Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 Review: The Best Mid-Range Controller?

Introducing the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5
In this review, we're taking a look at the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 Mid-Range Controller. Is this controller the best option for mid-level DJs? Read on to find out!
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 is an awesome controller for mid-level DJs. It's perfect for performers who want to add a little more control to their sets. In this review, we'll take a look at the key features of the DDJ-REV5, So if you're looking for a controller that will add a little extra punch to your DJing, then the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 may be the perfect controller for you
. Large jog wheels and MAGVEL FADER for dynamic scratching Scratch
. Scratch-style layout for open-format freedom
. Dedicated buttons for easy Stems control
.Stems Mute/Solo
.Stems Separation
. Use the EQ knobs to adjust the volume for separate Stems of a track.
. New Auto BPM Transition for smooth mixing
. €1,099 including VAT / $1,099 excluding tax / £939 including VAT
Watch the mix: • Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 Pe...
Timestamps:
00:00 REV5 Features
01:44 Stems
02:54 Auto BPM Transition
04:25 Piano Play
06:38 Dual Deck Mode
07:45 Performance Features
09:02 Inputs / Outputs
09:25 Price
10:00 Our Thoughts
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[@Crossfader]

Check out our DDJ-REV5 Showcase Mix: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInIoXqAnKl6npI Serato DJ Courses for the DDJ-REV5 & More: wearecrossfader.co.uk/serato-dj-courses/ The Complete DJ Package (All Crossfader Courses & More): wearecrossfader.co.uk/complete-dj/

[@cblchildrenspython]

As an intermediate DJ Dad, this is a step up for mixing. It's on my wish list for 2024, great breakdown!

[@maestrolibre4791]

Christmas & Birthday all rolled into one! Super happy with the last rev7 and glad i have waited before upgrading!

[@iamdjicentric]

If you're looking at this device just as a cheaper version of the REV-7, then you are seeing it incorrectly. It does a whole lot of things out of the box that the REV-7 has to be reprogrammed to do. It also has features that the REV-7 will never have. Spinning jogs aren't for everyone and me personally, I have never cared for the "Standalone" mixer option on a DJ Controller anyway. If I want to use my Turntables or CDJs, then I will use my S7.This controller seems great for DJs that like creativity mixing on the fly. If you're more of a blender than a scratcher, this is the REV for you. Kind of like the Rane Four, the REV-5 seems to be designed to get the best out of Serato and the Stems feature. Also, the Rekorbox option is a plus.

[@AngryVal]

Great insights - I never considered the battle layout but this is a really compelling option now I understand what its capable of. Some really clever Serato stems applications and the Auto BPM transition actually allows you to add extra to your mixes. Has rocketed to the top of my wishlist!

[@djnaz5746]

Thank you for the great Rev 5 tutorial!!!

[@gatheringforgood]

I love the "Pro Outputs" and feeling what pro feels like when I insert those XLRs 🤣

[@NIKKIBEATNIK]

Brilliant review thank you !

[@irritablysavvy]

Had to watch the dual deck mode part like 3 times to process what was happening but damn that is amazing. You can drop a live remix and then move it to one side of the controller, then blend in a track with it. Genius. I'll have to play with this more. Thanks for breaking down the features.

[@coreyfreeman6226]

Bro the auto transition is amazing for DJs like myself that love transitions to a slower genre like dancehall or reggae

[@madjc13]

I do it a lot, always going from 128 bpm to 70s’ and 80’s bpm, cant wait to see how it sounds

[@kevinallen4417]

This is the comment I've been looking for. Been doing reggae/dancehall for decades (and hip hop, dnb, etc for fun) but this controller seems the best out there for my needs and budget. You're comment has affirmed that I'm on the right path. Bless.

[@hot4futureyears2come]

This is cool. I already have the Rev7 which is the best controller I have used. This selling at half the price is dope. Any dj will find this helpful. ❤

[@coreyfreeman6226]

Been rocking the Rev1 for smaller gigs but that requires a small mixer as well. Buying this asap as everything plugs into the REV5

[@DragonZXDragster]

I'm gonna get the 7, after messing with that at the Expo, I know I need it.

