Another day, another Pioneer DJ controller. This time, it’s another RB-ditching model, namely the DDJ-400, an unashamedly entry level unit fuelled by rekordbox that aims to hold the hands of beginners and walk them through the foundation of DJing without the distraction of unnecessary nonsense.
There is as always a video that’s absolutely worth a watch:
And of course the words:
Master the basics: Meet the DDJ-400 controller for rekordbox dj Club-standard layout and compatibility with new Tutorial feature
26th June 2018: If you want to try DJing at home and see how far you can take it, we’ve created the perfect controller to learn on: the DDJ-400. Made for dedicated use with our professional performance application, rekordbox dj (free licence key included), the 2-channel DDJ-400 is designed to help you get the most from the new features coming to the software with the release of rekordbox™ ver 5.3 today.
The DDJ-400 is the ideal piece of kit for first-time DJs. Its controls enable you to easily learn the basics, plus it’s packed with features that will help you develop your skills. The controller is compatible with the new Tutorial feature in rekordbox dj, which explains basic equipment operation step by step. Even if you’ve never ventured behind the decks before, you can learn how to DJ.
Thanks to the lightweight and portable design, you can take the DDJ-400 to friends’ houses to practise together or bring it to parties and small venues to perform. And if you want to take mixing to the next level, you’ll feel at home in the club DJ booth because the DDJ-400 inherits design traits from our professional range. The layout of dedicated play/pause and cue buttons, Beat FX, CDJ-style looping controls and more is inherited from our NXS2 set-up.
The DDJ-400 will be available from late June at an SRP of £259 including VAT. Watch the introduction video or find out more about the controller.
A licence key for rekordbox dj worth €139 is included with the DDJ-400 so you can plug it into your PC or Mac straight out of the box and start mixing. If you already own rekordbox dj, upgrade to the latest version to use the controller.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-400
1. Club-style layout
The buttons and knobs on the DDJ-400 are arranged in the same way as those on our club-standard CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 set-up.
- Player sections
Get familiar with jog wheels, play/pause and cue buttons, tempo sliders, a loop section and cue/loop call buttons just like the ones on the CDJ-2000NXS2.
- Mixer section
Use the trim and EQ knobs, and the headphone cue buttons, in exactly the same way as those on the DJM-900NXS2.
2. Other features
- Built-in sound card (audio interface) – plug and play by simply connecting the controller to your PC/Mac using a single USB cable.
- Mic input circuit – clear audio without distortion, even with high input level.
- USB bus powered – no need to plug into the mains.
- Grab handles on both sides – easy to carry.
- Class compliant – no need to install a driver.
KEY FEATURES OF REKORDBOX VER 5.3
- Tutorial feature – learn how to DJ
Follow the instructions of the Tutorial on your PC/Mac’s screen. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can learn how to DJ. The Tutorial feature is also compatible with the DDJ-RB as of 26th June 2018.
- Track Suggestion – displays tracks that match well with the one currently playing1
This feature ranks every track in your rekordbox library according to how well it matches with the one you’re currently playing, helping you choose tracks that will fit well in your set. The track displayed at the top of the track list is the most relevant one to play next. Quickly scroll through your music, making maximum use of your collection.
There are three sorting modes:
- Era: tracks with a close year of release.
- Mood: tracks with a similar mood.
- Association: tracks sharing traits such as artist, label, etc.
1 To use this feature effectively, build up track information in your rekordbox library.
- Easy sharing of mixes to social media with track titles and time stamps
Use rekordbox to record your sets and share them with the world via social media channels such as Mixcloud, YouTube and KUVO. When you upload your mix, all track titles and time stamps are automatically added by rekordbox, so listeners can check each track title while enjoying your set.
