Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7: Motorized Jog Wheels for Scratch DJs

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 brings the battle setup onto a single controller: its layout replicates a DJM-S mixer with two PLX turntables, according to the manufacturer, and the large jog wheels spin motorized just like real platters. Pioneer DJ unveiled the two-channel controller for Serato DJ Pro, and it now supports rekordbox as well.

At a glance

• Motorized 7-inch jog wheels with selectable torque (Low/High) and 33⅓ or 45 rpm
• 3.5-inch LCD in the center of each jog wheel showing waveform, virtual deck, cover art, or your own logo
• Instant Scratch: four built-in scratch samples, playable even without a connected laptop
• 22 Beat FX, MAGVEL FADER PRO, and two USB ports for seamless DJ changeovers

Turntable feel without turntables

With the DDJ-REV7, Pioneer DJ has built motorized jog wheels for the first time. The idea isn’t new: the Numark NS7 pioneered it, and later Rane DJ picked up the concept, for example with the Rane One. Pioneer DJ uses 7-inch platters that, according to the manufacturer, offer the same rotational stability as a 12-inch turntable platter.

An acrylic plate with a vinyl-style groove texture sits on top of the platter, with two slip sheets per deck underneath for different levels of slip resistance. You choose between low and high torque, switch between 33⅓ and 45 rpm, and set the stop time to determine how long the track runs out when you stop it.

In the center of each platter, a 3.5-inch LCD displays the waveforms of both decks, BPM, tempo, remaining time, and a digital position marker. If you prefer a classic workflow, you can turn off the marker and stick the included stickers onto the platter.

Mixer section in DJM-S style

Just like on the battle mixer DJM-S7, the RGB pads sit above the faders instead of below the jog wheels. They trigger Hot Cue, Roll, Saved Loop, Sampler, Pitch Play, Slicer Loop, Saved Flip, and the Scratch Bank. With Instant Scratch, you fire off four built-in scratch samples – no laptop required, straight from the controller.

The MAGVEL FADER PRO is adjustable in curve and resistance. On top of that, you get 22 Beat FX, including the new Duck Down, Fill Out, and Helix Out, controlled via the typical effect levers: pull down for short bursts, push up to latch. Silent Cue mutes the audible ramp-up tone on start while the platter spins up normally, and Smooth Echo automatically adds an echo when cutting. With Serato Stems, you mute individual stems, move them to the other deck, or control their volume via the EQ knobs.

Technical specifications

Who the DDJ-REV7 is for

Pioneer DJ targets the controller at scratch and open-format DJs. The pitch fader sits in battle position horizontally, and a voucher for the Serato expansion pack Pitch ’n Time DJ is included. Via the two Line/Phono inputs and the AUX input, you can mix external sources without a computer, and thanks to two USB ports, two DJs can switch without a pause.

If you prefer a more classic jog-wheel workflow, Pioneer also offers classic controllers like the Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT. Whether a controller or a player setup suits you better is covered in our overview DJ Controller vs. CDJs: What’s better for you?

Market context

For sound quality, Pioneer DJ uses a D/A converter from ESS and calls it the best-sounding controller in its lineup. Via MIDI mode “General,” it can reportedly be integrated into other DJ software as well, according to bonedo.

FAQ

Does the DDJ-REV7 work with rekordbox?

Yes. The DDJ-REV7 now supports rekordbox, and new features for Serato Stems were added at the same time.

Can I scratch with the DDJ-REV7 without a laptop?

Yes, with Instant Scratch. Four scratch samples are stored in the unit and can be played even without a connected computer.

Does the DDJ-REV7 have a booth output?

It has a balanced monitor output as a 6.3 mm jack, plus master outputs via XLR and RCA.

Source: Pioneer DJ, bonedo