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Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT DJ Controller Review

The DDJ 1000 SRT is brilliant for those who love all the features and functionality of the original DDJ 1000 but want to work with the Serato system instead.
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If you’re looking for a professional quality controller with exceptional high-resolution onboard features displays, and full-sized jog wheels, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT Serato DJ Pro controller could be just what you need.

This 4-channel Serato DJ controller for Serato delivers a selection of powerful professional features, combined with high-quality construction. This device also contains everything a professional DJ and premier DJ booths need for an amazing show.

Whether you’re checking out the audio effects, or experimenting with the LCD jog wheels, it’s clear to see that the developers have spared no expense here.

The DDJ 1000SRT club-style layout ensures that you can play the way that suits you best. 

Perhaps the best professional-quality controller for Serato DJ Pro, the DDJ 1000SRT is packed full of features and portability, with various outputs and multiple inputs for connecting external equipment too. 

Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT
$2,698.00
Check on Amazon Check on Sweetwater
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 09:05 pm GMT

Is the Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT any good?

The DDJ 1000SRT is a brilliant Serato DJ Pro controller for those who love all the features and functionality of the original DDJ 1000SRT but want to work with the Serato DJ Pro system instead. Ultimately, the Rekordbox version is a little easier to use because it’s available to use with or without a laptop. However, if you want to use Serato with a club style layout, you can’t beat the Pioneer 1000SRT. 

Key Features of the Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT

The Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT is an incredible device, brimming with features to explore. Featuring high-resolution displays within the full size jog wheels, the Pioneer 1000SRT makes it easy to track information so you don’t have to constantly check Serato DJ Pro GUI

You can build more excitement through the 14 Beat FX system or 4 sound color FX options. 

The Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT is essentially the Serato-compatible version of Pioneer’s popular DDJ-1000. The system feels the same as the club-standard DJM and CDJ setup, with full-size jog wheels, low latency, and a slick Magvel fader for incredible scratching performance.

The on Jog display also shows you all the Serato DJ Pro GUI and tracks the information you need in the center of each of the full size jog wheels. 

ddj 1000srt software compatibility

The Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT comes with a voucher for the Pitch n’ Time DJ system, which ensures that you can get more creative with various key-related features.

There are also multiple inputs and outputs, to enhance your setup by connecting analog turntables, CDJs and other external equipment. Features include:

  • Access to Serato DJ Pro software
  • Club-style interface (portable and compact)
  • MAGVEL fader
  • Full-size jog wheels
  • Portable body
  • Incredible on-jog display
  • Multiple inputs and outputs
  • Professional FX enhances tracks
  • Key sync buttons and key shift buttons
  • Pitch n’ Time DJ

Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT Set Up

Pioneer DDJ 1000 SRT

The Pioneer DJ DDJ 1000SRT is a highly professional feeling piece of DJing equipment, taking inspiration from the NSX2 series for Pioneer mixers.

There’s access to plenty of functionality here, including a 4 channel mixer section. Each of your channels comes with a 3-band EQ and a trim knob for extra level direct control.

Each channel also comes with settings for either two USB ports connection.

The addition of a Magvel crossfader is a huge step forward here. This high-grade fader is a durable tool with excellent response time.

It’s also possible to adjust each of the channels to suit your style. 

On the left, you have the sampler and microphone controls. The mixer supports two microphones with a dedicated volume knob for each.

Access to high and low EQ is available, along with support for off/on, or talk over. 

Having access to test samples in your DJ headphones with the Pioneer 1000SRT is a brilliant extra. It’s also worth noting that the right side of the mixer is packed full of extra features too.

Master level volume control allows you to control your mix levels and adjust booth volume. 

With this setup, you might find yourself leaving the crossfader in the canter and using the up faders for mixing instead. This means that you stick with the crossfader for scratching. If you don’t scratch, you can set a standard curve in the software available. 

ddj 1000 srt dimensions

Speaking of scratching, it’s quite easy to get the hang of that with the professional and full sized jog wheels. Using the performance pads is a breeze too.

These buttons light up and you can see what’s going on easily in the darker clubs. 

