Pioneer DDJ-1000 – DJ Controller FAQ – Most Important Things To Know

Pioneer DDJ-1000 DJ Controller FAQ – most frequently asked questions about the Pioneer DDJ-1000 Rekordbox DJ controller. When it comes to the professional high-end DJ controllers the DDJ-1000 is definitely among the most popular devices, and for a good reason! We’ll try our best to answer all of the most commonly asked questions about this DJ controller.

  1. Does DDJ-1000 come with Rekordbox software?
  2. Does DDJ-1000 work with Serato?
  3. Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. DDJ-1000SRT – what is the difference?
  4. Does the Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT also work with Rekordbox?
  5. How to turn off the auto standby feature on the DDJ-1000 in Rekordbox?
  6. Can you replace the crossfader on the Pioneer DDJ-1000?
  7. How to remove the fader caps on the Pioneer DDJ-1000?
  8. Can the DDJ-1000 function in standalone mode?
  9. How to adjust the crossfader curve on the Pioneer DDJ-1000?
  10. Can Pioneer DDJ-1000 be powered only with the USB cable?
  11. Does Pioneer DDJ-1000 support Virtual DJ software?
  12. Can you use the Pioneer DDJ-1000 with Traktor Pro 3 software?
  13. How do you fix problems with Beat FX audio output?
  14. Is the Pioneer DDJ-1000 still worth it?
  15. When will the DDJ-1000 successor come?
  16. Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. XDJ-XZ – main differences
  17. When will the DDJ-1000 be back in stock?

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Does DDJ-1000 come with Rekordbox software?

Pioneer DDJ-1000 is a dedicated Rekordbox DJ controller and it unlocks the full version of Rekordbox DJ software.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 is a dedicated Rekordbox DJ controller and it unlocks the full version of Rekordbox DJ software.

Pioneer DDJ-1000 is a dedicated Rekordbox DJ controller and it acts as a hardware unlock device for the Rekordbox software.

This means that when it’s connected to your laptop with the USB cable, it will unlock the full version of Rekordbox software. You don’t have to purchase any additional DJ software to use the Pioneer DDJ-1000 fresh out of the box.

Check out also: 8 Best Top-Notch DJ Controllers You Can Get This Year!

Does DDJ-1000 work with Serato?

Can DDJ-1000 be used with Serato? Pioneer DDJ-1000 is a dedicated Rekordbox DJ controller and sadly it cannot be used with Serato DJ software.

The Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT however, is a Serato compatible version of the DDJ-1000. It supports the full version of Serato DJ Pro, and acts as a hardware unlock device for the software.

Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. DDJ-1000SRT – what is the difference?

Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. DDJ-1000SRT - main differences.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. DDJ-1000SRT – main differences.

As we’ve mentioned, the Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT is the Serato compatible version of the DDJ-1000. While these devices are largely similar, there are some small differences between the two.

The performance pad modes are different on the DDJ-1000 and the DDJ-1000SRT because of the way the software Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro software handle performance pad controls and effects.

The information and the way its displayed on the jog wheels also differs quite a bit between these two devices.

Ultimately, the overall functionality of these devices is close to the same. Picking one over the other is purely a matter of DJ software preferences.

So, does the Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT also work with Rekordbox?

Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT - top view. Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT does not work with Serato DJ software by default.
Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT – top view. Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT does not work with Serato DJ software by default.

Keep in mind that while the Pioneer DDJ-1000 can be used with Rekordbox and cannot be used with Serato DJ software, its the opposite for the DDJ-1000SRT – it works with Serato DJ Pro, but it is not able to support Rekordbox software.

You have to decide on either the DDJ-1000 for Rekordbox software support, or the DDJ-1000SRT for Serato DJ Pro support.

Theoretically it would be possible with enough effort and skills to remap the DDJ-1000SRT controls to work under Rekordbox software, but remember that the DDJ-1000SRT won’t unlock the full version of Rekordbox while plugged into your computer. You’d have to purchase a separate Rekordbox DJ license for that attempt.

How to turn off the auto standby feature on the DDJ-1000 in Rekordbox?

