Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Unboxing/Review - A Beginner's Perspective!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video I take a look at one of Pioneer DJ's newest entry level DJ controllers, the DDJ-400. This controller also includes a full copy of recordbox dj which makes this a very attractive option for people looking for a low cost but relatively feature packed DJ setup.
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Purchased this controller today, with 0 DJ experience. As a lover of music, I’m exciting to jump in! Wish me luck
Good luck
thinking on getting one myself! good luck!
How have you found it ?
3 month update pleaseeee
How is it going after 4 months ?
Bought this today, waiting for delivery to arrive :) during the lockdown I decided to start DJing!
Thanks Cameron. Been looking at this DDJ 400 as an entry level mixer myself as currently I just mess around with the djay app from algoriddim on an iPad (which is very weird just using a touch screen for all of your controls).
This looks like a good starter model and it’s good to get an honest perspective from someone else who is fairly new to DJ’ing.
I like that Pioneer have made this a similar layout to their pro club mixers (just in case one day I get that far)! Also seen from another TH-cam video that you can also plug an iPad or iPhone into it and use Spotify tracks via the djay app using a lightning/USB splitter to enable powering the mixer as well!
I have this controller as part of my home studio set up and upgraded to it from the RB.
It is a brilliant controller for the money. Both the DDJ 400 and the previous RB blew my old cdj 850’s & djm700 out of the water in terms of features at a fraction of the price as well.
Thanx for the review! Planning to buy this on Black Friday 👍
Me too! But I still use rekordbox 5 (32 bit) because of my laptop and in the new controllers there is no license key I guess. Can someone help me?
Thank you so much that was awesome to just get a totally good look at all the features I’m also very you to this
Solid Video, enjoying all the way from South Africa
Got this today! Can’t wait for to get started.
Hi I’m thinking of buying it what software do you put on your laptop to play music thanks
Cheers for the video Cameron. I think I'll update my Numark Mixtrack Platinum with Serato Lite to one of these.
What genres do you like to mix? Great video as always
Congrats on introducing such a different subject matter here!
Thanks! I don't really have a focus and tend to just make videos on whatever I'm doing/whatever I'm interested in at the time. I can't say how many more videos I'll be producing on DJ stuff since I'm not exactly an expert (and the equipment is often incredibly expensive!) but I definitely plan on doing a teardown of this controller fairly soon!
Just got this controller no experience. Can't wait to get started
That was helpful, thank you matey :)
Hi Cameron great vid really helpful but what is the usb adaptor you have going into the laptop? Also if I wanted to stream on twitch would I need any other equipment?
Helpful, thank you
Great video man. What’s the adapter your using?
I just got one and it is my first ever DJ controller. I plugged everything in but I’m having difficulties getting it to work. If I click play/pause it is playing the tracks but not if I actually press it on the controller decks itself. Do you think it is a faulty controller or am I doing something wrong?
Mate, this time next year, I expect to see you at King tuts Ravin it up behind the decks.
I mean, if they're looking for someone to clear the dancefloor with my terrible "skills" then I'm available! 😂
In Glasgow?
Well, this comment didn’t age that well
@@camerongray1515 u killed me bro, but ayee u got skills fr ma man big respect and wish u the best 🤜🏼🤛🏼
Mine is coming tomorrow! 😁
Nice vid mate 👌🏻
can i use my 250ohm amp powered headphones? , im asking because my headphones playing so quite if not plugged in a audio interface?
hi i want some help. so if i activate rekordbox on my current laptop and then want to change in to another laptop, do i have to buy rekordbox again?
Is it possible to use virtual dj software on this DDJ?
I just got one and I love it!
Same bro just bought one and i cant leave it now 😃
Yo I got one for Christmas I’m not allowed to have it until Christmas Day is the size big medium or small
@@noc8003 its medium imo like a 50x40cm loving it so far
RayZoN thank you
I checked online, and apparently "Serato DJ Lite" is their *free* version, while the Pro version is their paid version. That free version seemingly also has support for just using a regular PC keyboard, for beginners who wouldn't be ready to splash some cash on a controller, and I believe the free version of Virtual DJ is like that too.
