Thank you very much for this review! Now I know what to add to this year's black friday wishlist. I've been waiting for the release of DDJ-RB2 for a while now. This is even better than i expected. I'm glad there's a headphone cue mix control that was absent (crazy) on DDJ-RB and longer pitch controls. And for someone who way way back learned to DJ on CDJ+DJM, this layout feel pleasantly familiar.
Recordbox 5.5.0 released on April 2019 makes the DDJ 400 plug & play, so now you can download the free version (5.5.0) of recordbox on any computer and connect the DDJ 400, Recordbox will detect the controller and without applying a license, Recordbox will become the Pro version, so now you can start with this controller and resell it and the new owner will not need a license ($129 value)
The ddj 400 has to be my favourite dj controller of late, I’ve been looking at a future upgrade to the ddj 800 but I’m still 50/50 on it as the DDJ 400 has the club layout and a great feature set.
Digital DJ Tips the only things the ddj 800 has that interests me is the booth out and the balanced outputs would switching to a controller with balanced outputs eliminate the slight background hum that I have with my current set up, I use the behringer hum destroyer which does a good job but there’s always a faint hum when I turn off the controller.
For me, when practicing with a small DJ controller, I recommend the Numark Party Mix. For a merely $99, it has almost all of the features found on a controller from Pioneer at this price tag in an even further compact form.
Platinum has better pitch control longer range for DJ club mixing, platinum has jog displays, technically don't need to see your laptop The oled displays on platinum are as good as ddj 1000 , hi res, but with all plastic screens, they scratch easy and scuff Pioneer DJj 400 does not! 400 has better jog dials like a cdj, better looping system like a cdj, better fx system powered by rekordbox, plus one is Serato DJ, the other is Rekordbox DJ, it's a choice really, if you like club mixing as DJ, maybe vinyl DJ, then platinum would be best, if you like performance, pads, fx, dropping then ddj 400
Don't get the platinum. I had to take back three different ones because it has inherent sound issues and ended up getting a different deck. The wires inside aren't grounded properly so there's always a feedback hum that's in sync with the flashing lights on the controller
Thanks Joey - been DJing on Traktor for years and need something to help me practice for CDJs that won't break the bank and this seems perfect - especially getting Recordbox ready.
This looks great! I needed a controller for practice and preordered this one. I wouldn't change anything about the design or layout, BUT it would be nice if they added the WeGO iOS connection/charging functionality and an option to use a wall wart plug. I've used every model of WeGO and have always loved their jog wheel feel, along with the sound quality of the weGO 3 and 4, BUT I've always hated the toy-like layout of those controllers. At this price, I wouldn't sweat it but if they blended that iOS functionality into a future version of this controller and charged $100 more, it would be a killer app. I'm not a Recordbox user but if it's possible to remap buttons in Recordbox, and you wanted an effects select knob instead of the button, you could remap the track browse knob at top center to cycle through the effects instead. That ought to recreate the feel of a Pio mixer, right?
By the looks of it, it seems even smaller than DDJ RB/SB3. Leaves me wondering, at what point do these beginner controllers just start to look like toys in a club environment? I understand the portability aspect but how small is too small?
Digital DJ Tips As someone who is in the market for his first controller, I'm looking for something that does not look out of place in a club. To me it seems a waste to learn on a beginner controller then after few months go out and buy another to gig with. How does a beginner differentiate between something that will or won't fit a club environment while keeping budget in mind?
Anshul Gupta the club will probably have 2 cdjs and a mixer that kind of feels like this controller. That's part of the idea So one option could be to get this controller, put the laptop to the side so you only look at rekordbox dj when you load tracks. If you can mix on that it should be a small step to go into the club with only a couple of thump drives and a set of headphones, and start mixing on what's already there
Say if i was traveling airplane and i dont want the check in guys to wreck my stuff, is this a good alternative to use this setup. I do traveling and i had my ddj s1 but it got destroyed, now i have cdjs but thats gonna cost alot for check in, is this and a dj bag a good alternative or maybe an rr
Great video thanks. Would this be a worthwhile upgrade from a denon mc2000 or should I look at the higher models? I was also looking at the Denon MC4000 but would like to get used to pioneer and Rekordbox as the industry seems to dictate.
