with Serato DJ Lite and is suitable for both beginner and advanced DJs.

The Pioneer DDJ REV1 is highly compatible with Serato DJ software, making it an ideal choice for DJs who prefer this software. It comes with Serato DJ Lite, which provides all the essential DJ tools for beginners. As users progress, they can subscribe to the full Serato DJ Pro version or buy a license outright.

The controller is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, including the latest versions. This makes it a versatile choice for DJs who use different operating systems. Overall, the Pioneer DDJ REV1 is a reliable and compatible controller that is suitable for both beginner and advanced DJs.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all DJ controllers.

Rank Change Price DJ Controller
Passionate DJ
Music Critic
Equipboard
Music Radar
Prime Sound
LandR
MSpot
Home DJ Studio
Guitar Center
gear4music.com
1
- $299
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 DJ Controller is a versatile and user-friendly option suitable for both beginner and intermediate DJs, offering a wide range of effects and compatibility with various devices and software options.
9
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-
-
-
-
-
1
8
5
2
- $1499
Rane Four
-
-
-
3
2
-
-
-
3
12
3
- $279
Pioneer DDJ REV1
The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller is a versatile and reliable controller suitable for both beginner and advanced DJs, with a battle-style layout, powerful effects section, and compatibility with Serato DJ software.
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
13
4
4
- $300
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is a durable and versatile DJ controller with a user-friendly interface, a variety of effects, and compatibility with Serato DJ Pro and DJUCED software.
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
2
-
6
Show all rows
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Highest recommended dj controllers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. dj controllers below are at the top of our ranking this October.

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Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 Rane Four Pioneer DDJ REV1 (this item) Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
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Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 rank #1 out of 107. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.1
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Rane Four rank #2 out of 107. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.7
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In comparison:
Pioneer DDJ REV1 rank #3 out of 107. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 rank #4 out of 107. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.1
Great
Price
Price
The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 DJ Controller is a versatile and user-friendly option suitable for both beginner and intermediate DJs, offering a wide range of effects and compatibility with various devices and software options.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Pioneer DDJ REV1 DJ Controller is a versatile and reliable controller suitable for both beginner and advanced DJs, with a battle-style layout, powerful effects section, and compatibility with Serato DJ software. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is a durable and versatile DJ controller with a user-friendly interface, a variety of effects, and compatibility with Serato DJ Pro and DJUCED software.
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