13:32 I imagine that when you'll actually use this, that you'll probably have it hooked up to your MBP through one of those Thunderbolt external docks, otherwise, you'd probably have to hunt down a USB2 B to C cable.
Depends where I'm using it, if I'm at the desk I'll use the dock, otherwise I'd just use the dongle that you can see in the video. I tried using a regular keyboard and mouse way back when I was first starting but it's practically impossible for anything but the most basic stuff - not being able to do things like change more than one fader/knob at a time is a total killer.
Free versions are wank man, buy full version or find it hacked 😎
Hey man, great video.
How long does the rekordbox license last for with the license key you get with the controller?
Or if you buy a second hand ddj 400 will the license be valid from previous ?
Thanks !!
The Rekordbox *5* licence it comes with is perpetual, if you buy it second hand then you can use it but only if the previous owner deactivates the license. HOWEVER this isn't really an issue nowadays, Rekordbox *6* now uses the DDJ-400 as a hardware unlock device so as long as you have the controller connected, it'll unlock Rekordbox no matter whether the controller is second hand, no keys needed. Therefore there isn't really any reason to pay more for a second hand one that includes the Rekordbox 5 key unless you really want to use it over Rekordbox 6. This does however mean you can only use Rekordbox with the DDJ-400, it's not like Rekordbox 5 where you could potentially activate it with the key and then use it with different hardware.
Great video info was spot on 👍
I still use rekordbox 5 (32 bit) because of my laptop and in the new controllers there is no license key I guess. Can someone help me?
Just thanks 🙏
I've just asked for one of these for crimbo, now you've had it a month or so what do you think? Are they easy to learn? I'm a beginner didn't even no about bars in music till yesterday. Just want to be a bedroom Andy c lol cheers mate.
Did you get it?
Its like anything else, if you put in time and effort you will learn and get good.. Just keep messing around and youll pick it up in no time, I've been messing around with a buddy for 4-5 months and we've got the point that at gatherings we rip up the board and people love it. Just spin with confidence and having a goodtime and you'll get good quick mate
Hi. Thank you for uploading this. Could you please link the headphones and laptop stand you're using or share the brand name and type?
The headphones are Sennheiser HD25 and the laptop stand is a Griffin Elevator.
@@camerongray1515 thank you! :)
So it come with the recorbox key can I use it for multiple pc's if they run on the same Gmail?
The key was for Rekordbox 5, with Rekordbox 6 the hardware is now used to activate Rekordbox so you can use it on as many machines as you like but only while the controller is plugged in. I assume they no longer include Rekordbox 5 keys in the box.
thanks for you video... i want to start DJ (for friends and family)... i've been watching a lot of DJ beginer videos... I still don't understand about the speakers! how does that work?
Speakers would generally connect into the RCA jacks on the back of the controller (either using powered speakers or an external amplifier). You could also technically connect them to your computer and Rekordbox to use them instead but you'll likely get better sound quality and less latency if you connect them to the controller.
Same
That controller should work with ENSONIQ'S 3MIX.
Can you connect a Sub and Powered Speakers to this controller? For eg. connect the speakers to the master output and then connect the sub to the speakers?
That really comes down to the speakers you're using - the controller will work with anything that has a line input so it's fine with powered speakers. However to connect a sub you'd either need powered speakers that have a sub output or use some sort of external crossover.
@@camerongray1515 I'm not sure if my Speakers have a Sub Output. My Speakers are Pioneer SDJ08 Active Speakers and my Sub is a KRK 10s. I used to have a DJM 700 Mixer which I could connect the Sub and Speakers to but I'm just not sure if it work on this controller. What type of crossover would work do you think?
It has an output so hook it to an amp or desk which is connected to speakers 👌
does 400 works on serato ?
