Pioneer DJ DJM-S5 Scratch Mixer Review - Best Budget Choice For Serato?

[@gerritm.1951]

The classic pioneer midrange dilemma. Some good things, some bad things. Me personally, I would recommend starting with entry level stuff and upgrade right to the pro level gear when you think it will suit you. Just skip the midrange, that always has too many compromises. But that’s just my point of view. But have to say I like the design 👌

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing! T%here's definitely merit in that approach.

[@jordvannederveen1816]

Totally agree!

[@logisticalstyles]

This looks like a great option for DJs on a budget. Definitely something to give people an option to the Numark Scratch. I’m not happy about the cue buttons though.

[@digitaldjtips]

It actually packs in quite a bit more than the Numark Scratch... but then again, one of the nice things about the Scratch is its simplicity...

[@MakingMadBeats]

The price is not budget anymore, imho. I' d rather buy a used DJM S9 or sonething used from Rane instead of this mixer.

[@hardkore360]

@@MakingMadBeats agree 100%, the Denon flagship mixer X1850 costs a few hundred dollars more and is packed with features if/when you upgrade your other hardware (and is a four channel mixer). Budget and Pioneer just do not go together.

[@dj_grumble]

@@MakingMadBeats It's amazing how few options there are in the sub $500 range for a Serato mixer, if you don't want to buy used or refurbished. The only other competitive product I've seen is the Akai AMX Pro but it's too small for my tastes. IMO if you're a music equipment company you could make a killing selling a basic Serato-enabled 2 channel mixer for $250-300

[@mark_spit7839]

That "crossfader hot-cue" is very similar to "fader start" a lot of older mixer had that triggered the track on CD players. The idea behind the tech is pretty old. I remember messing about with that feature on a Pioneer CDJ-500 and (I think) a DJM-500 when they were still considered cutting edge technology.

[@digitaldjtips]

Definitely old tech, but more complicated with DVS and the vinyl controls the start state. “Gate cue” is similar.

[@Pericles777]

Was quite literally about to buy a Numark Scratch, this seems like so much more value for only $300 more, I’m sold.

[@digitaldjtips]

We just published a comparison article if it helps: www.digitaldjtips.com/2022/06/head-to-head-pioneer-dj-djm-s5-vs-numark-scratch/

[@kennethmalafy8012]

Surprising that Pioneer is investing so heavily in the Scratch/ Hip Hop genre. S9, S7, Rev, the other one..... Is there that much Hip- Hop still coming out? Seems to be a lot more trap and drill. I am wondering if we will see a successor to the 900 soon. Seems to be what would be next in line for an update.

[@digitaldjtips]

Turntablism is definitely a popular niche.

[@thatb7708]

Yeah I’m surprised too. Reason being is that it makes their whole brand seem less specialist in terms of club gear. And that’s the part of their rep they need to hold onto most dearly It’s weird since they seem to be streamlining/culling their CDJ/DJM lineup, while their scratch lineup is starting to overflow

[@kennethmalafy8012]

@@digitaldjtips Without a doubt! I was more thinking of Pioneer over the last 2-3 years- they have released a ton of scratch products. I know each city is different but, by me, open format is mainly bars/ smaller clubs. Not really the places you would expect Pioneer priced gear. It makes me wonder if Denon gave them a bit of a "jolt" with all the Prime stuff and forced Pioneer to try to expand out of their comfort zone? I hope they go back to the club stuff now though, I mean we have (all in last two years or so): entry level scratch controller, two scratch mixers, a scratch stand alone and now a more entry level scratch mixer- I think they have the scratch angle covered for a bit. I am thinking the club kids can use a sequel to the 900.

[@OgDj2024]

Very good review, this helps me and my research. It looks like a decent mixer, but it doesn’t seem like it’s worth $800. Especially if it’s on the level of entry / beginner. I think more along the lines of $600. Also, does this mixer have split cue for the headphones? If it doesn’t have split cue it’s not even worth $600

[@digitaldjtips]

From memory, no - they don't seem to put it on these S mixers.

