Watching a skilled DJ turning random scratches, loops, and samples right into a catchy tune is mesmerizing. If it’s a talent you’ve aspired to, or only one you’d wish to experiment with in your free time, Pioneer’s new DDJ-REV1 is an inexpensive all-in-one various to dropping just a few thousand {dollars} on a pair of turntables and a mixer—assuming you’ve already bought a laptop computer.

What began out as a strategy to flip a pair of file gamers right into a playable instrument has developed into a real musical artwork type, though over the many years the tools has modified dramatically. Belt-driven file gamers powering the house stereos of the ‘70s and ‘80s were replaced with direct drive alternatives with more torque and power like the Technics 1200 line from Panasonic that remains a beloved tool of DJs to this day, while simple mixers with cross-faders have gained the ability to quickly and easily record and playback samples and instantly create loops.

Scouring music stores for rare vinyl to sample was also once a big part of DJ culture, but even that has been streamlined over the years. Now vinyl records have special encoding that computer software can read and use to manipulate the playback of digital files. DJs who specialize in techniques like scratching and beat juggling still tend to rely on a pair of turntables with a mixer perched in between, while those performing at clubs often prefer all-digital DJ controllers that offer more functionality and a smaller footprint. With the new DDJ-REV1, Pioneer is bringing the best of both of those setups to a more affordable solution.

Officially available starting today for ~$340 (€299) the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 is billed as a “Scratch style 2-channel DJ controller” compatible with the Serato DJ Lite software running on a PC, or the Serato DJ Pro software as an optional paid upgrade. It’s not the primary DJ controller for shoppers from Pioneer, however it’s the first to function a structure that’s extra optimized for scratching. It has bigger jog wheels borrowed from considered one of Pioneer’s extra pro-level controllers and longer tempo sliders now operating horizontally above every wheel—a setup that makes the DDJ-REV1 really feel extra like acting on a pair of Technics turntables, or Pioneer’s personal PLX line.

Other structure modifications embody the efficiency pad buttons moved to the center of the controller alongside the mixer controls the place you’ll additionally now discover FX paddles, positioned in the identical spot the place they are often discovered on Pioneer’s pro-level DJM-S collection mixers. The new DDJ-REV1 isn’t nearly familiarizing aspiring scratch DJs with the tools utilized by established performers, it additionally consists of software program instruments to assist amateurs produce professional-sounding tracks with fewer hours spent practicing.

A Tracking Scratch function mechanically reverts a observe to its start line when the jog wheels are turned backwards or when a performer takes their hand away, making it straightforward to scratch a particular pattern with good accuracy with out utilizing the crossfader. Automatic Scratch Crossfader Cuts patterns can recreate distinctive sounds created by means of skillful crossfader manipulation—minus the necessity for expertise. Is that dishonest? Maybe, however these eager to pursue this as only a pastime definitely gained’t care, and that appears to be who Pioneer is particularly concentrating on with this new controller.