Can you use a rekordbox license key on a different laptop, say if I was to buy a new one or would I have to re purchase the software?
No
Pioneer states that you can activate the licence on two machines at a time. You can also deactivate the licence on a machine to use that activation "slot" on another machine.
Cameron Gray that’s actually a great feature, thanks appreciate the reply
Can I use Lyrics function without monthly subscription buying this ddj400?
Thanks
The rekordbox plan comparison page shows the features you'd get with this device in the "With Hardware Unlock device" column - rekordbox.com/en/plan/. Looks like you'll get "limited" Lyric function where the footnote link states "Lyric (When the number of characters exceeds the limit of 150, *** is displayed.)"
How well does it work with mixx and is mixx as featureful as record box
It does work in the latest version of Mixxx (2.2.2) with the correct mappings downloaded and installed but it definitely doesn't work as well as Rekordbox. Things like the FX unit on this being part of the mixer doesn't work as well with Mixxx's system of 3 effects per FX unit with each FX unit assigned to a channel. It does work with the FX controls controlling the FX3 effect unit and the beat FX arrow buttons selecting the effect to adjust but it's not nearly as slick as in Rekordbox. The loop creation buttons also aren't great - they work but you can't adjust the loop after creation in the same way that you can in Rekordbox. Feature wise Mixxx isn't bad (I used it a fair bit with my SB2 which did feel better suited to Mixxx's interface) but I found it to be pretty unstable and often totally crash. It's fine for playing about but there's no way I'd ever trust it in any sort of live performance setting.
It does work with version mixxx 2.x, there is a mapping file available for the DDJ400 on the community forums. The list of mapped (and missing) functions is to be found here : www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/pioneer_ddj-400.
That said, mixxx is not a rekordbox clone; it is quite complete but has its own take on functionality. Also, do not attempt at scanning an entire library of songs while you are djing, because it will eat all CPU to analyse your file, the user interface (not the sound paths) will hang on you and will have to wait until it recovers - which will take minutes. Personally, I find the software quite stable though (mixxx 2.2.1 on ubuntu 18.04).
Bro I didn't understand, when I buy controler do I need to pay for software or not?
PLS ANSWER
No, actually it's free.
@@djplatinumore thnx very much
Yes
Can you use laptop to power on the ddj 400? Someone can tell me pls.
Yes, it's powered over USB, no external power supply required
Please brother give me a tip just bought one of those yesterday had trouble setting it up still does not seem to work got a splitter cable nothing still nothing I am annoyed
How are you connecting it up? What sort of splitter are you using? What are you connecting it to?
Can you just plug this straight into a laptop and play just I noticed you have a white adaptor but in the box is just a black USB lead I'm about to order the ddjj400 and want to make sure I got everything I need right at the start many thanks any feedback is most appreciated
As long as your laptop has a regular USB-A port then you can just plug it in, I needed to use that adapter as my MacBook only has USB-C ports.
@@camerongray1515 ok yes it has got a usb a port so thanks for your reply mate
I got Auditek Mini Super Woofer System speaker how do i connect it ?
you plug the plugs into the sockets. seriously though, that little plastic "subwoofer" isn't going to put out any real bass and it will sound like a plastic bucket. likewise, the "satellite" speakers won't put out any real sound and will sound like tin cans. cheapo 90s computer speakers - you can do better than that for actual music use surely!
he's invited to the block party. we need a dj hehe.
We all need a block party after quarantine
Whats better, the sb2 or the ddj400?
I'd probably more compare the SB3 vs the DDJ-400 as the SB2 is an older model. It really comes down to what software you prefer since the DDJ-400 is targeted towards Rekordbox DJ whereas the SB2/3 is targeted towards Serato. I definitely prefer the DDJ-400 due to the layout and the more powerful included version of Rekordbox DJ (the SB2/3 only include Serato Lite which is pretty limited) however if you prefer Serato then get the SB3.
