Pioneer DJ DDJ-400, the best mixer for beginners

Hoy nos adentramos en un análisis para los amantes de la música, y más en concreto, para aquellos interesados en la electrónica. Las mesas de mezclas esconden un montón de utilidades y funciones que hoy vamos a tratar de descubrir en la Pioneer DJ DDJ-400. No es el primer aparato de Pioneer DJ que analizamos, ya que también hemos repasado los Pioneer HDJ-S7, otro de los básicos dentro de un buen equipo de DJ. ¿Qué tiene que ofrecer esta mesa? Pues para muchos, esta es considerada como una de las más accesibles para personas novatas con ganas de aprender, además de ser una con mejor relación calidad-precio. Sigue leyendo para conocer mucho más sobre esta mesa de mezclas.

A more than adequate design

In general, the way the table is designed gives the feeling of being much more professional than others on the market that are around this price. We really like that they wanted to give it a suitable character for beginners, but that it does not abandon the usual distributions of more expensive and specialized tables. However, this model tries to be an initiator, a transition model so that you can acquire good habits for the future.

Materials and measures

This two-channel controller is designed with a matte black plastic, with small metallic details and some that try to imitate it. All the finishes are very fine because the surfaces are smooth and shiny. The measurements chosen are 48 centimeters wide, 27 deep and a height that is close to 6 centimeters. These lengths are ideal for a table that seeks to be transported easily, without causing much discomfort. This is also helped by the weight, which in this case is 2.1 kilograms, very little if we take into account the number of terminals it includes. In addition, the added handles on both sides make it easier to place, handle and move in case of any last minute changes.

Layout and use of buttons

The buttons are small, at least if we compare them with more professional tables. However, they are not uncomfortable, because they respond well to movements, they are firm and the materials used make handling very comfortable. The different functional activators are distributed in a very common way in this type of apparatus. In the central part is the browser to select the tracks, the gain adjustments by channels, three-band equalizers, the filters, the CUE buttons and the vertical and horizontal faders. To its left, we continue with a fairly standard line, headphone section with mix and volume management. To its right, the master volume controller, another CUE button, but in this case to control the master sound through the headphones, and an effects section with the DJM style typical of much more professional Pioneer DJ tables, making it which is a punch

Already entering the organization of the sides, the first thing we see in the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 are two high-quality control wheels. They move in a fantastic way and are quite comfortable. On them we have buttons to make loops and memory CUE. Below, another button to control the CUE, the button to press play or pause, as well as many touch pads that allow us to add a large number of different effects; Hot CUE, beat loop, beat jump or Sampler, as well as some extras accessible with the shift button. Finally, at the ends, two sliders to control the tempo of the mix, their large size helps a lot to manage.

Connection options on the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400

On the front we have the Jack headphone input, so we will not have to buy ones with a USB input. On the back are the circuit connectors, such as the microphone input. Also the output for the master, which uses an RCA type connection. The USB connector, in the same way, is in this part and, finally, a slot to put an anti-theft lock. The truth is that it has more than we expected from a table of this price, the distribution is magnificent and the connections allow a very complete job to be done.

What can we do with the table?

The sound card that it uses means that we achieve results that are not entirely bad. You have to be honest and admit that, as expected, the drop in quality is noticeable if we compare it with higher tables. Even so, in fairness to the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400, it doesn't sound bad and the problems appear when we turn the equipment to its maximum power. However, we re-emphasize that this is a beginner's table, and it's quite amazing that such a successful mix can be done.

All the sounds on the console can be heard on the headphones, including those of the track in the background. This may seem like a no-brainer for those with more professional tables, but the truth is that not all models around this price include something so essential. Prelistening also works wonderfully and makes us transport ourselves to the use of higher quality tables.

Finally, we are going to highlight that the table can be connected to all types of computers, either with Windows or with MAC, and that after its connection it will not be necessary for the table to be connected to the electrical network. This makes its use much more comfortable, since we can place it much more easily in any place that has a good surface. In addition, and as an extra, we can affirm that the table can also be connected to a mobile phone, specifically Apple models, although we will have to buy an official USB adapter from the brand.

Rekordbox DJ license included, a great success

But if there's one thing we liked about the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400, it's the inclusion of a professional recording license, Rekordbox DJ. The truth is that this software is essential for efficient use of the console, since without it we won't be able to record everything we play. Taking into account that this type of licenses usually cost more than 100 euros, it is quite good that they include it within this type of slightly lower ranges.

Features of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400

Availability and price of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-400

It is clear that the objective of the brand is that you get used to using a mixer, and more specifically, one that belongs to Pioneer DJ itself. It allows you to do many things, but the distribution of the terminals, like the different buttons that it includes, are very reminiscent of the company's controllers that already fall within the professional ranges. Learning will be effective, even if you change brands later, but it will be much more so if you continue with them. For this reason and for everything discussed in this text, we have to say that we really liked the table and that if you are beginners it will be very good for you to start with it. That's why we give him the Silver GizAward.