The mini pitch fader feels out-of-place on an otherwise well-equipped controller and if you are learning to DJ this will not help to master basic techniques such as beatmatching. This is probably the biggest flaw of the RB. A smart move from Pioneer DJ, since most DJs really use 1 effect simultaneously, and many use the same effect all the time. So you have detailed control for 1 effect at the time. The effects section contains controls to manage only 1 effect compared to 3 on the DDJ-SB2, but, you can control the beats for that effect and the level/depth. You might notice by now that it’s becoming a recurring statement: simplicity. The Effects Section Pioneer DJ DDJ_RB Effects Section It really contributes to the serious look of the controller. I love the fact that Pioneer refrained from integrating LEDs into the jog wheels, considering that on entry-level controllers LEDs are often more used to enhance the looks rather than truly deliver functional value. The all-black look is quite cool and matches the look of the controller. Not being a scratch specialist it’s hard to say if they will please scratch DJs, but from what I can tell they should be able to do the job fine. The jog wheels on the DDJ-RB look good and feel great, offering the right amount of resistance when nudging or spinning.

A bit more options such as launching an autoloop and setting the size would have been welcome. You can launch a 4 beat loop or a manual loop. The loop section is now located to the right and extremely simple. I always found it annoying to try to mix more than 2 tracks on a 2 channel controller anyway, so I don’t really mind. The performance pads are not the same velocity sensitive backlit type fitted on other DDJ controllers, but they do trigger the same features in Rekordbox DJ (hot cues, beat jump, FX, slicer, slicer loop, sample slots & sequence calls).Ī notable omission on the DDJ-RB are the deck switch buttons, making this a strictly two-channel controller. Considering that 90 pct of the clubs in the world are equipped with Pioneer DJ gear, that’s not a bad thing. This is, in my opinion, a great move, because it familiarizes new DJs immediately with the Pioneer DJ workflow. On the DDJ-RB the cue & play button have been moved to their traditional spot, freeing up the pads to be fully dedicated to different features of Rekordbox DJ. On the older DDJ-SB2, the cue and play buttons are integrated into the pads. The Transport Section Pioneer DDJ-RB transport section This makes the controller itself a bargain and a no-brainer for DJs wanting to start out. Quite surprisingly, the DDJ-RB comes with a full Rekordbox DJ license in the box, a gift from Pioneer worth USD 150. Let’s dive into the details! Features & functionalities In the Box Transport section that is now aligned with the rest of the DDJ line.The dimensions are the same as the DDJ-SB2, so if you own an SB2 case it will fit. Still, the build quality is solid and everything seems to be attached well. The DDJ-RB, being an entry-level controller, has a full plastic body. Performance sections same as on more expensive Pioneer DJ gear.

Supported DJ software: Rekordbox DJ, Virtual DJ (not native)

Dj controller rekordbox