While most DJs use controllers with laptops, a growing number of them – from hobbyists to mobile to “pro” DJs wanting a second system to use at home – are nowadays using “standalone” DJ systems instead.

Of course you’d be stuck with just four performance pads instead of the eight on the DDJ-RR, but you would have a controller that works with both systems. Mix instinctively with the jog wheels, play/cue buttons, mixer knobs and faders, gain pots, VU meter and dedicated loop buttons built to mirror the rekordbox dj layout.On a device this small, I’d prefer having simpler controls like these any day to avoid a crowded layout. Finally… If getting behind the decks at clubs and playing festivals are your end goals when it comes to DJing, it’s worth learning how and getting used to spinning on the DDJ-400’s CDJ/DJM-style layout. Lightweight, compact, and a far cry from the “toy” plastic DJ controllers at the turn of the decade, the DDJ-RB looks like a serious device: don’t let the size fool you! The reason for the switch is to make the jump from using FX on the DDJ-400 to the DJM-900NXS2 as frictionless as possible.

The DJ controller offers a lot of performance for little money, the rekordbox DJ software is included.

The entry-level USB-powered DDJ-RB is all you need to get started with rekordbox dj performance software. Generally, these cookies are only created based on actions you take in response to a service request, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms. This USB-powered, 2-channel controller is all you need to get started with our rekordbox dj DJ software. Surely it wasn’t a big deal to just add deck select buttons here, but I guess Pioneer DJ really wants this to be a strict two-channel device.

On the DDJ-400 though, the looping controls are transferred to the top of each jogwheel, making the layout similar to what you’d find on a CDJ or XDJ media player. It has USB power, 1/4-inch TRS Mic input, and LED lights that will keep you on track in even the darkest setting. Packed with advanced features and responsive jog wheels, the controller also has 16 tactile performance pads that can be used to trigger different effects from hot cues, pad FX’s, to jump beats and slicers. Pitch faders are essential for manual beatmatching, and generally the longer the pitch fader, the more accurate it is when it comes to zeroing in on a specific tempo. Here is what’s new with the DDJ-RB: Jogwheels The jogwheels on a DDJ-RB are large, especially for a controller this small.First Impressions / Setting up The DDJ-RB only has an 1/8″ jack for headphones (sorry 1/4″ devotees), and the back has a pair of RCA master outputs, a USB jack, and a mic input with volume control. The AlphaTheta Corporation has announced the first two products under its newly announced AlphaTheta brand: The Omnis Duo, which is a portable all-in-one DJ controller, and the Wave Eight, a portable DJ speaker. For flexibility you can choose to hear your mix through your computer’s internal speaker/connected desktop speaker or play through a wireless speaker, while using your headphones to cue independently of the master out at the same time.