[@DjRatchet]

OMG!! I need this

[@djmeds1159]

oh yeah i have been waiting...... that's the one for me right there

[@LightestEvening]

This is very promising. Features here, REV7 2.0 is going to be more revolutionary once it has 3,4 deck mixing capabilities. That, Serato stems, probably more Fx options, and future rb capacity is going to be golden on the next updated rev 7 for the ultimate open format controller option. Cant wait!!

[@DJAndersonCastillo]

Wohh, que gran sorpresa por parte de Pioneer, gracias a Dios hace 15 días me llegó mi DDJ FLX-10 y estoy contento con ello

[@James-ze1ni]

As someone who's had a DDJ400, then DDJ1000, then DDJREV5 I absolutely love these decks more than anything, I now use serato having used rekordbox for like 1.5 yrs and would never switch back, IMO the build quality is pretty good so personally I dont have any complaints, maybe the pre production model u got wasnt as good idk

[@devinlockhart7343]

I would buy this simple because the price is fair. The effects dont matter to me cause i know how to adjust unlike some djs that complains about on board features vs software features, you just have to learn how to adjust. This is a combination of the REV1 and REV7 with CDJ jog wheels instead of a moving platter. My only knock, which it is not a huge one, is that the jog wheels should been mechanical rather than pressure sensor like the REV1. The fluidity of the REV1 make me have the control rather than to put pressure to make it lighter on my hand but being lower on price that the 1000-SRT and thats what I have now with the REV1. I would definitely upgrade to either this or the FLX-10

[@TimWrightDJ]

I'm a REV-7 user but I use it with Virtual DJ...there's literally no contest with stem separation, VDJ is far suprior to Serato. I have my pads setup in a custom way to mute stems and also echo some stems out as I need. This REV-5 looks cool, but It's a mid-level controller that comes with a heavy price tag. Without hardware FX, it's nothing more than an updated SX with only 2 channels and at a higher price tag.

[@maxpower259]

I'm a FLX 4 User. I found the effects in Rekordbox are sounding superior to VDJ. I don't wat to use Rekordbox. do you have any suggestions on making them sound good?

[@DJWixel]

​@@maxpower259u can't change the fx sadly, but u can add more

[@TimWrightDJ]

@@maxpower259 I'm afraid not. I don't use the fx in Virtual DJ, as the mixer on the REV-7 has its own FX.

[@trevor_mounts_music]

@@maxpower259 You can use vst plugins for FX in VDJ. Pretty sweet.

[@coreyfreeman6226]

I personally never use hardware effects so this is for people like me.stems featuires and auto transitions to lower bpm is a killer feature. and it's the size and weight of 1000SRT.

[@rapwithzorro]

I think the The Rev 5 has put a massive stop to the Hype of the Hercules Inpulse t7. Just based on better crossfader. I was looking at the t7 and going eventually upgrade the crossfader, but I reckon that make them around the same price. However the inputs and outputs are better on the Pioneer.

[@dj_gflow]

I pre-ordered a T7, then like 4 days later the REV 5 dropped. After watching a couple videos on it, I canceled my T7 and pre-ordered the Rev 5. I was excited to get moving platters with the T7, but Hercules is new to the premium controller market. I’d rather spend the extra $300-$400 to go with the more established brand. Especially with pioneer buying serato, its smarter to use pioneer equipment

[@DjTecniq]

@@dj_gflowyou ain’t wrong i preordered the T7 and regret it my right fx toggle was bent defective out the box already and it did not come with thinner slipmats to make the backspin more standard. It’s going back and I’ll prob get the Rev 5 even though I’m not the biggest fan of mechanical jogs and have a Rev 7. I can see why they call it “revolutionary” cause the brand has arguably changed the game 👌🏼

[@dj_gflow]

@@DjTecniq not a bad move to have both the REV 5 and REV 7. You can use the 7 for your premium gigs like weddings, corporate functions and clubs. Use your 5 for the smaller stuff. Bday parties, bars and outside stuff since it’s lighter and not as expensive should something happen to it

[@DJMarcusGrant]

I would agree with you only if the Rev 5 wasn't almost double the price of the T7. T7 is one of the best for the price point

[@Rugerman205]

I’m sooooo excited about this #DDJREV5 As a proud Rev1 owner who wanted MORE professional features but not a Rev7 since I already own the RANE One.