@@digitaldjtips Thanks. I should add, I'm also limited on space for home set up, which is another reason I was looking at the 2 controllers mentioned above. Currently using Cross DJ 4 but everyone seems to say I need to start getting used Rekordbox/Pioneer. The DDJ-400 just seems like a good deal with the full software included - It doesn't have to be a significant upgrade from my current MC2000, just enough of an improvement to justify spending the money to get Rekordbox and the Pioneer layout.
Joey you killing me brother . . .was hanging on to hear the suggested retail price and then you left me hanging with a "its good value for money" ending : ) ...peace : ))
Hi, I want to get into DJing but I don't know if I should go with this one or the Hercules Inpulse 300. Which one do you think would be better for learning DJing but still playing at like house partys? Also I heard that the Hercules Inpulse 300 looks childish. Can I still be taken serious with it?
Thx for your Review. Im unsure of the fx section. Im beginner and think its easier to have three FX Buttons with each effect on it like on the new sb3 then to scroll through a list on display. Im unsure if i should buy ddj 400 or sb3. What would you recommend to me? I tested Rekordbox and i think its a good software. The sb3 only has serato light which means for pro i need to spend another 100 Euro.
Due to lack of space at my new home I no longer have room for a separate stand for my ddj rz, would you recommend this controller to replace my rz? How is the build quality on this compared to higher end controllers?
Just this week I ordered a Wego4 for a great price. B&H Photo is selling the Wego4 + DM 40 speakers + HRM 5 headphones for $399. What do you suggest? Is DDJ 400 so much better than WeGo4? I can cancel my order and get this one, please suggest.
That's a good deal considering you're getting a whole bedroom set-up :) That said, the DDJ-400 has a more "pro" layout and look than the WeGO4. I'd go for the WeGO4 only if I'm considering spinning with an iPhone or iPad later on. Otherwise, go for the DDJ-400 :) -Joey
Hey! Do you think this would work if I wanted to DJ at a regular ”school disco party”? :) I’ve heard these smaller controllers without booth outputs don’t work too well doing gigs...?
Hey Jonathan! Yes you could use this. If you want a speaker monitor near the DJ booth, try hooking the DDJ-400 to a small mixer with at least two pairs of speaker outputs: One that goes to the main speakers (for your crowd) and one that goes to your booth speakers (for you) :) -Joey
Digital DJ Tips I don't know which one I want. I like that you get the full version of rekordbox but everyone I know uses serato. so out of the controllers and progams which one would be better for a beginner
This is a stupid question but in terms of the numark mixtrack platinum, does it have a censor button or feature? And can you use the platinum with serato
HI, I've bought the ddj-400 and I have the feeling that the sound quality is not as good as with a xdj-RX of with a djm-800. The filters don't sound the same and when you mix two tracks it sounds not that good. When you pitch the tempo of a track it sounds like it has trouble playing the track at that speed. I've had the same feeling with virtual dj software. Does anybody else share this experience?
Best most in depth review I’ve seen on this yet. I’ll give Phil a pass since he didn’t physically have it with him :)
XD He's working on something else now hehe
Cool and quite small controller indeed ... well done Pioneer.. glad to see it runs with VirtualDJ 2018 too
"big deck energy" DID YOU REALLY
😆
Yeah I slept on this controller! I like the compact form! Like being able to put it in my book bag and traveling! Great review!!!
Thanks!
I love the way you say buttons!
The DDJ-400 now also works with Virtual DJ. So you are no longer forced to use it with Rekordbox DJ
Nice one, thanks Klaus!
Love to see this comment 😂
Does it supports android cross DJ?
Thank you very much for this review! Now I know what to add to this year's black friday wishlist.
I've been waiting for the release of DDJ-RB2 for a while now. This is even better than i expected. I'm glad there's a headphone cue mix control that was absent (crazy) on DDJ-RB and longer pitch controls. And for someone who way way back learned to DJ on CDJ+DJM, this layout feel pleasantly familiar.
Yeah, we think this will do pretty well for them.
Recordbox 5.5.0 released on April 2019 makes the DDJ 400 plug & play, so now you can download the free version (5.5.0) of recordbox on any computer and connect the DDJ 400, Recordbox will detect the controller and without applying a license, Recordbox will become the Pro version, so now you can start with this controller and resell it and the new owner will not need a license ($129 value)
Great review! Slept on this one! Dependent upon the user, this controller is quite powerful!!! Awesome!
I've been thinking of picking one up as a backup for a while now! - Scott
The ddj 400 has to be my favourite dj controller of late, I’ve been looking at a future upgrade to the ddj 800 but I’m still 50/50 on it as the DDJ 400 has the club layout and a great feature set.
