There’s no shortage of entry-level controllers for the beginner who wants to step up from his or her “toy” controller onto something with a more professional feature set and look.
Pioneer DJ has been prolific in the DJ controllers arena, making everything from casual devices (eg the DDJ-WeGO series) to all-out pro kit that rivals what you’d see in club installations. In our first Head To Head feature we stack up two of its most popular “serious beginner” controllers: the DDJ-SB2 and the DDJ-RB.
Head To Head
1. Compatible DJ software
DDJ-SB2: Serato DJ, Rekordbox DJ, Virtual DJ 8, djay Pro
DDJ-RB: Rekordbox DJ, Virtual DJ 8, djay Pro
The biggest difference between the two controllers is the software that they work with. The DDJ-SB2 was originally meant to work with Serato DJ, but when Pioneer DJ released Rekordbox DJ a few years back, it extended the DDJ-SB2’s compatibility list to include it. The DDJ-SB2 also works with Virtual DJ 8, djay Pro and Traktor Pro 2.
The DDJ-RB, on the other hand, does not work with Serato DJ. Pioneer DJ released it to be a Rekordbox DJ-specific controller, and was one of the first controllers that started Pioneer DJ’s shift away from Serato. Apart from Rekordbox DJ, it also works with Virtual DJ 8, djay Pro and Traktor Pro 2.
Takeaway: The DDJ-SB2 has the most software versatility. If you want to spin with Serato DJ, go with the DDJ-SB2.
2. Filter Fade
DDJ-SB2: Yes
DDJ-RB: No
Pioneer DJ introduced the Filter Fade crossfader effect with the original DDJ-SB: it engages a high-pass filter automatically when you move the crossfader from left to right and vice versa. It was somewhat gimmicky and unnecessary (after all, twiddling a filter knob is one of the fun parts of DJing).
The DDJ-SB2 has the Filter Fade onboard if you’d like to use it (or perhaps map the button to some other more useful control), while the DDJ-RB doesn’t.
Takeaway: Though the DDJ-RB doesn’t have Filter Fade, the lack or presence of this feature is hardly a deal breaker.
3. Performance pads
DDJ-SB2: Four per deck
DDJ-RB: Eight per deck
While the DDJ-SB2 looks like it has eight performance pads per deck, they’re actually just four performance pads and four transport control pads. The DDJ-RB has eight true performance pads – this is one of the big reasons some DJs choose to go with the DDJ-RB.
Takeaway: The DDJ-RB wins when it comes to performance pads. If having eight pads is important for you, pick the DDJ-RB.
4. Loop controls
DDJ-SB2: Manual Loop and Auto Loop pad modes
DDJ-RB: Manual Loop In and Loop Out buttons
The DDJ-RB packs its own manual Loop In and Loop Out buttons, but the DDJ-SB2 takes Loop control a step further by having Manual Loop and Auto Loop pad modes onboard. Auto Loop means that you can potentially set loop points much quicker with the DDJ-SB2, though at the expense of having to select it as a pad mode first.
Takeaway: If you’re heavy on setting eight-bar or 16-bar loops, and you want them set quickly, go with the DDJ-SB2. Otherwise, the DDJ-RB provides basic looping buttons (including a four-bar auto loop).
5. FX section controls
DDJ-SB2: Three FX on/off buttons and a knob
DDJ-RB: One FX on/off button and a knob
The DDJ-SB2 has an FX section that lets you toggle up to three software effects per deck. The DDJ-RB lets you switch a single effect on/off, but then comes with “Beat” buttons that let you further tweak parameters. It also makes up for the lack of FX section buttons with the Pad FX mode (more on that below).
Takeaway: Do you like having hands-on control of different effects? The DDJ-SB2 is for you. If you want deeper control over a single effect, the DDJ-RB might be the better choice.
6. Pad FX and Slicer modes
DDJ-SB2: No
DDJ-RB: Yes
The DDJ-RB takes full advantage of its eight performance pads by having Pad FX and Slicer pad modes onboard, something that the DDJ-SB2 lacks. Slicer isn’t that crucial, but Pad FX mode is a big one: it lets you trigger and toggle a host of more articulate and advanced effects within Rekordbox DJ, such as gated delays, echo freeze, and filtered reverbs.
Takeaway: For the effects-hungry, the DDJ-RB goes further than the DDJ-SB2. If that sounds like you, this may lead to you picking the DDJ-RB over the DDJ-SB2.
7. Headphone cue mix
DDJ-SB2: Yes
DDJ-RB: No
When cueing up a track or beatmatching, you’d want to be able to control what you’re hearing in your headphones. A Headphone Cue Mix knob lets you adjust the volume of your cued deck versus the Master output, and makes for a better headphone monitoring experience while mixing.
The DDJ-SB2 has this knob, while the DDJ-RB doesn’t, having onboard a “Cue Master” button instead that brings the Master output into your headphones at full volume. You will not be able to adjust the mix between the Master and the cued up track. For some this may be a potential deal breaker, as DJ mixers and controllers usually have a Headphone Cue Mix knob.
Takeaway: The DDJ-SB2 has a better headphone monitoring experience overall.
8. Number of decks controllable
DDJ-SB2: Up to four
DDJ-RB: Two
The DDJ-SB2 has deck selector buttons, allowing you to control decks 3 and 4 in Serato DJ, while the DDJ-RB doesn’t. That means you’re stuck with two-deck mixing.
Verdict: If four-deck mixing is important for you, go with the DDJ-SB2.
Finally…
We’ve just listed the main differences between the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 and DDJ-RB controllers. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether or not you’d want to DJ with Serato DJ (go for the DDJ-SB2). Another plus for the DDJ-SB2 is the ability to control four decks.
For the DDJ-RB, the eight performance pads and Pad FX are the biggest draws. These, plus the fact that the DDJ-RB is newer could be enough reason for some to pick it over the DDJ-SB2. Sure, you can still use the DDJ-SB2 with Rekordbox DJ, but you’ll be missing out on the full pads.
These are both good controllers, and so you won’t go far wrong with either. Hopefully this article has helped you decide which may be better for you – but if you’re still undecided, take a look at our Pioneer DJ DDJ-RB Review and our Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 Review for the full lowdown.
Which of the two would you rather have in your DJ set-up, and why? Share your thoughts below.
Joey Santos