DDJ-400 specifications
Software rekordbox dj Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz S/N Ratio 103 dB (USB) Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% Input/Output Terminals Inputs MIC x 1 (1/4-inch TS jack) Outputs MASTER x 1 (RCA x 1) PHONES x 1 (3.5-mm stereo mini jack x 1)
USB USB (Type B) x 1 Maximum Dimensions (WｘDｘH) 482.0 x 272.4 x 58.5 mm Weight 2.1 kg Accessories USB cable Quick Start Guide
rekordbox dj licence key card
rekordbox dj system requirements
Compatible OS Mac macOS High Sierra 10.13 (updated to the latest version) macOS Sierra 10.12 (updated to the latest version)
OS X 10.11 (updated to the latest version)
Windows Windows® 10, 8.1, 7 (the latest service pack) CPU Intel® processor CoreTM i7, i5, i3 Memory 4GB or more of RAM
DDJ-400 — THE REKORDBOX BASICS BEGINNER’S BOX
I know some of you will look at this and lament the lack of particular “standard” features. The familiar effects controls seen on just about every other controller for example were picked out in our Slack channel as being missing. But I get where this is coming from — perhaps because I learned to DJ in a time where it was about basic turntables and simple mixers. I even find filters to be a luxury.
You see beginners naturally gravitate to the cool features, and twist that filter and rinse all those effects because it makes them feel like a pro, forgetting the fact that the tracks they’re “mixing” are off key and off beat. And frankly, there have been instances where I wish some pros didn’t have access to effects controls either.
Instead, the DDJ-400 is the introduction to DJing fundamentals without the associated frippery that just gets in the way of nailing the basics. To help, rekordbox will come with a tutorial mode as well as enhanced track suggestion features.
I’m actually happy to see a controller focussed on helping people simply learn to mix. We often get brainwashed by hyperbole filled PR persuaded of the perceived need for bells and whistles, believing all too quickly that we absolutely must have them to be a great DJ. We don’t — all we need is a great music selection, and the skills to know how to mix it all together.
That said, the video does show a polished performance, one that effectively contradicts the seemingly entry level feature set. And I’d bet good money that some of you mocking this controller couldn’t knock out a set like that on your übercontrollers or lavish keeping it real setups. Skills will always trump gear. Always.
So if you see things missing on this controller, then you’re not the target audience. This is to save people (mainly parents) from spending a heap of money on shiny DJ gear that little Jimmy or Jemima Jogwheels absolutely must have, only to see it relegated to that black hole of lost desires i.e. under the bed. Essentially this is a gateway drug to something more, and definitely sees Pioneer DJ using beginners to create a solid foundation for the future of rekordbox.
SUMMING UP
The DDJ-400 is in shops and stores today and will cost $259/€279/£259. It also comes with a full licence for rekordbox DJ.
GALLERY
I think it might be the different textures of the faceplates, but I keep looking at the pictures thinking it looks like 3 modular units pushed together.
If only they’d sell those players individually (at $99 each) – that would be really cool.
I still wonder what keeps manufacturers from doing that.
People have been asking for this type of controller for ages.
Because it’s one of those things that everyone talks about wanting, but no one actually buys. There have been various modular products released, and their sales never justify their existence. When a customer looks for a product, they aren’t usually looking for a science project – they want a comprehensive product that fully covers their desired use case. The only time I’ve ever seen a modular product really work is when it’s covering a new functionality (like cue point or effects control for a DVS, etc). Otherwise people tend to buy the all-in-one solutions over the modular products.
TL/DR – Traditionally they don’t sell well.
I’d say it’s hard to predict how well a decent modular jog controller would sell.
You’re right about modular in general, but that’s probably because they haven’t been done right.
There’s a few modulars that have been successful (Kontrol X1/X1MK2, probably even the F1 in the beginning). The D2 failed because of the #futureofdjing features that didn’t take off and because it didn’t have a jog – it catered to a very niche market (house/techno DJs using Traktor). The SC2000 probably was too small to be considered “professional” and I wouldn’t even talk about the crap Behringer released some time ago. Stanton had some issues, too.
In a wider sense, the XDJ-1000 is a modular controller, too, and it’s highly successful.
If I had the resources I’d develop two controllers – both being compatible with Serato, Traktor (and maybe rekordbox DJ).
First one:
Basically, an SC5000 without the processing power (and maybe with a regular non-touch screen).
Professional jog wheel and build, standard CDJ layout + 8 pads. $999.
Second one:
An XDJ-700 with 8 pads. $499.
Don’t forget the faderfox line!
Jog wheel+pads for the AMX would sell, me thinks.
I wouldn’t see it as a science project – DJ’s are a pretty smart bunch.
Let’s say I wanted to combine the flexibility of the DJ software + a real mixer.
