Pioneer DJ Buyers Guide 2022

The Pioneer DDJ-SX3 4-channel DJ Controller for Serato DJ is everything you've come to expect from Pioneer in terms of reliability, functionality, and pure performance, all with a number of exciting new features! Following in the footsteps of the flagship DDJ-SZ2’s design, the DDJ-SX3 has added a second USB port. Connect two laptops and easily transition between the two by using the toggle switches located above each channel strip. When there are multiple DJs in the house, the SX3 is the creative tool of choice! Today’s creative DJs also require loads of inputs to incorporate a variety of devices. With the Pioneer DDJ-SX3, you have four channels at the ready for your turntables, media players, and line-level instruments. Let’s say that you want to add a vocal microphone, but don’t want to sacrifice a channel in order to use it. Don’t worry, Pioneer has added a standalone 1/4” microphone input with its own level control to the DDJ-SX3’s front panel. This is a way for you to hype up the crowd, add vocals to your set, or have an MC drop some verses right over the top of your tracks - all while saving the core inputs for your gear! The highly-improved, ultra low-latency aluminum platters of the DDJ-SX3 possess a silky-smooth feel and fast response that will make your mixing, cutting, and scratch effects shine through with supreme clarity. You also can't forget the Pioneer mainstays . . . that means the durable Magvel crossfader, the touch-sensitive performance pads, and the collection of Sound FX, just to name a few!

The newest powerhouse in the Pioneer lineup and a must-have for serious DJs, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 features an interface layout that is designed to bring out the full capability of Serato DJ software. The DDJ-SZ2 is ready to plug-and-play with the full version (plus the included ‘Pitch n’ Time’ and ‘Serato Flip’ expansions) the moment you connect, giving you even more options to record, custom edit, play back, or repeat your mix. The fine-tuned, durable jog wheels, knobs, and Magvel faders are all painstakingly modeled after Pioneer’s industry standard standalone CDJs for the absolute lowest latency and most authentic feel out there. The features on the DDJ-SZ2 address every possibility a DJ would take into consideration during a performance – the most powerful sound card in the line, onboard effects and oscillator functions, a fully-customizable four-channel mixer that can be connected to external media players and turntables, two independent microphone channels for adding vocals, two dedicated stereo outputs to various PA systems, and two separate USB ports allowing a connection with two different computers. A stunning visual layout makes it easy to set your tempo, assign effects and parameters to any channel, use the eight pressure-sensitive touchpads under each jog wheel to cue, slice, or sample audio at any point with ease. Straightforward back and forth mixing isn’t taking advantage of this piece of tech, so if you’re ready to unleash everything Serato has to offer, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 is the way to go.

This is the standard for all-in-one professional DJ systems! Bundled with the full version of rekordbox™ dj software, The Pioneer XDJ-RX2 can connect to computers, flash drives, smartphones, or tablets to load the tracks you need in a wide-range of audio formats. The XDJ-RX2 has a 7-inch center touch screen that provides easy-to-read visual waveform displays of your tracks running in real time. Sync status, current playback position, and quick QWERTY keyboard recall are all close by – browse your library and tailor every aspect of your mix while prepping cues, splices, and effects as needed! The two fine-tuned jog wheels and two sets of eight performance pads give you all the same control over your mixes just like the other top Pioneer models. We recommend the Pioneer XDJ-RX2 for DJs looking for a commanding, professional DJ platform, one that offers all of the power of the top controllers on the market without the need to be tethered to a laptop. Mobile-oriented DJs can use the rekordbox™ app to assist and cue up your collection from your device or USB storage device media quickly and easily. The Pioneer XDJ-RX2 is even compatible with rekordbox video, so with an easy upgrade you can add incredible visual elements to your sets! All of the traditional connectivity options are available – there are two XLR-1/4” TRS combo mic inputs, two sets of Phono/Line RCA inputs for turntables or media players, and an AUX RCA input for connecting an additional device. The XDJ-RX2 also functions as a MIDI controller and soundcard for DJ software if you choose to use it that way, but it won’t be specifically tailored to Serato as the DDJ-SZ2 and DDJ-SX3 have been.

Gear up for battle with the lean and mean Pioneer DJM-S9 two-channel mixer for Serato DJ! With audio circuitry and design concepts drawn from their own flagship 4-channel mixer, the DJM-S9 channels the energy of vintage turntable battles all while incorporating the performance touchpads and customized settings found on the DDJ-SZ2 and DDJ-SX2. This gear isn’t for bland, predictable mixes; it’s designed to achieve an individual touch with a huge range of sound and beat effects that can be programmed and recalled at an instant. The DJM-S9 includes a dedicated microphone input, an RCA auxiliary input, two USB connections, and two master outputs to PA systems. Most importantly, you can connect your media players with two sets of phono or CD/line inputs or use it standalone. We recommend the Pioneer DJM-S9 for DJs who want all of the power and versatility that a digital DJ program has to offer, yet still prefer the feel and touch of their turntables and CDJs for scratching, cutting, and getting the tactile effect they desire while rocking the dance floor.

Pioneer has always designed their products with exceptional performance, a functional layout, and stunning visuals in mind. The Pioneer DDJ-SR2 is yet another beautiful example of their mission; a powerful, lightweight, and reliable 2-channel DJ controller that includes the full version of Serato DJ software and the Pitch ‘n Time expansion pack. This is one professional piece of technology waiting to bring your mixes to life! The DDJ-SR2 comes equipped with two RCA line/phono inputs, one 1/4” microphone input with dedicated level control, a 3.5mm headphone output, one 1/4” stereo Booth output to monitor speakers, and two sets of master outputs to PA systems. The SR2 also sports a high-performance sound card, two low-latency jog wheels, and two sets of eight performance pads for customized cuing and sampling. We recommend the DDJ-SR2 as a starting point for any musician who is driven to get out and perform live DJ-sets in a public setting, with aspirations to play a professional venue. This advanced model is incredibly flexible – enjoy easy plug-and-play with Serato DJ through USB as well as AC power-driven mixing with turntables or media players.

The two-channel model Pioneer DDJ-SB3 has all of the features of an advanced DJ controller at an introductory price point. The SB3 improves on the renowned DDJ-SB2, featuring two large low-latency jog wheels, LED level meters, performance pads, and control of up to four virtual decks. These are specs you won't always find on similarly priced models. This controller comes bundled with a copy of Serato DJ Lite software for your Mac or PC to get you started DJing right away. Incredibly straightforward, the DDJ-SB3 is USB-powered with a single input channel for a microphone, a 3.5mm headphone output, and RCA master outputs for connection to a PA speaker system. The features don't stop there - by simply pressing the Performance Pads on the DDJ-SB3, you can use the new Pad Scratch feature to reproduce and create patterns from eight different scratch techniques recorded by the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff! We recommend the Pioneer DDJ-SB3 for aspiring DJs, producers, and electronic musicians on a conservative budget. It is truly geared toward those looking for a compact setup with no need for additional hardware connections other than a computer and PA. Its light weight and compact size make this the perfect addition to a bedroom studio or as travel model for DJs of all abilities. You'll be able to explore the basics of Serato, practice and fine-tune your mixes, and quickly enjoy the exciting ins and outs of DJing on the easy-to-use SB3.