For those starting their DJ journey, choosing the right controller is crucial. Pioneer DJ offers a range of excellent, affordable options like the DDJ-FLX4 and the DDJ-REV1, both released in 2022. While sharing some similarities, their distinct features cater to different DJ styles. Deciding which one suits you best requires careful consideration.
ddj-flx4 vs ddj-rev1
This article delves into the key features of the DDJ-REV1 and DDJ-FLX4, weighing their pros and cons to guide you in selecting the ideal controller for your DJ aspirations, with a special focus on why the DDJ-REV1 could be your perfect entry into the world of battle DJing.
DDJ-REV1: Built for the Battle
Price: £259.00
Pros: Battle-style layout mirroring professional DJM-S mixers, paddle FX for dynamic effects, larger jog wheels optimized for scratching precision.
Cons: Utilizes an older USB-B connection, Serato DJ Pro upgrade required for full feature access.
Overview: The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 stands out as the first entry-level controller specifically designed for open-format and battle DJs. It sets a new benchmark for Serato DJ Lite controllers, offering aspiring turntablists a professional feel at an accessible price point.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Review
Launched alongside its high-end counterpart, the DDJ-REV7, the REV1 embodies the spirit of revolutionizing the open-format DJ scene. While the REV7 caters to professionals with motorized platters, the DDJ-REV1 focuses on delivering essential battle DJ features to beginners without compromising on quality or performance.
The core philosophy of the REV1 is to democratize turntablist fundamentals, making them accessible to aspiring DJs on a budget. It provides the crucial tools needed to learn and develop battle DJ techniques right from the start.
ddj-rev7 serato dj
Featuring 154mm jog wheels, significantly larger than the 132mm wheels on the FLX4, the DDJ-REV1 immediately signals its focus: scratching. This larger size provides enhanced tactile control and responsiveness, crucial for accurate scratch execution.
ddj-rev1 jog wheel size
Despite its broader frame to accommodate the larger jog wheels, the DDJ-REV1 remains portable and lightweight, easily fitting into most backpacks. This design choice prioritizes functionality and the battle-style mixer layout, inspired by Pioneer DJ’s renowned DJM-S series of battle mixers.
Battle-Ready Layout
The DDJ-REV1’s layout is a key differentiator. The mixer section adopts a compact battle-style configuration, similar to professional DJM-S mixers. This design prioritizes space around the crossfader and upfaders, essential for intricate battle DJ techniques and scratch routines.
The deck sections are intentionally uncluttered, providing ample space for the larger jog wheels. It features a PLAY button and a smaller CUE button, acknowledging its beginner-friendly design. Experienced battle DJs often bypass the CUE button, but it’s a helpful feature for those learning the fundamentals.
ddj rev1 tempo fader
Notably, the DDJ-REV1 pioneers the horizontal placement of the tempo slider at the top of the deck, mirroring the battle position of turntables. This familiar layout transition makes it easier for turntablists to adapt to controller DJing.
Dynamic Paddle FX
Instead of the standard ON/OFF buttons found on club-style mixers like the FLX4, the DDJ-REV1 incorporates paddle FX levers. These levers offer a tactile and responsive way to engage effects, allowing for quick, momentary effect bursts or locked-on effects, depending on the DJ’s preference and performance style. Paddle FX are favored in battle DJing for their immediate and expressive control.
ddj rev1 mixer
Serato DJ Lite and Upgrade Path
The DDJ-REV1 comes bundled with Serato DJ Lite, providing a robust platform for beginners. However, unlocking the full potential of Serato DJ, including advanced features and four-deck control, requires a paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro. While the controller includes buttons for deck switching (decks 3 and 4), these are only fully accessible with the Pro version. This upgrade path allows DJs to grow into the software as their skills develop.
serato dj pro prices
Connectivity on the DDJ-REV1 is comprehensive, featuring RCA outputs, a microphone input, and a USB-B port for laptop connection. Despite using the older USB-B standard, it retains the ability to record or stream microphone input alongside the master audio, a valuable feature for live streaming sets with commentary, without needing extra equipment.
If the DDJ-REV1 aligns with your DJ aspirations, a dedicated Serato beginner’s course is highly recommended to accelerate your learning and build confidence in performing with this powerful controller.
DDJ-FLX4: The Versatile All-Rounder
Price: £279.00
Pros: Club-standard layout for traditional DJing, Smart Fader and Smart FX for easy transitions, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile DJing versatility.
Cons: Serato DJ integration lacks some advanced features compared to Rekordbox.