I just got this recently but having trouble setting it up 😡
I just got mine today what do i need to connect with a speaker?
Depends on your speaker, if it has RCA inputs then you'd just need an RCA cable, if it has a 3.5mm jack you'd need an RCA to 3.5mm adapter and if it's just an unpowered speaker you'd need some sort of external amplifier.
Hello to everyone . if anyone can help me. I have a DDJ-400 REKORDBOX, and I want to connect it to the Serato Dj Pro program. if anyone knows please help me.
Whats the song name on the track 2 ?
It's "Vibe Tracks - Alternate" from the TH-cam Audio Library.
Do you own the licence for rekordbox forever now?
Things changed recently with Rekordbox 6. At the time of filming the DDJ-400 came with a perpetual licence for Rekordbox 5 that was pretty much seperate from the controller. Nowadays with Rekordbox 6 they've moved to a subscription model for the software however certain controllers such as the DDJ-400 work as "hardware unlock devices" so that certain features will be unlocked whenever the controller is connected without requiring a licence key. This is similar to how Serato works. It does mean that you don't get a perpetual licence you can use without the controller however it does mean that if you buy a DDJ-400 second hand you don't have to worry about the seller including the Rekordbox licence key any longer.
I bought this for my son but there is no way to put the activation key in ?
The key is needed for Rekordbox 5, Rekordbox 6 activates itself for as long as the controller is connected, it uses the controller as a "Hardware unlock device"
Is there anyone who tried connecting DDJ 400 to Windows 7 which was installed on Oracle Virtualbox. I'm really in a bad situation where I can control rekordbox 5.8 with DDJ 400 but couldn't hear any audio either from Phones or Master volume. Can someone help me. Thanks
Windows 7 and 10 are a disaster 🙀🙀🙀🙀
Any news on the teardown vid?
Just need to find the time and motivation to do it 😉
What track is this because I love it please tell me
Thank you
They're both just from the TH-cam Audio Library - first one is "Andrew Huang - Club" and the second is "Vibe Tracks - Alternate"
:)
What Apple MacBook are you using?
It's a 2016 15" MacBook Pro with TouchBar
@@camerongray1515 what is the adapter you used? I have a macbook with usb c. Planning to get this controller.
I used a "Letscom" branded dongle that I've had for years. For long term use though you'd probably be better off just buying a USB-B to USB-C cable so you can plug it in directly without needing any adapters. This may also be described as a "printer cable"
@@camerongray1515 Thank you very much for the reply.
How are you getting on with these now mate? I’m thinking of buying some. Thanks, Gary.
Still going well, of course still got the constant urge to get something even fancier but this is still great, doesn't feel limited in any way, a lot better than the options that come with Serato Lite!
@@camerongray1515 Thanks man, really getting close to hitting the order button! It's an itch I have always wanted to scratch! Gary.
Yeah, it's really good fun and this is probably the best option for getting started with at the moment
Can you use this with a iPad Pro
Technically yes but you'd be using a third-party app such as Algoriddm Djay, Rekordbox DJ is Windows/MacOS only (The Rekordbox iOS app is only for library management, not for actual performance). You would also need a lightning to USB adapter (think Apple call it a camera connection adapter) as this controller doesn't have any sort of wireless capability.
If only it had an Ok sound card and some decent output options, Rekordbox + round Pioneer Cue and Play buttons are very tempting, but there are better options
is it possible to connect it to a bluetooth speaker?
You'd need to connect the PC to the speaker and tell RekordBox to output over the PC's sound output rather than the controller. That said, you'd be much better off using a cable assuming your speaker has an input - Bluetooth can add slight latency which can make things like beatmatching harder, it's very dependent on your hardware as to how much of an issue it'll be.
