Pioneer DJ’s move away from Serato dependence is complete. We’ve seen rekordbox versions of other Serato DJ based controllers appear, and now the entry and budget end of Pioneer DJ’s offerings has got the R treatment. Presenting the DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR.
Some videos and words about the controllers, plus a little about the rekordbox 4.1.1 update and a new bag:
NEW REKORDBOX DJ CONTROLLERS AND SOFTWARE UPDATE
Meet the DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR –
rekordbox dj controllers with new Sequence Call and PC Master Out
We’re expanding our range of rekordbox dj controllers with the DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR. The two-channel controllers introduce buttons for new features in today’s rekordbox 4.1.1 software update including Sequence Call, which lets you create and save sample sequences, then play them back without touching your computer. The DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR are also the first controllers to support PC Master Out, for playing master output through your computer’s internal speakers or connected desktop speakers, while using the controller for your headphones at the same time. Both new controllers come bundled with rekordbox dj performance software worth €139.
The entry-level DDJ-RB is all you need to get started with rekordbox dj performance software, and features a layout that handles like a pro-DJ set-up. The DDJ-RR adds even more features, including the new Sequence Load button to load your sample sequences to the deck to scratch them.
The DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR are available from late May at SRPs of €249 and €699 respectively, including VAT. Both controllers come bundled with the rekordbox dj Plus Pack (worth €139, including VAT).
The DJC-B/WEGO3+BAG protective carry bag, designed for the DDJ-RB, DDJ-SB, DDJ-SB2 and DDJ-WeGO3, is available from late May at an SRP of €65 including VAT.
Watch our introduction videos for the DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR or find out more here.
There’s a rekordbox specific update to 4.1.1 too:
Also announced today: rekordbox 4.1.1 update
Our latest rekordbox update brings new features for rekordbox dj users. We’ve designed it to fully support the DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR, giving you access to dedicated settings tabs – plus PC Master Out, Sequence Load and Sequence Call. All rekordbox dj users can upgrade to enjoy new Mic features on the mixer panel including 3-band EQ and Mic FX.
The free rekordbox dj 4.1.1 update is available. Find out more about the rekordbox family.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-RB
- Controller layout mirrors rekordbox dj for native control
- PC Master Out – use computer’s speaker for master out and controller for headphones
- Performance Pads with Sequence Call, Hot Cues, Pad FX, Beat Jump and Slicer
- Built-in sound card for simple USB connectivity
- Record to rekordbox dj via the same USB cable
- USB powered
- High quality Mic input
- Easy grip handles and lightweight design for portability
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THE DDJ-RZ
- Layout looks and feels like a CDJ set-up
- Large jog wheels with On-Jog Display
- Customisable multicoloured Performance Pads
- Dual VU level meter
- Needle search pad
- Brushed aluminium face plate
- Sequence Load
- Slip Mode
- Release FX
- Multiple inputs and outputs
- High quality audio
- Two headphone outs
- DVS ready – rekordbox dvs Plus Pack required (€109)
ADDED FEATURES OF REKORDBOX 4.1.1
- Mic features on mixer panel – including 3-band EQ and Mic FX
- For DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR only:
- PC Master Out
- Sequence Call
- Sequence Load (DDJ-RR only)
- Expanded settings
DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR — what’s new?
First thing — why is the DDJ-RZ getting a mention in this release?
Aside from obvious cosmetic changes, the DDJ-RB has been brought into line with the rest of the DDJ-R* range, and gets asymmetric layout and those iconic play/cue buttons. It gains channel meters but loses the tradition three effects controls. The filter fade has gone too.
The DDJ-RR (sorry — all I can hear is Mork when I say this in my head) gets RGB pads with new pad FX mode, additional meters (so no switch), grid controls, and a touch strip. There’s also dedicated sequencer buttons, speaking of which…
Sequence call is the ability to sequence samples, and sounds very producer/performer to me. I’m guessing that the recently seen Toraiz SP-16 is just the start of Pioneer DJ’s march into what we would call the producer market, and is backed up by Pioneer DJ having two stands at this year’s BPM Show — one huge DJ related one, and another in the same space as the likes of Roli, Korg, and Novation. In fact, the stand is the same size is Novation’s at 6m x 6m, so I’m hazarding a guess that we might see more than just the SP-16. Can we expect to see Launchpad style grid controllers? Keyboards? The team still think I’m mad but I’m convinced it’ll happen.
Is the divorce final now?
While the Serato DDJ-S* controllers remain current on the Pioneer site, it’s clear that the relationship is over, and each new controller moves just a little bit further away from the established Serato DJ blueprint. I suspect that as Pioneer DJ comes up with new features that it can implement immediately without having to wait a long time for Serato to make them happen, then the design of their hardware will evolve too. They need to be careful though, as the first impression of the DDJ-RR in particular is that it’s a bit busy, with a lot of buttons added in.
Summing up
The rekordbox specific DDJ-RB and DDJ-RR will cost €249/£199 and €649/£549 respectively, come with a full version of rekordbox DJ (DVS is extra) and will be in shops at the end of May.
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