[@jordvannederveen1816]

I may consider a DJM-450 + DDJ-XP2 instead of a DJM-S5. But not sure…

[@MaxSplVideos]

I always prefer IEC for power, but USB is a close 2nd as it is so much easier to replace and/or keep a spare handy.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah we don’t mind it actually!

[@rapwithzorro]

Most reviewers when doing comparisons forget about the Reloop Elite. Which is a good mixer, but cost less than the Pioneer gear. I sold my Numark Scratch and replaced it with the Reloop Elite. I was very, very, very lucky at the time as Digital Village had a deal on them for only £800

[@evanrandall1675]

The reloop elite is super sweet!! That's really nice pro level gear for a great price! I'd love to get an elite to go along with my reloop rp 7000 mk2's

[@digitaldjtips]

It is indeed a good mixer, with design input from none other than our tutor, DJ Angelo!

[@matthewcordiner2734]

Hi Phil, great video as usual. Question - why does the FX2 button continue to flash throughout even when in scratch cutter function? Seems a bit odd to me that it's the only of the FX buttons flashing away by itself. Cheers

[@digitaldjtips]

Not sure without revisiting the mixer to check...

[@ianbailey2127]

Do the Upfaders have slope / curve adjustments?

[@mixlexic]

I notice there is only one set of inputs which are switchable between line and phono, My reloop kut has a seperate line and phono. Can I use Phase DVS without having to unplug turntables? HID mode?

[@sike1dj]

I had a conversation with Rob Gaudet from InMusic last year while going through a warranty issue, and I told him with them having just acquired Stanton, that there was a huge gap in scratch mixers between 500 and 1000 dollars. Shame they didn't capitalize on it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@digitaldjtips]

Well, they do have the Numark Scratch.

[@djiceysometimes8013]

Is this a serato mixer only or can it be used with recordbox dvs also?

[@digitaldjtips]

It's only Serato

[@djiceysometimes8013]

@@digitaldjtips thanks for the info. I want a good 2 channel with a booth output. The djm 450 would be great if it had booth out

[@djcezone]

Is the output noticeably quieter when playing vinyl records ? This would be the only deal breaker for me

[@digitaldjtips]

No

[@schuncke]

What goes into the master ? Does that need to go into a receiver ?

[@digitaldjtips]

you plug your powered speakers or amp/speakers into the master.

[@schuncke]

@@digitaldjtips mine don’t have red and white wires

[@DazzaDirect]

@DigitalDJTips #DigitalDJTips @09:37 what do you mean this costs half as much as Numark Scratch this (according to your blog (nice read)) its £749 thats DOUBLE the Numark ? where is "Budget" ;-]

[@digitaldjtips]

We said "half as much again" didn't we?

[@DazzaDirect]

@@digitaldjtips oh i think i understand now, it was because your video was showing the DJM-S5 as you said ""This" costs half as much" but was explaining about the Numark at the time. I think i expected you to say "That" costs half as much", in order to imply the Numark was cheaper , my bad, i took what you said literally as in to compare and contrast; ie: this and/to that, no problem . Thanks for your videos, loved you recent one about main 7 DJing methods it was comprehensive and well put together, mixers are still too expensive , will stick with DLP3's and a MRT60, lol ;-]

[@DJTechnoboom]

The best S5 is the Traktor Kontrol S5 and it always will be. 👌🤣😎

[@digitaldjtips]

Ha ha thanks for the reminder

[@NorbertKettl]

I'd probably consider buying this, if it becomes compatible with Rekordbox AND drops in price massively...

[@digitaldjtips]

Can't see the first happening soon, and the second is unlikely seeing the state of hardware supply at the moment...

[@oldschooldjernie]

No on-board effects...does it retail for $129?

[@digitaldjtips]

It is designed to work with Serato, so onboard effects aren’t essential.

