Pioneer DDJ-ERGO DJ Controller Review
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Pioneer DDJ-ERGO DJ Controller Staff Review
Pioneer DDJ-ERGO USB DJ Controller Review Summary:
I would like to first give a big should out to SonicElectronix.com who is a great source for all of your DJ Equipment needs and they came through for us Big-Time by sending us a Brand new Pioneer DDJ-ERGO review unit. The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO is a new and relatively affordable Pioneer Digital DJ Controller that boasts lots of versatility and a nice full-feature set to satisfy many different DJ’s needs. The Pioneer DDJ-Ergo has a really nice and stylish look and feel. The shiny white boarder around the outer edge of the unit with a nice black contoured finish on the top face of the unit looks good with almost anything. The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO has great versatility since it can work with almost any DJ Software on the market. The DDJ-ERGO comes bundled with a full Four-Deck version of Virtual DJ making it easy to get started spinning right out of the box. The review was also completed with the DDJ-ERGO working nicely on Traktor Pro 2 (mapping found on the Pioneer DJ website) and the newly released Serato DJ Intro software. Personally, I felt the Traktor Pro 2 mapping was the best with the best one-to-one mapping where the features on the actual unit match up nicely to the functions on the Traktor Pro 2 screen.
Another great feature found on the Pioneer DDJ-ERGO is the ability to use the Pass-Through Aux RCA input and the quarter-inch Mic input just in case the DJ’s computer takes a dive during a gig. The user can simply plug in any interface (like an ipod) with an RCA connection and keep the party going without the software. The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO certainly has a really nice on-board full-feature set including Sample buttons, Hot Cue buttons, Loop section, and effects for each deck in use. To top it all off, the Pioneer DDJ-ERGO is competitively priced at $600.
On the downside, the Pioneer DDJ-ERGO crossfader and jog wheel mapping made it pretty difficult to pull off the tedious and rigorous scratching or back cueing that some users may want to do from time to time. No controller is really perfect for this situation, but the other DDJ’s (DDJ-T1 and DDJ-S1) are definitely better in this regard as the controllers are meant to matchup with the Traktor and Serato software suites perfectly. The DDJ-ERGO on the other hand, was meant for versatility, meaning some of the mapping suffers slightly. The other issue that I found with the DDJ-ERGO was that it is made of cheaper plastic than most other Pioneer Products. Not to say that this will break during normal use, but I would be careful when in transit moving it from location to location.
In conclusion, The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO is a stylish and versatile USB DJ controller that is mostly targeted at entry-level DJ’s in terms of price and overall feel. The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO is a great addition to the Pioneer DDJ lineup as it adds another dimension to the arsenal without dumbing it down so much that only beginners would want it. I was somewhat surprised at the amount of features on an entry-level unit which makes this ideal for even more advanced user types. I recommend the DDJ-ERGO for beginner DJ’s, Bedroom DJ’s, Mobile DJ’s who want a nice/cool light show during their performance, and any advanced user looking for an additional controller that can work with almost any software they are currently deploying.
Pros:
-Nice & Stylish Look, Design, and Feel
-Extremely Versatile with DJ Software (Works with Traktor 2, Serato Intro, Virtual DJ and more!)
-Four Decks/Tracks of control (directly out of the box)
-Emergency Pass-Through AUX input and Mic input
-Nice On-board Full-Feature Set (Samples, Hot Cues, Loops, and Effects)
-Decent Pricing for a Pioneer Product
Cons:
-Fader & Jog Wheel mapping not accurate enough for rigorous Scratching & Juggling
-All Plastic Design (be careful in transport!)
Pioneer DDJ-ERGO DJ Controller Features
The DDJ-ERGO-V brings simplicity into both setup and performance, without compromising sound quality or features. Portable dimensions and sharp styling are complemented by a single bus powered cable connection to your laptop.
All major controls and effects are intuitively positioned and ready on the first press of a button. Quick access features include four-deck control, filters, FX, Hot Cues and sample banks with loop sampling too. Features you may not expect at this price point, such as high quality audio circuitry from the Pioneer professional mixer range and dual positioning options, mean the DDJ-ERGO-V will have wide appeal.
The DDJ-ERGO-V comes bundled with Atomix Productions Virtual DJ Limited Edition, which is ready to use straight from the box. Packed with features that even top of the range software can't boast, Virtual DJ LE lets DJs scratch, mix and add modern remix effects to your music and video sets without paying for an upgrade. On top of the four decks with autosync, you get instant access to eight samples, smart loops and much more. Automatic beatgrids, high-detail waveforms and a software interface that matches the controller will make it easy to keep track of the mix. A new approach to the DDJ-ERGO-V adds a visual dimension to DJing. Pulse Control uses lights to highlight what features are in play, how accurate your beat matching is and which track is loaded.
