Pioneer DDJ 1000 Review
The Pioneer DDJ 1000 is one of the hottest professional DJ controllers in the market. It is built for those who want to take DJing to the next level. This model features full-sized platters that are customizable and very effectively used for scratching.
This model comes complete with a DJM-900 style mixer attached in the middle to control up to four channels. The mixer also features a full sound FX station and all the premium features we find in the DJM-900 at a fraction of the cost.
This is the first controller of this type to feature HD LCD screens with waveform indicators on each jog wheel. Other popular Pioneer controller options include the DDJ-200, DDJ-400, and DDJ-800
This controller comes ready to use rekordbox DJ out of the box. Throughout this in-depth Pioneer DDJ-1000 review we will explore why it stands out over many other Pioneer DJ controllers.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 Review Summary
Quality
The Pioneer DDJ 1000 is a professional controller built for the most elaborate and demanding gigs. It has a built-in 24 bit/44.1 kHz sound card and easily hooks up to any PA system.
Features
This controller has top-quality features such as a 4-deck mixer with EQ effects, top-notch quality jogwheels with LCD screens, adjustable platter sensitivity, and complete compatibility with rekordbox.
Cost
If you want to get a high-quality DJ controller like this one, you need to pay a little extra. Although not quite as affordable as an entry-level controller, it also has a unique set of premium features.
Overall rating : 4.33 / 5
Pioneer has provided pro DJs with an experience they will be taking to the big stage with the DDJ-1000 controller. It is capable of mixing high-quality tracks as its feature hit the finer points of DJing. The basic controls are still there but the advanced controls are what sets it aside from your regular DJ controller.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 Pros & Cons
The DDJ 1000 is considered one of the best high-end model DJ controllers in the market. Its complete pro features stand out even among its own brand. The Pioneer DDJ 1000 is worth its price considering the advanced features it gives you in return. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of this DJ controller.
Pros
The improved jog wheels with LCD screens and the Magvel fader technology are two of the Pioneer DDJ 1000’s strengths. Its mechanical jog wheels can be adjusted to the perfect feel. Each center of the jog wheel also has a screen that mirrors what is displayed on the laptop software. It lessens the need to look at the laptop often.
Cons
The lack of control for Serato might tick some DJs off since most would prefer it over the Rekordbox DJ. However, you can definitely map the MIDI controller yourself on Serato software, or find a user-created MIDI map online. One of the biggest potential deal-breakers with this model is that it doesn't have standalone functionality.
Conclusion
Overall, the selling point for the Pioneer DDJ 1000 are the customizable jogs with LCD screens. It has one of the best mechanical jog wheels on a DJ controller at the moment. The screen on its jogs is very practical since it allows a DJ to focus more on the controller when making mixes.
From a hardware perspective, it has everything a DJ needs for some next-level mixing. Its build and the sound quality is impressive. Most of the DDJ 1000’s problems are from a software perspective. Some DJs struggle with rekordbox DJ after mastering a different controller and software.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 Feature Highlights
Whether you consider upgrading or want to start big with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000, you should educate yourself on all the potential features first. Let's go ahead and break down the key features for the Pioneer DDJ 1000.
Jog Wheels with LCD Screens
The standout feature of the Pioneer DDJ 1000 is the LCD display screens on its jog wheels. Each display screen has a customizable backlight color. The screens reveal all the essential information such as BPM, waveform, playback position or hot cue and loop points.
Improved Magvel Fader Technology
The new and improved Magvel fader is built to endure more than 10 million movements making it easier to pull off intricate scratching techniques. Its refined software processing of the jog wheel and crossfader has reduced possible latency to make scratching more intuitive.
Best of all, the feel of the crossfader is smoother than 99.9% of the other premium controllers on the market. It is great for DJs who excel in things like scratching and battles.
Club-Style Layout
Its club-style layout makes transitioning to the DDJ 1000 easier. Its design was inherited from Pioneer’s club-standard CDJ and DJM flagship equipment. This makes using rekordbox DJ with the DDJ-1000 feel about the same as the popular NXS2 set-up. If you are accustomed to using a CDJ & mixer setup, this is a great controller to switch over to.
Native rekordbox Support
Rekordbox is becoming more and more of an industry standard. If you are already accustomed to using this software, the DDJ-1000 is a great choice since it offers native rekordbox support.
Included Audio Interface
This wouldn't be a top-quality DJ controller if it didn't come with its own included soundcard. Equipped with a 24 bit/44.1 kHz audio interface, many DJs will still typically use a separate audio interface on the side. Regardless, this gives you a nice backup interface in case your external one breaks while out on the road.
Brand New FX
The Pioneer DDJ 1000 features four new Beat FX entitled Enigma Jet, Mobius Saw, Mobius Triangle, and Low Cut Echo. It also features popular Beat FX from the DJM-series mixers. The controller also features four DJM-series mixer Sound Color FX such as Pitch, Filter, Dub Echo, and Noise features.
Online Driver Updates
Getting a high-quality Pioneer DJ controller like this one comes with a fair share of perks. This includes access to the latest drivers and updates for the controller's functionality. Be sure to get the latest Pioneer DDJ 1000 drivers here if you already have the controller.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 Review Verdict
The Pioneer DDJ 1000 is highly recommended for those who need a pro-level controller capable of matching up pound-for-pound with just about any other setup on the market. Throughout this Pioneer DDJ-1000 review, we have broken down all the premium features this controller has to offer.
Its LCD jog display is a game-changer as well because it allows a DJ to spin with just a flash drive. It also has incredibly smooth crossfaders which make it easy to handle pro-level scratching techniques with ease.
Want to read more Pioneer DJ controller reviews? Check our choices for the best Pioneer DJ controller.
