Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-K – new paint job and Traktor ready

It’s fair to say that Pioneer’s ERGO-V controller took The BPM Show by storm. With Jetsons retro styled looks and a funky decidedly non-DJ colour scheme to match, it screamed lifestyle in every sense. But looking past the obvious surface gloss, there was a highly capable controller just screaming to be put into the hands of pro users. And that’s exactly what the ERGO-K is.

There’s a very obvious pimp my controller exercise going on here. It’s now in gleaming black… you know just how pro DJs like things. The mixer knobs have been changed to more traditional fatter ones, and it comes with Traktor LE2, and although it doesn’t say it in the press release, I was told had a free upgrade to the full version.

There’s a video:

And some official words straight from Pioneer HQ:

Following the success of the DDJ-ERGO-V controller Pioneer launches a limited edition model – the stylish black DDJ-ERGO-K

8^th August 2012:

Pioneer’s most versatile controller, the DDJ-ERGO-V is popular among DJs for its usability, portability and compatibility with virtually all DJ software.

And now the white DDJ-ERGO-V is available in a sleek new black model – the DDJ-ERGO-K.

More than just a colour update, the DDJ-ERGO-K places the emphasis on the DJ experience with a polished, professional appearance and user-friendly layout. With a glossy black top panel, satin black side panel, chrome-plated Play/Cue buttons, white LEDs encircling the jog wheel, and rubber pots on the dials, the DDJ-ERGO-K is the ultimate in DJ-friendly equipment.

The DDJ-ERGO-K has been ergonomically designed to work natively with Traktor LE 2 software which comes bundled in the box. The controller’s layout mirrors Traktor LE 2’s graphical user interface so the software’s most important features are intuitively positioned and accessible at the touch of a button.

Along with its native compatibility with Traktor LE 2, the DDJ-ERGO-K’s MIDI functionality makes it compatible with virtually all other DJ software on the market including Virtual DJ, Serato, djay and MixVibes’ Cross DJ/Cross.

The DDJ-ERGO-K’s unique Pulse Control feature adds a visual dimension to DJing by using lights to show which decks are in use, which features are engaged and how accurate DJs’ beat matching is.

Powered by a single USB cable connected to a laptop, the portable DDJ-ERGO-K requires minimal set-up.

The DDJ-ERGO-K will be available from Late August 2012 at a SRP of 429 GBP/499 EUR, including VAT.

Key features of the DDJ-ERGO-K

1. Bundled with Traktor LE 2 for instant plug and play

DJs can use the DDJ-ERGO-K straight out of the box with the included Traktor LE 2 software. The DDJ-ERGO-K’s user-friendly interface makes all Traktor LE 2’s most important features and functions instantly accessible. Plus, the DDJ-ERGO-K’s MIDI output makes it compatible with virtually all other DJ software.

1. Pulse Control adds visual dimension for precision performances 

The DDJ-ERGO-K’s Pulse Control lights give a visual representation of DJs’ performances by showing which decks are in use and which effects, filters or pitch controls are engaged. If a high-pass filter is applied, the jog wheel’s white LEDs spin anticlockwise while a low-pass filter sends them spinning in the opposite direction. The jog wheel’s Mix Pulse lights shine brighter the more accurate the DJ’s beat matching is and its FX Pulse lights show which effects have been applied. The Beat Pulse LEDs in the channel faders match the beat of the track in play while the Launch Pulse lights travel from the Load button to the jog wheel when a track is loaded.

1. Inherits features from Pioneer’s pro-DJ equipment for pristine sound reproduction and easy operability

The DDJ-ERGO-K inherits many of its features, such as its 115 mm jog wheel, from Pioneer’s pro-DJ range. Its interface mirrors Pioneer’s professional-grade mixers and CDJs while its layout reflects the popular DDJ-T1 and DDJ-S1 controllers.

1. Laptop integration design keeps screen in sight at all times

The DDJ-ERGO-K’s innovative laptop design allows DJs to place their laptops underneath the controller so they can set up in small spaces and keep the screen in view while they play. Plus, the DDJ-ERGO-K’s removable legs mean DJs can tailor their set-up to suit their environment.

1. Completely USB-powered for easy set up  

Powered by a single USB cable connected to a laptop, the DDJ-ERGO-K eliminates the need for an external power supply without compromising on functionality or sound quality.

1. High-quality, professional design that looks good in every environment  

With its glossy black top panel, satin black side panel, chrome-plated Play/Cue buttons and white LEDs encircling the jog wheel, the DDJ-ERGO-K looks the part in the studio, the booth or at home. Plus, with the same ergonomic rubber pots on its dials as Pioneer’s pro-mixer, the DJM-T1, the DDJ-ERGO feels as good as it looks.

1. Other features  

• Line in and MIC input
• Pioneer’s P-Lock Fader Caps, the industry’s first locking mechanism
• Built-in audio interface

Main specifications – DDJ-ERGO-K 

Bundled software	TRAKTOR LE 2
Input terminals	Mic × 1（1/4-inch jack）
	AUX × 1（RCA）
Output terminals	Master out × 2（1/4-inch jack × 1, RCA × 1）
	Headphone monitor out × 2（front 1/4-inch jack, mini jack）
Other terminals	USB B terminal × 1
Frequency range	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Total harmonic distortion	0.006 ％ or less
S/N ratio	101 dB
External dimensions(W x D x H)	555 × 280 × 103 mm （555 × 280 × 64 mm with legs removed）
Weight	2.9 kg

TRAKTOR LE 2 software (included): system requirements

Supported OS(Windows)	Windows 7 (Latest service pack, 32/64 bit)2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2,2 GB RAM (4 GB or greater recommended)
Supported OS(Mac)	Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7 (latest update), Intel Core 2 Duo,2 GB RAM (4 GB or greater recommended)
Required disk space	1 GB or more
Display resolution	1024 x 768 or more
Additional requirements	High-speed Internet for install activation

Find Pioneer DJ online at:

• www.djsounds.com
• www.facebook.com/pioneerdjglobal
• www.twitter.com/pioneerdjglobal
• www.youtube.com/pioneerdjglobal

I think this is a wise move on Pioneer’s part. While the original ERGO was all cool an shit wit da yoot mans or something, it missed out on the wider DJ audience, many of which are always looking out for a cost effective yet very capable controller. And remarkably for Pioneer, they’ve managed to keep it at a price that is in the realms of sense and affordability too. So what you get is a stylish and lightweight controller that looks great, does a lot and works with Traktor, Serato DJ Intro, Virtual DJ and most other software right out of the box, for not too much money and bearing the Pioneer badge of honour.

It says it’s a limited edition, but given that the physical changes are largely cosmetic, I would expect the limited means until the next thing comes out, especially if it outsells the original ERGO, which I suspect it will.

The ERGO-K will be with you in late August, and will set you back £429/€499. No US price just yet, but I’m sure it’ll be more or less the same as you pay now.