@@camerongray1515 Thanks so much
My next controller for cost of living is getting high.
how do i put the license in
If you're running Rekordbox 6 you'll no longer need to enter the licence, the licence was for Rekordbox 5 which needed a key to activate. Now with Rekordbox 6 it uses the DDJ-400 as a "hardware unlock" so Rekordbox will be "activated" whenever the DDJ-400 is plugged in.
@@camerongray1515 hi again lol can the decks run through a bluetooth speaker it has all the the connections in the back with an built in amplifier or do i need an wired one
They don't support Bluetooth however as long as your bluetooth speaker has some sort of line/aux in you can connect it with a cable. I suppose you could get some sort of external bluetooth transmitter or connect the bluetooth speaker to your computer and tell Rekordbox to output to it however this will likely cause you trouble mixing as bluetooth will add a small bit of latency into the audio which will probably throw you off.
Where's the teardown video ?
Good point, I totally forgot! I'll add it to the list, thanks for reminding me!
DJ
I just wish it was bigger it doesn’t make u feel like a DJ if u get what I mean
It's a beginner controller, great to start off on,
Bruh I zoned out and heard 150 pounds like it weighs how much??! 🤣🤣
That is MUCH lighter than a Technics turntable I presume? Seeing as their made of plastic
Did he just say he got them from Currys
I did, they had it on sale bringing it in line with the price from online retailers which I then combined with around £8.50 in Quidco cashback and got another £5 or so off from a voucher from my bank's cashback scheme.
I don't get these "he" comments, as if you weren't going to reply haha
Chavvy disco equipment, this channel has taken a steep downturn.
I know right... how dare I decide to learn a new skill/play about with a new hobby that I've been interested in for some time and then make a video about it on a channel whose sole purpose is for me to share things that I personally find interesting. But yeah, let's call someone else's interest "chavvy" because a select few "DJs" choose to buy cheap and nasty equipment and blast terrible music out of cheap PA speakers at all hours of the day and let's totally forget about the vast majority who learn it as a proper skill because they love music and are passionate about it...
@@camerongray1515 exactly! Hope you have expedited the return of said equipment.
So very well regarded entry-level controller from an industry leading manufacturer connected to a pair of relatively high end studio monitors equates to "cheap and nasty equipment" now? I'm fully aware that this topic isn't for everyone however equally I imagine a lot of my viewers have zero interest in my videos about retro computers, electronics or networking - I can't please everyone! Nobody is forcing you to watch videos on this topic, maybe worth just not watching them rather than commenting attempting to slag off someone else's hobby/interest?
@@camerongray1515 I think you have taken my initial light hearted comment with the wrong intent. I see you quoted "cheap and nasty", this is not something I said. 😭
Dance music and technology have coexisted since the beginning. I don’t like to call people out but it’s a rather ignorant to assume that just because someone is into dance music and DJing that the channel is going down. It seems like a natural extension to the channel tbh!
A proper set of technics and a good mixer can easily go in the thousands used. Not only that is you have to build up a record collection
which is gonna get very expensive. This allows people to dip their feet in the hobby without blowing a small fortune
Im sorry man i could follow you any more 7 min in so i have to watch another video. Its oke to have an accent but you talk so fast.liste to yourself at 06:40 so many words its not good man
Speak SLOWER jesus christ, with that accent and the way you run your words together its almost impossible to understand.
I got Auditek Mini Super Woofer System speaker how do i connect it ?
you plug the plugs into the sockets. seriously though, that little plastic "subwoofer" isn't going to put out any real bass and it will sound like a plastic bucket. likewise, the "satellite" speakers won't put out any real sound and will sound like tin cans. cheapo 90s computer speakers - you can do better than that for actual music use surely!
Can i use my samr rekordbox license in other computer after I deactivate the license
The rekordbox licences recently changed. The controller included a licence for rekordbox 5 which could be transferred. However now with rekordbox 6 the controller acts as a "hardware unlock device" - install rekordbox on as many machines as you like and the software will unlock all features whenever the DDJ-400 is connected, much like how Serato works.
@@camerongray1515 thank you so much