Brace yourselves — the new Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 scratches for you

Despite marching on their own rekordbox path, Pioneer DJ is still in bed with Serato, and together they've updated the entry level DDJ-SB3 controller. But with it comes a feature that's likely to cause some ruckus with established DJs, namely scratch pads.

Pioneer DJ Serato DJ Lite DDJ-SB3 controller Jazzy Jeff scratch pads (6)

It seems that Pioneer DJ and Serato are still buddies if the new DDJ-SB3 is anything to go by. The entry-level controller gets bumped up a notch features wise, and also becomes a beginner’s learning tool via the new scratch pads and FX fade features, or once again is the death of DJing depending on your viewpoint.

Extensive words and moving pictures follow:

 

Start from scratch: Meet the DDJ-SB3 – improved DJ controller designed for Serato DJ Lite – Features include world’s first Pad Scratch for performing scratches co-developed with DJ Jazzy Jeff

1st March 2018: We’ve upgraded one of our popular Serato DJ controllers to create the 2-channel DDJ-SB3, designed for dedicated use with Serato DJ Lite (previously known as Serato DJ Intro). The new controller offers an intuitive interface for beginner DJs to craft professional performances and improve their skills.

The DDJ-SB3 improves on the renowned DDJ-SB2, which gained a strong reputation with a wide range of DJs – from beginners to pros – thanks to its combination of professional features and easy portability. The interface of the DDJ-SB3 is even more intuitive to use than its predecessor’s, inheriting traits from the layouts of the top models in the DDJ-S series, including the introduction of the dedicated play and cue buttons and the independent Auto Loop button.

In collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff, we’ve created Pad Scratch. The brand-new feature on the DDJ-SB3 enables you to reproduce scratches based on the legendary hip hop DJ’s own recordings by simply pressing the Performance Pads. Plus, smooth mixing is a breeze thanks to another new feature, FX Fade. You can use these features to create a professional performance, even if it’s your first time behind the decks.

The DDJ-SB3 will be available from 1st March 2018 at an SRP of £229 including VAT. Watch the introduction video or find out more about the DJ controller.

The DDJ-SB3 unlocks Serato DJ Lite when connected to a computer running the software. Download Serato DJ Lite for free.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-SB3

  1. Designed for use with Serato DJ Lite for intuitive DJ performances

The layout design of the DDJ-SB3 is inherited from the top models in the DDJ-S series. The jog wheels, Performance Pads, play and cue buttons, independent Auto Loop buttons and all the knobs and fader positions in the mixer section are arranged in a way that enables intuitive, professional DJ performances.

  1. World’s first Pad Scratch for easy, professional scratch performances*1

By simply pressing the Performance Pads on the DDJ-SB3, you can use the Pad Scratch feature to imitate eight different scratch techniques recorded by DJ Jazzy Jeff. Any track that you’re playing or have cued up will be scratched, and the scratch speed automatically matches the track’s BPM. So even if you have no experience, you can create professional scratch performances without breaking rhythm. Use the feature in isolation or combine it with your own scratching on the other deck for limitless creative possibilities.

  1. FX Fade for smooth mixing

Using the new FX Fade feature, you can reduce the volume and apply FX to a track at the same time. Whether you’re an experienced DJ or a beginner, this enables you to smoothly transition to your incoming track, even if you’re playing with different genres of music. There are eight FX patterns to choose from, with two of each of the following types: high pass filter, low pass filter, loop playback and back spin.

  1. Visual design enables intuitive performances

The DDJ-SB3 feels natural to use thanks to the clear visual division of the player and mixer sections, which feature a hairline and glossy finish respectively. The aluminium jog wheels create a quality look and feel.

  1. Other features
    • Built-in sound card (audio interface) – plug and play by simply connecting the controller to your laptop using a single USB cable.
    • Class compliant – no need to install a driver.
    • Mic input circuit – clear audio without distortion, even with high input level.
    • USB bus powered.
    • Grab handles on both sides – easy to carry.
    • Paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro (previously known as Serato DJ) – for more professional DJ performances (available separately).

*1 World’s first feature of this type in the DJ controller category (according to internal investigation as of 21st February 2018).

DDJ-SB3 specifications

SoftwareSerato DJ Lite (previously known as Serato DJ Intro)
Frequency Response20 Hz to 20 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion0.005%
S/N Ratio103 dB (USB)
Input / Output

Terminals

InputsMIC x 1 (1/4-inch TS jack)
OutputsMASTER x 1 (RCA x 1)

HEADPHONES x 1 (3.5-mm stereo mini jack x 1)

USBUSB (Type B) x 1
Power SupplyUSB bus power (DC 5V)
Power Consumption500 mA
Maximum Dimensions (WｘDｘH)482.6 × 272.4 × 58.5 mm
Weight2.1 kg
AccessoriesUSB cable

Quick Start Guide

System requirements

Compatible OSMacmacOS 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)

WindowsWindows® 10, 8.1, 7 (the latest service pack)

32-bit, 64-bit

CPUIntel® processor CoreTM i7, i5, i3: 1.07 GHz or above
Memory4GB or more of RAM

Pioneer DJ Serato DJ Lite DDJ-SB3 controller Jazzy Jeff scratch pads (1)

What’s new?