Update:
Pioneer's DDJ-ERGO-V, currently bundled with the "Virtual DJ Limited Edition" software by Atomix Productions, is now compatible with Serato's "Serato DJ Intro" software, with the updated version that became available as a free software download mid December 2011. Users of the DDJ-ERGO-V must have the latest firmware version 1.10 to use the Serato DJ Intro software.
Bundled with Virtual DJ LE for DJing right out of the box
The DDJ-ERGO comes packaged with Atomix Productions’ Virtual DJ Limited Edition with a Pioneer original GUI and a broad range of performance functions straight from the controller.
The DDJ-ERGO boasts plentiful dedicated knobs and buttons for all your favourite functions, including four-deck mixing, filters, sample decks and loop recording. This makes it possible to access all the most important controls instantly without pressing the Shift button, which is only required for DJs looking for even more advanced performance features and settings.
Plus the MIDI output makes the DDJ-ERGO compatible with most other DJ software on the market, Traktor users can apply the included TSI settings file to control their favourite software.
NEW! Pulse control adds a visual dimension for precision performance
The newly developed Pulse Control uses light to give a visual representation of pitch, beat, effects and which decks are in use. Built-in LEDs enhance your mixing precision and add a new dimension to the art of DJing.
The main features of Pulse Control include:
Mix Pulse: A blue LED on the jog wheel shows how close the phase of the mix is during a mix. The bigger the difference in pitch, the weaker the light. The closer the match, the more intense the light shines.
Beat Pulse: LEDs in the channel faders match the beat of the track in play. Plus the strength of the light reflects output levels, so you always know if a track is still in the mix.
Launch Pulse: A red light travels from the Load button towards the Jog Wheel to indicate when a track has been loaded.
FX Pulse: Various light patterns on the Jog Wheel clearly show which FX DJs have applied.
Boasts features from Pioneer’s pro range for top quality sound and ease of operability
The DDJ-ERGO boasts many features that are unusual at this price point, including the 115mm Jog Wheel from the Pioneer pro-DJ range. The controller has also inherited the same layout as the popular DDJ-T1 and DDJ-S1 controllers. Plus the controller employs the same audio circuitry as Pioneer’s professional mixers for the master out terminal, ensuring a clear, powerful reproduction with no sound degradation.Innovative laptop integration keeps screen in DJs’ line of sight at all times
Pioneer’s laptop dock design enabled DJs to place laptop keyboards underneath the controller to use as little space as possible and keep the screen in view while using the controls. The DDJ-ERGO can also be adapted to sitting or standing positions; simply set the controller flat on any surface by unscrewing the removable legs.
Completely USB-powered for an even easier set up.The DDJ-ERGO is fully operational from a USB bus through your computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply. There LEDs shine bright and the audio output levels are powerful and loud with no compromise.
Unique “Delight” design concept suits every environment
The controller’s eye-catching design features a black top panel and black and silver half-tone Jog Wheel. With it’s rounded edges and white side panel. The DDJ-ERGO looks good in the studio, the booth or the bedroom.
Other features:
Line in and MIC input
The industry’s first lock mechanism, “P-LOCK Fader Cap”, is equipped on the cross-fader and each channel fader to prevent fader caps from slipping during performance.
Built-in audio interface.
Specifications & Features:
Compatible with Serato DJ Intro Software
Bundled software: Virtual DJ LE Input terminals
Input terminals:
MIC x 1 (1/4 inch PHONE), AUX x 1 (RCA)
Output terminals:
MASTER OUT x 2 (1/4 inch PHONE x 1, RCA x 1),
HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 2 (front 1/4 inch PHONE, MiniPin)
Other terminals: USB B terminal x 1
Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.006% or less
S/N ratio: 101 dB
External dimensions:
21.8 in (W) x 11 in (D) x 4 in (H)
(when removing the feet: 21.8 in (W) x 11 in (D) x 2.4 in (H)
Weight: 6.3 lbs
Take anywhere with USB power and plug-and-play connectivity
Sleek, stylish ergonomic design
Included Virtual DJ LE software
High quality built-in audio interface
Pulse Control provides visual prompts via various types of illuminations directly on the unit
Personalized user interface for custom audio/video control with any MIDI compatible software
Best Price for the Pioneer DDJ-ERGO DJ Controller
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