By default, the Pioneer DDJ-1000 will automatically enter the standby mode after a certain time of inactivity. If you don’t want this to happen, you need to turn off the standby/sleep mode of the DDJ-1000 in the Rekordbox software settings. Here is how to do it.

To turn off the auto standby feature on the DDJ-1000, follow these steps: in Rekordbox DJ software go into the “Preferences” menu -> select the “Controller” tab -> select the “DDJ-1000” controller -> here you can disable the Auto Standby mode.

Can you replace the crossfader on the Pioneer DDJ-1000?

The Magvel crossfader on the Pioneer DDJ-1000 is of great quality, but replacing it isn't a simple task.
The Magvel crossfader on the Pioneer DDJ-1000 is of great quality, but replacing it isn’t a simple task.

Replacing the crossfader on the Pioneer DDJ-1000/DDJ-1000SRT is a lot harder than on some earlier Pioneer DJ controllers that required just a removal of few front plate screws to do so (this was the case for example on the Pionner DDJ-SX2).

The crossfader replacement process on the DDJ-1000/DDJ-1000SRT involves removing the whole back plate with all the screws holding it in place, and it can be quite complicated if you haven’t done anything like this before.

Moreover, when replacing the crossfader by yourself using third party parts you will void the warranty on your controller.

The safest way to get your crossfader replaced would be to request repairs under warranty in an official Pioneer DJ repair store.

Check out also: New Pioneer DDJ-Rev7 – DJ Controller Detailed Review

How to remove the fader caps on the Pioneer DDJ-1000?

P-Lock Fader Caps need to be removed in a correct way.
P-Lock Fader Caps need to be removed in a correct way. | Source: Christian Jackson

The fader caps of your DDJ-1000 won’t come off? This is because the faders on the Pioneer DDJ-1000 make use of the P-Lock Fader Caps which cannot be removed by simply pulling them up. In fact, you can damage them if you try to remove them by force.

These types of fader caps are used in many higher end Pioneer DJ products such as the “industry standard” Pioneer DJM mixers.

Taking off the P-Lock Fader Caps is actually very easy! You can refer to this video by Christian Jackson on how to safely remove them without breaking the fader mechanism.

Can the DDJ-1000 function in standalone mode?

Only the mixer section of the Pioneer DDJ-1000 is able to function in standalone mode – that is, without the device being plugged into a laptop.

While the DDJ-1000’s mixer is on in standalone mode, the power supply needs to be connected to the device, and both of the decks will be locked and non-functional.

The mixer in standalone mode enables you to mix audio from external third party devices such as CD players, Pioneer CDJ players, mobile devices and so on.

Beginning with the original DDJ-SX, most of the high end professional Pioneer DJ controllers have audio mixers that are able to function in standalone mode.

So, can you use your Pioneer DDJ-1000 without a laptop? Yes, but only the mixer section with its audio inputs and outputs will be active. Both the decks will be non-functional when the DDJ-1000 is on in standalone mode.

How to adjust the crossfader curve on the Pioneer DDJ-1000?

Unfortunately there are no crossfader adjust curve controls anywhere on the DDJ-1000. To change the crossfader curve settings you have to do so manually on your computer in the Rekordbox software preferences menu.

You can easily change the crossfader curve setting in the “Preferences” menu in Rekordbox.

To adjust the crossfader curve on the DDJ-1000, follow these steps: in the Rekordbox software go into the “Preferences” menu -> select the “Controller” tab -> select the “Mixer” tab -> there adjust the crossfader curve settings to your liking.

Can Pioneer DDJ-1000 be powered only with the USB cable?

Sadly, Pioneer DDJ-1000 cannot be powered by the USB bus power alone. You need to use the AC adapter and the power cord supplied with it to power the DDJ-1000.

This is the case with most high-end DJ controllers, some of them like Rane ONE or the Pioneer XDJ-XZ having the power supply built into the unit for the user’s convenience).

Does Pioneer DDJ-1000 support Virtual DJ software?

The official Pioneer DJ statement regarding the Pioneer DDJ-1000 Virtual DJ software support.
The official Pioneer DJ statement regarding the Pioneer DDJ-1000 Virtual DJ software support. | Source: Pioneer DJ

Pioneer DDJ-1000 is officially supported by the Virtual DJ since January 2021. You can therefore easily use your DDJ-1000 with Virtual DJ software.

