The Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 emerged somewhat unexpectedly in the DJ gear landscape. While ostensibly a new sampler designed to complement a standard CDJ setup, its striking similarities to the Toraiz SP-16, particularly in shared functionalities, were immediately apparent. In this review, DJ Ravine from DJ Techtools provides an expert perspective on the DJS-1000, diving deep into its features and performance.
Hello DJ Techtools community, DJ Ravine here! I had the privilege of getting an early look at the brand-new Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 at Pioneer DJ’s facilities. Essentially, the DJS-1000 is Pioneer DJ’s Toraiz SP-16, but redesigned with a DJ-centric approach and encased in a familiar CDJ form factor. While I’ve had the SP-16 for about two years and genuinely enjoyed its sampling capabilities, its studio-centric design often felt out of place in my DJ setup. Read on for my comprehensive review of the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000.
Is this the future club standard for DJ samplers?
- Product: DJS-1000
- Manufacturer: Pioneer DJ
- Availability: Currently available (limited stock at DJTT Store)
- Price: $1,199
- Top Features: Seamless sync, pitch control, and CDJ-like form factor for easy integration into existing Nexus setups. More DJ-friendly than the SP-16.
- Areas for Improvement: Sample length limit of 32 seconds (though a 64-second upgrade is on the horizon). Limited output options.
- The Verdict: A more affordable and refined iteration of the SP-16, tailored for DJs.
Diving into the DJS-1000 Layout
Many DJs are already familiar with the SP-16, perhaps even owning or having used one. I personally own an SP-16, but honestly, it doesn’t get as much use as I’d like. The DJS-1000, simply by adopting the CDJ shape, has reignited my enthusiasm for this product line. Anyone accustomed to the CDJ-2000NXS2 will instantly recognize the fundamental controls of the DJS-1000, such as the start/stop button, pitch control, and menu selector placement. Let’s focus on the distinctive layout elements that set the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 apart.
The DJS-1000 features 16 RGB pads that are central to controlling loaded samples via the Nexus2-style touchscreen. These pads operate in various modes to manipulate samples. “Slice” mode divides a sample into individual slices across the pads, while “Scale” mode allows for pitching a sample across the pad range. Pioneer DJ offers a helpful demonstration of each mode, which is worth checking out to fully understand the creative possibilities.
Below the performance pads is the 16-beat step sequencer, accompanied by scene buttons for navigating different pad layouts and sequences. To the left, a touch strip provides real-time performance control over samples, adding another layer of expressiveness to your DJ sets.
Positioned above the touch strip is a redesigned FX section. The effects are now activated by an on/off button and modulated by a depth knob, mirroring the intuitive FX control found on DJM-style mixers. Adding to the ease of use, a dedicated button directly accesses the effects list. Fine-tuning effect parameters is straightforward using the six parameter knobs located beneath the screen. The function of these knobs is context-sensitive, adapting to the current screen – for instance, when editing samples, they control parameters like attack, delay, and release. Pioneer DJ has also incorporated nudge buttons beneath the pitch slider, conveniently located near the essential sync button, enhancing beatmatching and tempo adjustments.
Unpacking the Functionality of the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000
The Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 utilizes 16 pads, each assigned to an individual sample on the default screen. This setup mirrors the familiar workflow of MPC-style devices – tap the pads to trigger sounds like drum hits, synth stabs, vocal shots, and more. For each sample, you can delve into detailed editing, adjusting parameters akin to a DAW, including ADSR, start/stop points, and amplitude.
The sample editing screen on the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 offers a production-style interface, familiar to users with DAW experience.
While the DJS-1000 can be used standalone to inject one-shot samples into your DJ mixes, its true power unfolds when integrated and synced with a full DJ setup. Sync functionality locks the tempo of the DJS-1000’s sequencer to your CDJ/XDJ players, enabling you to dramatically transform your sets by layering custom audio sequences seamlessly into the mix. This synchronization capability makes the DJS-1000 a powerful tool for live remixing and performance.
The unit comes pre-loaded with several projects and samples to get users acquainted with its features. To expand your sound library, loading custom samples is as simple as dragging and dropping them onto a USB thumb drive. The DJS-1000 includes a top-mounted USB slot, just like a CDJ, for convenient media loading. It’s important to note, however, that the DJS-1000 does not include an SD card slot.
Creating a project file requires some initial setup time. The process is similar to composing an original track in a DAW, involving time spent sequencing drums, synths, and effects. However, once you become familiar with the workflow, it becomes both quick and rewarding. Sequencing samples offers two methods: you can input steps directly into the step sequencer, or record parts live by playing them on the pads (quantization is available for tightening up timing). Each individual step is editable, with options to adjust volume, key, and even subtly offset timing for a swing feel.
Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 vs. Toraiz SP-16: Key Differences
The Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 positioned alongside the original Toraiz SP-16 (click to enlarge)
The Filter Factor: DJM-Style FX vs. Dave Smith
Beyond the obvious form factor difference, the most significant functional change between the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 and the SP-16 is the omission of the Dave Smith filter on the DJS-1000. Instead, Pioneer DJ has opted for a DJM-style FX control area. In practice, this feels like a beneficial trade-off for DJing, as it provides an active master effect (which can also be assigned to individual pads) rather than solely a filter as on the SP-16. While the DJS-1000’s effects section does include a filter effect, it doesn’t quite replicate the unique character of the dedicated Dave Smith filter.
Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 effect controls (top) versus the Toraiz SP-16 Dave Smith filter section (bottom)
CDJ-Inspired Sync and Pitch Control
Another key feature the DJS-1000 inherits from the CDJ line is the dedicated pitch slider and sync/master buttons. While the SP-16 also includes these functionalities, they are buried within menus, making them less immediate in a DJ performance context. The DJS-1000 makes pitch adjustment and sync activation much more intuitive and accessible, reinforcing its design focus on DJ-centric use. The placement and ease of use of these controls clearly signal who the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 is designed for: DJs.
Sync is a game-changer, enabling you to play, beatmatch, and mix your custom projects as if they were tracks on a CDJ. It’s incredibly engaging to manipulate song elements on the fly using the sequencer while maintaining perfect synchronization with the rest of your mix. For minor tempo adjustments, Pioneer DJ thoughtfully included nudge buttons, allowing for precise manual tempo correction.
Output Limitations: Streamlined for the DJ Booth
A noticeable compromise in the DJS-1000 is in its output options. The SP-16 boasted a generous four dual 1/4” TRS outputs. In contrast, the DJS-1000 is equipped with only a single dual 1/4” TRS output along with a single dual RCA output. This reduction in outputs appears to be a deliberate design choice reflecting the shift in the intended use case from studio production to DJ performance.
The SP-16’s multiple outputs were a boon for creative routing, allowing users to send drums to one output and melodic elements to another, with outputs to spare. The DJS-1000 limits this to a maximum of two discrete output channels, and even these are presented on different connector types. The upside for users with external gear is that the DJS-1000 retains the SP-16’s MIDI I/O ports and full MIDI functionality. This is particularly advantageous for DJs with CDJ setups who may not have a DJM mixer with MIDI I/O, providing a way to incorporate synced outboard gear using their existing mixer.
Core Functionality: Largely Consistent
Functionally, the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 and SP-16 are remarkably similar. They share virtually identical back-end architecture and software, with minor adjustments to accommodate the layout differences. Both units are compatible with the same file formats, and projects are interchangeable, meaning a project created on one unit can be performed on the other without issue. This consistency ensures a seamless transition for users familiar with the SP-16.
Who is the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 Designed For?
The original Toraiz SP-16 sometimes felt like a product searching for its niche. It wasn’t always clear exactly who it was aimed at. Ultimately, it seemed to resonate most strongly with house and techno DJs, genres that readily embrace layering and where the SP-16 could add a unique sonic dimension to sets.
Initially, the SP-16 seemed primarily suited for layering samples over existing tracks. However, the DJS-1000 reveals a broader potential, particularly for performing original productions broken down into stems and remixed live, especially given its CDJ-like operation. This makes the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 a more versatile tool for DJs seeking to integrate live production into their performances.
The DJS-1000 is also well-suited for beatmakers. Users familiar with Maschine, Push, or MPC-style workflows will find the DJS-1000’s operation intuitive. Unlike software-dependent systems from NI and Ableton, the DJS-1000 functions as a standalone unit, freeing you from computer reliance. You can quickly sketch out ideas or even develop complete original tracks directly on the device. With sufficient project preparation, you could even perform an entire set using one or two DJS-1000 units. However, it’s important to remember the 32-second sample limit, which prevents simply loading and triggering full-length songs directly from the pads.
Final Thoughts on the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000
My initial impression of the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 was somewhat lukewarm. It initially struck me as simply an SP-16 in a different shell. However, spending time hands-on with the DJS-1000 revealed its true value: Pioneer DJ has successfully made live production gear significantly more approachable for DJs. They’ve implemented numerous user-friendly enhancements that streamline workflow, making it easier to translate ideas into reality quickly.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the DJS-1000’s ease of use doesn’t equate to instant mastery. Simply purchasing one won’t automatically transform your DJ sets. The DJS-1000 is a tool that rewards dedication and project preparation. Without carefully crafted projects, it’s essentially just an expensive drum pad. Invest time in learning and creating with the DJS-1000, and it has the potential to elevate your DJ sets to a whole new level of creativity and performance.
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Explore More: Video Review with Cotts and Ravine!
Want a deeper dive? Watch our comprehensive video review for a more in-depth look at the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000.
