Disclaimer: All our reviews are written by musicians and audio enthusiasts who genuinely care about helping you make the right choice. We earn a commission when you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Review - Your Gateway to Scratch Heaven

Last updated:

October 2, 2024

By Mawie

Mawie is a DJ and promoter with 7 years of experience in House and Techno across Southeast Asia. As the founder of Voidrealm, he is known for delivering immersive, artistic sets. An expert in Pioneer, Allen & Heath, and an avid Ableton user, he enjoys experimenting with sound design as a hobby, constantly pushing the boundaries of electronic music with every performance.

So, you’re eyeing the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1? Good choice! This bad boy is designed to give you that authentic scratching experience without breaking the bank. It’s got a bunch of cool features, but let’s be real—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It’s great for beginners and intermediate DJs, but there are some limitations. Let’s dig in.

No products found.

Top features at a glance

Why it's great?

Turns your living room into a scratch battle arena.

Key Features

Battle-style layout, Tracking Scratch feature, Performance Pads

Price

No products found.

Who should get the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1?

If you’re a DJ looking to get serious about scratching but don’t have the budget for high-end gear, this controller is your best friend. It’s perfect for open-format and scratch DJs who want a taste of professional-level features without the hefty price tag.

What makes the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 special?

Battle-Style Layout

The DDJ-REV1 emulates a professional DJM-S mixer and PLX turntable setup. This layout is a game-changer for scratch DJs. The horizontal tempo sliders and large jog wheels make it easier to perform intricate scratches and transitions. If you’ve ever struggled with tight spaces on other controllers, this one feels like a breath of fresh air.

Tracking Scratch Feature

This feature is a lifesaver for those just getting into scratching. It automatically returns the track to its cue point when the jog wheel is moved backward or when you lift your hand. This means you can focus more on your performance and less on perfecting your timing. It’s like having a safety net for your scratches.

Performance Pads

The eight performance pads are highly customizable. You can trigger samples, set hot cues, and even control Serato DJ Lite’s Scratch Bank. This adds a layer of creativity to your sets, allowing you to personalize your performance. Imagine hitting a perfectly timed airhorn sample—your audience will go wild!

Deck 3/4 Control

The ability to control up to four decks in Serato DJ Lite makes this controller incredibly versatile. You can layer multiple tracks and samples, giving your mixes more depth and complexity. This feature is usually reserved for higher-end controllers, so it’s a nice touch here.

Built-in Microphone Input

For those of you who like to MC or add vocals to your sets, the built-in microphone input is a godsend. No need for external equipment—just plug in your mic and you’re good to go. This is particularly useful for live streaming, where integrating vocals seamlessly can make a huge difference.

Pros

Battle-style layoutMakes scratching and transitions a breeze.
Tracking Scratch featureSimplifies the scratching process, perfect for beginners.
Performance PadsAdds a layer of creativity to your sets.

Cons

Limited outputsOnly has RCA for the master output, which may not be ideal for all setups.
No standalone mixer capabilityYou can’t use it without a computer.
Plastic buildFeels a bit less sturdy compared to higher-end models.

Why you should trust this review?

I’ve been spinning tracks and tweaking knobs for over a decade. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in DJ gear. I get that buying the wrong equipment can be a costly mistake, and I’m here to help you avoid that. My goal is to give you the lowdown so you can make an informed decision.

FAQ

Can I use the DDJ-REV1 for live streaming?

Absolutely. The built-in microphone input makes it easy to integrate vocals into your stream, and the USB-powered design ensures low-latency performance.

Does it come with a power adapter?

No, it doesn’t need one. The DDJ-REV1 is USB bus-powered, so all you need is a USB connection to your computer.

What kind of outputs does it have?

It has one RCA master output and a 3.5-mm headphone jack. While this should be sufficient for most setups, it’s something to consider if you need more output options.

Final verdict: Should you buy the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1?

If you’re a budding scratch DJ or an intermediate looking to step up your game, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 offers a lot of bang for your buck. However, if you need more robust output options or standalone capability, you might want to consider alternatives like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX3 or the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX. But for its price and feature set, the DDJ-REV1 is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.

So there you have it! Happy spinning, and may your beats be ever on point.