The Pioneer Electronics Sound and Visual Division has unveiled a new addition to its “DDJ-S” Serato based line of controllers, the DDJ-SB, which features similar operability as Pioneer’s DDJ-SX and recently announced DDJ-SR. The DDJ-SB 2-channel DJ controller is designed for the entry-level DJ who wants the same look and feel as the two higher-end models but with more basic operability and at a lower price point.
The DDJ-SB is designed as an all-in-one system utilizing a two-channel mixer and two decks that each feature a large jog wheel for great control while mixing and scratching. Pioneer claims that each jog wheel’s resistance was fine-tuned to provide users with optimal “feel” and the shortest latency. Four large rubber “performance pads” are found under each jog wheel to provide hot cue, auto loop, manual loop, and sampler functions, while a second row of rubberized pads offers the basic DJ functions to play, cue, sync and shift.
A new “Filter Fade” function can be turned on with a button in the center of the mixer even with music that has vastly different styles. The high-pass filter of the left and right decks is linked with the actions of the cross-fader, and the deck’s volume output automatically adjusts while applying thebass filter.
The controller is packaged with Serato DJ Intro software to provide basic DJ functionality. For expanded functionalities and effects, the controller is compatible with the full Serato DJ, offering users the ability to arrange tracks using Slip Mode, access various effect functions available from iZotope, and record tracks with DJ mixes using the record function.
The DDJ-SB will be available in January 2014 with a suggested retail price of $299.
