DDJ-SB3 or DDJ-400 ?

I'm very interesting to buy a newest midi controller for my home fun moments.

Recently i see this newest hardware by Pioneer but i'm very confused about choosing one of them.

- The SB3 it's at today supported by some various software like virtual dj, traktor, serato etc etc. Apparently the 400 no.

- I have some dubs about the pitch fader. On the ddj-400 the fader it's pretty long like an cdj.... on the ddj-sb3 it's a little smaller and i don't know if this solution can create inprecision on usage..... some feedback ?

- I don't have found any information over internet....... about the sb3 i have found some thread about ASIO issue. My question it's...... the booth midi has the built in soundcard ASIO or not ? On Virtualdj forum about the SB3 there's exist a thread speaking about only usage the WSAPI driver.... no ASIO supported by both hardware ?

Dj Diabolik July 05, 2018 09:42 Answered

Official comment

The DDJ-400 is the replacement for the DDJ-RB, which is a rekordbox product. The SB3 is a Serato DJ product. If you want to use either of them with Virtual DJ, they will both work as they're both MIDI devices.

Both of them use ASIO drivers, which is needed for multiple channels of audio for the master / headphone outputs. WASAPI or WDM drivers are not recommended as they only output a single pair and don't provide the necessary functionality.

As for the pitch fader, it's really up to whatever you're comfortable using or familiar with. Personally, I've never had a problem using the sync button to match tracks (why not use the tools available to you?), and manual changes are accurate enough on either unit.

Pulse July 08, 2018 18:50

Post is closed for comments.

Date Votes

3 comments

-1

mmmmmmm.. usually i dislike the functional of sync or automix feature because it's designed for noob users :)

Speak about the ASIO supports........ my dubs it's related to this post on virtualdj support device:

https://www.virtualdj.com/manuals/hardware/pioneer/ddjsb3/setup.html

Look at this pics:

https://www.virtualdj.com/img/259139/83910/AudioSetup.png

It's not use the ASIO but the WASAPI driver...... because ?

Otherwise the layout of SB3 and DDJ-400 it's very similar right.... at this point the correct choice it's only a personal choice i thinks. At today the ddj-400 it's not ready to support all software (like traktor and virtualdj) but i thinks on next future it's be added...

Dj Diabolik July 11, 2018 11:21 -1 votes

"I see the industry has created this tool known as a 'nail gun,' but I'm an old-school handyman and prefer to drive nails the old, time-consuming way, using a regular ol' hammer."

Honestly, I'm pretty over hearing people say it's designed for inexperienced users. I've been DJing for over 25 years. I started on CD players with zero pitch control and no instant start. My first real CDJs had 0.1% resolution, yet I was able to beatmatch trance tracks by ear and keep a mix running for 4-5 minutes with little effort. I learned how to mix vinyl, and I know how tedious it is to cue and beatmatch. Now we have thousands of songs available at our fingertips and can sync them at the click of a button, giving us, as DJs, more time to hone our craft of creative mixing, effects, and song selection ... yet you complain it's a tool for new DJs? You WANT to spend your time beatmatching by ear? I doubt you are - I bet you're just moving the fader until the numbers match. So in that case, save yourself the effort and hit the button, then spend the rest of the time making better song choices and more creative mixes.

As for that guide, you should definitely be using ASIO regardless of what the guide says. ASIO has lower latency and better ability to send multiple outputs than other driver types.

Pulse July 11, 2018 16:56 1 vote