A few things. Firstly, the DDJ-SB3 has progressed from what I’d class as a cut down optimised controller to something that we’re more accustomed to. I scoffed at the “dedicated play/pause buttons” in the video like “and that’s a call-out feature?”, forgetting that the SB2 didn’t have them at all. This in turn means that the pads adopt a more familiar layout and function (albeit just with one colour), and other standard controls such as loop buttons make a welcome appearance.

It’s also interesting to see the DDJ-SB3 adopt an asymmetric layout, with pitch faders to the right of each jog wheel. We ran a survey a good while ago now, which showed that people generally preferred this style. I don’t care for it myself, especially on a small controller, but that is pure personal preference as opposed to something being executed poorly.

The ins and outs have been switched around a little too, with a single headphone out on the front, and the mic being moved to the back, something that makes this feel more like bigger more capable DJ gear.

“You hear that Mr Anderson?”

As Agent Smith says in The Matrix, that is the sound of inevitability — the sound of automated scratching via the USP of the DDJ-SB3. Essentially, any sound have cued up can be scratched via 8 different preset patterns at the press of a button. And these are Jazzy Jeff’s own scratches that have been digitised and included in the DDJ-SB3.

The idea is not new. Ray tells me that the 2001 Traktor DJ Studio had some sort of scratch function. But more recently Stanton’s Deckadance 2 has scratch macro buttons too. Recording movement isn’t a difficult thing to achieve these days, but the idea of including it in a controller is absolutely going to ruffle a few feathers.

But wait — there’s more. Pioneer DJ has included something called FX Fade. This is a feature that makes quick exits from one track to another much easier. For example, previously you have to actually do a spin back and slam into the next track — it’s now at the press of a button.

I await the knee jerk full caps rant into the comments box, recycling the same old tropes and clichés. Alternatively, you might just see this as at worst a novelty, or maybe a useful teaching aid that allows beginners to sound better from day one, and inspire them to actually learn the techniques instead of pressing buttons. Jazzy Jeff is correct — what the DJ scene needs is more DJs, not a bunch of wannabes who fall at the first slightly tricky technique hurdle. If we can teach beginners to be better, we should right?

Expect a longer examination of this next week.

SUMMING UP

Taking a step back from the minutiae, what Pioneer DJ has delivered here is a controller that ticks more boxes than most and definitely has a place in a beginner’s bedroom, as much as it does a bar or booth. When looking at the feature set, I struggle to see more that I would really need (as opposed to want) in a controller. And this is in a Serato DJ Lite controller too. It seems that a beginner’s needs are catching up with those of the pros these days.

As to damage — the DDJ-SB3 will set up back a relatively paltry $249/£229. The Serato DJ Lite download is free and activates when you connect the hardware.

GALLERY

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Mark Settle
Mark Settle

The old Editor of DJWORX - you can now find Mark at WORXLAB

Articles: 1228

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42 Comments

  3. 1. I remember back in the days days of Virtual DJ version 3, there were 2 different cool add-on pluggins that when activated would produce perfect scratch sounds on the playing track. For some reason they never worked with higher versions of VDJ, which made me stick with VDJ3 till the day they lauched v6.

    2. Dear Pioneer, I really want me a DDJ-SB3 sized (& speced) Serato controller, but with 100mm pitch faders, provided it will not go above the $300 mark. That 45mm fader you do in your low end controllers is the reason I will stick to my Numark MTP3.

    • Even if it happens, we need to wait at least another year for it to come out, just in time for the DDJ-1000(2) with even more exclusive features for Rekordbox only.

  6. they appear to have got rid of the headphone mix knob SMH

    I feel sorry for noobs who end up with something like this when they could spend a little more to get all the FX knobs, bigger pads, longer pitch faders etc

  7. For most of us – no thanks. Breaking into a market for all the Bruhs out there – Epic! Really, if you want to appeal to the people that think djing is cool but don’t want to spend the time practicing, then this controller plus DJ Khaled’s spotify playlist is all they need

    • Was gonna write something, but you did it for me.

      99% of the fun of djing, for me, is pushing myself to learn new things. I’ll never forget the first time I did a chirp that sounded like a real chirp, it was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. It took me month’s to get the timing and muscle memory down, but that ended up being time well spent

      And thats my only beef here. Why would a kid who’d ordinarily learn these techniques the old fashioned way (with time and effort), even bother if there’s a button that does it for them? Why spend the time and energy developing your own style when you can get Jazzy Jeff’s included in the box?

      • I wouldn’t see it as a replacement of scratch DJs – it’ll always stay limited, no matter how far Pioneer DJ is going to push the technical possibilities.
        I’d rather call it a new type of effect that has the potential to enable DJs like me (House DJ on a rotary mixer) to drop a scratch for fun.