[@gioiamaynor2956]

I was going to grab this, but i want that rev 7

[@jasonlegister2277]

Nice video , you think any of these features will be added to the rane four?

[@Ziggy_v2]

Looks kool - 👍

[@reillocb]

Piano mode seems cool, hope i can midi map that to an actual piano keyboard

[@DJMelchy]

This is cool. Which all in one dj deck has stems, a display screen, and auto bpm

[@AthanHilakiWired]

5:43 is there a way to use the Piano mode or Dual Deck mode with midi mapping on another non-pionner controller?

[@djxcel23]

Wish it was priced about $700 - $800

[@TimWrightDJ]

It would make sense at that price. As it is, it's way too high.

[@suri-man]

Yeah, 1000$ is way too much.

[@HeisDJDMONEYY]

agree bro too much!!

[@djrizama]

Really? What kind of Dj are you or what? Just for fun? O you don’t charge good for events!

[@louprimo6062]

Awesome controller… does the controller have a dedicated sampler volume knob? Thanks.

[@visionsofpromise]

Going from 122 to 107 bpm is nasty work

[@DJShellingz]

i wish the screen showed more stuff, the build was more like the srt1000, the right and left deck to look more like CDJ and for it to have on board efx.

[@Mikey30856]

These new controllers are going to make a ton of money because they have the stem buttons included. You can get the stem feature to work on any existing controller you have already. It's included in Serato DJ. No need to waste your money yet.

[@davefellows]

What are the limitations or downsides if using with Rekordbox?

[@AparatorulPoporului]

For electronic music (trance - techno - progressive) begginer, wich is best on buget?

[@gal3sz]

Now that the controllers are updated can we get new media players?!

[@zeroChannelJJ]

Yes!

[@nashbrian97]

How is the Rev 5 build quality ? is it same as the rev 7 or is it much better than the Flx 6

[@DJLEOdamadprofessor]

I would have rather seen something closer to the ddj800. Similar in the professional nature of that controller internal effects inputs etc and the layout would be what is changed but mechanical jogs is a welcomed addition for some they don’t really matter too me honestly cause they’re not in the true CDJ3k style so idk

[@churchillcoins8519]

Wow, everything sounded great even the epics. I was all in until no stand alone features and on board effects. How do you feel the Flx10 V Rev5?

[@coreyfreeman6226]

it's a mid/ pro device. standalone features exist already on the 1000SRT and other controllers. you have aux in if your laptop crashes lol

[@dj_nyani]

🔥🔥

[@djwobblesosa6434]

i love ddj rev5 and ddj rev1 and then 1000srt and ddj flx10 flx6 gt is best i love it i has ddj sb3 1 year is good

[@phuciendj1572]

well, very insane

[@DjNikGnashers]

Coming soon !!! DDJ REV 6 - Connects to chatgp wirelessly, so AI can select the tunes for you, and mix them too, all you have to do is look pretty and chat shyte on the mic !!!

[@GODInTheWax444]

Sorry if I Missed it, but does this unit have mechanical jogs exactly like a CDJ or are they touch capacitive?

[@codychavarria6088]

I wish they would make it updated or mid grade Of the newmark mixdeck quad cdj

[@lazy5oul]

Dude started looking like David Guetta from 2010s

[@letsgetitu3161]

What’s the xlr cables you used please?

[@jerrychisholm8565]

i want that rev 5 so badly even tho i have the rane 4 i eed a second controller

[@renechang2406]

Am I missing something but I don't see a connection to hook in the maschine or a DJs 1000 or a rmx pioneer

[@DJLenovoDallas_ValtyPlayz]

0:41 Donk?! Hardbass Referance!? Jamie Hartley Slav Confirmed?!

[@bizzyfizzy8315]

Hi, has DDJ-REV5 a crossfader off function?

