You might have come across the term “battle style layout” or “battle style DJ controller” on devices such as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1, DDJ-REV5 and DDJ-REV7. Here’s what this kind of control layout is all about, where it comes from, and why you might care about it.
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What is a battle style DJ controller layout?
Simply put, a battle style layout is a way of positioning controls on a DJ controller that resembles a traditional battle style DJ setup. This term refers to a situation in which vinyl turntables in a performance setup are rotated by 90 degrees to provide easier access to turntable platters – this gives scratch DJs more room to work with the record as the tonearm doesn’t get in your way during your scratch performance.
What is a traditional battle style setup?
Scratch DJs will often set up their vinyl turntables and mixer in a battle style layout, giving them easier access to the records without the tonearms getting in the way.
This is done by rotating the turntables 90 degrees counterclockwise, placing the tonearms and pitch controls toward the back of the setup and bringing the play/start buttons closer to the performer.
The battle style setup is just that – a DJ setup consisting of two vinyl turntables rotated by 90 degrees counterclockwise and an audio mixer in the middle.
The battle style layout makes it easier to perform intricate scratches as it gives you more space for your hand to grab the record.
DJ controllers with battle style layout
Pioneer DJ’s REV series currently includes three main battle/scratch-style controllers: the entry-level DDJ-REV1, the more advanced DDJ-REV5, and the DDJ-REV7 with its motorized jog wheel platters. These controllers bring the battle style turntable and scratch mixer workflow to a single DJ controller
You might also like: Pioneer DDJ-Rev5 vs. DDJ-Rev7 (Directly Compared)
What is the most popular alternative to the battle style layout?
The most common alternative to a battle style control layout is the so-called club layout. This is a control scheme that resembles two professional DJ media players, such as Pioneer DJ CDJs, with an audio mixer positioned between them. This general type of setup is commonly found in club DJ booths, hence the name.
There are many DJ controllers and standalone systems built around this general club-style layout, including devices such as the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-FLX10, as well as the AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ.
If you’re not yet familiar with the difference between CDJ players and DJ controllers, I’ve explained that in much more detail here.
Battle style vs. club layout
When it comes to the basic mixing experience, beginners can learn perfectly well on either a battle style or club style controller.
The difference becomes more important once you develop your own workflow. Battle style controllers generally place their controls in a way that’s more familiar to scratch and open-format DJs, while club style controllers more closely resemble the CDJ + mixer setups commonly used in clubs.
If you’re just starting out, I wouldn’t worry about the layout too much. Choosing one won’t lock you into a particular style of DJing, but it can make certain workflows feel a little more natural.
A good real-world example is the DDJ-FLX4 vs. DDJ-REV1 comparison, as these two beginner controllers use club style and battle style layouts respectively.