welchimusic

Having used both prior Pioneer controllers and newer ones, and using the Denon SC5000 series, I can fairly say these are the best "players" available. However there is only a single 'layer'. There are no performance pads. The touch display is average at best in daylight. And the feet are less stable than the new DJM-1000. So overall its time for Pioneer to update these to modern times - they serve me well but it's ready for NXS3.

The DJS-1000 has become a key part of my DJ live sets and is great for live performances. The pads are accurate and have a tight but forgiving feel. The Tempo slider is the same as the CDJ but adds two 'nudge' buttons to fine tune. I use this in 4 distinct modes. 1. A step sequencer - samples can be added from USB and 16 parts can be stepped into a sequence of 2,4, or 8 bars. In a single project you can have up to 4 patterns of any combo. 2. A performance sampler - triggering the pads indvidually lets me add richness and saturation to a track that needs that little something extra. 3. A Sampler-Sequencer that lets me sample up to 32-seconds of a track, for immediate replay. This feature makes this essentially another CDJ where i can mix out of a track, let the sample spin, and mix into a different track while that sample plays. 4. An effects filter- I can add filters and sound color to any or all parts of each of the sounds being played. For performance this is great because as I turn knobs for pitch or crush my audience sees me interacting live with a sound and adds engagement. The only drawback to this unit is to keep it in SYNC mode, i also have to SYNC my other decks. For dynamic DJing this creates a tough workflow. Ableton LINK combined with Rekordbox 6 now allows this unit to SYNC using Rekordbox in HID mode (USB connect). It's notchy but it works. I love the DJS-1000 and see keeping it around for years to come.

For an all-in-one 4 channel studio mixer this is perfect. I like Rekordbox because it's precise, I like the DDJ-1000 because it uses every feature that Rekordbox is capable of. The only thing that keeps me from using on the road is that it's a controller, and that it has a proprietary time code signal.

Somewhat limited sound bank, but for an analog step sequencer and and old schooly interface, not bad. Manual time sync sucks.

When Pioneer says 'reference' they mean it. These little guys put out massive range and are clean through any powerband. Ive only had them clip once, but it was my error. Super clean, zero distortion. My only complaint is that the shielding on the line-inputs could be better, i get signal noise occasionally.

Could be a bit more 'punchy' at the attack part of a kick. Seems muddy but that might be my studio. Its worth a shot, at this price point its hard to beat or compare.

This has been tested and benchmarked. This is the fastest traveling DJ USB stick out there right now. Why dont you have one?

This device has been rock solid at every venue I play. Its a perfect entry level platform for Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor, AVID pro tools, FL Studio, and Ableton Live. I upgraded the RAM to 32gb, and upgraded the HD to 1TB. The screen got cracked so I want a new one. Touch pad is small.