The effects section of the DDJ-400 does look cool, and it does create a “two decks and a mixer” feeling on this entry-level controller. While the DDJ-SB3 has a traditional effects section on top of each deck, the DDJ-400 takes a completely different approach and integrates the same controls on the right side of the mixer, much like on standalone mixers. This is probably the biggest difference between these two DJ controllers. Let’s go deeper into each set of features and compare them, side to side! The effects The effects section of the DDJ-SB3 (left) compared to the one on the DDJ-400 (right).
Input and output wise, the DDJ-400 keeps things simple: 1 RCA and 1 headphone output, and 1 mic input. The performance section has several different functions, from the usual ones such as Hot Cue and Sampler to Keyboard, Pad FX 1 and Pad FX 2, Beat Loop and Beat Jump. Finally, the DDJ-400 has (finally!) a decently sized pitch fader. Secondly, the effects section is integrated into the mixer and not into the decks as on the SB3. First of all, it’s a Rekordbox DJ controller, and it won’t work with Serato. The DDJ-400 is quite similar to the SB3, but there are a few important differences. The DDJ-400 is the entry-level DJ controller for Rekordbox DJ that replaces the DDJ-RB. Outputs: 1 MASTER (RCA), 1 HEADPHONE MONITOR (Mini-jack)
The feature layout is inspired by professional gear from Pioneer DJ. The DDJ-400 is the first beginner DJ controller from Pioneer DJ that is built from the ground up for Rekordbox DJ. Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Rekordbox DJ Controller IN SHORT
The controller comes with Serato DJ Lite but works with Serato DJ Pro as well if you are willing to pay the upgrade fee. There is an RCA stereo output, a headphone output, and a mic input, which is enough if you are starting out. The jog wheels are very nice to use and have a good spin in them, certainly good enough for scratching. The build quality of the DDJ-SB3 is very good, even if the case is entirely plastic. An important design change is the inclusion of a cue and play/pause buttons, and so that the performance pads can all be dedicated to the performance features such as Roll, Slicer, Hot Cues, FX fade… There is also the controversial Pad Scratch feature, that uses hot cues to launch sample routines pre-recorded by DJ Jazzy Jeff. The DDJ-SB3 is the third iteration of the entry-level Serato DJ Lite controller line from Pioneer DJ. More information: Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 review and video Supported DJ software: Serato DJ Lite, Virtual DJ Outputs: Headphone output, RCA stereo output
It comes with a series of unique performance features, including the Pad Scratch effect. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 controller is a very complete controller for beginners. Let’s start! Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 Serato DJ Lite Controller IN SHORT Once you sort that out, it comes down which of the two pleases you most functionality wise.
At the end of this guide, I do go quickly into the software question. So right of the bat, you do need to figure out what software you prefer: are you going to go the Serato DJ route or the Rekordbox DJ route? Our comparison guide between the two might help you sort that question out. The DDJ-SB3 works with Serato DJ Intro, while the DDJ-400 is a Rekordbox DJ only controller. The two Pioneer DJ controllers in this guide, the DDJ-400, and the DDJ-SB3, are closely related to each other, but essentially very different. The market is quite cluttered, and even if you decide to go for a Pioneer DJ controller, the choices are many. If you are right now looking out for a new DJ controller, you might have a hard time choosing.