Pioneer DJ Controller DDJ-SB3 vs DDJ-400

This post was updated on: March 29th 2024

If you are new to the DJ world, it's hard to determine which DJ controller is the most appropriate for you because there are many big brands out there in the market.

Plus, most products don't appear to be very distinctive from others.

Among many DJ equipment manufacturers in the market, the Pioneer company is outstanding because their products are modern, innovative, and efficient.

Moreover, they are well-designed and affordable.

Their two most famous DJ controllers: DDJ SB3 vs DDJ 400 prove this even further.

But the problem for most customers when searching for these two is how distinguished they are from each other.

Therefore, in this post, we will go into detail of each controller to see whether it is proper for you and contrast to see what their uniqueness is.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 2-Deck Rekordbox DJ Controller
Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black, (DDJSB3)
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 2-Deck Rekordbox DJ Controller
Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black, (DDJSB3)
-
-
Included DJ Software rekordbox dj
Compatible DJ Software (not included) : Unlocks Serato DJ Lite. Paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro
Channels: 2
Channels : 2
Deck Control: 2
Deck Control : 4
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 2-Deck Rekordbox DJ Controller
Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 2-Deck Rekordbox DJ Controller
-
Included DJ Software rekordbox dj
Channels: 2
Deck Control: 2
Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black, (DDJSB3)
Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black, (DDJSB3)
-
Compatible DJ Software (not included) : Unlocks Serato DJ Lite. Paid upgrade to Serato DJ Pro
Channels : 2
Deck Control : 4

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 19:31 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

DDJ-SB3 vs DDJ-400: The Similarities

The SB3 vs DDJ 400 are top famous items within the respective market because they offer various functions required for a DJ controller at a significantly affordable price.

To point out the similarities, there are three details to mention.

Firstly, they share the same mixer functions like filter, headphone cue buttons, browse button, and the channel-headphone-master level.

Thus, both have a similar soundtrack making capacity. Secondly, their performance pads have nearly the same design and utility.

To add-in, the structure remains the same compared to other Pioneers CDJs. The control buttons are relatively firm, either.

Thirdly, aside from the color, their jog wheels don't have much difference. Both provide enough weight, durability, and resistance to scroll with.

DDJ-400 vs DDJ-SB3: The Differences

Effects 

This is the most obvious distinction between these two DJ controllers.

The Pioneer DDJ SB3 has a traditional design with the effects section located at the upper left corner; meanwhile, the DDJ-400 effects function within the mixer section.

For most entry-level DJs, the controller they were taught to use is the traditional one. Therefore, the DDJ SB3 is absolutely an easier product to use.

Users can adjust the effects quicker as well as keep track of what they are making easily. Meanwhile, the DDJ-400 controller makes most users irritated.

The integrated design is new and complicated, and users can mistake the effects button for the mixer button.

ddj 400 vs ddj sb3

Pioneer DDJ-400

As a result, users have to look at the screen to check which effects they select. Moreover, with the DDJ SB3, DJ can choose 3 effects at one time while the DDJ-400 only allows you to select one effect. Generally, the DDH SB3 has more advantages than the DDJ 400 in terms of the effects section.

Jog wheels 

Jog wheels are the most different part visually. To be more specific, the DDJ SB3's wheels are painted in gray while the DDJ 400 is black.

Based on the design trend nowadays, black ones are more preferable because black provokes the luxury, high-end and modern.

Additionally, the DDJ-400's jog wheels have a rubberized ring on the edge, making griping more comfortable while beatmatching songs. The SB3, unfortunately, doesn't have this feature.

pioneer ddj sb3 vs ddj 400

Pioneer DDJ SB3

Differences aside, these two products have quite similar jog wheels. They are both decent, light, and resistant enough to scroll.

In terms of jog wheels, the DDJ 400 wins over its competitor because of the special rubberized ring.

Pitch faders 

In this battle, the DDJ 400 beats its rival SB3 because of the convenient, standard design.

The pitch fader of DDJ 400 is located on the lower right corner, making it quicker to adjust than the upper right corner situated fader of DDJ SB3.

Given that fact, most beginners DJs prefer DDJ 400 because, in clubs, DJs must mix constantly and flexibly.

