First Impressions / Setting up The DDJ-RB only has an 1/8″ jack for headphones (sorry 1/4″ devotees), and the back has a pair of RCA master outputs, a USB jack, and a mic input with volume control. It has an intuitive layout, responsive jog wheels and tactile Performance Pads that let you trigger Hot Cues, Pad FX, Slicer and Sampler.

This is made possible because you now have separate play/pause and cue buttons that look like the ones on a CDJ to the left of either deck. That meant that when you tried to beatmatch using your headphones, you were hearing both master and headphone cue “as is” which isn’t ideal. The entry-level, USB-powered, RB inherits many features from the professional midi controllers in the range. If you’d prefer to have per-deck FX control and you don’t mind the shorter pitch faders, the DDJ-RB is still a good option, especially if you’re able to get a good deal on a used one since it’s been around for a few years now. If you already have a laptop all you need is this baby and the INCLUDED Rekordbox Dj software and your djing in minutes!In this head to head feature we pit two entry-level controllers from Pioneer DJ: the DDJ-RB, which has been the go-to controller for those starting out who want to spin with Rekordbox DJ, and the just-released DDJ-400 which effectively replaces it. You still get the Loop In and Loop Out controls for both the DDJ-RB and the DDJ-400, but the DDJ-400 expands on those controls by adding buttons for doubling of halving the length of the loop, as well as controls for triggering Memory Cues and Loops. For flexibility you can choose to hear your mix through your computer’s internal speaker/connected desktop speaker or play through a wireless speaker, while using your headphones to cue independently of the master out at the same time. Featuring grab handles for easy movement, the controller is powered by USB for quick and easy plug and play. PC Master Out allows you to use the internal speakers from your laptop or desktop computer, or connect desktop speakers as the master output.

These discounts are usually communicated through newsletters, which are created and managed by us with the tool "Emarsys". The DDJ-RB Performance DJ Controller is perfect for beginners because it offers everything you need to DJ and be creative with the rekordbox DJ performance software. This is particularly useful when you’re DJing at a venue that doesn’t have a booth monitoring system and you have no choice but to mix using just your headphones. However, if you’re sure you’re only ever going to want to use Rekordbox DJ, want eight performance pads, and don’t mind controlling two decks maximum, the DDJ-RB is a decent controller to get.This is consistent with the FX tweaking experience found on Pioneer DJ’s club-standard DJM-900NXS2 mixer, as well as cheaper mixers like the DJM-450 and DJM-750MK2. Take this controller with you wherever you go thanks to the easy grab handles and lightweight design. On a device this small, I’d prefer having simpler controls like these any day to avoid a crowded layout. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average.

Performance pads and transport The DDJ-RB comes with two rows of performance pads, plus Play/Pause and Cue buttons. the DDJ SB2 comes with an intro version of it's software and is pretty locked down, fx's locked down to minimum, you cannot even record your mixes with the trial software. I hooked the DDJ-RB to my laptop, ran Rekordbox DJ (it comes with the DDJ-RB, so no extra spend needed), and got to work. Get even more creative by using the dedicated controls to trigger FX and the live sequencer to remix your tracks on the fly.

The proposed purchase of Serato by AlphaTheta, the owners of Pioneer DJ and Rekordbox, has stirred strong feelings in the DJ world. Compact form factor may be a plus point for some, along with the Pioneer look and feel, but the lack of ability to control four decks may force some to look elsewhere. The DDJ-RB has a design layout that handles like a 2-channel pro-DJ set-up with jog wheels, play/cue buttons, mixer rotary knobs and line faders, gain pots and a VU level meter; which all emulate the rekordbox DJ software, for easy navigation.