No point changing your controller if you're happy with it!
Digital DJ Tips the only things the ddj 800 has that interests me is the booth out and the balanced outputs would switching to a controller with balanced outputs eliminate the slight background hum that I have with my current set up, I use the behringer hum destroyer which does a good job but there’s always a faint hum when I turn off the controller.
Sounds like the hum is being introduced before the output from your controller, so no, I don't think switching to balanced cables would fix it.
Great. Now all we need is somewhere in the UK that has it in stock! Tried everywhere!!
Yeah we've heard that a few times the last few weeks
Decent review there, thanks ! Will buy this one since I thought about buying DDJ RB.
Glad to have bene of help
Big deck energy. Killing it, Joey. Lol!
PDJ bringing the BDE! -Joey
A good move by pioneer. Inspite of competition they keep doing what they do best.
BIG DECK ENERGY LOVE IT!
PDJ bringing the BDE! -Joey
its also compatible with DJAY software (for your iphone) so with a lightning to USB cable you can use it with your iphone! Handy!
Definitely!
For me, when practicing with a small DJ controller, I recommend the Numark Party Mix. For a merely $99, it has almost all of the features found on a controller from Pioneer at this price tag in an even further compact form.
It sells very well...
your videos are great Joey
Hey! Love you reviews!
Do you think this beats the SB3 or the Numark Mixtrack Platinum?
I'm not sure which one to choose!
Go for the DDJ-400 :) Though you may want to check out the Platinum if you're going for Serato DJ!
Platinum has better pitch control longer range for DJ club mixing, platinum has jog displays, technically don't need to see your laptop
The oled displays on platinum are as good as ddj 1000 , hi res, but with all plastic screens, they scratch easy and scuff
Pioneer DJj 400 does not! 400 has better jog dials like a cdj, better looping system like a cdj, better fx system powered by rekordbox, plus one is Serato DJ, the other is Rekordbox DJ, it's a choice really, if you like club mixing as DJ, maybe vinyl DJ, then platinum would be best, if you like performance, pads, fx, dropping then ddj 400
Don't get the platinum. I had to take back three different ones because it has inherent sound issues and ended up getting a different deck.
The wires inside aren't grounded properly so there's always a feedback hum that's in sync with the flashing lights on the controller
Thanks Joey - been DJing on Traktor for years and need something to help me practice for CDJs that won't break the bank and this seems perfect - especially getting Recordbox ready.
You're welcome :) Let us know how you like it when you get your hands on one!
This looks great! I needed a controller for practice and preordered this one. I wouldn't change anything about the design or layout, BUT it would be nice if they added the WeGO iOS connection/charging functionality and an option to use a wall wart plug. I've used every model of WeGO and have always loved their jog wheel feel, along with the sound quality of the weGO 3 and 4, BUT I've always hated the toy-like layout of those controllers. At this price, I wouldn't sweat it but if they blended that iOS functionality into a future version of this controller and charged $100 more, it would be a killer app. I'm not a Recordbox user but if it's possible to remap buttons in Recordbox, and you wanted an effects select knob instead of the button, you could remap the track browse knob at top center to cycle through the effects instead. That ought to recreate the feel of a Pio mixer, right?
It'd be really cool if they come up with a DDJ controller that also works with WeDJ / iOS :)
The review I was waiting for! When could this be available in the Philippines?
Second week July is what I heard :) -Joey
Noice! Thank you!
Jared Plata Mga mag kakano to pag nasa Philippines na pre?
Ang alam ko under 20k PHP din pre like the DDJ RB
By the looks of it, it seems even smaller than DDJ RB/SB3. Leaves me wondering, at what point do these beginner controllers just start to look like toys in a club environment? I understand the portability aspect but how small is too small?
To be fair, this definitely would - as would it's predecessor. They're not meant for clubs.
Digital DJ Tips As someone who is in the market for his first controller, I'm looking for something that does not look out of place in a club. To me it seems a waste to learn on a beginner controller then after few months go out and buy another to gig with. How does a beginner differentiate between something that will or won't fit a club environment while keeping budget in mind?