[@lamumbamoody5696]

Wish pionner would make a smaller cdj 3000 setup with the jogwheel Bpm info/ ect in the jogs with a s7/s9 style mixer combo. Call it A rev 9 perhaps? 💁‍♂️im a dreamer..lol it would be worth the extra money that pionner definitely would charge for one..lol lbvvs ,but I'd save up if that dream ever came true..i wont hold my breath for that day though. Lol i'm cool with my old srt 1000 for now

[@DjFusion86]

The biggest disapointment is that they're probably never gonna add the new features to the REV7 even if it's suppossed to be the top of the line controller. I was interested in upgrading my DDJ-1000 to a REV7 but 2 decks is sometimes not enough those new features would make me upgrade immediately

[@FlatWHDF]

rane 4

[@plzswitch]

What’s best high end controller

[@Barnsey87]

Rev 7 works with Rekordbox, Serato and VDJ

[@ronyg3373]

Which to buy flex 10 or rev 5?? Please

[@edenandmeadow]

MAY I ASK...... HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY??

[@raggaroaringsound]

Missed the mark on lit buttons. Especially the load button.

[@shaquille007]

Is powering the controller optional like the ddj sr2, USB powered only or power supply is needed at all time?

[@coreyfreeman6226]

it uses a usb 3.2 wall power adapter, same as the one for 2017 Macbook Pro's. if you lose it, you can buy anything that supplies 5V/ 3000mA

[@ramaanplayz2901]

why does it say on the controller DDJ XXXX?

[@d.jde-mand8897]

does the rev 5 work on virtual dj

[@djvyper9439]

Love it!! But that auto bpm transition encourages laziness🤣🤣🤣

[@Like4G6]

Better than the Rane One?

[@djmadbwoy4806]

It's just not enough for me to buy one, I'll stick with the DDJ-1000-SRT with the on board FX. But the way the Echo BPM tap works on the 1000-SRT is very cheap compared to DJM Mixers 😫 It frustrates me sometimes

[@VoidvonStroke]

Wish i Won this :( i really really really wanted one. :(

[@ThePlaylistNY]

Looks good but why not just put two XLR Combo jacks for the mics. These companies ALWAYS find a way do do one thing that makes no sense.

[@toddmann2432]

Currently lugging around a ddjsz2. Heavy and big. The rev7 is roughly the same weight as the Sz. I need something lighter I can throw on my back. This is perfect. I don't care about on board effects. Never used them anyway on the SZ. I'm not Daft Punk...so the a stand alone mixer feature is useless to me.

[@morzie4075]

the problem with the stems in rekordbox is that the vocal stem always sounds rubbish and like a really bad quality mp3 where as serato has nailed it splitting up tracks into stems sounding decent.

[@scoopjoy]

What happened to beat jump?! And piano mode being monophonic is a let down

[@djdarksade]

Very interersting, but i think i will still going for FLX10 because Rekordbox The pads there for piano mode makes sense, but i really dont like on the position, i prefer them at the bottom :D

[@LarryZinc]

This one is for the battle DJs. Will always be.

[@ronyg3373]

I’m confused to buy rev5 or flx10/ for clubs mix Latin music

[@LarryZinc]

@@ronyg3373 go for the FLX10 if u prefer the club layout

[@toddmann2432]

I also don't care for screens in the jog wheels and huge displays. They are distracting because I actually look at up my crowd while djing.

[@kingdelmar8233]

Piano mode = yes

[@dooshmasta]

That auto transition didn't sound very good. Just being honest. I generally think making that impact quickly when the new very recognizable song comes on is the best way to work a tempo change, especially downward.

[@DjGCue71]

why does your controller say DDJ-XXXX?

[@Shreyash_MJ]

Jimmy How's Going 😃

[@dlabtek7house904]

👍🕺🏻

[@anywherenearzero]

Confused. You show mini demos of the features etc but they’re really bad. Is that on purpose ?

