Product Comparison: Pioneer DDJ-RB vs Pioneer DDJ-SB2

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Pioneer DDJ-RB Portable 2-channel Controller

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Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

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General Specifications

Brand

Pioneer

Origin

Malaysia

About the Product

The entry-level DDJ-RB is inspired by our professional controllers for rekordbox dj, the DDJ-RZ and DDJ-RX. This USB-powered, 2-channel controller is all you need to get started with our rekordbox dj DJ software.

Hitting the decks has never been easier and more intuitive - even for first-time DJs. Not only does it boast all popular features from the DDJ-SB – such as Filter Fade and Performance Pads – but it now boasts features not usually found at this price point, including trim pots, level meters, the Pad Trans beat effect and 4-deck control.

Model

DDJ-RB

DDJ-SB2

Key Specs

Jog Wheels

Yes

Number Of Channels

Effect Type(s)

Filter, 3-band EQ, Samples, FX group

3-band EQ, Filter, Samples, FX group

Software Compatibility

Rekordbox dj

Serato DJ Lite, Serato DJ Pro

Jog Wheels
Number Of Channels

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Pioneer DDJ-RB Portable 2-channel Controller

I also already used Rekordbox to manage my DJ tracks for my CDJ setup, so it was an easy transition to Rekordbox DJ software (I have previously used Serato only).
Love this ddj. Best part of it is that rekordbox has a payed license by just buying this item and does not need any extra expenses to dj.
Works great! Was really easy to setup Rekordbox and connect. For those are just starting out this is great because you don't have to worry about which controller to get, and then which software to get, and if there are any other fees or compatibility issues.
The jogs are perfect, there is almost no latency and designed for and shipped with rekordbox dj which it works best with(try it its an excellent program) and as I recently discovered it works with virtual dj if u have the latest update its a bit small but believe me worth it.
My issue is more with the Rekordbox software than it is with this controller. The biggest issue i had with the unit was that it only has 1 effect button. If you are a Hip Hop DJ than this may not be a big deal however, if your are a house/drum&bass DJ than this unit will limit you a little.
Not a bad controller, especially for the money and included rekordbox key. however, i have experienced some occasional buzzing that seems to show up. all in all you get what you pay for.

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

Designed specifically for Serato unlike a lot of cheaper controllers
This is an amazing DJ controller. There are an insane amount of possibilities with this compared to other starter controllers and the best under $300. It has different options to loop tracks and play sound effects.
Despite coming with Serato Intro, I used the table with Djay Pro (Algoriddim), and the response of controls, mixer, pitch, equalizers, effects and crossfader, were perfect.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 controller is an amazing product for the cost with a cutting edge quality, and a clean digital sound. The jog wheels with platinum touch are very precise.
The jog wheels are plenty large, considering the mid-size style of the layout. The only drawback is they don't light up, like their bigger, more expensive Pioneer brothers.

Size & Weight

Height

2.3 in.

Width

19.2 in.

19.17 in.

Depth

10.72 in.

10.68 in.

Weight

4.63 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Pioneer DDJ-RB Portable 2-channel Controller

It is a very durable controller and packs in quite a bit of functionality for the size and price.
The DDJ-RB is lightweight and easy ta carry.
Its lightweight portable and easy to setup and use.
It's nit bulky and heavy for me. I even can take it in bag to any party/

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

Feels very rugged. Incredibly responsive.
This is the best small sized controller. Pioneer has put great work into the engineering and quality.
Lightweight, compact. Serato is a solid solution. Works right out of the box.
The controller is small and light, making it easily portable.
Casing is all plastic, which keeps the weight down but makes it feel somewhat flimsy.

Features

Decks Control

Cue, Play, Hotcues, Pitch, Key lock, Sync, Gain, Faders, Crossfader, Vinyl mode

Cue, Play, Hotcues, Shift, Sync, Vinyl mode, Faders, Crossfader, Pitch, Gain, Key lock, Slip mode

LED Metering

Yes

Additional Controls

Master Volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level, Cue mix, Mic volume, Filter Fade

Master Volume, Mic volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level

Looping Capability

Yes

MIDI

Yes

Input(s)

MIC/Line, Phones 1/4", Phones 3.5mm, USB type B

MIC (1/4 inch Jack), USB type B

Output(s)

RCA stereo

MASTER (RCA), Headphone monitor (1/4 inch Jack, mini-jack)

Extras

4 Rubber "Performance Pads" per deck provide Hot Cue, Auto Loop, Manual Loop, and Sampler, New "Filter Fade" function for smooth transitions when using the cross fader, Large Jog Wheels for precise scratching and mixing capabilities

Tactile Performance Pads, Large Jog Wheels, Authentic & Dynamic DJ Play, Manual Filter, Make The Cut, MIDI compatible

Power Source

USB

USB Bus power

What customers say about "Features"

Pioneer DDJ-RB Portable 2-channel Controller

It has all the needed features and functionality to learn loops, transitions, and beat matching. Whenever I watch online tutorial videos, I have no issues reproducing and practicing with my controller. It came with recordbox activation code and it worked without issues.
DEDICATED hard plastic PLAY/CUE buttons similar to a standard CDJ setup, this made a huge difference compared to the mushy square pads on the SB2 for play/cue/etc.
Excellent controller but having issues with volume dips on the crossfader curve.
Record box software is too complicated for a dj to use in clubs majority of the clubs use the sorato which is much easy for a djs performance.

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

Windows driver easy to find and install.
The lighting and colors of the buttons are good, without exaggeration. In the dark or low light it shine calling more attention.
There are plenty of extra features like the special loopers and trigger pads but I don't use them. This is a solid dependable controller with a built in sound card so you can plug into a mixer or PA directly from here.
The self-powerd USB plug means there's fewer cables to worry about.
Single FX knob rather than separate controls per fx.
Top right "Load" button stopped working for no reason, so I can't use the board to load tracks into the mixer.
The USB cord is placed in the back!?!?! so it's really irritating to have you laptop behind the board because the huge USB cord is in the way, terrible placement, it should be on the left side near the mic and other imputs/such, or near the RCA outputs, not in the middle where people's laptops go.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

2 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download