The DDJ SB3 is more proper for professionals who have more experience using DJ controllers.

The final point to mention is the tempo fader on DDJ 400 is two times bigger than the pitch fader of the DDJ SB3, so you can have better precision adjusting pitch. In brief, the DDJ 400's itch fader is more innovative and comfortable to adjust than the DDJ SB3.

Performance pads 

Take a look at the two performance pads above. They are quite similar at first glance, right? Generally, these two products share quite similar designs but just some slight differences.

To be specific, the Pioneer DDJ SB3 has a sampler, a hot cue, beat jump, slicer, roll, and trans option on its performance pads.

There are two more unique features: fx fade and pad scratch, which are the SB3's selling point over other Pioneer's models.

With that pad scratch function, users can do a couple of pre-recorded scratches from DJ Jazzy Jeff.

On the other hand, the DDJ 400 has a slightly different approach. The performance pad is smaller and offers Rekordbox DJ performance features.

Given that fact, there is a hot cue, beat loop, bat jump and sampler, keyboard, pad fx1, and 2 and a key shift.

In a nutshell, we can jump to the conclusion that both products have their own uniqueness, so there is no winner in this race.

Looping section 

The DDJ 400 has a more impressive looping section than the DDJ SB3. Inheriting the features and designs of high-end DJ controllers, the DDJ 400 contains a special "yellow button," allowing the DJ to set a 4 beat autoloop.

pioneer ddj 400 vs sb3

Pioneer DDJ 400

The other yellow button is used for re-looping and resizing the loop. All these great features are more than what you can expect from a low-budget controller.

In contrast, the DDJ SB3 has a more basic system. There is a big autoloop button and two small ones for double and cut half the loop.

There isn't any outstanding feature like the DDJ 400 has, which is such a significant weakness.

As a result, this battle winner must be the DDJ 400 controller because of its more versatile capacity.

Mixer 

Both DJ controllers share the same mixer features like filter, headphone cue buttons, master level, and load buttons.

However, one function is considered innovative from the DDJ 400: headphone mixing knob.

DJs can mix songs playing through the deck with the song playing on your headphones with this feature.

This is the best way to check if the music transits as you want to.

On the contrary, the Pioneer DDJ SB3 has a basic, traditional mixer design with all necessary functions.

This controller is a better choice for entry-level users because it is similar to what they were taught.

In a nutshell, we can see that the DDJ 400 offers more comfort when mixing songs by the special feature: headphone mixing knob, making it overshadow the competitor DDJ SB3.

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 19:31 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Software 

The DDJ SB3 comes with Serato DJ Intro, while DDJ 440 was programmed with the Rekordbox DJ.

ddj sb3 vs ddj 400

In general, these two softwares are equally good and stable. They also offer enough features demanded for DJs. However, there is a remarkable difference that we need to discuss.

The Rekordbox DJ, built-in with the DDJ 440, is in "premium" mode, so the DDJ 440 users can explore every feature that the Reokordbox offers.

They don't need to pay for the full software anymore because the price for the premium has already been added to the controller's total cost.

In contrast, the DDJ SB3 comes with the Serato DJ software Intro, which means you have to pay to use the program's full features.

Users may not be happy if they have to pay an extra fee after already giving much for the SB3 controllers.

However, if they don't want to buy the Premium Serato DJ, it's still fine because the "Intro" features itself are enough for the DJ job.

In terms of software, we think the DDJ 400 will gain more positive feedback from customers because it always feels better to use the Premium mode with full functions than just using a small part of the program, right?

Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 Overview

Throughout this article, we have gained more insights into the DDJ 400 controller.

In general, it was released after DDJ SB3, so it's understandable that Pioneer companies collected negative feedback on the SB3 and tried to resolve it on the DDJ 400.

It inherited many signature features of Pioneer products like the mixer, performance pads, and jog wheels.

Still, it improved the song mixing capacity by the new looping technology and convenient tempo faders.

However, there is one disadvantage over the SB3 is the integrated effects section.

