With Pioneer DJ creating some truly impressive DJ controllers over the years, there was a lot of talk on how the DJM-S7 would effectively overtake the previous DJM-S9.
And, while there are a couple of things that could be tweaked here and there, the reality is that, yet again, Pioneer DJ has made something truly special. At $100 under the S9, the DJM-S7 is a marked improvement, with better pads and pad functions.
The S7 also comes with improved FX features along with several other minor but useful clean design tweaks. Finally, the controller also comes with a fun and own unique style feature known as Loop Midi controller (which we will get into later).
Is the Pioneer DJM S7 a Good Buy? (in short)
Between this and the much more expensive DJM-S11, it’s clear that Pioneer DJ‘s DJM-S7 is the ideal pick for people anyone that’s looking for an awesome scratch DJ mixer that is still reasonably priced.
DJM S7: First Impressions
The DJM-S7 comes as one of two different scratch DJ mixers by Pioneer DJ that were meant to surpass the previous DJM-S9. And, while the other option (the DJM-S11) is a great option in its own right, it’s also considerably more expensive.
The DJM-S7 works as well as it does because not only is it a very real improvement over the S9, but it’s also much more reasonably priced than the S11. Essentially, if you liked the S9, the S7 is that plus more.
Physical Layout
But what does this mean for the physical build and layout? In terms of the overall construction, the S7 is pretty much a mirror image of the S9. From the size to the shape, to the placement of the buttons and knobs, to even the same plastic material.
Pretty much, the only real difference between the S7 and the S9 (from a physical build standpoint) is that the hit performance pads on the S7 are a fair bit bigger, while also having individual function selectors.
This just means that they can be individually set, allowing the pads on one deck to be different than those on the other.
Outside of this, the DJM-S7 does seem to have bit fewer FX options to play with. This is primarily because, while the S9 had six buttons to play with for the Serato FX and Beat FX, the S7 only comes with three.
We’ll get into why that’s not an issue later, but from a purely physical perspective, it does seem to have taken a step backward.
The DJM-S9 was considered, for the longest time (for many, even now) to be a classic controller. Besides some of the very tiny tweaks – a smoother crossfader, slightly bigger “load” buttons, etc. – the DJM-S7 works to honor much of that, only improving upon the areas that obviously needed to be improved.
As a result, the Pioneer DJM S7 hits pretty much perfectly on all cylinders.
Setting Up The DJM-S7
As it pertains to the DJJM-S7, the process for getting started and setting it up is fairly straightforward. Unlike other DJ controllers, that work for either one software type or the other, the DJM-S7 works well with both platforms; Rekordbox DJ as well as Serato DJ Pro.
As the controller is somewhat native to the Serato software, you’ll naturally unlock that simply by using the controller itself. Still, it should be said that, because it is native to Serato DJ and Serato DJ Pro, that is going to be the ideal DJ software functions with the best results.
Connection Layout
The Pioneer DJM S7 does come with a host of different connection ports to play with. From the controller’s rear, the S7 hosts a built in USB hub at its back.
Already, this starts to separate it from its S9 predecessor.
This hub port can be used for plugging in a set of deck controllers. This means you really need only one USB cable to focus on your computer.
Taking A Deeper Look – Features & Effects
Now that we’ve gone over much of the scratch mixer’s physical overview, we’ll now get into some of the things that make the S7 worth checking out.
The S7 not only looks like a near mirror image of the DJM-S9, but it functions as its copy as well. Simply put, if you’re a fan of the S9, you’re going to feel right at home with the DJM S7.
And while that’s certainly great if you’re a fan of what the S9 brought to the table, it’s decidedly less fantastic if you found the S9 to be more than a bit problematic.
Some of the good that comes with striking so close to the S9 in overall functionality is that you’re offered instant familiarity.
This means you’re basically just getting a better version of everything you liked with the S9. On the flip side, some of the bad that comes from the fact that, because it’s trying so desperately to be the S9 2.0, there are certain design constraints that were put on the DJ mixer, ultimately resulting in something that feels more “squashed” in certain places (like the filter, the EQ-layout, or the gain control).
This isn’t a problem if you’re a fan of the S9. For everyone else, however, there’s probably going to be a serious learning curve.
Still, even though you’re familiar with the DJM S9 doesn’t mean you know everything that’s come along with the S7.
Here, there’s been a wealth of new choices and additional options brought into place thanks to the different FX and loop Midi control settings, as well as pad controls.
In fact, you’re potentially going to need to go through the manual if you want to know everything there is to know about this scratch DJ mixer, which is always a good sign (if you’re interested in more complex mixers).
Unfortunately, this means there’s going to be a lot of relearning of muscle memory if you want to really enjoy what this DJ mixer has to offer.