In that case, buying a real CDJ as a controller becomes too expensive + I’d need an extra controller for the pads. 1200 Euros/Dollars for the mixer (such as DJM-750 MK2) and another 500 (times two) for the modular controller (as described by Kevin B. below) would be right around the DDJ-SZ kind of price. Or I could go with a cheaper mixer but with one more controller, or even mix brands.
I’d buy that in a heartbeat no questions asked for 2000-ish $/€. In reality, I’m really hesitant about, altough interested in DDJ-1000 and still doing 90% of my work with old/trusted/good enough DDJ-SR.
Hope it is a hint!
Wow. Both the MixTrack line and VirtualDJ – two _very_ successful product lines for beginners – were just obliterated in a single shot. Pioneer is executing on all cylinders now. If anyone still doubts the bulldozer known as RekordBox, that is foolish. Pioneer now has vendor lock-in from beginner to touring professional. I don’t even use RB, but I might have to take a look as it seems like RB will be the last DJ app that will survive.
Mixxx will always be there for you. :)
Yeah and Virtual DJ will have a plug and play mapping for this in no time. This is a great move for them however thei will not shake the foundation from under anyone else’s products or “obliterate them in one shot.” I don’t see what you’re seeing :-).
I did not mean that VDJ would disappear over night. I simply mean that since most beginners are Web savvy, they’ll quickly learn that Pioneer is seen as a leading brand. Once they realize that, then they’ll look to the DDJ-400. With RB being increasingly capable over time, there will be lock-in as the beginner DJ grows his/her library. All of a sudden, instead of looking at other DJ apps, he/she will look to RB compatibility. As he/she grows into DVS or even CDJs/XDJs, their library’s won’t ever need to be converted or rebuilt. At some point, there’s no other viable solution without (the perception of) risking the library. That story will simply repeat as more new DJs enter the scene. Two years from now, the user base of Virtual DJ, Serato, and Traktor starts to seriously decline. Five years from now, will they even exist?
A bad scenario, but clearly what Pioneer DJ is aiming for.
I still don’t get why InMusic hasn’t started to develop a cross-brand ecosystem around Engine.
They have several brands serving different needs, styles and hardware quality. But there’s no connection between those brands, except for Serato.
By the time they realize their lack of stratgegy, they’ll buy Serato. But it’s probably too late, then.
That is an interesting take on the “State of the DJ equipment” industry. I don’t see Virtual DJ going anywhere as they happen to not only fill a broad part of the market with what the software has to offer they’re even upping their game to stay ahead of the competition. They were the first to offer any kind of streaming services, their software works with most anyones hardware even DVS and soundcards, and it comes with video capability including DVS right out of the box.
Nice little box.
I am really considering getting one just for fun / small parties.
The price is great, too.
Only thing that is missing is a small display to see the selected effect.
that should be on the laptop right?
UPDATE: UK Price was incorrect in the PR. It should be £259.
Well this kind of kit is EXACTLY what I needed when I sold my CDJ’s and went for a DDJ-RB… I missed everything that is on this but was lacking the RB. Cue mix knob, DJM style FX knob and all that sorts of stuff. I went for a DJM-400 last month, too bad this wasn’t available then but it will do for now!
This is the first entry level controller that I have been impressed with on layout. Big ups to Pioneer DJ.
Although a rather conservative layout I really like it. Looks like it has a really comprehensive workflow which just makes sense. I like that it does not have a an overemphasis on effects, letting you focus more on mixing two tracks which you should be doing anyway. Sometimes I find an irony in stripped back entry controllers, that is because if you’re new to the game all you want to do is go stupid with effects and bash buttons when you be focusing on good transitions and music selection instead. It’s only with experience that you realise that don’t use 70% of the bells and whistles on these units but it was all the fluff which sucked you in to start off with.
This is a serious contender for the Mixtrack range. The features, size and price range is just right to kick Numark’s butt. Make a Serato version of this and it is a win.
It is also nice that Pioneer is taking the low end of their offerings more seriously. The Ergos and We-Gos we just ugly and ‘not serious’, if you could call it that.
And as always when I see a new 2 channel controller from Pioneer; why, for the love of god, not make an exact controller like this but with 100mm pitch faders.
But why make a Serato version? Pioneer DJ is aiming this at beginners, and they want them to start with rekordbox and stick with it. A Serato version simply works against their growth of their own product. And for the beginner, there is nothing that Serato offers that rekordbox doesn’t.
