A New Approach to 4-deck Performance
As the boundaries between beat-making, DJing, sampling, and performance continue to blur, it only feels right that Pioneer DJ would emerge with a groundbreaking new DJ controller to answer the call: DDJ-FLX10. This 4-deck controller was designed to expertly blend the familiar sensibilities of their CDJ and DJM devices with the cutting-edge sonic tools needed to usher your mix into a new world of possibilities. From its powerful FX suite and real-time stem separation to advanced performance-pad functions and onboard, intelligent lighting control, DJs at Sweetwater agree: the DDJ-FLX10 marks an unprecedented leap in performance capabilities that DJs of any creed will find completely reimagines what they can do.
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Real-time stem separation and control
Coinciding with the release of the DDJ-FLX10 is the rekordbox 6.7, the latest iteration of the program that introduces a previously unavailable tool that makes any standard audio track a viable candidate for deep manipulation and remixing. Real-time part separation can divide a track into three RGB color-coded parts: blue for drums; green for vocals; and red for instruments. These can be individually toggled at any time, and volume and FX can be attenuated and applied to each part, all in real time. This functionality means you could wash the drums with reverb as the track plays, or slowly work the instrumentation and vocals up into the mix as you transition between tracks, all but eliminating the conventional harmonic boundaries imposed by different key signatures. What’s more, the platters will illuminate with the corresponding color to the parts that are being manipulated and display in white when all parts are active.
DJ any way
Out of the box, the DDJ-FLX10 is configured to accommodate both rekordbox and Serato, which can even be done simultaneously. This means that two computers can be connected via dual USB-C ports, each running one of those programs, and seamlessly shift between them as you go back-to-back on the stage. Plus, channels three and four can be toggled between line or phono modes to accommodate turntables, and each deck features its own 3-band EQ, complete with trim controls, and a 3-way source selector. For those looking to craft grooves or juggle samples, a total of 16 performance pads — eight on each side — are available for hot cues, FX, sample recall, keyboard mode, and more, totaling eight different options with the backlit performance pads alone.
Sleek, informative interface design
Since the DDJ-FLX10 eschews a conventional display screen in favor of in-wheel displays, this means there are fewer sensitive surfaces, a more-uniform overall profile, and simplified storage or transportation. The vivid displays convey a host of information that can be toggled or changed at any time, including active deck information; a stacked waveform view that includes whatever is playing on the adjacent channel; a logo view, which can be customized; and an artwork view, which pulls album art from the active track to resemble a classic vinyl experience.
Total textural and FX control
Onboard FX divide into two primary categories: Sound Color FX and Beat FX. The former includes space, delay/echo, crush, pitch, noise, and filter options, which — when toggled — can be attenuated with each channel via dedicated color FX knobs. Beat FX come in 14 flavors that can be applied to individual channels, mics, or the master output via a single control knob with satisfying tactility. The aforementioned FX Part Select is a subsection of this area, complete with color-coded, backlit buttons for part selection. The DDJ-FLX10 also introduces the fantastic new Mix Point Link, a rekordbox-exclusive feature that lets you establish mix-in and mix-out points via Hot Cues, automatically beginning to transition tracks at the assigned points so you can focus on managing FX and other creative transitions.
Keep it on the beat
Those familiar with the CDJ- and DJM-series of products will feel right at home, as the DDJ-FLX10 uses the same jog platters as the CDJ, including a Jog Feel adjustment knob to make them as stiff or loose as you’d prefer. Loop-in/out buttons and the browser knob are in the same positions as the DJM and CDJ-3000, respectively. Still, the DDJ-FLX10 introduces a new, dedicated 4-beat loop button, complete with division and doubling buttons to quickly adjust and assign loop points. Though the Beat Jump buttons replace the traditional Track Search, they function nearly identically. Holding the buttons will search as previously designed, while a click makes a 4-beat jump, and shift-click jumps by 16 beats.
Light up the night with ease
Out of the box, this controller features a dedicated DMX output and compatibility with rekordbox Lighting Mode, accommodating up to 512 DMX channels without additional processing hardware. Just open up rekordbox, assign your lights, and you’re ready to go. rekordbox will even perform what’s called “phrase analysis,” intelligently mapping the dynamic range of activity for each track to optimize lighting to match the hype. Of course, if you prefer to create your own sequence, or modify from rekordbox’s own intelligent light show, these adjustments can be saved and stored for reliable, repeated use.
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 4-deck DJ Controller Features:
- 4 total decks mean comprehensive beat-juggling, scratching, and sample-based performance
- 16 performance pads comprise 8 on each side, with a total of 8 pad-based performance modes for sampling, Hot Cues, pad FX, keyboard modes, and more
- Dual USB-C ports accommodate the simultaneous operation of 2 computers for streamlined, back-to-back shows
- Onboard rekordbox and Serato compatibility mean seamless switching between the concurrent operation of both programs on connected devices
- Part separation is made possible with rekordbox 6.7, allowing for real-time separation and management of drums, vocals, and instrumentals with any conventional audio file
- Parts are color-coded to provide additional visual feedback via jog wheels and part FX
- FX Part Selection lets you apply and manage beat FX on individual parts of a track
- Part Isolation turns a deck’s 3-band EQ into a volume adjustment for each of the 3 separated parts
- Mix Point Link allows for hands-free transitions to focus on creative mixing
- Dedicated DMX output accommodates up to 512 DMX channels, managed with rekordbox Lighting Mode
- rekordbox Phrase Analysis intelligently analyzes tracks to assign and design a light show to match the hype profile of any track
- Vivid in-platter displays provide track information, stacked waveform views, album artwork, and a customizable logo mode, all freely toggled at any time
- Channels 3 and 4 accommodate phono modes for use with traditional turntables
- New beat loop mode has a dedicated 4-bar loop button, as well as division and duplication buttons
