The Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 emerged somewhat unexpectedly in the DJ gear landscape. It presents itself as a contemporary addition to the classic CDJ setup, yet it bears a striking resemblance to the Toraiz SP-16, sharing a significant portion of its DNA. DJ Ravine, our guest reviewer, offers his expert insights on the DJS-1000.
Greetings DJ Techtools community, DJ Ravine here! I had the privilege of an early encounter with the brand-new DJS-1000 at Pioneer DJ. This device essentially reimagines the Pioneer DJ Toraiz SP-16, optimizing it for DJs within a familiar CDJ framework. While the SP-16, launched two years prior, provided immense sampling fun, its form factor often felt out of sync with conventional DJ setups. Let’s delve into the comprehensive review.
Is this the future club essential?
- Product: DJS-1000
- Manufacturer: Pioneer DJ
- Availability: Currently available (limited stock at DJTT store)
- Price: $1,199
- Top Features: Seamless sync, pitch adjustability, and a CDJ-inspired design that integrates flawlessly into Nexus setups. More user-friendly than the SP-16.
- Areas for Improvement: The 32-second sample limit persists (though a 64-second upgrade is anticipated). Output options are limited.
- Verdict: A more affordable and refined iteration of the SP-16 Pioneer Sampler.
Exploring the DJS-1000 Layout: A Pioneer Sampler Design
Many are acquainted with the SP-16, perhaps even users themselves. Having the SP-16 at home, I must admit, its usage frequency hasn’t matched my initial enthusiasm. The DJS-1000’s CDJ-like form factor has reignited my interest in this product line. Those familiar with the CDJ-2000NXS2 will immediately recognize the fundamental controls—start/stop, pitch, menu navigation—so we’ll bypass those. Let’s focus on the distinctive elements of this pioneer sampler’s layout.
This unit features 16 RGB pads for sample triggering, managed via the Nexus2-style touchscreen. These pads offer various modes for sample manipulation. “Slice” divides a sample into segments across the pads, while “Scale” mode pitches a sample across the pad range. Pioneer offers a clear demonstration of these modes:
Beneath the pads lies a 16-beat step sequencer and accompanying scene buttons for navigating pad layouts and sequences. To the left, a touch strip enables real-time sample performance control.
Above the touch strip, a redesigned FX section is positioned. Effects are now activated by an on/off button and depth knob, similar to a DJM mixer. A dedicated button provides direct access to the effects list. Effect parameters are easily adjusted via the six parameter knobs beneath the screen. These knobs adapt their function based on the active screen—for example, when editing samples, they control attack, delay, and release. Pioneer DJ has also incorporated nudge buttons below the pitch slider, conveniently located near the sync button, enhancing the CDJ-like feel of this pioneer sampler.
Unpacking the Functionality: How This Pioneer Sampler Works
The DJS-1000 pioneer sampler utilizes 16 pads, each assigned to an individual sample in the default screen layout. It functions akin to an MPC-style device – tap the pads to trigger sounds like drum hits, synth stabs, and vocal snippets. Each sample is editable, allowing adjustments to ADSR, start/stop points, and amplitude, similar to a DAW environment.
The DJS-1000 sample editing screen, reminiscent of DAW interfaces, offers production-minded users a familiar workflow for their pioneer sampler experience.
While the DJS-1000 can be used independently to inject one-shot samples into DJ mixes, its true potential emerges when synced with a complete DJ setup. Syncing aligns the DJS-1000’s sequencer tempo with CDJ/XDJ players, allowing DJs to enrich their sets with custom audio sequences seamlessly integrated into the mix. This pioneer sampler truly shines when linked to other DJ equipment.
The unit comes preloaded with projects and samples for initial exploration. Users can expand the sound library by loading samples via USB thumb drive, inserted into the top-mounted USB slot—identical to a CDJ. Notably, an SD card slot is absent on this pioneer sampler.
Project file preparation requires some initial setup time, similar to song construction in a DAW, involving sequencing drums, synths, and effects. Once familiar with the workflow, it becomes efficient and rewarding. Sequencing samples offers two methods: step sequencing or real-time pad recording (with quantization). Each step is editable, with options for volume, key, and subtle timing offsets for swing.