100mm pitch faders are not necessary for the target market, and would make it much bigger anyway. Side note — the pitch faders on the DDJ-400 are in entirely the wrong place and simply serve to get in the way of the buttons and crossfader. Then again, I suspect that the target market will be hitting sync, thus rendering the pitch fader obsolete anyway.
If Pioneer, or other gear manufacturers go into production of a new shiny targeting the newbie DJ only then they have got it all wrong. Take me for instance, I play out a weekly gig in a club, using the club’s ‘professional gear’ (CDJs and Rane mixer). But at the same time I want personal gear where I can be doing some practice at home or hold down a small house party with friends/family. Now, I do not have spare $3000 plus cash lying around to get ‘decent’ equipment for bedroom practice. I cannot afford an SX at $1000. I cannot afford an SR at $600. But an SB or Mixtrack, or even this DDJ400 at $259, is very well within my pocket capabilities of $250-450.
And I can tell you almost all my DJ friends whom I work with own or are looking to buy a little controller, either a Mixtrack or SB, in this price range. Therefore by marketing a new product as noob oriented is missing the target by a mile.
2 years ago when I bought my Mixtrack Pro 3, the only thing that won me over the Pioneer SBs is the 100mm pitch fader. I even left out a very good second hand SR I had got at a very good bargain just because of the short throw faders. If today I were to upgrade from my MTP3, I would pick the Mixtrack Platinum over the new DDJ400, just because of the long faders of the Platinum. And yeah, Serato compatibility. I am not going to change my software of choice even if Pioneer heeded my call and did a similar controller to the DDJ400 with the long throw faders. Serato is king down here, and if Pioneer only do RBDJ oriented controllers then they will lose out on a huge chunk of the market, new or existing.
I see what you’re saying, and agree that DJs other than beginners want small controllers for other uses.
But it’s a complex market that much bigger than just trying to please everyone. Pioneer DJ finds itself in a market where they still have to pay a licence fee to Serato which hurts their bottom line, especially considering that they already have a perfectly capable software product of their own. So they’re in a transitionary period where they make Serato controllers to keep a slice of that market, but with increasing regularity put out their own rekordbox controllers in a bid to move the market share in their direction.
The problem that Pioneer DJ had is that they expected the top end to be the driving force towards rekordbox adoption but that hasn’t worked out so well for them. So they’re having to play a longer game and start from the bottom up. It’ll take time, but if they genuinely believe in rekordbox, they’ll focus on that and move away from partnering up with anyone. So it’s not a matter of losing a huge chunk, but instead getting a new chunk.
As you’ve confirmed, I think they know that the chances of people moving from Serato DJ Pro to rekordbox are slim, especially from a DVS perspective. But if the next generation has been brought up on entry level rekordbox controllers, that’s what they’ll stick with. And you’ll still be able to buy small Serato controllers from the likes of Roland and Numark.
This move by them was a big one. Two things stick out for me. Firstly they’re riding the buzz from the DDJ-1000 and the fact that it has adopted the CDJ/XDJ style jogs, features, and workflow from their higher end club gear. Second they’ve finally found their own identity that they’ve had all along however never embraced or utilized it as they have now. This is one of the smartest and most strategic power moves I have ever seen Pioneer make since they began selling and marketing Rekordbox DJ software and making their own controller line. Now their newer line of controllers won’t be considered “me too” versions of their Serato line of controllers. This will help them further differentiate the Rekordbox line and cause new and upcoming beginner DJ’s to further identify and adopt their workflow and way of thinking.
I wonder if this controller will work with the WeDJ app or not?
I ordered one right away and got it today. Have to say I’m really surprised how good it feels. The jogs are nice, the buttons have a good response. Rekordbox DJ seems to work, too (I’m a Traktor user). Did the conversion with DJCU (https://sellfy.com/p/emUY/) which did a proper job.
After using the unit for 2 hours the print in the fader area started to come off :(
I’m good. Great mixer. But, it doesn’t work with an IPhone or IPad. I know Pioneer has the Wego. I just don’t understand, why can’t they make a fucking mixer, that has this same performance, but compatible with an iPad or IPhone? That’d be portable as hell.
i saw this unit is already on the coming soon list of VirtualDJ. Curious have this controller will perform with VirtualDJ 2018