Pioneer DDJ-REV1: Best DJ Controller under $300? | Review & Guide

⚠️ Get Pioneer DDJ-REV1 at The DJ Hookup!
passionatedj.com/yt/hookup_rev1
The DDJ-REV1 is a "scratch style" Serato controller from Pioneer DJ, featuring a layout reminiscent of a battle DJ setup. Like a DJM-S series mixer, it features FX paddles for quick engagement.
00:00 | Introduction
01:40 | Scratch Demo I
02:20 | Design & Layout
07:52 | Why "Battle Style"?
09:49 | Ports & Connections
11:02 | Scratch Demo II
11:35 | *FX & Special Features
15:40 | Final Thoughts
*yeah, I mistitled this. Oops!
"The DDJ-REV1 matches perfectly with the free Serato DJ Lite software, boasting a brand-new battle-style layout that’s easy to use and perfect for playing like a pro. The design of this 2-channel DJ controller emulates a professional DJM-S mixer + PLX turntable setup, including specialized features for open-format and scratch DJs."
In this review, I talk about the high level of value you get from this DJ controller (hence my title of "best DJ controller for $250). It's impressive how far we've come in the DJ hardware industry!
The REV1's price and accessibility makes it a perfect match for a beginner DJ, especially (but not limited to) those who are interested in learning to scratch.
The Tracking Scratch feature silently takes the music back to the cue point the moment you move the jog wheel from backward to forward or lift your hand away - saving you from closing the fader and finding the right place in the music to start the scratch again. All you need to do is to select the Tracking Scratch Pad mode, press a Performance Pad to choose the Scratch Crossfader Cuts pattern you want to use, then start moving the jog.
⚠️ Get Pioneer DDJ-REV1 at The DJ Hookup!
passionatedj.com/yt/hookup_rev1
👉 Check my DJ Controllers Guide:
passionatedj.com/controllers
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[@tehgurl]

Omg. Letting go of the JW to start back at the queue while having the left JW set up on another track is like having 2 decks in front of you. Sold. I was in between now I'M SOLD. Thank you ❤

[@PassionateDJ]

Glad to help! Enjoy!

[@erickonasis31]

Ive had most the SB Controllers and this is but by far the most solid one theyve made yet. I was shocked

[@TruthFLA]

this was a great walk thru

[@sanchilla]

Love the unit!!!

[@willyimbert6053]

Great video

[@springs1976]

I love the way you teach brother

[@PassionateDJ]

Thanks so much!

[@OgDj2024]

Good video! I want one because I’m a beginner and the price point is right up my alley! But, throughout my research, I discovered that this unit does not have split cue!? I’m not exactly sure what that would mean for me 🤔 because split cue is an important feature and it is how I first learned

[@djmickeyTV]

I have the Pioneer Rev1 with Serato Pro on a MSI gaming laptop When using stems i realize after a while the software freezes. Does anyone else experience this? What can be done to avoid this? I often closed unused programs with task manager

[@eazyeightysixx]

Yes, buy a used mac os just for playing music and forget about windows

[@mintyswirljoy]

Serato studio 2 is the shiiiite, so I just picked one of these up for starters until some real stem support comes. Great review!

[@PassionateDJ]

Thanks, Minty! Stay fresh!

[@LeFlurLeflaEshkoshka]

Reverse crossfader?

[@user-kd6dt8cg2r]

Are the products in the website u mentioned brand new? ... Cz i dont see any option for returning the product.

[@PassionateDJ]

Yes, they are new unless listed otherwise (like “open box”, etc.). You can find their 90 day return policy on the site, just scroll down to the bottom and click the link :)

[@indamixx216]

Can you use pitch n time on this controller

[@virussdj6683]

Yes even stems

[@dancarthen3634]

I own the Rev1, Mixtrack Platinum FX and Hercules Impulse 500. The Hercules is the BEST at this price point.

