Pioneer DJ DDJ 1000 vs. DDJ 1000SRT: make your best Decision!

It might seem a stretch, but Pioneer has always upgraded their equipment accordingly. So, as fans of this brand, we can’t help but compare two of its models to try and see which is best for everyday DJing use. But, in all honesty, once you leap Pioneer, you won’t be ever looking back.

Over the months since its release, Pioneer DJ DDJ 1000 has swooned experts and fans in the DJ realm for its superiority among other controllers available in the market. When the DDJ-1000 series came out for the first time, it was a huge hit right away. Almost everybody included this on their watchlist, taking notes of its looks, its extra features, and tricks on its sleeve.

And so, the big question is this: What’s the difference between DDJ 1000 vs. DDJ 1000SRT?

DDJ 1000 and DDJ 1000SRT, explained:

Initially, DDJ 1000 was created exclusively for Rekordbox Software. Such a move upset fans who were more inclined to use the Serato DJ Software – because it meant that they were weighing in the option to either lose the best DJ software there is (arguably!) or lose Pioneer’s latest creation with a lot of awesome features not found in any other controllers everywhere.

But, in a strategic move, Pioneer then released DDJ 1000’s Serato sister, the DDJ 1000SRT. As mentioned, this controller caters to Serato DJ Software, thus making the best of both worlds for DJs who want a supreme DJ controller that utilizes such software. 

Unfortunately, 1000SRT wasn’t a perfect replica. The DDJ-1000SRT may have been designed initially to cater to those who do not use Rekordbox, but it now features several improvements that set it apart from its predecessor. Apart from the difference in software use, the two also differ quite remarkably in terms of their features. Here, we’ll examine the similarities and differences between the two controllers to get a better idea of which one is the better option for you. Because, let’s be honest, you really can’t find a neutral stand here.

Pioneer DDJ 1000 Features:

Build Quality

The DDJ-1000’s sleek look will be the first thing that most people will notice. The same holds for its overall structure, and not just with its design. The controller features high-quality aluminum and an acrylic top panel. As a result, it has an incredible texture, and despite its large size, it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry – living up to the Pioneer DJ brand. The controller was designed with a club DJ setup in mind, so you’ll be finding a lot of its knobs, buttons, and features that are more akin to CDJs or DJM devices than that of older controllers.

Jog Wheels

What makes DDJ-1000 fantastic is its two-color-customizable LCD jog wheels. These 8-inch jog wheels, each with its display, show you a variety of effects that you could want. These include the song’s tempo, playback position, waveform, Hot Cue points, and Loop points.

Performance Pads

The DDJ-1000’s performance pad is highly sensitive and its rubberized pads are loaded with more than 16 different performance enhancements. These pads are soft and extremely responsive, making them comfortable to press on. Among the many features available on DDJ-1000 are the Beat Jump, Hot Cues, and Pad FX.

Rekordbox User

The primary reason why DDJ-1000SRT was created was because of this fact. Here, Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox DJ software is factory-installed and optimized for use with the DDJ-1000. This makes it quite easy to use without the burden on the user installing it/ The first is that compared to its primary rival, Serato DJ Pro, Rekordbox DJ Software holds its own. Many new DJs are switching to Rekordbox because it works well with the Pioneer DDJ-1000, even though it lacks some of the features found in Serato.

Pioneer DDJ 1000SRT Features:

Serato DJ Pro

The DDJ-1000SRT’s primary selling point is that it is compatible with Serato DJ Pro. Most professionals agree that such software is more comprehensive than Pioneer DJ’s native Rekordbox and includes features and options that aren’t available in the latter. One such piece of software is Serato Studio, a DJ-centric piece of production software that is compatible only with Serato DJ Pro. While it’s up to the people to decide the best software that they’ll be using, a lot of people could still attest that Serato is the best in the field of DJ software.

FX Features Fit for a Professional

While both versions include a wide variety of Beat FXs, the DDJ-1000SRT puts more emphasis on four of its most popular Sound Color FXs: Filter, Dub Echo, Pitch, and Noise. Meanwhile, this version already has a few extra FX built in, but the SRT version promises to improve upon them by making them the mixer’s focus.

4-Input Feature

Another awesome feature found in DDJ-1000SRT is its input channels that are emphasized throughout the user interface. Although these four controls are also present in the original, they are given a little bit more relevance in the SRT version. with this, DJs can plug in their choice of CDJs, analog turntables, or even another DJ mixer thanks to these various inputs. The Master, Mic, and Booth inputs also allow for direct connection to the microphone or PA speakers.

A Bit Expensive to Buy

While it’s fair to assume that both have the same qualities in terms of their features as well as their build, another thing that’s different from them is their price. Despite the little differences, the DDJ-1000SRT is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, due to Serato being more costly than the Rekordbox. For someone who already has hesitations about buying an expensive controller, this might be a dealbreaker.

Takeaway:

Despite their differences, both DDJ 1000SRT and DDJ 1000 are pretty incredible in terms of their overall capacity as a standalone DJ controller. You might find it hard to decide immediately given that the two are basically the same (except for some key features), so thinking and researching it first might give you an advantage in picking what’s efficient for you. As a DJ, you must know what needs you should fulfill first before diving into one of the most important decisions you might make for your career.