        Half the fun for the crowd is actually seeing the scratch DJ perform, right?
        Who’s gonna be deeply impressed by someone pushing a button?

      • Cars with automatic gearboxes didn’t kill off all the manual cars, did they? If someone drives an automatic, are they a worse driver? No, not necessarily. They may even drive manual cars too, but just prefer the ‘luxury’ of an auto.

        These things are just tools. People still use hammers despite the availability of nail guns.

        • i had a 2003 f360 spider, with paddle shifters. the damn thing would only change gears “under specific parameters” which essentially made it an automatic. 80K for the worlds most boring prancing horse. That car killed my love for cars and for driving in general. now i ride a bicycle :(

          and for the record, nail guns suck. anyone who has ever had to take down an wall put together with a nail guns, and sees just how little grip those nails have, will never use one again.

        • Cars with automatic gearboxes have most certainly killed off manuals in America. Even brands with storied sports car traditions like Alfa Romeo no longer include a manual option on any of their sports cars.

          The vast majority of people my age (24-30), in my country (America) have no idea how to operate a clutch or rev match on an upshift, because they’ve never had to. I happen to enjoy rowing my own, and exclusively purchase cars with manuals, because it’s a skill i’ve put quite a bit of effort into.

          This was a very good analogy.

  8. That’s it – instead of a dedicated PreListen function, or a Day/Night mode, we bring you AutoScratch!!
    You couldn’t make this up if you wanted to!!!
    Er, um, I’d like to speak to the Captain of the ship, please.

  11. Dear Pioneer DJ, thanks for liking my idea of the pad scratches. I’m impressed that you came across it even though I only posted it on the Denon DJ and Native Instruments forums. You can still hire me, though.

  12. The scratch pads are obviously a gimmick but let’s not proclaim the end of scratching because of them. The only people who are going to be put off learning to scratch by this are people who were never going to learn to do it in the first place so nothing will be irrevocably changed by adding some scratch sound effects to a controller. And if it inspires one person who previously had no interest in scratching to learn to do it themselves then it’s all good.

  14. the auto-scratch in the djay app was sick as hell, that is until the changed the way you initiate it, which ruined it. ( i would really love to hear karim explain WHY they changed it. i am literally still bewildered after almost a decade)
    it can be done, and be cool.

  17. I thought the play/pause button being called out was funny as well….I’ve never seen an SB2 to realise it didn’t have it.
    So you just always had to use hot cues on the SB2 then?

  18. While I think the autoscratches will become a fad and make the general audience dislike digital DJs even more, it will also raise the bar for turntablist techniques during DJ sets. I mean, if your babies, stabs and chirps will sound just like ”DJ granma and her dog” rocking an entry level pio c*ntroller, you need to level up. I believe this is the real idea behind Jeff’s involvement (?)

    Otherwise, an entry level controller by Pio which has gain knobs and most of the ”essentials”, can only be applauded after the WeGo series etc fiascos.

    • I don’t think that’s the reason behind… at the video gets clear anyways: inspire newbies.
      It’s entry level controller and expect this could cause any aside effect on regular turntablist users is give too much value to this little tool, to much value to turntablist scene as target for Pioneer and too much value to djing itself from Pioneer POV which is and had been ever the same: entertainer. Never artform.
      From the “cdj1000 technics killer era” at 90’ DMCs (I saw it with my own eyes) to actual autoscratching and going against controllers in the middle (there was an advert disminishing xponent controllers from a retailer over the usb in cdjs era before Pioneer embraced the futurenowpresent)… so no, they are learning how to lie better but they still want to develop automix machine and don’t give a f00k about artform.
      That’s why NI swithced into stems and jogless… small market and Pioneer aggressive marketing make the entirely market pivote shift into “live producing mash ups” but also small adoption (and finantial crisis) bring us here.
      No innovation, just stagnation. No flow just same formulas on an on…

  21. Pushes “Auto Whine” button

    they need one of those here.

    here is what all the complainer do not want to hear, stop feeling threatened and develop your skills.

    then you no longer have nothing to worry about :-)

    ultimately this is why we as DJs always complain about new technology. Think about it.

  23. I’m sure the request for scratch pads, or some feature like this has been made all still nonstop for years.
    It’s not a feature anyone who wants to learn to scratch or already knows how to scratch needs.
    No matter what there will always be bad mixing and misplaced use of scratches, but someone at home or at a small party doing this won’t ever matter to all the “good” “pro” DJs out there.

    And really, who do you think buys most the DJ gear and software anyway, it’s the home user and amateur or wedding DJs.

    Not everyone is in a club, or touring, and when they are, they don’t buy most the gear.

    So companies are smart to make gimmicky and cute stuff for basic users.

    You can’t have your NASCAR without it being funded by the other cheap basic parts and equipment sold to the mass market.

  25. The DDJ-SB3 is now natively supported in the latest early access build of Virtual DJ – and the scratch pads work.

    Apparently the auto-scratch functionality is built in to the hardware, so it’s not restricted to use with Serato.

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