Aspiring DJs now have uncompromised control, with the launch of the Pioneer DDJ-SB2 entry-level controller for Serato DJ Intro and Serato DJ. The two-channel DDJ-SB2 boasts all the features of the original DDJ-SB – including Filter Fade, Performance Pads and advanced features not usually available at this price point – and adds a trim pot, level meters, the Pad Trans beat effect and 4-deck control.
The DDJ-SB is hugely popular with beginners and hobbyist DJs, thanks to its intuitive, plug-and-play control of Serato DJ Intro (free) and Serato DJ (Paid upgrade), which offers features including iZotope FX, Slip Mode, record and a host of expansion packs. The controller’s innovative Filter Fade lets DJs mix seamlessly, adjusting the volume and bass filter with just one hand. So they’ve got a spare hand to unleash their creativity – using the tactile Performance Pads and buttons to trigger samples, FX, loops and cues.
Now the DDJ-SB2 adds pro-DJ features usually found on top-flight controllers, including a trim pot and level meters to control the volumes on each channel. Also new at this price point are four-deck control and the quantized Pad Trans Pad beat effect, which cuts the volume in time with the BPM when the DJ hits the Performance Pads.
The USB-powered DDJ-SB2 is more compact and portable than its pro-DJ stable mates, the DDJ-SX2 and DDJ-SZ, but offers the same intuitive layout, high-quality build, and many advanced features.
The DDJ-SB2, bundled with Serato DJ Intro, is available from October, 2015.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-SB2
- Intuitive controls for a physical performance
The DDJ-SB’s layout mirrors Serato DJ Intro and Serato DJ interface, so getting hands on with the controller’s buttons and dials soon becomes second nature. Tactile controls include:
- Performance Pads: four rubber pads enable DJs to trigger Hot Cue, Auto Loop, Manual Loop and Sampler – while a further four give immediate access to Play, Cue, Sync and Shift functions.
- Large jog wheels: two 112-mm aluminium jog wheels for precision scratching.
- New trim pot and level meters: the DDJ-SB2 is the first controller at his price point to feature a trim pot and level meters, putting control of the volume of each track at DJs’ fingertips.
- Manual filters on each channel: independent low/high pass filter dials for each channel are inherited from the premium DDJ-SX2 and DDJ-SR controllers.
- Filter Fade and Trans effect take beginners beyond mixing
The DDJ-SB2 is packed with features to help beginners hit the ground running, such as:
- New quantized Trans beat effect: DJs usethe Performance Pads to trigger the Pad Trans effect and cut the volume in time with the beat.
- Filter Fade: makes mixing effortless by adding two high pass filters to the crossfader – so DJs can manipulate the volume and the bass filter with just one hand.
- Plug-and-play withSerato DJ Intro and Serato DJ Upgrade Ready, including 4-deck control
The DDJ-SB2 is the first controller at this price point to let DJs perform with all four of Serato DJ Intro’s decks. Deck 3 and Deck 4 have their own buttons to allow seamless switching.
Plus there are dedicated controls for all of Serato DJ Intro’s features including four Hot Cues and four samples. The controller has two FX units per channel, with six FX to choose from, and DJs can manipulate the parameters using a central Level/Depth dial.
DJs can upgrade to Serato DJ for intuitive control of even more cue points, samples and loops – plus advanced features including Slip Mode, record, and FX Powered by iZotope.
- Professional design and build
Made with premium materials and audio circuitry, the DDJ-SB2 is both stylish and built to last.
- Other features
- USB powered
- Built-in sound card
- MIC input
- MIDI compatible
Main Specifications
| Software | Serato DJ Intro (free, bundled) Serato DJ (paid upgrade) |
| Input ports | Mic x 1（¼-inchTSjack x 1） |
| Output ports | Master Out x 1 (RCA x 1)Headphone Monitor Out x 2（¼-inch TRSjack, 3.5mm stereo mini jack） |
| Other ports | USB B type x 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz～20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion ratio | 0.005%or less |
| S/N ratio | 90dB(PC) |
| Maximum dimensions (W x D x H) |
487 x 58.5 x 271.2 mm |
| Unit weight | 2.1 kg |
| Serato DJ Intro System Requirements | |
| Applicable OS (Windows) | Windows8.1/ Windows8/ Windows 7 with Service Pack 1CPU: Intel processor Core Duo 2.0GHz or higher, Intel processor Core i3, i5 and i7
Memory: RAM 1GB or higher |
| Applicable OS (Mac) | Mac OSX v10.10, 10.9, 10.8TCPU: Intel processor Core Duo 2.0GHz or higher, Intel processor Core i3, i5 and i7
Memory: RAM 1GB or higher |
| Display resolution | 1,024 x 768 or higher |
Meanwhile, Pioneer DJ is also adding a stunning gold model to its HDJ-1500 series. Flawless sound production, absolute comfort and excellent durability come as standard – but now DJs can choose from HDJ-1500s in gold, black, silver and white.
Deep bass notes and clear mid to low frequencies are provided by the 50mm drivers, rare earth magnets and 38μm thick diaphragms, while high output levels ensure pristine sound at loud volumes. A ground-breaking sound chamber eliminates background noise, and the lightweight build, hinged ear cups and interchangeable foam ear pads give DJs a comfortable fit even over long periods.
Key features of the HDJ-1500-N
- Available in gold, black, silver and white
- 50mm driver units
- Proprietary soundproofing chamber
- Lightweight, rugged magnesium alloy headband and hinges
- Low-resilience urethane memory foam ear pads (can be changed for HDJ-EP01 open-cup leather ear pads, sold separately)
- Replaceable cable
- Carrying pouch included
