It’s time to see which of these two Pioneer DJ controllers is the true reigning champ.
Depending on how long you’ve been a part of the DJ community, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Pioneer DJ and their DJ controllers.
With few exceptions, Pioneer DJ has been known for putting out and producing some of the highest quality controllers of all levels, particularly at the beginner level for those just getting started.
Two of their more exceptional controllers include both the DDJ-REV1 as well as the DDJ-400. Not only do both of these controllers carry a host of different options and features respectively, but both of these entry-level DJ controllers start under the $300 price range making them perfect for anyone that wants to take their DJing seriously.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Vs Pioneer DJ DDJ-400: Overview
Which one is best for you?
In this breakdown overview, we’ll take a look at the controllers, going over their similarities and their differences, to see how they stack up against one another.
By the end, you will not only have a firm idea of which is ideal for you, but you’ll understand what you want in your controller, making you a better all-around DJ in the process.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Explained
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 is an entry-level DJ controller that was built and designed to appeal to DJs interested in the more battle-style setup.
The REV1 has an end-to-end width of 20.7 inches while being 2.33 inches in height and having a depth of 10.6 inches.
Like most beginner controllers, it comes with two channels and turntable platters along with a DJ mixer in its center.
It also includes various standard editions like headphone and microphone ports as well as mixing controls such as a three-band EQ filter.
In addition to these, the REV1 runs off of the Serato DJ Lite software and comes with a variety of different performance effects along its performance pads, including things like tracking, auto loop, sampler, hot cue, and scratch bank, just to name a few.
Read this next: Pioneer DJ DDJ REV1: Serato Battle Scratch Controller
Things We Like:
- Bigger Size
- Comes With Serato
- Battle-Style Controller & Mixer Layout
- Simultaneous Running Effects
Bigger Size
While we’d be hard-pressed to say that the REV1 is a gigantic controller by any means, it is at the very least noticeably larger than the DDJ-400. Not only are its dimensions generally an inch or so larger, but its jogwheels are similarly bigger and wider.
This doesn’t inherently make the controller “better”, but it means you are getting your money’s worth when it comes to the size department.
Especially for the jogwheels, if you are someone that wants larger jogwheels to play with you’ll be more comfortable with what the REV1 has to offer.
Comes With Serato
While both Serato and Rekordbox are great options, it’s been long understood that Serato is the superior of the two, both in popularity as well as music streaming services (including big-name platforms like TIDAL and SoundCloud).
Serato is also a more established software, coming with more updates and being a bit more stable across its different controller platforms and brands.
Battle-Style Controller & Mixer Layout
For those that love battle-style DJing and old-school performances, you’ll want to play with the REV1. This controller has turntables turned at a 90-degree angle while being anti-clockwise.
Similarly, the mixer is also set for the battle style of doing things, being great for DJs interested in scratch mixing.
Here the associated pads sit right above the faders, making mixing that much easier to perform as a result.
Simultaneous Running Effects
Lastly, the REV1 comes with two independent effect engines. This allows a DJ to perform using two entirely different effects simultaneously for either channel.
Not only that, but the paddle effects are also easier to use on the REV1 compared to the DDJ-400.
Things We Did Not like:
- Serato Only Serato Lite
Serato Lite
Though the controller already includes the Serato software, it is the Serato “Lite” software.
This means that many of the different high-grade features are going to be locked away and unavailable unless you’re willing to sign up for the Serato Pro edition.
Ideally, if you’re serious, you’ll have signed up for Serato Pro, to begin with.
However, if you’re still trying to gauge your included features, the fact that you’ll have to pay an additional cost just for everything can certainly be a turn-off for many.
- Workflow Is At The Top of Its Game, Being Fast, Easy, & Clear
- The Control Scheme Is Impressively Comprehensive
- Includes the "Instant Scratch" Button, Offering Incredible Precision
- Crossfader Feature is Super Responsive
- Very Pricey Considering It Isn't A Standalone Controller
Verdict
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 is a great option for those that want a controller that is ideal for scratching and battling.
While its layout isn’t a direct comparison to most club DJ controllers, it isn’t so far apart that you won’t know what you’re doing.
All in all, if you’re interested in a controller that’s a bit bigger, use the Serato software, and is great for mixing and scratching between two different sounds & effects, the REV1 is worth considering.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Explained
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 shares many of the same aspects as the REV1. From a dimension standpoint, its dimensions are fairly comparable with an end-to-end width of 18.98 inches, a full height of 2.3 inches, and a depth of 10.72 inches.
