The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 DJ controller features 7-inch Vinylized platters, a DJM-S inspired mixer section and customisable on-jog displays. Supplied with Serato DJ and a voucher unlocking the pitch-n-time expansion pack – this is the ultimate DJ controller for turntablists and vinyl junkies.

In a departure from the traditional Pioneer DJ layout, which is the industry standard throughout clubland, the REV7 adopts a battle-style position for the deck sections of the unit. This moves the pitch control to the top of the unit and drops the traditional play and cue button configuration. The reason for the omission of the cue button is that this unit features Vinylized platters. These new Vinylized platters, which are rotated by a high torque motor, allow for traditional cueing methods – favoured by users of vinyl and turntables.

While the DDJ-REV7 has clearly been designed with turntablists in mind, the tactile control offered to vinyl enthusiasts will appeal to many. There’s the option to switch between two torque settings, in high-torque mode the deck performs like a PLX-1000 while the lower setting matches the pick-up of the legendary Technics SL1200/1210. The pitch-bend controls can be used alongside platter manipulation to ensure you stay in the mix, it’s incredibly satisfying when you’re in complete control and it all blends together.

For those who prefer to scratch, the acrylic platter plates are grooved to feel just like a vinyl. The motors exert torque of 1.8kgf-cm when set to high output, which is perfect for 7-inch scratching and is the equivalent of 3.5kgf-cm if a 12-inch was being spun. You can also customise the feel of the platter using the supplied slip-sheets, which fit beneath the acrylic plate. These slip-sheets increase or decrease the friction between the platter and the plate – giving you complete control. You can also switch the rotation speed between 33 and 45 rpm.

With turntablism, practice is essential. Pioneer DJ have added the Instant Scratch function to allow REV7 users to practice their cuts anywhere. When engaged, the Instant Scratch mode disconnects the deck (but not the entire unit) from Serato DJ – allowing standalone scratch practice using the built-in samples and beats. When the Instant Scratch pads are not in use they can be assigned as slots for hotcue, sampler, scratchbank or saved loop.

Visual feedback is handled by the, now familiar, on-jog displays that have graced a number of Pioneer DJ products in recent years. The genius of the implementation within the REV7 is the information provided. Waveforms are not something new when it comes the on-jog displays, but here we’re provided with the waveform for the opposite deck – giving a visual insight into track position without looking at the laptop screen. You can also customise these screens, to feature logos or other graphics and the usual Serato DJ play position, BPM, Key and pitch information can be displayed as required.

So, the decks are solid, performing well whether you need to cut and scratch or mix and blend – but what about the mixer section? You’ll notice that the DDJ-REV7 is the first controller within Pioneer DJ’s DDJ range to move the position of the performance pads to the mixer section. This shift of position isn't as revolutionary as it might at first seem. In fact, it brings the REV7 closer to the DJM-S7 and DJM-S11 mixers that Pioneer DJ manufacture.

As you’d expect with a Pioneer DJ product aimed at professional DJs, the REV7 utilises the latest Magvel Pro crossfader. This highly durable fader is designed to deliver more than 10 million operations and the load adjustment can be tweaked from light to heavy from the front panel – allowing you to configure the playability to suit your style.

Just below the gain and eq section, you’ll find the FX controls. With over 20 FX, the DDJ-REV7 offers plenty of exciting transition options – especially with the inclusion of 3 newly developed FX. Duck Down is a roll effect which lowers the pitch and fades the output volume simultaneously. Helix Out records the input and repeats it, essentially like an echo, but the pitch and speed of playback increases. Finally, the Fill Echo Out captures the input before muting it and playing the delayed sound multiple times while decaying. The FX settings are managed using the FX utility software.

Performance features aside, the REV7 sounds impressive thanks to the ESS DAC technology. The ESS DAV is installed in top-end Pioneer DJ equipment, surpassing the CDJ-2000NXS2/DJM-900NXS2 sound quality. For users who live stream, the DDJ-REV7 features signal routing options within the settings utility. The microphone signal can be included or removed when streaming and recording. Other tweakable settings allow the user to adjust the headphone cue settings.

The main features of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 include:

• Enhanced sound quality thanks to ESS DAC technology.
• Battle style layout.
• Vinylized 7-inch motorised platters.
• Torque adjustment using high/low settings and slip sheets.
• On-Jog displays which include waveforms, track info and customisable DJ logos.
• Magvel Fader Pro crossfader with smooth and highly durable operation.
• Instant Scratch is a built-in scratch source.
• 3 new beat FX for exciting transitions.
• Lightweight and portable.