Overview: The DDJ-FLX4 is designed as a highly versatile controller appealing to a broad range of beginner DJs. Its club-standard layout and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for those interested in various genres and DJing styles, especially those leaning towards traditional mixing techniques.
ddj flx4 top down
As the successor to the popular DDJ-400, the FLX4 inherits its predecessor’s club-style layout and ease of use. It provides beginners with a familiar and intuitive interface, mirroring professional CDJ setups found in clubs worldwide. This layout facilitates a seamless transition to professional equipment as skills progress.
ddj flx4 vs ddj 400
The FLX4 features two decks with a central mixer, each deck equipped with PLAY/CUE buttons, performance pads, and standard DJ controls arranged in a club-standard configuration. This familiar layout helps beginners develop core mixing skills transferable to any professional DJ setup.
ddj flx4 cue play buttons
Eight performance pads per deck offer beginners easy access to effects, cue points, and loop rolls, expanding creative possibilities from the outset.
The 132mm jog wheels, while slightly smaller than the REV1’s, are still capable and suitable for scratching and beat manipulation. While they might feel less robust than professional-grade jog wheels, their performance is impressive for this price point.
flx4 jog wheel size
The mixer section mirrors a club-standard setup, including dedicated BEAT FX controls activated via a large ON/OFF button, mirroring industry-standard equipment.
The FLX4 advances beyond the DDJ-400 with innovative features designed to make DJing more accessible to everyone, regardless of prior experience.
Smart Mixing Features: Smart Fader & FX
The standout features of the FLX4 are Smart Fader and Smart FX. Smart Fader enables smooth, professional-sounding transitions with a single fader movement. It automatically adjusts volume, bass, and tempo, allowing beginners to create polished mixes instantly, perfect for focusing on track selection and phrasing without the initial complexities of beatmatching and EQing.
smart fader flx4
Smart Colour FX expands creative options with eight pre-set effect combinations, easily activated with dedicated buttons and a single knob. These features empower beginners to experiment with effects and add flair to their mixes without needing deep technical knowledge.
smart cfx ddj flx4
These smart features are invaluable for beginners, removing technical barriers and allowing them to concentrate on musicality and performance aspects of DJing.
Mobile DJing with Rekordbox App
The DDJ-FLX4 expands DJing possibilities with Bluetooth connectivity and Rekordbox mobile app compatibility. DJs can now use smartphones or tablets wirelessly, offering unprecedented flexibility and portability.
new rekordbox ios app
Rekordbox Performance Mode is unlocked with the DDJ-FLX4, providing access to a wealth of features within the software. While Serato DJ is also supported, some Smart features are currently optimized for Rekordbox, and Serato integration is not as comprehensive at this time.
Connectivity and Versatility
Connectivity is straightforward with RCA outputs, a microphone input, and dual USB-C ports. One USB-C port powers the controller, while the second can power a smartphone or tablet. Impressively, the FLX4’s sound card supports microphone input recording and live streaming, a rare feature at this price point, ideal for DJs wanting to stream sets with live commentary using minimal equipment.
The DDJ-FLX4’s versatility and portability make it suitable for DJs of all skill levels and various performance scenarios, from home practice to mobile gigs.
DDJ-REV1 vs DDJ-FLX4: Which Controller is Right for You?
Choosing between the DDJ-REV1 and DDJ-FLX4 depends on your DJing aspirations and style.
Choose the DDJ-REV1 if:
- Your primary interest is in open-format DJing, scratch techniques, and battle DJing.
- You prefer a battle-style layout similar to professional DJM-S mixers.
- Larger jog wheels and paddle FX are important for your performance style.
- You are willing to invest in Serato DJ Pro for advanced features.
Choose the DDJ-FLX4 if:
- You are interested in a broad range of DJ genres and traditional mixing techniques.
- You prefer a club-standard layout for a familiar DJing experience.
- Smart Fader and Smart FX features appeal to you for easy and polished mixing.
- Mobile DJing and Bluetooth connectivity are important for your flexibility.
- You prefer Rekordbox software or want a more integrated experience with Serato DJ Lite.
| Device: | DDJ-FLX4 | DDJ-REV1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | £279 | £259 |
| Controller Layout Style | Club | Battle |
| Tempo Slider Layout | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Jog Wheel Size | 132mm | 154mm |
| DJ Platform | Rekordbox/Serato DJ | Serato DJ |
| Mobile Device Support | Yes | No |
| FX Trigger | Club-style Button/Pads | Battle-style Levers |
| Loop control | CDJ-style | Battle Mixer-style |
| Number of decks | 2 | 4 (via Deck Switch) |
| I/O | USB-C x 2; RCA; TRS Mic | USB-B x 1; RCA; TRS Mic |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Mic feed stream/record | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion:
Both the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 and DDJ-FLX4 are exceptional entry-level controllers, each catering to distinct DJing styles. The DDJ-FLX4 excels as a versatile, all-around controller for DJs interested in club-style mixing and mobile performance, offering smart features and broad software compatibility. However, for aspiring battle DJs and turntablists, the Pioneer Ddj-rev1 emerges as the clear winner. Its battle-focused layout, larger jog wheels, and paddle FX provide an authentic and inspiring platform to learn and master scratch techniques and open-format DJing from day one. Ultimately, the best choice aligns with your personal DJing goals and preferred performance style.
No matter your choice, beginner courses are available to guide you through every step of your DJ journey, from setup to performance.
