With the software sampler open and the pads in Sampler mode, you can choose between the 4 banks of samples — Banks A, B, C, and D — with the Parameter buttons. Another added bonus is that the DDJ-SP1 can work with the Melodics app, which is helpful for DJs that want to learn a little more about pad drumming techniques and building muscle memory.

You may find that you perform better in the second slicer mode if you still don’t have much experience.The FX Assign buttons on the DDJ SP1 to ensure that you can assign the FX1 and FX2 units to up to four active decks.

If you have any other suggestions, I've looked into the Akai AFX and the NI Kontrol X1, please feel free to share your thoughts. For those who want to transform their Serato DJ Pro experience, one particularly compelling product is the Pioneer DDJ-SP1.

The DDJ SP1 has been developed in partnership with Pioneer and Serato DJ specially for the software Serato DJ or Serato Scratch Live (mapping to do).

The SP1 also includes Velocity Mode which allows the DJ to control the volume of the samples dependant on how hard the pads are hit. The DDJ-SP1 combines all of the performance pad sections and effects from the popular DDJ-SX tool and delivers an expert-level controller. The rubber pads and buttons are robust and durable, while the aluminum top plate gives the controller a premium look that will look good in any set-up. We do wish that some basic transport controls lived in this section as well – a simple pause/play button would be useful for using in a SP1 + mixer setup.The two decks included with the DDJ SP1 each come with sync on and off buttons, and an auto loop push encoder for setting loop length and turning the loop off or on. Pressing Load Prepare and Shift at the same time will scroll through specific areas of the browser, such as history, prepare, browse, and files.