[@evanrandall1675]

No way! The mixtrack platinum fx is freaking awesome for the price! Definitely the best at this price point

[@LatinoGrande]

I love the consistency of the REV1. Jog wheels move so good and the SYNC is actually on point. But No matter what I try, I can not get audio out of Neither deck 3 or 4 . I own a FLX6 and I love that concept and this unit should work just as good. this is my auxiliary or back up Controller.. May be I got a bad unit. I see myself returning it.

[@dop5]

At first i think you should decide which software is the best for you. I play with Rekordbox AND Djay Pro ai. The Problem with the rev 1 is, that you cannot use Rekordbox on it. Incomprehensible

[@tehgurl]

They partnered. It's really that easy. It's called putting their name out there on a deck like Pioneer and people like beginners, don't stray. They learn on lite. Which is free no matter what, not like it comes with pro, that would be super impressive.. Bad on Serato for not doing that but yeah. That's like being mad that you purchased an Alexa and now you can't use your KZbin music on it without going thru the browser rofl.

[@briggs713]

@2:05 (How I think im going to be when I buy this) Knowing it will collect dust once I get it and suck!. LMAO

[@tehgurl]

Nah. Practice.

[@danielcanseco3062]

It comes with serato lite but where is the code ?

[@tehgurl]

Lite is free period. It's not like you're getting anything brother really. If it came with pro, that would be impressive haha. But this deck is 100%%%%%% the way.

[@harveyvail20]

Is it compatable with Virtual DJ?

[@danielcanseco3062]

Yes it is

[@kennethtrammell4872]

Thank God, I love virtual dj

[@bofadeez7553]

This or the flx4?

[@jetdeleon]

I’ve had the FLX4 for about 9 months now and it’s a great entry level controller that has everything you need to learn how to mix and even to start doing gigs However, it’s not specialized for scratching. So if you’re inspired by DJs like Jazzy Jeff, the Rev1 would be a better option… Had I known I was going to become so inspired by artists like Jazzy Jeff, I would have started with the Rev1 instead… That said, I won’t be getting rid of my FLX4 anytime soon.

[@bofadeez7553]

@@jetdeleon Great comment. I’ve had my numark mixtrack pro fx for a little over a year now. I like the controller but looking for something different. It’s more of a hobby for me, as my kids take up most of my time. But i do want to get better and who knows maybe even do some gigs. I’ve gotten better at mixing but scratching is my arch nemesis 😂. I can’t seem to get that down. Still torn between the two🤔. Besides the scratching part, Do you know differences between the two that would make one better or stand out ?

[@jetdeleon]

… it’s good to enjoy your kids while you can! Two things immediately come to mind that make Rev1 slightly “better”… 1. Although it’s two channels, you can actually use up to four decks. I’ve yet to experience using four decks, but I imagine it’s a great way to play with mix ideas that you can’t do with only two. 2. The effects paddles (one per deck) allow for more intuitive action… whereas the FLX4 has a single button - this means you have to push it a second time to turn off the effects, and you also have to hit the toggle switch to apply it to the intended deck. That’s two extra actions you don’t have to worry about on the REV1. And there’s one down side that comes to mind about the REV1 - if you’re a Mac user, you have to get a USB-B to USB-C cord. But that’s an easy, inexpensive fix. The us on FLX4 is already compatible with Mac (usb-C).

[@bofadeez7553]

@@jetdeleon Thanks for your time

[@LongBeachLon]

I bought this controller and it started messing up months later. It's been in the repair shop for 2 months. Matter of fact I am still waiting for it. Pioneer failed me.

[@mastersoundbwo8636]

Is the original style of technique turntables when we are battling on a Major platfor.. we turned the turntables in that diraction. To move the needle out of the way so we could do much more Tricks... They're going back to the original state of Techniques turntables... Please do your research before you give any kind of advertisement about a product... because you're misleading and you're taking away the history.

[@PassionateDJ]

I agree with you and I’m not sure why you think I don’t

[@crossoverradio1]

Great video