Pioneer DDJ-SB3 Review
This is a solid option if you want a DJ controller that will help you learn how to scratch. Our Pioneer DDJ-SB3 review will break down everything you need to know about this product.
With the sophisticated Pad Scratch feature which helps you learn how to create various scratching sounds on your own, this is a good controller to learn on.
Best of all, it is very affordable.
Let's go ahead and discuss the top features and potential concerns of the Pioneer DDJ-SB3 so that you can decide if this is the right DJ controller for your needs.
Pioneer DDJ-SB3 Review Summary
Quality
Overall, the controller works seamlessly with the included Serato Lite software and produces crisp sound FX, loops, and scratching sounds.
Features
In addition to its new Pad Scratch feature this controller comes with the standard features necessary in a DJ controller to use at professional events.
Cost
The Pioneer DDJ SB3 price is a selling point to most people who get this controller.This controller has a very affordable and reasonable price.
Overall rating : 4.2 / 5
The SB3 stands out since it offers unique features such as the Pad Scratch feature, dedicated play and pause buttons, and pretty good FX control. Overall, this is a great controller for someone who wants to learn how to scratch with an interactive guide at a reasonable price.
Pioneer DDJ-SB3 Pros & Cons
As a whole, the Pioneer DDJ-SB3 stands out for helping DJs learn how to scratch while simultaneously accessing basic necessary DJ controller features. Let's go ahead and explore the different Pioneer DDJ-SB3 pros and cons.
Pros
The most impressive feature of this controller is the Pad Scratch feature, which grants the user instant ability to add in scratching sounds. It also comes at a very reasonable price, making it a top choice to many people.
Cons
The simple design of this controller can also end up becoming its biggest vice. As DJs evolve, many like to use controller and mixers with four dedicated decks and mixer channels. You will also need premium software if you want to take DJing seriously.
Conclusion
This is a great DJ controller for use during the initial phase of learning to scratch. The moment you realize that you are getting better, you will likely move on to a more complex and sophisticated controller that will give you more options and features.
Pioneer DDJ-SB3 Feature Highlights
As we can see, the Pioneeer DDJ-SB3 has all of the standard features that we see in a entry-level DJ controller. Let's go ahead and break down each of the most noteworthy features down one-by-one.
Pad Scratch Assisted by DJ Jazzy Jeff
The pad scratch feature is probably the biggest selling point of this controller.
The pad scratch feature can automatically create various scratching sounds.
Since you can visually see how this is done using the wave forms on the software, you will quickly learn how to do the techniques without assistance.
As a result, this is is a great DJ controller for those who want to develop their scratching skills.
By the time you are done learning scratching techniques on this controller, you will probably be ready to move up a deck with 4-channels.
Up to Four Deck Control
The 2-channel 4-deck mixer comes with all the basic functionality that is needed to get you started on the wheels of steel and learning how to scratch.
The switch between decks is pretty simple and can be accomplished with the touch of a button. However, being able to simultaneously control four decks is only possible using the software.
After all, there are only two-channels on the controller itself.
8 Drum Pads for Each Channel
Unlike the SB2, the Pioneer DDJ-SB3 features dedicated play and pause buttons, making it much easier to use 8 drum pads on each channel.
Drum pads can be used for a wide variety of functions, but are commonly used for sampling and for adding in drums sounds.
Serato DJ Lite
The Pioneer DDJ SB3 software for native support and service is Serato.
In other words, you can use this controller with another one of the best DJ software options only at your own risk.
Serato software is considered by many to be an industry standard, but you will need to pay an extra cost to get the premium version.
Make sure to install the latest Pioneer DDJ SB3 driver right before you get started on the software.
FX and Looping Capabilities
The auto loop function adds more dynamics to your skill of mixing music and eventually, enhancing your skill set in general.
Best of all, it is simple and streamless to create and add in your own loops to your live sets.
The FX Fade offers great improvisation, specifically when you’re playing live and want to have some extra crowd control moments.
Pioneer DDJ-SB3 Review Verdict
The Pioneer DDJ-SB3 is a decent option for someone who wants to explore the world of mixing music, beat matching, scratching, etc.
Although it has premium sound-quality and most standard DJ controller features, keep in mind that you might need to upgrade the Serato software later on.
Since this product comes for such an affordable price, though, this shouldn't be too much of a concern.
The Pioneer DDJ-SB3 will give you a good start and save the hassle of learning on one of the more complex controllers with less accommodations for DJs still learning to scratch.