[@naelbeno6249]

Wonder if somebody need so much options and extras on a Controller 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@devere9675]

No hard fx is a deal breaker for me

[@djmadnez]

Shift this shift that… nope. Why don’t they just create or add a new trigger button for new features. I’d rather see a drum machine sequencer feature than a piano.

[@UnrulyDemz]

They had one chance to get it right and they butchered the design.. Perfect concept but the jog sections should've been more professional like the ddj 1000srt.. Jogs look like a swing and a miss.. 😪

[@reillocb]

I think this is a miss, for that price the rane 4 isn't too far off for a lot more innovation

[@DJSPAZZ1.0]

Why is it cheaper then the rev7?🤔🤔..If it’s supposed to be better?🤔I’m just asking cause I was going to buy it but it was out of stock.

[@donaldccannon1]

How is it cheaper when the rev 7 is 800 more

[@DJSPAZZ1.0]

@@donaldccannon1 I know thats what I’m asking? Why is the rev 5 cheaper then the rev 7 if it’s supposedly supposed to be better?

[@donaldccannon1]

@@DJSPAZZ1.0 rev 7. Has on board fx better mic control with fx. N it’s Motorize that’s the BIG difference as well as jog wheel display Rev 5 gonna be like ddj 800

[@syxdj4757]

@@donaldccannon1does the REV 7 sound louder?

[@donaldccannon1]

@@syxdj4757 it’s slightly louder but a good mixer solves that

[@mariogudelj9584]

I wonder where are the beatjump controls?

[@djbowlz2128]

Great controller. But I agree it’s about 200 over priced.

[@teddyupshaw6838]

I don't know if anybody got the news, but Pioneer just bought Serato DJ company

[@Sound_Switch]

DDJ-XXXX ? How ?

[@ste8701]

probably still a prototype😀

[@chris_noswe]

Review model.

[@dj.mb_one]

Cool gear but some of you transitions was not. Never mix vocal over vocal it's sounds muddy and confusing 😅

[@DjTecniq]

Don’t understand the corny flx6 jog display at this price they better release a firmware update on the display…cause this ain’t it

[@xxvNIXONvxx]

Why your controller is called DDJ-XXXX? 🙂

[@DJFlex1]

It is ok, but that’s just about it. What I see here is, more or a mashup dj set. But it’s a lot of computer generated work. That’s not dj talent. It’s definitely idiot proved. So anyone can mix on it. Also it’s a lot of synchronised work. But, I can see this selling a lot. The reason I say this, to most of them dj who can’t mix, or transition between BPMs. And sadly they are a lot of them. Definitely good from a marketing point of view. But rubbish for talent. I can do everything this can do with S11. But I have to do most of the work. Only difference is that keyboard mode.

[@user-ey8db2xt5x]

still use ddj1000 or buy this？😂

[@tycro]

Didn’t pio buy serato?

[@DJ90-UK]

Auto transition… I thought this was the spice a DJ brought to the set. Another step towards AIBot DJ.

[@DjStaksio.]

update flx 6

[@leunderground]

Best controller. rev7 is heavy and i see no reason to have a motorized controller. i feel ashamed look like a toy lol. way better to have your turntables and for quick stuff rev7

[@PooFace2030]

Idk why they cant just keep the screens from the 800 and 1000 in everything. The look so much better than the cheap crap flx 6 look.

[@WazzyTV]

pioneer hates putting cdj3000 platters on controllers because pioneer is so cheap..they need the rane 4 layout with cdj 3000 platters on sides

[@djmarshy1381]

Pretty underwhelming tbh

[@djmadnez]

Shift this …shift that… just create a button for new features

[@scratchgonzo]

Bit like your comment

[@djmarshy1381]

@@scratchgonzo Oh the irony

[@RVDeals]

I see a lot of features I've never seen before in a mid-level controller. What features would you like to see so that it wouldn't be underwhelming at a $1099 price point?

[@fatherprincipal]

Ddj 1000 is not a standalone controller

[@CranberryUTIMichaelJackson]

First

[@DekriteN09]

I am not a huge fan of the shape of the controller

[@lemuelyatali1633]

Look like an open book lol

[@pierrerabetsiesotra-ht7oo]

👌🦾