Most customers find it irritating using the effects and mixer combined because it can be easily mistaken.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 2-Deck Rekordbox DJ Controller
  • 2-deck Digital DJ Controller for rekordbox dj Software (Included)
  • With 8 Performance Pads and 2-channel USB Interface

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 19:31 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Easy to setup
  • Professional Layout
  • Lightweight
  • Rekordbox DJ Software

Cons

  • Smaller Mixer Section
  • Looping section can be a bit confusing for beginners

Who Should Choose Pioneer DDJ-400?

This controller is preferred for upper-intermediate or expert DJs because of the innovative design. The product inherits the most reputable features from the previous Pioneer DJ controllers.

However, the placing of components has been changed so that people who haven't got used to working on DJ controllers can feel so confused.

With professional DJs, this change provides a larger mixing capacity, leading to better performance. So, we advise the advanced DJs to buy the DDJ 400.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 Overview

The Pioneer DDJ SB3 is the older model from the DDJ 400, so it's reliable when the design is a little bit more traditional than its competitor.

In brief, this DJ controller is the best choice for entry-level DJs because it is equipped almost as the conventional DJ controller taught in the DJ school.

All basic functions needed for a DJ controller can be found on this machine.

You can mix a variety of songs and scroll and scratch easily on the item without any inconvenience or problem.

The SB3 is on the top light, resistant, and versatile product compared to the low-end budget DJ controllers market.

If we have to point out one disadvantage, it may be its design. The machine looks old and traditional.

Besides, it doesn't provide any "unique" feature as the DDJ 400 does with the 4-beat autoloop.

Pioneer DJ DJ Controller, Black, (DDJSB3)
  • Intuitive layout, all of the features were designed to be where you need them, when you need them
  • Add scratch effects to cued and currently playing songs without a turntable thanks to Pad Scratch

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 19:31 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • "4 decks"
  • Easy to use
  • Very solid build quality

Cons

  • Old design
  • Only comes with Serato Lite

Who Should Choose Pioneer DJ SB3?

With the simple, traditional design, the Pioneer DDJ SB3 is the most appropriate choice for entry-level DJs. All important functions, such as mixer, performance pads, pitch faders, and jog wheels, are the same as the model taught in school.

As a result, the new DJs, who haven't got used to working on controllers, will feel at ease while using this DDJ SB3.

FAQs 

Is DDJ-400 compatible with Serato?

We don't think so.

In fact, you can install the Serato program into the DDJ-400, but the efficiency isn't remarkable.

The DDJ-400 works best when it is used with the Rekordbox - its built-in software, and the Rekordbox and Serato are really similar, so we don't recommend you use Serato on the DDJ 400.

Can you use rekordbox with Pioneer DJ SB3?

Yes, you can.

However, the DDJ SB3 comes with the Serato DJ Intro software, and only that program works well on the SB3.

You can install the Rekordbox on the SB3, but there may be some lack of features.

Also, the Serato DJ and Rekordbox are literally similar, so there's no need to use the Rekordbox on the SB3.

What software does DDJ-400 use?

DDJ-400 is equipped with the Rekordbox software.

Once you purchase a DDJ-400 controller, you can use all features available on Rekordbox.

Does DDJ SB3 work with Serato DJ Pro?

Yes, it is.

When buying a DDJ SB3, the machine will automatically run by Serato DJ Intro, and you have to pay an extra fee to buy the Serato DJ Pro.

The product can work well with the "Intro," but its efficiency will peak if installing Serato DJ Pro.

Can you use Pioneer DJ DDJ 400 without speakers?

Unfortunately, you can't.

You must have speakers to be able to output audio from the controller.

How do I connect speakers to my DDJ-400?

You should buy the "Stereo out to aux female cord" and plug it into the DDJ-400 controller.

On the other side, the "male aux" will be plugged to the speaker.

Final verdict

We have gone through some quick background introductions of the two products through this post: DDJ SB3 vs DDJ 400.

We also dive deep in contrasting each product's pros and cons to find out their selling point.

We believe that you have already had the choice for your DJ time.

Personally, we would like to purchase the DDJ 400 because it provides a wider range of features and convenience.

Wish this article helps you in suggesting the more suitable DJ controllers.

Enjoy your "DJ-ing" and thank you for reading!

Leave a Comment