The Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 is a two-channel battle mixer with a built-in Bluetooth receiver and new Loop MIDI functionality. The S7 is compatible with both Searto DJ Pro and Rekordbox. It unlocks both Rekordbox performance features and Serato DJ Pro when connected via USB.

Over the years, Pioneer DJ have created some iconic mixers. Many turntablists will cite the DJM-909 as a classic scratch mixer. The DJM-S9 was the first DVS battle mixer that Pioneer DJ released. It was an immediate success and has recently been superseded by the DJM-S11 as the flagship scratch mixer. The DJM-S7 replaces the DJM-S9 in the DJM-S range – upgrading almost every aspect of this modern classic, as it inherits many features from the S11.

Without doubt, a large part of the success which the DJM-S range has achieved is down to the clean and clear mixer interface. The design is intuitive, and you’ll quickly feel at home using the Pioneer DJM-S7. It’s obvious that during the research and development phase there was a focus on improving an already accepted layout. The engineers and designers at Pioneer DJ have certainly kept the performance orientated workflow at the centre of the S7 – you’ll be pulling off precision routines with ease.

Arguably one of the most important features of a battle mixer is the feel, and performance, of the faders. The DJM-S7 inherits the new and improved Magvel Pro faders. Despite being widely regarded as one of the best faders for cutting and scratching, Pioneer DJ have improved the feel and boosted the rigidity of the mounting shaft.

There are 16 RGB performance pads, which we’ve all come to expect from a professional grade DVS battle mixer. What is new this time is the capability to assign pad modes independently – you can now use 2 different features at the same time by assigning one on each set of pads. In addition to the performance pads, you can twist sounds on the fly with the large effect levers. As we mentioned earlier – the DJM-S7 includes all the built-in beat FX from its larger brother – the S11. These 22 effects can be used creatively with the effects in Serato DJ and Rekordbox, and it’s easy to keep track of what you’re doing thanks to the visual feedback provided by the OLED display.

The performance features don’t end there, with the all-new Loop MIDI function you can control various functions with Serato DJ or Rekordbox using a repeated MIDI signal which is synced to the current beat cycle. This adds huge transition capabilities to the DJM-S7 and is not too dissimilar to the merge FX features that were introduced with the DDJ-FLX6, but this time you have full control rather than just using the pre-programmed options. To get you started, the hot cue, sampler and key shift up functions are pre-assigned to the FX select buttons – you can use Loop MIDI straight out of the box with ease!

If you need to add some loops of tracks to scratch over quickly, the new Bluetooth receiver - which is built into the DJM-S7 - is a welcome addition. You can connect your phone and stream tracks to get ideas down or simply connect a device if your laptop needs a reboot. The audio can be routed straight out of the master output or, if you prefer, you can select which channel to feed the signal through.

As with the DJM-S11, the S7 has a built in USB hub. This makes connection of USB devices (including the Rane Twelve digital decks) straightforward. The Serato DJ Pro Scratch Bank and Combo Pad Mode are available to users of the S7 – providing rapid access to your sounds and the ability to combine two pad modes respectively. The DJM-S7 is a hardware unlock device for both Rekorbox performance features and Serato DJ Pro, the mixer is also supplied with a free pitch ‘n time Serato DJ expansion code.

The main features of the Pioneer DJM-S7 include:

• Clear intuitive layout
• Improved Magvel Pro Fader
• Large performance pads
• Large effect levers
• Loop MIDI
• Bluetooth input
• Built-in USB hub
• Serato DJ Scratch Bank
• Serato DJ Combo Pad Mode
• Plug and Play operation with Serato DJ and Rekordbox