DJS-1000 vs. Toraiz SP-16: Pioneer Sampler Evolution
The DJS-1000 positioned next to the original SP-16, highlighting the design differences between these pioneer sampler models (click to zoom)Filter Absence? Replaced with DJM-Style FX on this Pioneer Sampler
Beyond the form factor, the most apparent distinction is the Dave Smith filter, absent on the DJS-1000. It’s replaced by a DJM-style FX control section. This shift is arguably advantageous, providing an active master effect (assignable to individual pads) instead of solely a filter, as on the SP-16. While the DJS-1000’s effects include a filter, it lacks the distinctive character of the Dave Smith counterpart. This change reflects a different approach to effects processing in this pioneer sampler.
DJS-1000 effect controls (top) contrasted with the SP-16 Dave Smith filter section (bottom), showing the different approaches to sound manipulation in each pioneer sampler iteration.
CDJ-Style Syncing: A Core Pioneer Sampler Feature
The DJS-1000 inherits the pitch slider and sync/master buttons from the CDJ lineage. While present on the SP-16, these features were less accessible, buried within menus. The DJS-1000 streamlines pitch adjustment and sync activation, underscoring its target audience: DJs. This pioneer sampler prioritizes intuitive DJ workflow.
Sync functionality is a key strength, enabling seamless integration of user projects with a DJ set as if played from a CDJ. On-the-fly sequence modifications via the step sequencer remain synchronized. Nudge buttons facilitate manual tempo adjustments for fine-tuning synchronization, a welcome addition for any performing DJ utilizing this pioneer sampler.
Output Limitations: Connectivity in this Pioneer Sampler
Limited outputs on the rear panel.
A downside of the DJS-1000 is its output configuration. The SP-16 boasted four dual 1/4” TRS outputs, whereas the DJS-1000 offers only a single dual 1/4” TRS output and a single dual RCA output. This reduction likely reflects a shift from production-centric use to DJ booth integration for this pioneer sampler.
The SP-16’s multiple outputs allowed for creative routing, separating drums and melodic elements, with outputs to spare. The DJS-1000 limits this to a dual output, with connector type diversity. However, MIDI I/O ports and functionality from the SP-16 are retained. This is beneficial for DJs with CDJ setups lacking MIDI I/O on their DJM mixer, enabling synced outboard gear via the DJS-1000 pioneer sampler and their existing mixer.
Overall Similarities: Core Functionality of the Pioneer Sampler Remains
Functionally, the DJS-1000 closely mirrors the SP-16. Both share nearly identical back-end systems and software, with minor layout-related adjustments. File compatibility and project interchangeability are maintained, ensuring performance consistency across both units. The core pioneer sampler experience is largely consistent.
Target Audience: Who Benefits from the DJS-1000 Pioneer Sampler?
The original Toraiz SP-16’s purpose was somewhat ambiguous. Defining its ideal user was challenging. Ultimately, house and techno DJs emerged as primary adopters, genres well-suited to layering, where the SP-16 added unique textures to sets.
Initially, the SP-16 seemed limited to augmenting existing tracks. However, the DJS-1000 reveals its potential for live remixing original productions broken down into stems, especially with its CDJ-like operation. This pioneer sampler opens new doors for live performance.
Beatmakers also find value in the DJS-1000. Users of Maschine, Push, or MPC systems will quickly adapt to its workflow. Unlike NI and Ableton offerings, computer connection is unnecessary. Ideas can be rapidly sketched or fully developed songs created directly on the unit. Standalone sets are possible using one or two DJS-1000s, albeit requiring extensive project preparation due to the 32-second sample limit, precluding full song playback from pads.
Conclusion: The DJS-1000 Pioneer Sampler – Accessible Live Production
Initial impressions of the DJS-1000 were lukewarm. It appeared as a repackaged SP-16. Hands-on experience revealed its true essence: Pioneer DJ has made live production gear significantly more approachable. User-friendly enhancements streamline idea execution.
However, ease of use doesn’t equate to instant dance floor mastery. The DJS-1000 rewards dedicated project creation. Without prepared content, it functions merely as an expensive drum pad. Invest time, and this pioneer sampler can elevate DJ sets to new heights.
Purchase your DJS-1000 from the DJTT Shop
Explore Further: Video Review with Cotts and Ravine!
Want a more visual perspective? Watch our comprehensive video review:
