I find it interesting that older DJ’s (I’m 50) , don’t have a problem with this controller and its scratch pad. It seems that the 30 ish DJ’s are the ones upset by this. This is a into to djing 101 controller. Period. Embrace technology .My DDJSX2 sits right next to my 1200’s from 1984.
I really appreciate this comment. As someone that is interested in DJing, I get so many opinions from dudes about how I 'should' be learning and all they had to go through before technology like this was available. It's here, let's use it. Mix old with new.
I agree with Scott. I'm in my 50's and started DJing 2 years old. As a former blogger of House music, I bashed DJs who use controllers. I had to eat crow because my first DJ system was the Pioneer WEGO 4. I couldn't afford to pay $6K to $8K on 2 CDJs and a mixer. I had to buy what I can afford and damn what anyone else said. Now I own the DDJ 400. I love it a lot. I wanted to learn the Rekordbox system so I got a entry level controller who has it.
Idk i used CD decks originally when I started out but I just don't like the thought of that big ass controller that he showed as a pro controller like the more compact ones so if that's considered a beginner controller and not pro oh f****** well I'll be using a beginner controller I'm not about tag around that big ass 32in TV
This is the controller ive laerned to DJ with coupled with Serato Pro it does everything a buiginner needs. Ive completely upgraded now to a Pioneer XDJ RX3 a big step up but i will always love the SB3.
I have been DJing since 1989, and am considering getting my first controller. It appears that this controller has everything I need to get started. I like the Jazzy Jeff button. Thank you Phil for giving this your honest review. Cheers.
On Serato Pro you can use all 8 pads for the Hot Cues and the Sampler... just FYI. You can always choose to upgrade to Serato Pro with this controller. I have it and use Pro and it's great!
Minus alot of people's complaining about this controller all over the web, I personally think its amazing for the price. Definitely lets you play around enough to see if you actually wanted to upgrade to a professional controller :)
Dj Mo2 I have the jogvision. It's cool but having to plug it in for power is a pretty big flaw to me. I bought it in North America and currently am in Asia which has different outlets. Now I'm looking to sell it and get something else like a DDJ. But performance wise, the jogvision is great.
I find your rewiew style and content, and in particular your explanation and filming of the features, to be top class among RUclips reviewers. It has really helped me identify what I can do with one of these controllers. I am just moving from vinyl and actually looking at the Numark NSX2 Pro controller purely because of its features and build quality for the price, which is more than I need to spend for what I will be doing at first however, watching this review of a (less complex) controller in conjuction with the software is EXACTLY what review, in my view, should consist of. Thanks very much for a very professional, well informed and constructed presentation.
I'm sold. Iw as tempted to buy one of the expensive models bc I don't like to buy multiple of things. I am new to this, so I need to be logical. Also starting on Maschine 2.0 Studio. I got loads to learn. I will order this as a starting point.
This is a well built controller, but in all honesty, it’s better to actually scratch live. I’m not saying this simply because I learned how to scratch on vinyl, but it blends more naturally that way. That being said, it’s a nice learning tool for those who need it. I’ve used the Numark NV2 for awhile and sold it for the smaller Numark Mixtrack Platinum. While it would seem like a massive downgrade, both share the same width in my flight case, but the overall lower weight is much nicer in general. The other nice feature as someone who scratches, are the LCD screens in the oddly small jog wheels that show the position of the track, the time remaining, and the beats per min. With those features, plus the light size and vastly superior full sized pitch faders, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum, which is roughly the same price, is a better value. The sound output is excellent, though my main output and mics go through another sound mixer, which is my PV AT10. For those that want the scratch samples, if you use Virtual DJ, go to the samples folder in My Documents and create a new folder called Scratch Pads. Then when you open up Virtual Dj, go to the Samples list and drag and drop them into the pads. In the options you can set samples to pressure sensitive, play/stop, or play all the way though. You can even set the samples to beat match so the scratches fit the tone properly. This basically gives you all the features of the Pioneer, but with better job wheels and full sized pitch faders. Personally though, just scratching is a better experience, but there are a lot of options to test out for the sample pads, and there are 16 possibilities for Pad load outs, and far more if you click into the next tab and load whatever samples you want from the air horn to the other famous call outs.
Digital DJ Tips great controller but I do see DJs who might play for example Uk Garage, Drum n Bass not having that pitch for it , EDM house club yes it be fine
Can anyone answer a question for me? I'm a beginner DJ and I'd like to know if the jogwheels would keep playing if I kept my hand on them after a rewind/spin back. Kind of hard to explain but hopefully someone catches my drift. Any help much appreciated!
Is it possible to turn if off somehow when I stop with mixing? Or the only way is to plug it out? I can hear some interference with my Logitech Z-2300 speakers. Thank you.
Hello, sorry for the stupid question, I am new to this business.. I own desktop PC so far, so I connected the controller to it. I was looking for an on/off switch after mixing, when I want to do something else on the PC, but I see the only option is to plug the cable out of the controller.
Hey digital dj tips, I have a big problem. Before the ddj-sb 3 came out i wanted the ddj-rb now with the sb 3 here i can't make a choice. i know every ups and down after doing some research but I still do not know wich one to choose. can you help me?
Hmm, well check out this tips video real quick - if that doesn't help, reach out to Serato support for additional troubleshooting ideas: www.digitaldjtips.com/2018/05/how-to-censor-a-track/
To the FX FADE, can you implement more types of effects? or its limited on a few just "fade" type effects? I`m comparing with the ddjRB-the PAD FX, that has a lot of cool effects to play with.
Digital DJ Tips yes I know, but I like djay Pro because you can dj with spotify which saves much work when you don't need to download or buy all the songs online :(
Great review!! Would you be able to do a video recommending some backpacks and travel bags for this controller, since its going to be such a hot seller.
"Slip" mode lets you put your hands onto the controller to stop the track, scratch etc., and when you take your hands off the controller again, the track continues to play from where it would have reached had you not done so.
@@digitaldjtips Thanks Phil, i brought one of these last week so i could spin some tunes on holiday. Love it, first time not using decks and i can see why people switch over. If any one reading, digital village are doing a great deal, i basically got the Serato pro licence for free with them. Phil, I've heard a few people say that they've noticed the sound quality isn't as good as a standard cdj / mixer set up on a big system, what do you think?
Well, this is a consumer controller so it won't have the same sound quality as true pro gear, but it's pretty close if you use good quality music files.
Of course you can use Serato Pro where did you hear that you can't? As Miguel said you just have to pay to upgrade, and if you already have a Serato Pro license then you're good. On the Pioneer website it says "Master Serato DJ Lite, then when you’re ready, purchase Serato DJ Pro to progress on the one machine."
pioneer the new apple I knew they was deliberately making dj equipment that was the best they could make just trying put Serato on it to sell never change the jog well and the led
I find it interesting that older DJ’s (I’m 50) , don’t have a problem with this controller and its scratch pad. It seems that the 30 ish DJ’s are the ones upset by this. This is a into to djing 101 controller. Period. Embrace technology .My DDJSX2 sits right next to my 1200’s from 1984.
Scott Free You are right 100 percent. What is wrong with is young people. Touch ego!
I really appreciate this comment. As someone that is interested in DJing, I get so many opinions from dudes about how I 'should' be learning and all they had to go through before technology like this was available. It's here, let's use it. Mix old with new.
I agree with Scott. I'm in my 50's and started DJing 2 years old. As a former blogger of House music, I bashed DJs who use controllers. I had to eat crow because my first DJ system was the Pioneer WEGO 4. I couldn't afford to pay $6K to $8K on 2 CDJs and a mixer. I had to buy what I can afford and damn what anyone else said. Now I own the DDJ 400. I love it a lot. I wanted to learn the Rekordbox system so I got a entry level controller who has it.
Idk i used CD decks originally when I started out but I just don't like the thought of that big ass controller that he showed as a pro controller like the more compact ones so if that's considered a beginner controller and not pro oh f****** well I'll be using a beginner controller I'm not about tag around that big ass 32in TV
This is the controller ive laerned to DJ with coupled with Serato Pro it does everything a buiginner needs.
Ive completely upgraded now to a Pioneer XDJ RX3 a big step up but i will always love the SB3.
Been a member of Phil's Digital DJ Tips for a number of years and he is always informative and knows his shit EVERY time
Cheers :)
I have been DJing since 1989, and am considering getting my first controller. It appears that this controller has everything I need to get started. I like the Jazzy Jeff button. Thank you Phil for giving this your honest review. Cheers.
You're welcome KyleCoEntertainment.
On Serato Pro you can use all 8 pads for the Hot Cues and the Sampler... just FYI. You can always choose to upgrade to Serato Pro with this controller. I have it and use Pro and it's great!
This controller has crazy good value... i wish this existed when i started out. If you can get good on this u can get good on anything.
Exactly - it's all there for you to practise on, for an amazing price.
$20 a track mate... i was broke for many years buying vinyl and now its obsolete
Minus alot of people's complaining about this controller all over the web, I personally think its amazing for the price. Definitely lets you play around enough to see if you actually wanted to upgrade to a professional controller :)
We love the phrase "true professionals need never fear amateurs"... :)
Forget pad scratch, that transform/ gate is SICK! I wish the DDJ SX had it . LOVE IT
Yeah, it's awesome fun.
This is such a good review! Really glad I watched it. I've been eyeing it at a local music store. Thank you!
This is was a perfect demo OMG....
Nice review Phil.
Thanks man, means a lot coming from you as always :)
Harcules jogvision good or ddj sb2, rb, sb3
Which is best and good to work
Dj Mo2 I have the jogvision. It's cool but having to plug it in for power is a pretty big flaw to me. I bought it in North America and currently am in Asia which has different outlets. Now I'm looking to sell it and get something else like a DDJ. But performance wise, the jogvision is great.
Excellent video for anyone with even a passing interest in this product!
I find your rewiew style and content, and in particular your explanation and filming of the features, to be top class among RUclips reviewers. It has really helped me identify what I can do with one of these controllers. I am just moving from vinyl and actually looking at the Numark NSX2 Pro controller purely because of its features and build quality for the price, which is more than I need to spend for what I will be doing at first however, watching this review of a (less complex) controller in conjuction with the software is EXACTLY what review, in my view, should consist of. Thanks very much for a very professional, well informed and constructed presentation.
You're welcome!
I used this controller for the first time today, i've never used a dj controller before but I actually did very good with it.
Nice work!
Cheers Phil pal,i'll be ordering in a few days👌
Nice one!
Nice, adding the speaker terminal would be great.
Jazz is always on point.
👍👊🙌
great review phil. might get this for a small house parties. jogs seem nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jose! :D
Great review Mr Phil, I like the "Pad Scratch" dont know what the big fuss is about.. Technology is moving forward "like it or not"
Thanks, and yes, we agree.
I agree. Looks like fun. And a good starter point if you want to learn to scratch.
Great review!
Excellent entry level controller.
Thank you :)
My son got one as a gift for Christmas. Can't wait for him to use it.
Here's my beginner question.
How the heck do you turn it on?
I've downloaded compatible serato software.
Just plug it in with a USB and it'll turn on
Great Review So Far....On The SB3
Thanks Aaron!
I'm sold. Iw as tempted to buy one of the expensive models bc I don't like to buy multiple of things. I am new to this, so I need to be logical. Also starting on Maschine 2.0 Studio. I got loads to learn. I will order this as a starting point.
This has plenty to get you started and beyond :)
As always great job :) When are you going to do a full review on the DDJ 1000?????
Thanks Jay, expect it in the next day or so :)
Where's the DDJ 1000 review? I have one but always enjoy your reviews of hardware.
It's actually due in the net 24 hours :)
Excellent. Look forward to it. Great review of the SB3
Thank you!
11:35. You’re welcome.
🙌
Super great for beginners!
Definitely! Cheers Brandon :)
Great review Phil!
Thanks :)
Great review mate. Does the crossfader have a sensitivity button. To adjust when cutting during scratching?
Buy an adaptor if you have 1/4" headphone plug.
True, but the 1/4" to 1/8" adaptors are pretty big and clunky.
This is a well built controller, but in all honesty, it’s better to actually scratch live. I’m not saying this simply because I learned how to scratch on vinyl, but it blends more naturally that way. That being said, it’s a nice learning tool for those who need it.
I’ve used the Numark NV2 for awhile and sold it for the smaller Numark Mixtrack Platinum. While it would seem like a massive downgrade, both share the same width in my flight case, but the overall lower weight is much nicer in general. The other nice feature as someone who scratches, are the LCD screens in the oddly small jog wheels that show the position of the track, the time remaining, and the beats per min.
With those features, plus the light size and vastly superior full sized pitch faders, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum, which is roughly the same price, is a better value. The sound output is excellent, though my main output and mics go through another sound mixer, which is my PV AT10. For those that want the scratch samples, if you use Virtual DJ, go to the samples folder in My Documents and create a new folder called Scratch Pads. Then when you open up Virtual Dj, go to the Samples list and drag and drop them into the pads. In the options you can set samples to pressure sensitive, play/stop, or play all the way though. You can even set the samples to beat match so the scratches fit the tone properly. This basically gives you all the features of the Pioneer, but with better job wheels and full sized pitch faders.
Personally though, just scratching is a better experience, but there are a lot of options to test out for the sample pads, and there are 16 possibilities for Pad load outs, and far more if you click into the next tab and load whatever samples you want from the air horn to the other famous call outs.
Thanks for the feedback!
Nice demo!!
Thanks!
good job ....great video straight to the point
Thanks Mark!
Just looking for for that scratch pack
Thank you for this video. I'm going to get this one
No problem!
Great review. I have this hardware and am now ready to upgrade to Serato DJ pro. Will it work on the Serato DJ Pro?
Yes it will
Thank you for making this! Helped heaps x
No problem! Glad to hear it
Great detailed review! Thank you very much! Does this controller works with VirtualDJ?
Yep: www.virtualdj.com/manuals/hardware/pioneer/ddjsb3/setup.html :)
@@digitaldjtips Yes the doesn't cost much. I've been using VDJ for some years now and it's very good.
pioneer need to give better pitch faders like the RX etc for entry controllers in future
That said these are very accurate.
Digital DJ Tips great controller but I do see DJs who might play for example Uk Garage, Drum n Bass not having that pitch for it , EDM house club yes it be fine
Hey!
Love your reviews!
Would you recommend the SB3 over the Numark Mixtrack Platinum? Can’t decide...!
Both good, it's personal preference.
What capacity do I need to buy or have the computer?
you explained everything soo well!! thank you!
You're welcome
A lot if the video time interval I thought the background music is Mr. Kitty - After Dark. It never was tho, but the melodies were alike.
Fair enough :)
great vid.....keep up the greatness
Will do! 🙌
Awesome Review Phil Many Thanks... Phil Party Percussionist
Thank you
Can anyone answer a question for me? I'm a beginner DJ and I'd like to know if the jogwheels would keep playing if I kept my hand on them after a rewind/spin back. Kind of hard to explain but hopefully someone catches my drift. Any help much appreciated!
You have the option to have them in "vinyl" or "slip" mode to fit your needs :)
Should I use it for the big wedding party? If yes how watts of speakers should I use?
Thanks
It's not really meant for professional use, Clemsto. It would be a good backup controller for such events, though.
Awesome review
Cheers Chris! 🔥
Oh , is the scratch pad mapable? i can put pitch blend (tone play) on those
If you can still see this, what would be the next step from this?
Do you mean which controller would be a good upgrade? If so check out the DDJ-800 or 1000
Great video!
Thanks!
Is it possible to turn if off somehow when I stop with mixing? Or the only way is to plug it out? I can hear some interference with my Logitech Z-2300 speakers. Thank you.
Hey Michal, what function are you looking to turn off?
Hello, sorry for the stupid question, I am new to this business.. I own desktop PC so far, so I connected the controller to it. I was looking for an on/off switch after mixing, when I want to do something else on the PC, but I see the only option is to plug the cable out of the controller.
How to I set up pioneerdj desk-sb3 in virtual dj
Hey Deric, reach out to Virtual DJ forums/support and they can help you get started, but it should be supported just fine :)
Hey digital dj tips, I have a big problem. Before the ddj-sb 3 came out i wanted the ddj-rb now with the sb 3 here i can't make a choice. i know every ups and down after doing some research but I still do not know wich one to choose. can you help me?
Hey Ruben, biggest thing: if you just want to use Rekordbox DJ, go for the RB, otherwise, go for the SB3 :)
I cant get the censor button to work with serato pro. Any ideas? pushing it adds a new hot cue
Hmm, well check out this tips video real quick - if that doesn't help, reach out to Serato support for additional troubleshooting ideas: www.digitaldjtips.com/2018/05/how-to-censor-a-track/
To the FX FADE, can you implement more types of effects? or its limited on a few just "fade" type effects? I`m comparing with the ddjRB-the PAD FX, that has a lot of cool effects to play with.
I think it's fixed
Pls I want to know why my sb3 crossfader is not bringing sounds when am scratching.....
Good review
Thanks!
Phil will this controller work with a Google Chrome book for the software?
Not that I know of.
Hi! Do you recommend me to buy a DDJ-SB3 and the program Djay Pro if I want to start to dj-jing?
DDJ-SB3 is for Serato DJ, you get a "lite" version in the box. Or buy the DDJ-400 which has a fuller software package for free, making it great value.
Digital DJ Tips yes I know, but I like djay Pro because you can dj with spotify which saves much work when you don't need to download or buy all the songs online :(
Trying to us the FX feature on the Serato DJ Lite and its not working at all for me. Can anyone help me please? :(
Can you use dvs ?
No
Lol! I'm literally laughing out loud. Great video as always
Thanks DJ Keo
Did we miss a comedy act or something? What I saw was an outstanding demo of an impressive new budget controller product. Pioneer owns.
Does this work with dj algoriddim app?
Don't believe so (at the moment)
is the break stop feature in Serto Dj Pro?
You can check out all the FX expansions available here: serato.com/dj/pro/expansions/fx
Great review!! Would you be able to do a video recommending some backpacks and travel bags for this controller, since its going to be such a hot seller.
Good idea! We'll add to our list :)
what's the "slip" mode do there Phil? Shift of the vinyl mode.
"Slip" mode lets you put your hands onto the controller to stop the track, scratch etc., and when you take your hands off the controller again, the track continues to play from where it would have reached had you not done so.
@@digitaldjtips Thanks Phil, i brought one of these last week so i could spin some tunes on holiday. Love it, first time not using decks and i can see why people switch over. If any one reading, digital village are doing a great deal, i basically got the Serato pro licence for free with them. Phil, I've heard a few people say that they've noticed the sound quality isn't as good as a standard cdj / mixer set up on a big system, what do you think?
Well, this is a consumer controller so it won't have the same sound quality as true pro gear, but it's pretty close if you use good quality music files.
@@digitaldjtips Nice Phil. my digital is mostly wav but had to go back to mp3 as i was running out of space. thanks man
You're welcome :)
sir what kind of mac you use ?
We recommend Macbook Pro's, 15" if you can stretch to it :)
Why does not jog wheel rotate while playing a track??
Jogwheels don’t usually rotate on controllers with a motor, they’re static unless you’re using them.
Thats really too bad to hear that when you upgrade to serato pro the buttons under the jog wheel are hard to find and use.
Thanks for watching Jason
The fall back on the SB3 tho ... Can't use serato pro
it can, but it'll cost you $99 to upgrade Serato Lite.
for real???? damn didnt know that, thats fucking stupid! ahhhhhhh
Of course you can use Serato Pro where did you hear that you can't? As Miguel said you just have to pay to upgrade, and if you already have a Serato Pro license then you're good. On the Pioneer website it says "Master Serato DJ Lite, then when you’re ready, purchase Serato DJ Pro to progress on the one machine."
Does a numark mixtrack platinum work with serato dj lite?
Yes
@@digitaldjtips so it just plug and play to serato dj lite?
Yes, should do.
@@digitaldjtips oh ite thanks but i wanna buy a controller which one would u prefer ddj sb3 or numark mixtrack platinum
They're both good, you can't really go wrong with either.
Dope!
🙌
The jazzy jeff button !!! Lmfaooo 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
:)
pioneer the new apple I knew they was deliberately making dj equipment that was the best they could make just trying put Serato on it to sell never change the jog well and the led
I hate that the only output is from RCA cables. :(
Pretty standard on entry-level controllers though, Geo C.
Digital DJ Tips very true. Was looking for something as a backup lol. Plus. It’s under 300 haha
thathss sstho cool
😊
This guy is just a hater I bet you can even scratch Lol
Dope Review Phil
Thank you :)