Pioneer DDJ-SX3 for Serato DJ Tested

A DDJ-SX3 unit arrives at our lab, a recent update of its predecessor, the DDJ-SX2, which left such a good impression among hobbyists and professional mobile DJs. It’s a controller packed with tools that go beyond mixing, allowing for a true outpouring of creativity limited only by your imagination. Holding the DDJ-SX3 in your hands explains the leadership Pioneer DJ enjoys in DJ booths around the world.

When you work with a machine like this, you understand that what a DJ does goes far beyond stringing together a sequence of programmed songs. The DDJ-SX3 has a set of features that let users stamp their own talent and personality on the performance. The set can be truly unique and take on a life of its own for the party or event. Let’s look at how and why.

Unboxing

Perfectly packed, together with the power and USB cables, Serato licenses and a printed manual in several languages, including Spanish, this controller for Serato DJ arrives at our test bench. All this power is housed in a sturdy 66 x 35 x 7 cm chassis. A solid, generous surface, yet weighing just 6 kg, which makes it ideal for transporting in portable DJ setups for sets in clubs, parties, weddings and corporate events.

A very visual design

A clean, well-lit surface, very clear thanks to its color coding, with durable, high-quality knobs, faders and pads.

Multicolor performance PADS. They change color and lighting to show content, PAD mode and playback status.

Jog wheels with reduced latency. They allow smoother, more natural scratching. They improve latency compared with the SX2 and provide information on the playback position.

Clear design. Its color coding is especially clear. Very visual information clearly marks out the different sections of the machine. Even in the dark (as it should be).

Layout

The machine is designed to offer the most flexible and versatile solutions when we need to combine several DJs, computers and even MCs taking part in the party or event. We have a four-channel mixer. Four independent inputs and various outputs for connecting different types of speakers, with two USB inputs (dual USB port) that even let us connect two different computers (for two DJs). Up to three mics. It also has a new mic input with volume control that lets you talk (sing, etc.) without taking up any of the mixer’s four channels. The back panel has two twin inputs for distributing up to two more mics among the audience (dance floor, etc.) without interrupting the mix. The mic signals can be EQ’d and processed with effects independently.

As for effects, we’ll use the popular Filter, Echo, Jet and Noise, which will bring texture, color and warmth to our set.

Software

The DDJ-SX3 works independently as a mixer, but it gets the most out of itself when connected to a computer (two if needed in this case, as we mentioned). The unit includes licenses to download and install Serato DJ Pro to streamline our playlists and combine the potential of the software with the hardware.

It also includes the license for Serato Pitch Time DJ, so you can use Key Shift, Key Sync, Pitch Play and other advanced functions to mix tracks smoothly and harmonically

In our test, we installed the driver and all the additional software on a Mac running macOS High Sierra 10.13.5. The process took us less than 5 minutes, and the unit instantly appeared among the computer’s audio devices. Power cable plugged in, USB cable to the computer and outputs to two pairs of active monitors. Easy as pie. Zero installation problems.

* Serato Flip lets you make custom edits of your tracks and play them back at the touch of a button. Be even more creative by skipping or repeating sections on the fly.

* Pitch ’n Time gives you the creative freedom to change and sync the key of your tracks, as well as to speed them up and slow them down to extreme tempos. Enjoy the ability to mix, cut and scratch while keeping the key and audio quality perfect.

Connectivity

Outputs. The back panel has Master 1 outputs in XLR format, Master 2 in RCA format, and both in 1/4" TRS format.

Inputs. Channels 1 and 2 in RCA format with a LINE / PHONO selector. Channel 3 RCA L/R and combo XLR (line) + 1/4" TRS (mic). Channel 4 in RCA (line) and XLR (Mic2).

USB A and B ports

Mini-jack and 1/4" jack headphone outputs and main mic input. All with volume knobs

Conclusions

Priced at €1,099, this is an impeccable four-channel DJ controller for Serato DJ Pro. It substantially improves on its predecessor, the DDJ-SX2, among other things with reduced jog wheel latency; it is portable (it includes side handles) and packed with advanced functions for professional DJs. A quality design, as Pioneer DJ has accustomed us to. Very clear and visual thanks to its color coding and lighting. Sturdy controls and light weight. Clearly designed for mobile setups. Combined with the included software, we can pull off true feats that are highly personalized and professional. Holding the DDJ-SX3 in your hands explains the leadership Pioneer DJ enjoys in DJ booths around the world.

Technical specifications

Serato DJ Pro system requirements