Pioneer launches the DDJ-SB3 Serato DJ Controller.
Fresh off the updated Serato DJ Lite and Pro launches on Monday, Pioneer have just announced the update to their best selling controller, the new Pioneer DDJ-SB3.
With the Serato updates not piling in loads of new features, we are wondering what could warrant a new version of an already satisfactory entry level controller? The changes in the DDJ-SB3 seem few but together justify a new version release.
The first thing anyone familiar with the DDJ-SB2 will notice are the dedicated Play and Cue buttons on the DDJ-SB3. Previously these were shared with the performance pads, there are now also dedicated shift, sync and loop control buttons too.
The overall layout of the new DDJ-SB3 is now closer to the higher models in the range such as the DDJ-SR2 and DDJ-SX2. Even the pitch faders have moved over and so have the headphone and mic sockets. Basic functionality and feature spec are the same with :
- Built in audio interface with mic in and headphone output (now only 1 3.5mm headphone)
- 2 channel mixer with 3 band EQ and filters per channel
- Basic effects control
- 4 deck / dual layer control
- USB bus powered
The main reason to add these extra controls is to ‘free up’ the 8 performance pads on the DDJ-SB3 and allow the optimum use of the two new features: Scratch Pad and FX Fade.
Scratch like Jazzy Jeff
The new Scratch Pad feature uses preset scratch movements by the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, simply press a pad and the current track on the that deck will scratch in one of eight techniques recorded in. The scratch speed will also match the BPM of the of the track to keep it in rhythm.
FX Fade
The new FX Fade mode on the DDJ-SB3 allows you to apply preset fx to a track as you fade it out. This is great mixing out of tracks in different genres to the next or simply when its an awkward mix! There are four styles and two of each style with high pass filter, low pass filter, loop playback and back spin.
Pro Ready
The DDJ-SB3 still has 4 deck control and with a total of 16 performance pads is better than ever to use with the new Serato DJ Pro. We really think that the new DDJ-SB3 offers great value for money.
The Pioneer DDJ-SB3 is available very soon priced at £229
