The Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer was launched as the definitive, no-compromise Serato DJ controller, a powerhouse designed to be the heart of any professional DJ setup, whether mobile or permanently installed in a club. Boasting an array of high-end features unmatched by its contemporaries, the DDJ-SZ aimed to replicate the feel and functionality of a club standard setup in a single, albeit large, unit. While it undeniably mirrors a professional club layout in its expansive size and comprehensive controls, its initial lack of rekordbox compatibility (unlike some of Pioneer’s other offerings at the time) was a point of contention for some DJs seeking ecosystem fluidity. However, with onboard DVS support, dual-laptop USB connectivity, standalone mixer capabilities, and exceptional performance pads, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ firmly established itself as the top-tier Serato controller for DJs willing to invest in unparalleled features and performance.
Pioneer DDJ-SZ Mixer Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | US$1697 (Launch Price) |
| Rating | 4.5/5 Stars |
| Product Type | All-in-one DJ Controller |
| Launched | January 2014 |
| Power | External Power Supply |
| Size | 870 x 419 x 98 mm |
| Weight | 10.4 kg |
| Compatibility | Serato DJ Pro |
| Audio Interface | 24-bit/44.1kHz |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Harmonic Distortion | 0.002% or less (USB) |
| Inputs | CD/Line x 2 (RCA), Phono x 2 (RCA), MIC x 2 (XLR & 1/4 inch TRS, 1/4 inch TRS) |
| Outputs | MASTER OUT x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1), BOOTH OUT x 1 (1/4 inch TRS), HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 2 (1/4 inch Stereo Phone, 3.5mm Stereo Mini Phone) |
| USB | USB (Type B) x 2 |
First Impressions and Setup
The DDJ-SZ
Upon unboxing the Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer, the immediate impression is its sheer size. It commands attention and space, mirroring the dimensions of a professional Pioneer club setup laid out horizontally. Imagine two CDJ players and a four-channel club mixer seamlessly joined together – that’s the physical footprint of the DDJ-SZ. This is not a controller for DJs prioritizing portability and quick setups in cramped spaces. It’s designed for DJs who want a robust, feature-rich centerpiece for their performances, whether in a dedicated DJ booth or a larger mobile setup.
Despite its imposing size, the DDJ-SZ is surprisingly manageable in weight. While substantial, it avoids the excessive heft of some controllers with motorized platters. This is partly due to its construction, which, like much of Pioneer’s professional gear, utilizes high-quality plastic for the chassis, albeit with metal top plates for each section (player and mixer). This design choice keeps the weight reasonable while maintaining a professional feel. The build quality is undeniably premium, featuring Pioneer’s renowned knobs, faders, and backlit RGB performance pads and buttons. The full-size jog wheels, adorned with Pioneer’s signature center LEDs displaying platter position and cue point information, further contribute to its pro-level aesthetic and functionality.
The use of hard plastic buttons, a common feature in Pioneer gear, might be a subjective point. While familiar to Pioneer users, newcomers might perceive them as slightly less premium compared to rubberized alternatives. However, the robust Color FX knobs are undeniably satisfying to use, reflecting their likely frequent use in performance.
The rear panel of the DDJ-SZ is logically laid out and offers comprehensive connectivity. Dual USB ports headline the connections, facilitating seamless transitions between DJs or laptop backups. Two microphone inputs (one XLR/TRS combo and one TRS) cater to vocalists or MCs. Four RCA inputs (two switchable between line and phono) allow for integration of external turntables or CD players, while balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA master outputs, along with a balanced TRS booth output, ensure compatibility with any professional sound system. A Kensington lock slot, power switch, and power socket complete the rear panel.
Comparing the DDJ-SZ to Pioneer’s standalone club gear reveals a strategic design approach. While the controller’s “CDJ” sections incorporate performance pads not found on traditional CDJs, they omit built-in screens or USB playback capabilities. Similarly, the mixer section, though visually and functionally reminiscent of professional Pioneer mixers, features a streamlined feature set. The DDJ-SZ has fewer input/output options, simplified onboard effects, and lacks features like a dedicated record output or send/return for external FX units.
However, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer is undeniably packed with features that excite digital DJs seeking top-tier control and creative possibilities. Building upon the foundation of the DDJ-SX, the DDJ-SZ introduces enhancements like a crossfader tension adjust, jog wheel stiffness control, stop time adjustment, cue loop and velocity-sensitive pad options, and the highly practical dual-laptop USB switching. These additions underscore its position as a flagship controller designed for demanding professional use.
Setting up the DDJ-SZ as a Serato DJ controller is generally straightforward. For Mac users, a driver installation is required, a process easily initiated from within Serato DJ itself. Firmware updates, while requiring a download from Pioneer’s website and manually putting the controller into update mode, are essential for optimal performance and stability, as with any professional DJ gear. The controller includes a full version of Serato DJ Pro, simplifying the software setup.
A key feature of the DDJ-SZ is its integrated DVS audio interface. This allows DJs to connect turntables or CD players and control Serato DJ decks using timecode vinyl or CDs, effectively expanding the setup to a four-deck hybrid system. Setting up DVS within Serato’s preferences is simple, and the controller immediately recognizes external decks configured for timecode control. The seamless integration of DVS significantly enhances the DDJ-SZ’s versatility for DJs who blend digital and vinyl/CDJ workflows.
In Use: Performance and Key Features
The Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer is designed for experienced DJs familiar with digital controller workflows. While it covers all the fundamental functions expected of a professional DJ controller, its strength lies in its advanced features and performance capabilities. For DJs new to controllers, exploring reviews of the Pioneer DDJ-SX can provide a foundational understanding of the basic functionalities shared with the DDJ-SZ. This review focuses on the standout features that differentiate the DDJ-SZ and elevate its performance.
Full-Size Jog Wheels with Adjustability
Jogwheel
The Pioneer DDJ-SZ boasts large 206mm jog wheels, providing ample surface area for tactile control and a hands-on DJing experience. The inclusion of “Jog Feeling Adjust” and “Stop Time” controls allows DJs to customize the jog wheel response to their preferred style. These adjustments enable precise control over spin backs and braking effects, a significant improvement over the DDJ-SX, which lacked jog wheel tension adjustment.
While visually similar to CDJ jog wheels, the DDJ-SZ jog wheels utilize conductive touch sensors rather than mechanical switches found in CDJs. This technology, common in most DJ controllers, detects finger contact on the jog wheel surface. However, conductive jog wheels can be susceptible to grounding variations, potentially affecting touch sensitivity depending on the environment. In some instances, users, including ourselves during testing, have noted a need to apply slightly more pressure than expected to engage the jogs consistently. While this might be an isolated occurrence or influenced by specific setup conditions, it’s worth noting that some controllers offer sensitivity adjustments to compensate for such variations.
Despite this minor sensitivity observation, the jog wheels are generally excellent. DJs seeking CDJ-sized jog wheels on a controller will find the DDJ-SZ highly satisfying. The center display, mirroring the design of Pioneer CDJs, provides visual feedback on jog position, track progress, and countdown to cue points, enhancing the mixing experience. While some users have reported minor latency in the display updates, optimizing latency settings and screen refresh rates can mitigate this.
Dual USB Connectivity for Seamless DJ Transitions
The dual USB ports on the Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer significantly simplify DJ changeovers in performance settings. Even when both DJs are using digital setups requiring laptop connections, the DDJ-SZ facilitates smooth transitions. Traditionally, switching DJs often necessitates pausing the music or mixing into an analog source while laptops are swapped. The DDJ-SZ eliminates this interruption.
The dual USB inputs allow two laptops to be connected simultaneously. Dedicated buttons on the controller assign each USB input to either the “A” or “B” side of the controller and Serato DJ interface. This effectively splits the controller and software interface down the middle, with each laptop and DJ controlling their designated side. The Serato DJ interface visually indicates when a deck is “in use” by the other connected laptop. This setup makes back-to-back DJ sets and DJ transitions remarkably fluid.
The dual USB functionality becomes even more compelling when combined with DVS. The ability to have two instances of Serato DJ controlled by the same controller, potentially with external decks integrated, unlocks creative possibilities for collaborative and dynamic performances. Furthermore, with custom mappings, the DDJ-SZ can even accommodate DJs using different software platforms simultaneously, such as Traktor and Virtual DJ, showcasing its versatility beyond Serato DJ.
While the dual USB implementation is a significant advantage, the DDJ-SZ uses a shared headphone/cue system. True back-to-back DJing could be further enhanced with independent headphone outputs for each DJ, but the current dual USB setup remains a substantial improvement for DJ transitions.