All the device’s functions alongside with the jog wheel displays are said to be functioning correctly, and the overall compatibility of the DDJ-1000 with Virtual DJ is quite good.

Can you use the Pioneer DDJ-1000 with Traktor Pro 3 software?

Although the Pioneer DDJ-1000 isn not a dedicated Traktor DJ controller, and its not officially compatible with Traktor Pro 3 software, you can use it with Traktor as long as you have an appropriate MIDI mapping on hand.

To use your Pioneer DDJ-1000 with Traktor DJ software, you can either purchase an appropriate MIDI map for Traktor Pro 3, find it online or make one yourself if you possess enough technical skill and have enough patience.

Remember however, that when using your DDJ-1000 with Traktor Pro 3 some features of the controller might work differently than if you’d use it alongside Rekordbox software, and some features may be missing altogether. All this depends on the quality of your custom MIDI mapping.

How do you fix problems with Beat FX audio output?

In the past, there were quite a few issues regarding the Beat FX functionality on the Pioneer DDJ-1000. Almost all of these problems however have been fixed by a firmware update of the controller and the corresponding Rekordbox software update.

If you’re facing any problems regarding the Beat FX audio routing or audio output it’s possible that your device is still running an older version of Pioneer DJ firmware.

Try and upgrade your DDJ-1000 firmware to version 1.05 (or higher) and rekordbox to ver. 5.3.0 (or any later stable release). This can fix your problems with Beat FX sound output.

Is the Pioneer DDJ-1000 still worth it?

One of the most important question for people interested in getting themselves a brand new DDJ-1000 is – Is the Pioneer DDJ-1000 still worth buying in the current year?

Quite a few years have passed since the release of the Pioneer DDJ-1000 (which was back in 2018). We have an extensive write-up on whether or not it still makes sense to buy a factory new DDJ-1000. You can check it out here: Pioneer DDJ-1000 In 2022 – Is It Still Worth It? (Let’s Find Out!)

When will the DDJ-1000 successor come?

Will we see a Pioneer DDJ-1000 successor come out this year?
Will we see a Pioneer DDJ-1000 successor come out this year?

Will there be a new version of the DDJ-1000 coming out soon? There are a lot of theories and speculations regarding that matter, however its quite possible that the next iteration of the DDJ-1000 series might be coming in 1 or 2 years from now.

Main reason for that would be, that the original DDJ-1000 has come out way back in 2018. 4 years is quite a lot of time without a series upgrade, even for Pioneer DJ.

You can also check out our predictions about the DDJ-1000 successor in this short article here.

Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. XDJ-XZ – main differences

Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. Pioneer XDJ-XZ - direct comparison.
Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. Pioneer XDJ-XZ – direct comparison.

Pioneer XDJ-XZ vs. DDJ-1000. There are quite a lot substantial differences between these two units, and simultaneously, these two devices seem to be among the most popular choices when it comes to high-end feature rich professional DJ controllers.

We’ve already covered all the most important similarities and differences between these two devices in our detailed comparison, you can find it here: Pioneer DDJ-1000 vs. XDJ-XZ (New Detailed Comparison!) Trust us, it’s really worth a read!

When will the DDJ-1000 be back in stock?

Why is the DDJ-1000 out of stock? There are many questions lately regarding the DDJ-1000 availability especially when it comes to the official Pioneer DJ Amazon store.

Among many things, the ongoing component shortage has committed to the scarcity of some of the high-end DJ controller models. Unfortunately, the DDJ-1000 seems to be among the DJ controllers that are harder to get by (alongside with many other ones, for one the Pioneer XDJ-XZ).

You can check the current availability of the DDJ-1000 on Amazon and Ebay using these links:

Click to check the DDJ-1000 availability on Amazon. | Click to check the DDJ-1000 availability on Ebay.

Besides checking the Amazon and Ebay stores, we highly suggest you to check your local music store supplies when searching for your brand new Pioneer DDJ-1000. Oftentimes local businesses have unsold devices in stock, despite them being already missing from the official stores. Check all of them and you’re bound to catch one!

Pioneer DDJ-1000 on Ebay:

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