Last month, we teamed up with Pioneer DJ to create a selection of DJ basics tutorials, using the DDJ-400. Now, we’re back with another selection of tutorial videos, this time focussing on the DDJ-SB3. Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-SB3 controller is a fantastic piece of kit for taking your setup on the road. It features an intuitive layout with all of your major controls, and more, right where you need them. The inbuilt pad scratch feature and large jog wheels enable you to scratch just like you were using turntables and it comes stocked with eight of hip-hop legend DJ Jazzy Jeff’s different scratch recordings. If you’d like to get to grips with DJing, our London school is sponsored by Pioneer DJ and kitted out with the latest and greatest in studio tech. Check out our full line of DJ courses here.
During the videos, our very own DJ Ravine explores a variety of techniques, such as long mixing, cueing and pad scratching to get your mixing game on point. To see our video tutorials using the DDJ-400, head here.
Long Mixing
A long mix is when you have two beat-matched tracks which you bring together over a long period of time. This is a great technique to gain more control over the levels and blend in your mix and can result in some ultra smooth blends.
Cueing Techniques
In this quick tutorial, DJ Ravine turns his attention to the pads on the controller, focussing on the hot cue functions, and how to add and remove your cues. Hot cues are useful if you’re looking to jump between sections of a track without interrupting playback and you can even set them up without your controller connected before your DJ set.
How to Use Pad Scratch
Above, DJ Ravine demonstrates the DDJ-SB3’s unique Pad Scratch feature, which was developed by the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. The controller features 8 popular scratch patterns, which can be activated at the push of a button and used to create interesting transitions between your mixes.
London isn’t the only place we can teach you how to become a master behind the decks. We have schools which specialise in DJing and music production in Los Angeles, Ibiza and Mumbai, all with a number of exclusive discounts on software and hardware. If you have any questions about our courses, feel free to contact us.
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