Native Serato DVS Support
Native Serato DVS support distinguishes the Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer from many other Serato DJ controllers. DVS, or Digital Vinyl System, allows DJs to use timecode CDs, vinyl records, or digital files to control DJ software using traditional DJ gear. Historically, DVS setups often required proprietary audio interfaces. The DDJ-SZ, however, integrates DVS natively within Serato DJ, eliminating the need for external interfaces.
By simply connecting turntables or CD players to the DDJ-SZ, loading timecode, and enabling DVS in Serato DJ settings, DJs can seamlessly incorporate external decks into their digital workflow. This unlocks true four-deck control within Serato DJ, utilizing both the controller’s decks and external DVS inputs.
The center displays on the DDJ-SZ jog wheels intelligently adapt to reflect the status of DVS decks, displaying track progress, time to cue points, and even visual representations of “vinyl position.” This hybrid approach seamlessly blends digital and traditional DJing techniques, offering a comprehensive and intuitive control experience. Combining dual USBs, DVS, and four decks creates a powerful and flexible setup for collaborative performances and intricate mixing styles.
Hardware Effects: Sound Color FX and Oscillator
The Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer features a standalone mixer section, enabling it to function independently of a computer. External sources like turntables, CDJs, or other audio devices can be connected and mixed through the DDJ-SZ, either alone or in conjunction with software decks. Transitions between software and external sources are nearly instantaneous. Complementing the standalone mixer, the DDJ-SZ incorporates two dedicated hardware effects units: Sound Color FX and Oscillator FX. These hardware effects are applied directly to the audio signal, regardless of the source – software decks, external inputs, or microphones – offering a similar workflow to using external effects units on a club mixer.
Sound Color FX
Located to the left of the channel faders, the Sound Color FX section provides four effects: Echo, Jet, Pitch, and Filter. Activating an effect illuminates its corresponding blue button, applying it across all channels. The large silver knob associated with each channel controls the intensity of the selected Sound Color FX. In its center position, the effect is off. Turning the knob clockwise or counter-clockwise applies the effect.
- Filter: A classic high-pass/low-pass filter, functioning as a single-knob filter effect. While effective, some users may find the filter sweep range slightly less extensive than some dedicated filter units.
- Echo: A post-fader echo effect that trails off naturally even when the channel fader is closed or the deck is stopped. The crossfader, however, abruptly cuts off the echo.
- Jet: An out-of-phase effect, creating a sweeping, jet-like sound.
- Pitch: Detunes the audio signal, creating pitch-shifting effects.
The Filter effect is arguably the most versatile and frequently used Sound Color FX, providing essential sonic shaping capabilities for transitions and creative mixing.
Oscillator FX
Positioned to the right of the channel faders, the Oscillator FX section offers four sound effects: Noise, Cymbal, Siren, and Horn. These are more akin to sound effects or performance triggers rather than traditional audio effects. They can be assigned to channels 3 and 4 or applied to the master output. Two knobs control the Oscillator FX: one for volume and another for a parameter specific to each effect.
- Noise: Generates white noise, useful for building tension or adding texture.
- Cymbal: A reverse cymbal crash sound, suitable for transitions or accents.
- Siren: A fast police siren sound.
- Horn: A recognizable foghorn sound, reminiscent of the Virtual DJ horn sound effect. Its inclusion on a professional-grade mixer is debatable and may be considered overly cliché by some DJs.
Activating Noise, Cymbal, or Siren triggers the effect briefly with a single press, while holding the button sustains the effect. The Horn effect plays only once per button press.
Overall, the hardware effects on the DDJ-SZ are typical of Pioneer’s design philosophy: good-sounding, practical, and easy to use. While not as extensive as the effects suites found on Pioneer’s dedicated club mixers, they provide useful tools for performance augmentation. The inclusion of firmware-switchable effects in future updates could enhance the versatility of the FX section, particularly by replacing less universally appealing sounds like the Horn with more contemporary or genre-specific options.
State-of-the-Art Performance Pads
The Pioneer DDJ-SZ features eight velocity-sensitive performance pads per deck, a standard feature on high-end DJ controllers. These pads are positioned below the jog wheels and are backlit with RGB LEDs, allowing for color-coded visual feedback, especially useful for identifying hot cues without needing to look at the software interface. The DDJ-SZ performance pads are among the most responsive and feature-rich available on a controller.