The Pioneer 1000SRT provides a club-style layout in a portable controller that inherits many aspects of Pioneer’s flagship Nexus products.

The full-size elements throughout this device are brilliant for delivering a truly professional experience, without breaking the bank. Every fader and button is exactly where you’d expect.

However, at the same time, you’re still getting a professional DJ device that’s easy to transport and use in an at-home studio. 

Jog Wheels and Magvel fader

Pioneer DDJ 1000 SRT Jogwheels

The Pioneer DJ DDJ 1000SRT offers a club-level experience wherever you go. This stunning 1000SRT feels like you’re always standing behind a professional booth, with an amazing high-level setup.

The device professional features excellent control over speed and playback. 

Brilliant low-latency input across the interface that you can mix with better precision. Additionally, there’s a Magvel fader, which gives you sharp control over crossfading.

This product is great for scratching and dropping tunes at the perfect time. 

The great thing about the jog wheel for the Pioneer 1000SRT is that they’re full-size and excellent for scratching. You can adjust the resistance of the jog from heavy to light through an adjust button.

Plus, no matter what kind of scratch DJ you need, you’ll be able to easily find your perfect setting. 

The Jog Wheels are mechanical and act similarly to typical CDJ jogs, which makes the Serato DJ controller fantastic for experimenting with your club gigs.

The full-color displays are excellent for showcasing useful information. BPM and track length are adjustable options here.

Unlike the rekordBox DJ version of this product, there’s no loop display or waveform display. 

Effects and Pitch Faders

DDJ 1000SRT prm top 190624 edited 2 1 edited

With the DDJ 1000SRT DJ controllers, you’re sure to mix with amazing precision.

There’s a Magvel fader to give you better control over your crossfades, as mentioned above. You can also add flair to your mixes in a variety of other ways.

The sound color FX options offer vibrant and exciting effects throughout your music. 

Echo, reverb, sweeps, and so on are all available at your fingertips, and ready to move the crowd. Adding sweeps while you mix is a great way to add more anticipation before create huge drops.

The pitch play faders included on the DDJ 1000SRT are long and accurate.

Accurate tempo adjustments are easy and make for a pleasant beatmatching experience. It’s also worth noting that the popular sync function is an available button above the faders here too. 

Key sync, key lock, and key present are all extra accessible functions for manipulating your tracks. You can also pitch your music up or down with keys for further control.

Dual soundcards mean that you can enjoy absolutely seamless transitions with fantastic quality. 

Performance Pads

DDJ 1000SRT prm top 190624 edited 4 1

The performance features on the Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT are a little different from what you’d expect from the traditional DDJ 1000.

With this DJ equipment, you can access all the standard controls for hot cues, including roll, sampler, and slicer. There’s also a second set of functions available through the Shift button too.

This introduces the saved loop, cue loop, pitch play, and slicer loop options. 

Parameter buttons on the Pioneer 1000SRT increase your options significantly. This allows you to scroll around on sample banks or adjust pitch when you’re using pitch play.

One thing that you don’t get with this new lineup is any Pad FX mode. The beat jump and beat loop functions from the Pioneer 1000SRT aren’t available either. 

Integration with Serato FX through the pad modes here would be nice to have. However, the beat loop function would also be a handy alternative to the available looping feature.

Despite a few missing options, the range of solutions for changing up your musical creations is still strong.

There’s plenty of creativity available to explore. 

If you’re familiar with Pioneer gear already, however, this might seem a little different. 

DJ Software 

DDJ 1000SRT prm set laptop 190709 edited 1

The Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT comes with a full license for Serato DJ Pro. You can also use this equipment with a DVS upgrade. This is one of the things that makes the Pioneer 1000SRT so appealing.

Access to Serato is a must-have for a lot of music creators, as the technology provides a stable and low-latency performance. 

Feature-rich and brimming with technology to explore, Serato compatible version comes with colorful waveforms, versatile layouts, and a solid library of management tools. Serato supports things like Tidal and Soundcloud Go for streaming.

All you need to do is plug into a laptop running the Serato DJ pro system if you want to unlock the DJ software. You don’t need a subscription or license key. 

