Amongst the recent Serato DJ software announcements, Pioneer announced the upcoming release of the DDJ-SX2, which comes just in time. With the latest release of Serato DJ 1.7.0, Pioneer has created the first controller that natively supports the Serato Flip controls inside the Serato DJ software. This controller inherits two of the top features from the top of the line DDJ-SZ: performance pads with velocity control and on-jog digital cue point markers. Read more about how the DDJ-SX2 is the industry’s first controller that will fully use Serato’s Flip feature, giving DJs ultimate cue-point control.
Serato Flip
In the latest Serato DJ, Serato Flip is the new feature that lets the DJ record hot cue combinations and replay them on a loop. The multi-colored, performance pads being used to trigger cues are recorded and automatically become a loop that same sequence on demand. The DJ will get six slots of hot cue sequences to use that can all be played back at a later time. On the controller itself are slot, record, and start buttons that short-cut straight to the Serato Flip feature.
The performance pad updates are not limited with just Serato Flip. The DDJ-SX2 now incorporates the highly functional multi-colored pads to control eight types of Serato DJ functions. The pads below the jog wheel offer Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, and Sampler functionality. The velocity Sampler mode will output the volume based on the strength of each tap, allowing for swing to be added to a performance.
Jog Wheel Improvements and Four Channel Mixing
Jog wheels are continually improving in Pioneer’s DJ controllers and the DDJ-SX2 further cuts down on latency. Scratch performances are said to be at their highest levels within the controller. This model will also contain Hot Cue Countdown which, via its JOG Display, will give users the time remaining to a Hot Cue point. This can give a DJ more control and accuracy when executing complex mixes.
The DDJ-SX2 also features a 4-channel mixer that not only can be used within the controller. The independent mixer can also be used with external sources such as turntables and additional CDJs. The master provides instantaneous sound levels along with independent out controls and a display indicator for all four channels when used as a standalone mixer.
Additional Features
The DDJ-SX2 features four external inputs that can be connected to any other gear a DJ may have in their arsenal. The standalone functionality allows the mixer to be used even without being connected to a computer. The DDJ-SX2 will also continue to fully support Serato by incorporating the Serato DJ DVS function. DJs will have the option to buy an expansion pack that will allow for the performance of Serato DJ deck control on the DDJ-SX2 side by Pioneer CDJ players or analog turntables. The DDJ-SX2 will also include high quality audio, slip mode, multiple connection options, a built-in soundcard, needle search, Traktor TSI, and an adjustable crossfader for any type of mixing.
Serato is making headlines lately and with the new software Pioneer took the chance to create a new controller centered on the Serato Flip feature along with adding more functionality. This controller is going to be one of the standards for the new software and since the performance pads are the same ones from the DDJ-SZ, it is safe to say the DDJ-SX2 will be a strong choice for Serato DJ users. This controller isn’t set to be released until October 2014 and is now priced at $999.00.
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(We’ll have the DDJ-SX2 in stock on release)
[…] DDJ-SX2 (More Info) – 4 deck controller, improved jogwheels with better LED feedback, RGB pads, and DVS […]
Don’t concentrate so much on equipment updates. Learn your instrument and learn the music. That is what is important! Don’t let Pioneer or any other company make you crazy with their need for you to update your equipment. Most people can’t shell out $5000.00 for their cdj’s and mixers. A good controller will more than do the job!
next year serato will add one more feature and 2 more buttons, so u have to buy the sx3
There is one huge problem with the SX2. There is no vinyl button on this. Which means you can’t turn off the vinyl function on the jog wheels. Why would they remove a button?
Vinyl button is now consolidated via SLIP button.. function remains the same with SX
Does anyone know if tractor dvd will work with this as well?
Hmm, This or the VCI 400??
It’s all about the software….your choice.
Thought NI would release something by now for traktor…..
NI is dead.
All Traktor users has already made the switch. A-Track is one that i know that changed to serato recently, i usually see him use traktor.
Jesus….that’s a rather broad statement. ‘All’ Traktor users?! Oooohhhh you must be talking about DJ’s like Carl Cox….no…wait…he usese Traktor. Ok ok….maybe your referring to Cedric Gervais….oops, no. he uses Traktor.
So no… your statement is incorrect.
or zedd, adventure club, porter robinson.. to name a few… still use TRAKTOR 🙂
I own the SX and I’m not impressed by this update. I don’t use cue points to mix out of my songs or make transitions. I use my ear. I think DJs should use that more than the fancy tools given to them. The hot cue countdown does look good though.
I really wonder how useful this new flip feature is. I was just saying the other day… They couldn’t add more buttons to my SX… how are they going to make an update to it? Just seems like clutter.
I won’t be upgrading to this model.
Sure. Sounds like you’re salty to me….
Power that sucker up, put it on some high strength line with a big hook and I bet you could catch a shark with it.
Does it do backspins? And do the filters work with analog inputs?
My friend with the sz probably isn’t happy.. Me on the other hand.. I was going to buy the numark NV.. But if this comes out for $999 I’ll be getting it.. I need industry standard gear.
a controller will never be industry standard gear
That’s what they say with CDJ during time turntable dominates the clubs and events.
This reads like an ad.
I can’t imagine the amount of time and money spent on R&D between these two companies over the last year.
I just bought the sx, and my friend just got the sz. This is frustrating, man… Damn u pioneer. I’ll just stick to traktor from now on.
the sad truth is that *everyone* does this in the electronics industry. It makes investing in a new DJ controller / computer / phone somewhat risky feeling if you’re not on the cutting edge.
that being said, you’ve still got a great piece of gear. Resell soon and you’ll like get a good price, or just keep on keeping on with some very solid kit. It’s unlikely that the SZ will be replaced anytime soon – remember that the SX came out in 2012!
gotta love Moore’s law.
…riiiight?!!!!!
The SX is 2 years old. In today’s society that could be classed as old. I’m not surprised they just released a successor. If you don’t buy a piece of DJ equipment from Pioneer within 12 months of release, then i’d just wait. Just look at the current CDJ line.
Still I’ll be holding onto my SX. Does the job for me and I don’t see myself ever using those extra features. The colorful pads are quite nice though but not something I’ll lose sleep over.
How long was it before NI released he S4/S2 MK2 since launching the originals?
TBH I have no idea. I don’t really pay any attention Tractor products.
Sometimes you can get lucky and sell your old controller and buy the new one for not much more, depends on the price of the new one and how much the old one is going for