Each pad offers dual functionality via a “shift” layer, effectively doubling the available modes. Modes include:
- Hot Cue / Cue Loop: Trigger hot cues or trigger cue points to loop based on the auto-loop setting.
- Roll / Saved Loop: Activate beat rolls of varying lengths or trigger saved loops.
- Slicer / Slicer Loop: Engage slice mode or slice loop mode.
- Sampler / Velocity Sampler: Trigger samples or utilize velocity-sensitive sampling for expressive drum pad-style performance.
The velocity sensitivity of the pads is particularly well-suited for drum programming and finger drumming. Combined with Serato DJ’s loop engine and sampler capabilities, the performance pads offer significant creative control. The ability to customize pad colors within Serato DJ further enhances usability, allowing DJs to visually organize and categorize cues or functions. While performance pads are a valuable tool for many DJs, some purists might prefer a layout more akin to traditional CDJs, potentially prioritizing dedicated display screens over pad sections.
Additional Features and Considerations
The Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer features comprehensive metering with 10-segment VU meters per channel and 10-segment stereo master VU meters, providing accurate visual monitoring of levels. The crossfader is a contactless, magnetic “Magvel” fader, designed for durability and longevity, though it is not as easily user-replaceable as the crossfader on the DDJ-SX.
During testing, a faint white noise was observed in the headphone output, even at low levels. While the cause was not definitively identified (potentially grounding, unit-specific, or setup-related), it is a minor anomaly that was noted.
Conclusion: A Flagship Controller for the Discerning DJ
DDJ SZ Angle
The Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer stands as a top-tier, flagship Serato DJ controller. For DJs seeking the best in features, performance, and a professional club-like experience in a controller format, the DDJ-SZ remains a compelling choice even years after its release. Its robust feature set, innovative functionalities like dual USB, and exceptional build quality justify its premium price point. The DDJ-SZ excels in providing a comprehensive and inspiring DJing experience, making performances easier, more engaging, and more dynamic. Dual USB connectivity simplifies DJ transitions and opens up collaborative performance possibilities, while native DVS support seamlessly integrates external decks into a digital workflow. Its visual presence is undeniably impactful, enhancing the professional aesthetic of any DJ setup.
However, the DDJ-SZ is a large and relatively expensive controller. Its size may be a drawback for DJs prioritizing portability, and its price is significantly higher than controllers like the DDJ-SX, prompting consideration of whether the additional features justify the increased investment. While feature-rich, the DDJ-SZ lacks certain aspects of a full Pioneer club setup, notably rekordbox compatibility and onboard screens for USB playback, features present in controllers like the Pioneer XDJ-R1 (albeit in a different product category). This strategic segmentation by Pioneer likely aims to differentiate the DDJ-SZ from its standalone CDJ/DJM ecosystem. A hypothetical controller combining the DDJ-SZ feature set with CDJ-style screens and rekordbox compatibility would represent a true all-encompassing digital DJ solution, but for now, the DDJ-SZ excels within its Serato DJ-focused domain.
Competitors like the Numark NS7II, with its motorized platters, offer alternative approaches to flagship controller design. However, the NS7II lacks native Serato DVS support and dual USB connectivity, features that give the DDJ-SZ a distinct advantage for many DJs. Both controllers share the characteristic of being large and less portable compared to mid-range options.
For many Serato DJs seeking a balance of features, portability, and value, controllers like the Reloop Terminal Mix series, Pioneer DDJ-SR and DDJ-SX, Vestax VCI series, and Denon DJ MC6000 Mk2 offer compelling alternatives. The ideal choice depends on individual needs and priorities.
Ultimately, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ mixer is not designed for the average Serato DJ. It caters to DJs who demand the highest level of performance, features, and build quality, and who are willing to invest in a flagship controller that pushes the boundaries of digital DJing. It is the ultimate prosumer controller, ideal for professional mobile DJs, high-end home setups, and even smaller venues seeking a robust and feature-rich all-in-one DJ solution. While not essential for digital DJing, the DDJ-SZ offers an undeniably desirable and inspiring experience for those who seek the pinnacle of Serato DJ controller technology.
Want it? Click here to buy it on Amazon.
[