Pretty sure no one would rock up to a club with this unless it's purely as a backup
Anshul Gupta the club will probably have 2 cdjs and a mixer that kind of feels like this controller. That's part of the idea
So one option could be to get this controller, put the laptop to the side so you only look at rekordbox dj when you load tracks. If you can mix on that it should be a small step to go into the club with only a couple of thump drives and a set of headphones, and start mixing on what's already there
I tried to get away with doing a school prom with a Numark Party Mix and lets just say it didn't leave too good of an impression.
"big deck energy" JOEY YOU DIDNTTT😂
Haha ;)
which would you say is a better controller , the ddj 400 or the hercules impulse 500?
Say if i was traveling airplane and i dont want the check in guys to wreck my stuff, is this a good alternative to use this setup. I do traveling and i had my ddj s1 but it got destroyed, now i have cdjs but thats gonna cost alot for check in, is this and a dj bag a good alternative or maybe an rr
Is this one still a good deal or something good came out till now in that “starter” budget area? 🤨
Yes 100% :)
Great video thanks. Would this be a worthwhile upgrade from a denon mc2000 or should I look at the higher models? I was also looking at the Denon MC4000 but would like to get used to pioneer and Rekordbox as the industry seems to dictate.
I'd probably save and go for something the next step if you want a significant upgrade :)
@@digitaldjtips Thanks. I should add, I'm also limited on space for home set up, which is another reason I was looking at the 2 controllers mentioned above. Currently using Cross DJ 4 but everyone seems to say I need to start getting used Rekordbox/Pioneer. The DDJ-400 just seems like a good deal with the full software included - It doesn't have to be a significant upgrade from my current MC2000, just enough of an improvement to justify spending the money to get Rekordbox and the Pioneer layout.
I like the controller, just the pitch looks too close to the pads, it looks like they didn't use the space very well in the design layout
It's more a space saving decision than a design one, though I didn't find myself accidentally bumping the pitch :) -Joey
ipad pro10.5 can support?
Joey you killing me brother . . .was hanging on to hear the suggested retail price and then you left me hanging with a "its good value for money" ending : ) ...peace : ))
XD sorry mate, it's US$259 :D you picking one up?
It's called "google" bro.
Hi, I want to get into DJing but I don't know if I should go with this one or the Hercules Inpulse 300. Which one do you think would be better for learning DJing but still playing at like house partys? Also I heard that the Hercules Inpulse 300 looks childish. Can I still be taken serious with it?
DDJ-400 uses the more "standard" software
so what would you say is more worth it as a starter: SB3 or DDJ 400?
DDJ-400 :)
can use it with ipad pro 10.5?
Thx for your Review. Im unsure of the fx section. Im beginner and think its easier to have three FX Buttons with each effect on it like on the new sb3 then to scroll through a list on display. Im unsure if i should buy ddj 400 or sb3. What would you recommend to me? I tested Rekordbox and i think its a good software. The sb3 only has serato light which means for pro i need to spend another 100 Euro.
FX are easy either way. The real decision is if you want to pay to upgrade Serato (which you should).
Due to lack of space at my new home I no longer have room for a separate stand for my ddj rz, would you recommend this controller to replace my rz? How is the build quality on this compared to higher end controllers?
It's a huge downgrade but it's a more than capable DJ controller if you're struggling for space :)
Just this week I ordered a Wego4 for a great price. B&H Photo is selling the Wego4 + DM 40 speakers + HRM 5 headphones for $399. What do you suggest? Is DDJ 400 so much better than WeGo4? I can cancel my order and get this one, please suggest.
That's a good deal considering you're getting a whole bedroom set-up :) That said, the DDJ-400 has a more "pro" layout and look than the WeGO4. I'd go for the WeGO4 only if I'm considering spinning with an iPhone or iPad later on. Otherwise, go for the DDJ-400 :) -Joey
400 cant use with ipad pro?how about usb thumbdrive?
Thank you so much for the detailed review Joey.. Really helped me to make my buying decision quick. :)
Glad it helped, Mayank.
Hey! Do you think this would work if I wanted to DJ at a regular ”school disco party”? :)
I’ve heard these smaller controllers without booth outputs don’t work too well doing gigs...?
Hey Jonathan! Yes you could use this. If you want a speaker monitor near the DJ booth, try hooking the DDJ-400 to a small mixer with at least two pairs of speaker outputs: One that goes to the main speakers (for your crowd) and one that goes to your booth speakers (for you) :) -Joey
is it trustable to buy on amazon?
Should be :) Read the reviews though
@@digitaldjtips if the seller is amazon?
Which one should I get I'm torn between the ddj 400 or the numurk platinum?