[@oldschooldjernie]

thats disappointing

[@victorpleyosa4386]

So it's basically pioneer's Version of the Numark scratch

[@DJTechnoboom]

I feel like pioneer was like oh you wana team up with Denon? Make a stand alone DJ controller with little speaker's on it? Take this 😯🤷‍♂️

[@digitaldjtips]

It's a bit more than a Numark Scratch, as we point out in the review.

[@DJTechnoboom]

@@digitaldjtips in my opinion the numark looks bette.r I also like how the numark is not so big I wonder how it sound's compared to my DJM 350 mixer.

[@Avatar-the-name]

Pioneer seems to be only making stuff for Serato

[@joehepworth8497]

r u sure? Im struggling to find pioneer gear that works with serato since the made rekordbox standard.

[@digitaldjtips]

They're hedging their bets. They can't turn their back on Serato, it's to big a market for them. So (in our view) they're producing gear that's more club-oriented for Rekordbox, and scratch/performance oriented for Serato.

[@eddymacdj]

​@@digitaldjtips That's a perfect assessment! It definitely seems that way!

[@bigdaz7272]

Loving the Pro AI updates you demoed, more innovation/progress in this update than Pioneer managed to pack into the S5, take away half the useful Buttons and give them a Red Faceplate LOL. Really wish they would release a Windows Version dag nabbit. "Almost" tempted to just pick up a used ipad to have a play on it but for an Apple business model hater like myself it would feel like i was regressing and going back to shopping at Amazon.

[@digitaldjtips]

Ha ha thanks for "crossposting" your love of that video :)

[@bigdaz7272]

@@digitaldjtips Don't know how i managed to do that, i was watching the Pro AI Livestream and posted in the comments on that and they ended up on this vid LOL

[@modmoto6016]

Do you have some sort of usb holder on your mac? The cable looks so thick. I just had a gig with my new shiny usb c macbook and yanked out the cable once. Way easier than with a usb a unfortunatelly. Was wondering if you have a solution for this?

[@digitaldjtips]

No, just the cable.

[@mindseekers]

What about the sound quality? They usually sound shit, but it's never mentioned. And it is alot of pioneer on the channel now. Releasing the same things over and over.

[@digitaldjtips]

Sounds fine to us. People release stuff, we cover it. We do mention it in the written review.

[@mindseekers]

@@digitaldjtips Fair enough 👍

[@ronnykiptum1015]

Still to expensive,loved the numark battle and still think it's a better option

[@digitaldjtips]

Numark Scratch is indeed a great little mixer.

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

oops i said no paddles but i see them now

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you spotted them Danielle!

[@djsupersanty]

Mixer has a delay problem with headphones and main master .

[@digitaldjtips]

Have to say, first we've heard of this. Sounds like a software issue not a mixer issue.

[@vasiliszaxaropoulos8726]

Ωραίο βίντεο

[@joevaz9mm]

No love for Rekordbox.

[@digitaldjtips]

Nope, this is strictly Serato.

[@makstaz79]

Cash grab that's all that is. Why don't they leave the budget products to numark .

[@digitaldjtips]

I guess sales will tell. Pioneer DJ has for a long time now made product at all levels.

[@makstaz79]

@@digitaldjtips If I am on a budget am definitely not buying Pioneer, numark gives more for your money.If am looking for pro gear Denon gives me more for my money.Keep up the good work I love your content.

[@tovyaweissberg47]

Pioneers really getting out of control with the gimmicky stuff that nobody cares about. Really takes away from the value of the unit

[@digitaldjtips]

Well, you don't have to use it?

[@WazzyTV]

this is useless people don't need this now..pioneer need to release a cdj 3000 version of the rev7. a professional controller an update to the 1000srt with effect levers on them.

[@digitaldjtips]

Maybe they will...

[@djwillz2000]

I wish pioneer leave the game and let others make better gear like denon.

[@digitaldjtips]

Why? What's wrong with choice and competition?

[@phillipmarnik]

Don't respond to trolls.