This makes it slightly smaller vertically and horizontally while also being slightly thicker.
As with the REV1, it comes with all of the various port options as well as two available channels to perform on.
Unlike the REV1, however, the DDJ-400 has a layout more in-line with professional DJs while using the increasingly popular Rekordbox software.
Read this next: DDJ 400: Perfect for Beginner DJs?
Things We Did Not Like:
- Professional DJ Deck & Mixer Layout
- Uses Rekordbox Software
- Greater Number Of Included Features
More Professional Build & Layout
If you’re someone that likes to battle and scratch, the DDJ-400 isn’t going to be for you. However, that is a very niche group and certainly not what the majority of professional DJs focus on for their careers.
For the DJ that wants something more akin to what you’ll expect to be able to operate in most clubs and events, you’ll likely be drawn to what the DDJ-400 has to offer.
This controller matches both the general layout as well as mixer layout with industry standards that you see in most clubs.
It has an “effects strip” that is on the right side of the channel control, making it easier to quickly set a stage via the different available effects.
Uses Rekordbox Software
Whereas Serato is certainly the more popular and versatile option, that hardly makes Rekordbox a slouch even by direct comparison.
There is a lot of evidence that suggests that Serato is on the decline while Rekordbox is becoming increasingly popular.
In addition, Rekordbox has been recognized as having a cleaner and easier-to-use interface that works especially well for beginners that can easily be overwhelmed.
Outside of that, virtually everything is the same between the two, implying that, outside of Serato being around longer, you’re not losing anything by switching to Rekordbox.
Some could argue that the experience is a bit nicer between the two.
More Free Features Included
This goes very much in line with Rekordbox as a whole. While not all of the features are included in the free model, there is a noticeable difference between what the free version of Rekordbox includes and what Serato Lite comes with.
Again, you’ll still need to pay for all of the features, but for most starting DJs, you can perform pretty much everything you need with what you get out of the box.
Things We Did Not like:
- Slightly Smaller Size & Frame
- Jogwheels Aren’t As Large
- Not Ideal For Scratching
Smaller Size & Frame
Though not nearly as serious as some may make it out to be, the DDJ-400 is admittedly a bit smaller than the REV1.
Again, this isn’t such a size difference to matter for the vast majority of people.
Still, if you want to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth, knowing there’s a bigger controller out there for around the same price may be annoying for some.
Smaller Jogwheels
Just as the size is slightly smaller, so too are the jogwheels. This may be more due to the way the controller layouts are between the two, resulting in slimmer and smaller jogwheels on the DDJ-400’s side.
Unless you’ve got giant hands, it’s unlikely you’ll notice the difference strictly from playing with either.
Not Ideal For Scratching Or Mixing
There’s no getting around the fact that the DDJ-400 is not meant for scratching or extensive mixing.
The clearest sign of this is the fact that the controller only has one effect engine for both channels, meaning what is used for one is used for the other.
While many DJs that want to focus on professional DJing won’t be too annoyed by this, others may be a bit let down.
This product is now discontinued. Only used and second-hand units are available via the relevant marketplaces.
- Professional looping section included
- Incredibly good build quality
- Reasonable pricing and good portability
- Responsive performance pad section
- Looping section is complex
- Plastic throughout
Verdict
When it comes to the DDJ-400, it is both more and less ideal than the REV1.
Whereas that controller is meant a bit for “hobby” or underground DJing, the DDJ-400 is built and designed to model itself after DJ controllers are being used by professional DJs that are performing.
Simply put, if you aren’t trying to beat other DJs in a scratch battle competition, and simply want to perform to the best of your abilities, you’re going to get a lot from the DDJ-400 and everything it has to offer.
Which DJ Controller is Best?
Which one is best ultimately comes down to what you are looking for.
Where the DDJ-REV1 is built for those that want something larger and meant more for battle performances, the DDJ-400 is structured as a product to be used in clubs or by those that want to seriously know how a professional DJ controller operates.
To give a direct answer, if you are someone that wants to party and perform, the REV1 is best for you. On the other hand, if you are more interested in a professional club DJ career, you’ll be much happier with the DDJ-400.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Vs Pioneer DJ DDJ-400: Summary
It needs to be stated that both DJ controllers are excellent and share more in common than they have differences. Consider what type of DJ you want to be and what matters to you.
From there, you can not only make the right decision for your DJ controller, but you can also ensure you’re putting yourself on the right track as a DJ in general.