DDJ-400 if you're going Rekordbox DJ :)
Digital DJ Tips I don't know which one I want. I like that you get the full version of rekordbox but everyone I know uses serato. so out of the controllers and progams which one would be better for a beginner
Both are fine for beginners, the Rekordbox package is better value for money.
Is this good to play at local bars/lounges with about 50-100 people?
Yes!
thank you!
No problem!
Can you connect that Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 with other controllers such as, Pioneer DJ XP-1 or Pioneer DJ TORAIZ SP-16 with Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1?
Did dj ddj-400 work with the phone??
No you'll need a laptop for this one :)
Hi is there anyway this might work with DJAY pro or anyway for it to work with ipad?
Just Rekordbox/laptop at the moment :)
@@digitaldjtips I see thanks for.the reply
Can I use Lyrics function without monthly subscription buying this ddj400?
Thanks
No I don't believe so
May sound like a silly question, but can this controller be used in Ableton to DJ?
You could probably map some stuff to work but there are better/easier ways to control Ableton for sure
This is a stupid question but in terms of the numark mixtrack platinum, does it have a censor button or feature? And can you use the platinum with serato
No it doesn't have a censor button :) and yes the Mixtrack Platinum works with Serato DJ
Which speaker would be the best with ddj 400 sir lemme know please
Any will work with a DDJ-400, what are you using them for?
@@digitaldjtips currently im using my home theatre i need to buy a good speakers sir suggest me something good sir
So for practicing at home? We've reviewed quite a few here you can checkout: www.digitaldjtips.com/reviews-all/accessories/#type=speakers
Could you tell me. Has the jog wheels and pad shrunk in size?
The jogwheels are the same :) yes the pads are a bit smaller I believe
Hello, can you use the license key for rekordbox on several computers? I'm struggling to find the answer online... Thanks!
Yes I think there's a limit though :) -Joey
Digital DJ Tips thank you very much!
You can most definitely use it with other computer th-cam.com/video/d0efSqEs7CI/w-d-xo.html
HI, I've bought the ddj-400 and I have the feeling that the sound quality is not as good as with a xdj-RX of with a djm-800. The filters don't sound the same and when you mix two tracks it sounds not that good. When you pitch the tempo of a track it sounds like it has trouble playing the track at that speed. I've had the same feeling with virtual dj software. Does anybody else share this experience?
Certainly key lock + tempo shift will degrade audio quality.
Are the fx post fader? Echo, delay etc..? Thanks in advance for any help :)
Yes post fader
@@digitaldjtips that's very good to know :) have a merry Christmas.
Just selling the same old stuff in a new package. Denon all the way, its the future!.
Hi the ddj 400 works we djay pro2 ?????
I'm confused with what is better ddj sb3 or ddj 400
If you want to use Serato, the SB3. If you prefer Pioneer software and layout, the DDJ-400.
Can use with serato?
ryan fortifaes can use with ipad pro?
Just with Rekordbox :) Go for the SB2 or SB3 for a similar controller with Serato
Thanks.. 👍
It now also works with Virtual DJ
Can we say this is the ddj rb 2?
I would think so - I imagine the DDJ-1000 to be the DDJ-RX "replacement". Will we see a DDJ-2000 that replaces the DDJ-RZ? Time will tell :D -Joey
Does it supports android cross DJ ?
I'd check the Cross DJ website, this controller certainly wasn't built with it in mind but they may have mapped it
@@digitaldjtips based on your review I'm planning to buy it and I'm beginner hope everything works out.
I feel like you have a mom voice lol... Very soothing
Lol! I'm sure Joey will take that as a compliment :)
which rca and speaker cable I need?
Depends on the speaker you have, if it has RCA inputs as well then all you need is a standard RCA
Yo is this just a midi controller or does it have any internal brains? I don’t get it lol
No, it's just a Midi controller.
How is the sound strength with the USB power?
Nowadays that isn't an issue with USB controllers... it's fine.
Can you rack mount this controller?
No I don't believe so
This controller look weird
this controller would be sick with 4 channels
DDJ-600, anyone?
Agreed. They might upgrade it in the future.
Big up bro. ...you should reward me with one😂
If I had one to reward you with, I would! :D -Joey
👍👍👍🌻🌻🌻
😀
Buttons x100000 haha
BuTTons!! XD -Joey
Can you use this controller with Serato DJ Pro?
Just Rekordbox DJ :)