First controller: DDJ-RB vs. DDJ-SB2

Hi,

First of all, figure out your workflow. The RB relies on Rekordbox, SB2 on Serato. Which platform would you like to use? Serato is a solid and mature software, but Pioneer is doing their job at catching up with Rekordbox DJ. Both are good choices, but requires you to make some broader choices first.

As for SYNC, it’s a nice feature, but nothing you can rely on using. Learn to DJ without it, is my tip. Do a lot of reading and research before you decide on anything.

Good luck!

I’ve got the SB2 and I rate it pretty highly, you’re right about the pitch controls though they’re really short so small movements equates to a big difference in BPM which can be a little annoying. I started on a cdj set up though so I’m used to just matching the BPM’s first and then nudging to bring in time, I only really use the pitch controls if the software analyses the BPM’s wrong (which happens quite a lot to be fair). One thing I’d say though is I’ve only been DJing for a few months and I’m itching for something bigger and better so might be worth seeing if you can have a go on someone else’s a few times and see whether you’re gonna stick to it, if you are it might be worth saving up and getting something you won’t grow out of too quickly!

Scott 🙂

Serato and Rekordbox to be honest could be twins, their feature set is close, very close.
There are a few things though:
Since Serato has been here for a long time, the overall support is a little bigger and it tends to push out new features faster. It is very stable and it also has focus features for live remixing like Serato Flip and now Ableton Link. Overall I also find the interface while less flashy is also less cluttered and I tend to see what I want faster. (Hence I use Serato) Serato currently has more iZotope studio quality effects and more DVS supporters (and cheap ways to get into DVS).

Rekordbox on the other hand is also getting more and more stable. It has more adhoc sample features instead of flip, so it is catering more to the sample effect DJ. As they are all the time pushing new features to get on par with the competition some versions have been buggy, but it seems to have gotten much better since the latest 2 versions. The interface has more flashy color stuff going on, which is “kinda cool” however I find it more distracting (but that is subjective).

As for Rekordbox and its controllers. If you go that way (and that is surely Pioneers intention) you are locked in. You have to use Rekordbox and the according controller and only Rekordbox hardware will work. You are also basically limited to Pioneer controllers for upgrades.

For Serato you would have a more open playing field to upgrade. There are awesome controllers out there with different approaches and expanding workflows, the Denon MC6000 and the MCX8000 (what I use) or the new Roland 808 with build in sequencer or the NS7 III with moving platters…. and many more. I like this level of freedom.

What you shoudl not let you influence: Many new DJs are tricked by clever marketing that Pioneer is some sort of “industry standard”. It is not. Back in the days where CDJs actually were new and current technology it is true that most venues would have them and would want you to play on Pioneer CDJs. Denon played a minor role and that was basically it.
Nowadays all the top clubs expect you to bring your controller and as long as it has RCA connectors they do not give a rats behind what you are using. Once when I felt experimental I showed up with my (back then) TM8 controller, a Korg midi keyboard a Yamaha DX7 synth and a Roland drum machine. All was set up without question (look at setup from van Dyke, Skrillex or Anthony Rotter and you know why).

I hope that helps you out a little bit, do not hesitate to ask if something is unclear.