![]() The Filter Fade mode works very well in practice and it is surely fun to use. This is a really neat feature that allows for new mixing possibilities while only using one control to do multiple actions. When in Filter Fade mode, the crossfader will work as a way to fade the music as well as to activate a High-Pass filter on the track that is being faded out. Above the crossfader is the new Filter Fade button that illuminates in blue when activated. The crossfader curve can be set to either Mix-Mode or Scratch-Mode by adjusting the crossfader curve knob within the Serato DJ Intro software settings. The crossfader has a loose feel but it has a rather long cut-in distance which isn’t ideal for scratch DJ’s but after a bit of time, I was able to pull off a good amount of scratching after adjusting to the length. ![]() The Crossfader feels like it is of average quality but really good for mixing and fading. The single Master Level volume control knob is also in the middle of the controller. The Headphone Level and Cue/Master controls for headphone monitoring are found in the middle of the DDJ-SB along with the two CUE buttons that are used to pre-listen to decks A and B before mixing live. In the upper middle of the entire unit, there is an oversized Browse knob, back button, and a Load left and Load right button for file navigation and for loading new tracks onto the decks. At this price-point you don’t usually see filter knobs, but it’s great to see them on the DDJ-SB. A big plus for the DDJ-SB is the inclusion of High/Low Pass filter knobs for each deck. The three-band EQ knobs are FULL-KILL when completely turned down and they sound good overall. All of the knobs (EQ’s, Effects, etc.) have a hard plastic feel to them but they allow for easy and adequate adjustments that always line up with the software. The Pioneer DDJ-SB has all of the main features and functions that a DJ’s need for mixing and beatmatching. There is a quarter-inch microphone input also located on the right side of the unit with its own dedicated volume knob as well. There are no additional outputs besides the headphone jacks located on the right side of the unit. There is only a single RCA output on the back to output your set. Simply plug in your speakers through the supplied RCA outputs, plug in a headphone and microphone into the side panel of the unit and you’re ready to play your digital audio files through the software and the DDJ-SB. Users don’t have to fiddle with any extra options or preferences either. Once it’s all downloaded and installed everything is just simple plug and play. Users can either install the software from the disc or they can head to the Pioneer and Serato websites to download the necessary files. Inside the box, there is only a USB cable and a software CD that contains the windows drivers and the Serato DJ Intro software. The setup of the Controller is extremely simple. At the time of writing this review, there were no available mappings for Traktor on the Numark website, but I found many different mappings online with a simple google search. ![]() All of the functions written on the DDJ-SB in red are functions that only Serato DJ Pro users will be able to use including Hot cues 5-8, Loop-Roll, Hot-Loop, more sample banks, and Slip mode. If users want more control and a fuller DJ software experience, then DJ’s can upgrade to the full Serato DJ software for only $129 extra. For this review, we only tested the unit with the supplied Serato DJ Intro software package that comes with the controller, as this is what most users will end up using when they purchase the unit. The DDJ-SB is a fully MIDI-mappable DJ controller that can work with almost any DJ software out on the market today. All of the lights are still very bright and the volumes of the headphone and RCA main outputs are adequate enough for live performance situations even while running off of only USB power. The DDJ-SB does not come with a power supply and it must be connected to a computer at all times in order to run the unit with software. These pads perform various functions including Transport controls on the bottom rows (Play/Pause, Cue, Sync, & Shift), and Hotcue, Loops, and Sampler on the top rows. The 16 rubber performance pads provide a tactile feel with an audible click when pressed and they have quick response for performing DJ's. Mostly all of the buttons on the DDJ-SB illuminate a very bright amber color to let the user know what is active at a glance. The overall compact size of the DDJ-SB makes it easy to find a bag or case as it’s about the same size as a Traktor Kontrol S2 or Vestax VCI-380. ![]() ![]() I would be careful during transport and make sure there is a bag or case protecting it when it’s not in use. The plastic does feel thinner than that found on the higher DDJ-SR/SX models, but it still feels like it will hold up through normal use. The Pioneer DDJ-SB has a very compact footprint and is made of mostly plastic. ![]()
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