The controller for Pioneer 1000SRT won’t work with the rekordbox DJ software. If you prefer to go for Rekordbox instead, you can explore the Pioneer DDJ 1000. 

Connection Options

When it comes to connections with third-party, analog turntables, CDJs, and external tools, the DDJ 1000SRT has no limit for connection choices.

There are various headphone connects (1/4 and 1/8 inch) on the front of the device. All of your extra connections are on the back panel. 

The master options for output are RCA and XLR. This covers users for a majority of speaker configurations.

The TRS booth connection is also present here, which is a must-have if you’re generally a club-based DJ with a need for real-time music without a delay. 

pioneer ddj 1000srt connectivity

Four line-in options are also available, one per channel. The third and fourth channels can set to Phono or Line depending on your needs. There’s also plenty of flexibility to plug in external CDJs, other pieces of hardware, and analog turntables.

Dual USB ports connections are available too.

The powerful DDJ 1000SRT comes with a balanced TRS/XLR connection and a TRS connection. Once again, this ensures that you have full flexibility when selecting the microphone that’s right for you. There’s no need for any extra adapters here. 

pioneer ddj-1000srt gold version

Specifications

Frequency Response20 Hz ~ 20 kHz (LINE)
S/N Ratio112 dB (USB)
96 dB (LINE)
85 dB (PHONO)
80 dB (MIC)
Total Harmonic Distortion0.002 ï¼… (USB – MASTER1)
0.005 ï¼… (LINE)
Inputs
LINE/PHONO × 2 (RCA), LINE × 2 (RCA)
MIC × 2 (XLR & 1/4-inch TRS JACK x 1, 1/4-inch TRS JACK x 1)
OutputsMASTER × 2 (XLR × 1,RCA × 1)
BOOTH OUT × 1 (1/4-inch TRS JACK)
PHONES × 2 (1/4-inch STEREO JACK × 1, 3.5-mm STEREO MINI JACK × 1)
USBUSB (TypeB) × 2
Dimensions
(W x D x H)
708.0 × 361.4 × 73.4 mm
Weight6.0 kg
AccessoriesAC adaptor, Power plug, USB cable
Quick Start Guide, Serato DJ Pro Compatibility Expansion Pack voucher (Pitch ‘n Time DJ)

System Requirements

MacmacOS Mojave 10.14 (updated to the latest version
macOS High Sierra 10.13 (updated to the latest version)
macOS Sierra 10.12 (updated to the latest version)
WindowsWindows® 10, 8.1, 7 (the latest service pack)
CPUIntel® processor Core™ i9, i7, i5, i3 1.07GHz or above
Memory4GB or more of RAM

Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT: The Verdict

As a Serato DJ Pro controller, the DDJ 1000-SRT is extremely reliable, striking a great balance between industry-standard full size jog wheels and a premium slick Magvel fader.

If you’re a fan of the Serato DJ software the DDJ 1000SRT may be worth some serious consideration. This premium Serato DJ controller is excellent for both club and studio use.

What’s more, you get excellent value for money too. 

ddj srt 1000 white version

If you’re struggling to make the choice between this product and the DDJ-1000, it’s best to stick with the software you already own. Whichever choice you make, you’re going to get a unique and powerful experience.

Both versions come with an amazing experience, perfect for those who want to discover the benefits of professional gear.

What’s more, compared to some of the pro-level systems on the market, the DDJ 1000SRT, with its club style layout is surprisingly affordable – provided that you already have a laptop available to use.

Additionally, the DDJ 1000SRT is small and compact enough that you can transport it with you to any club DJ booths you’re working at.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000SRT
$2,698.00
Check on Amazon Check on Sweetwater
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/17/2024 09:05 pm GMT
Written by
As the Co-founder of DJ Tech Reviews, Rory Tassell also has over 14 years experience within the music industry covering a variety of roles and disciplines such as a DJ, Music Producer, Tutor, and Studio Engineer. He is also the founder of Hyper Production, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping aspiring Music Producers make better music. You can follow him on Twitter @TassellRory or visit his YouTube channel @HyperProduction to learn more.

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