How FX Works For The DJM-S7
The Pioneer DJM S7 comes with two separate sets of three buttons, one for each side of the DJ mixer. By default, the buttons control up to six of the different FX options on the hardware unlock device, with one option per button.
Any of the chosen software effects work across both channels.
You can trigger these effects momentarily, or turn them off and on, based entirely on how the paddle for the channel is moved. The level and depth of the software effects are adjustable based on the mixer’s central knob. The “cycle time” relevant feature is adjusted using the two separate buttons above the small screen, telling you what has been selected.
To do this, you’ll need to hold down on the “Shift” button before pressing any of the buttons to alter their parameters.
By holding the “Shift” button down and pressing any of the six FX options, you’re able to enter a different mode based on the respective button.
Button #1 is the default option while Button #2 grants control over the six Serato FX options that are set along with the software. This works along with the same method as previously described.
Beat FX
The Beat FX has more to it than just the standard six-button options. In fact, the key features has two separate ways that you change it.
The first is by holding a button down while in FX mode. From there, while turning the brows knob over until you come across the Beat FX that you are looking for. is displayed on the screen.
Keep in mind that, by moving the effect over to the Loop Midi or the Serato FX feature, you’ll basically lose any of the changes you previously made while in the FX mode.
The much better and more permanent method is by going into the Settings Utility section. This is done by way of your laptop.
From there, you can save any of your preferred set beat cycle effects to one of the two banks (Bank A or Bank B). These banks can be accessed by pressing the “Shift” button via buttons five and button six.
The Banks (A and B) can be mixes of any of the Serato or engage Beat FX options.
Loop Midi
One of the most impressive features on the list is the Loop Midi controller feature. Done by using the “Shift” button alongside buttons three and buttons four.
Where button one is the Beat FX option, button two is the Serato FX option, and buttons fix and six were the two FX bank options, it only made sense that buttons three and four would revolve around the Loop Midi enables modes.
In the Loop Midi modes, when pressing the FX paddles up or down – locked off or on, and as a momentary triggering respectively – the DJ mixer can send out a Midi signal over to the software.
This Midi signal can either be once or it can be cycled at a certain length. This length is generally going to be at a fourth of the set beat cycle original length (one beat, two beats, etc.).
This cycle is continually and repeatedly looped, essentially allowing the Loop Midi to trigger sounds continually repeated software actions, tying it all to the beat cycle.
Here are just a few examples of defaults:
- When Loop Midi 1 is triggered, you activate three separate sample slots, each with its own three buttons on the left, three buttons on the right, and three trigger hot cues.
- When Loop Midi 2 is triggered, you key in the “Shift up” button first before activating the key shifting button down while using the slip reverse with the third, the first hot cues over with the fourth, the first sample slot to the fifth, and finally the deck mute button with the final button.
If you want, you can reassign all of these Midi actions, playing around with and engaging several Midi triggers by way of pressing multiple buttons.
Overall, the feature is pretty useful and intuitive, provided you know what you’re doing and what to be on the lookout for.
Is It a Hit or a Miss?
The Pioneer DJM S7 picks up largely where its predecessor, the DJM-S9, left off. Not only does it largely resemble the old mixer, but does so at a cheaper price with many improvements tacked on for good measure. It’s an awesome option for anyone that wants to upgrade from the S9 without splurging over the S11.
But does that make it a good DJ mixer?
If you’re not already a fan of the classic scratch mixer, or simply find the controls a bit too confusing, this can be a bit of a frustrating option. Even if you go through the manual, you’re probably going to be confused at least for your first few go-rounds.
So, with all that said, “Is the Pioneer DJ DJM S7 a hit or a miss?”
This is definitely one of the harder options to say “yes” or “no” to.
Put simply, if you’re a fan of what Pioneer has done, interested in scratching or battle mixing, or are already familiar with the DJM-S9, this will be a great addition to have 100%.
If, however, you are just starting or are not that into scratching as of yet, you may want to hold off and see about something a little less pricey to sink your teeth into, lest you resent scratching due to a high ticket price and an unforgiving learning curve.
DJM S7: The Verdict
The DJM S7 is a great option that is certainly worth considering if you’re into scratching and mixing. It follows after the DJM S9 is almost verbatim, with the only changes being ones you want to see.
To top matters off, the DJM S7 is actually a cheaper and more affordable option when compared to what the factually inferior S9 is.
That doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
If you’re not a fan of scratching, this isn’t going to be the thing to change your mind, while, if you can swing it, the DJM-S11 offers more bang ultimately for your buck.
Still, if you’ve been a fan in the past, this is a great step up from what you normally have been playing with.
