Serato Guide: Mastering the DDJ REV 1 with Serato DJ Pro
The Pioneer DDJ REV 1 has quickly become one of the most popular entry-level DJ controllers for aspiring turntablists and hip-hop DJs. Paired with Serato DJ Pro, this powerful combination offers an authentic battle-style DJ experience at an accessible price point. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about using the DDJ REV 1 with Serato DJ Pro, from initial setup to advanced techniques that will elevate your performances.
Understanding the DDJ REV 1 and Serato DJ Pro Ecosystem
The Pioneer DDJ REV 1 is designed specifically to work with Serato DJ Pro, offering a battle-style layout inspired by professional turntable setups. Before diving into specific features and techniques, it's important to understand what makes this controller unique and why it pairs so well with Serato DJ Pro.
What Makes the DDJ REV 1 Special?
The DDJ REV 1 stands out from other entry-level controllers with its battle-style layout, featuring horizontal platters and an upside-down mixer section that mimics the setup used by professional turntablists and battle DJs. This design isn't just aesthetic—it's functional for scratch DJs and those who want to develop skills that will transfer to club-standard equipment.
Key features include:
Battle-style layout with horizontal platters
Performance pads for hot cues, samples, and effects
Dedicated Track FX and Scratch FX sections
Built-in audio interface for high-quality sound
Plug-and-play compatibility with Serato DJ Pro
Why Serato DJ Pro?
Serato DJ Pro has long been the software of choice for hip-hop and scratch DJs, offering rock-solid stability and an intuitive interface that works perfectly with the DDJ REV 1. The software comes with a hardware license for the DDJ REV 1, meaning you don't need to purchase it separately—it's activated automatically when you connect the controller.
Serato DJ Pro offers:
Precise waveform display with beat grids
Extensive library management features
Low-latency performance for accurate scratching
Expansive effects library
Compatibility with Serato DJ FX expansions
Getting Started: Setting Up Your DDJ REV 1 with Serato DJ Pro
Before you can start mixing and scratching, you'll need to properly set up your DDJ REV 1 with Serato DJ Pro. This process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure optimal performance.
Hardware Setup
First, let's get the physical connections sorted:
Place your DDJ REV 1 on a stable surface with enough room for comfortable movement
Connect the included USB cable from the controller to your computer
If using external speakers, connect them to the master output on the rear of the controller
Connect your headphones to the front headphone jack
Power on the controller using the included power adapter (or USB power if your computer supports it)
Software Installation and Configuration
Now that your hardware is connected, it's time to set up the software:
Visit the Serato DJ Pro download page and download the latest version
Install Serato DJ Pro following the on-screen instructions
Launch Serato DJ Pro—it should automatically detect your DDJ REV 1
When prompted, register your hardware to activate your Serato DJ Pro license
Go to the Settings menu (gear icon) to configure your audio preferences
Audio Setup in Serato DJ Pro
Proper audio configuration is crucial for optimal performance:
In Serato DJ Pro, click the Setup button (gear icon) in the upper-right corner
Select the "Audio" tab
Ensure "DDJ-REV1" is selected as your primary audio device
Set your sample rate to 44.1 kHz for best compatibility
Adjust the USB buffer size—lower for less latency, higher for stability
Configure your headphone cue output and master output settings
Pro tip: Start with a USB buffer size of 5-10ms. If you experience audio dropouts, gradually increase this value until performance is stable.
Navigating the DDJ REV 1 Layout
Understanding the layout of your DDJ REV 1 is essential for efficient workflow. Let's break down the main sections of the controller and how they interact with Serato DJ Pro.
Deck Sections
The DDJ REV 1 features two deck sections, each with:
Jog Wheels: The large horizontal platters used for scratching, searching, and pitch bending
Performance Pads: Eight pads per deck for triggering hot cues, samples, and other features
Tempo Sliders: Vertical faders for adjusting track speed
Transport Controls: Play/pause, cue, and sync buttons
Track Search: Buttons for navigating through tracks
Mixer Section
The central mixer section includes:
Channel Faders: Vertical faders for controlling individual deck volume
Crossfader: Horizontal fader for transitioning between decks
EQ Controls: Three-band EQ (high, mid, low) for each channel
Trim Knobs: For adjusting the input level of each channel
Level Meters: Visual indicators of channel and master volume
FX and Performance Features
The DDJ REV 1 includes dedicated effect sections:
Track FX: Dedicated effects for creative transitions
Scratch FX: Effects designed specifically for scratch performances
Pad Modes: Buttons to switch between different performance pad functions
Filter Knobs: For quick frequency filtering on each channel
Essential Serato DJ Pro Features for DDJ REV 1 Users
Now that you understand the hardware, let's explore the key Serato DJ Pro features that work particularly well with the DDJ REV 1.
Library Management and Track Preparation
Effective library management is the foundation of smooth DJ performances:
Creating Crates: Organize your music into themed collections for easy access during sets
Smart Crates: Automatically populate playlists based on criteria like BPM, genre, or key
Setting Hot Cues: Mark important points in tracks for quick access during your set
Analyzing Tracks: Let Serato analyze your music to detect BPM and key information
To navigate your library using the DDJ REV 1:
Use the Browse knob to scroll through tracks
Press the Browse knob to expand/collapse crates
Use the Back button to move up one level in your library
Press the Load buttons to load selected tracks to either deck
Beatgrid and Sync Functions
While many scratch DJs prefer to beat match manually, Serato's sync features can be useful for complex mixing:
Setting Beatgrids: Ensure Serato has correctly identified the beats in your tracks
Sync Modes: Choose between tempo sync (BPM only) or beat sync (BPM and phase)
Adjusting Beatgrids: Use the grid edit tools to correct any analysis errors
To edit a beatgrid in Serato DJ Pro:
Enter Grid Edit mode by clicking the Grid Edit button
Use the grid markers to adjust the position of beats
Set downbeats by clicking "Set" at the appropriate position
Save your changes before moving to another track
Performance Pad Modes
The DDJ REV 1's performance pads offer multiple modes that expand your creative options:
Hot Cue Mode: Set and trigger cue points for immediate playback from specific points
Pad FX Mode: Apply effects by pressing and holding pads
Sampler Mode: Trigger samples from Serato's sampler
Roll Mode: Create beat loops of various lengths while holding pads
To switch between pad modes:
Press the desired mode button above the performance pads
The pads will illuminate in the color corresponding to that mode
In some modes, you can access additional banks by pressing Shift + mode button
Advanced Techniques for the DDJ REV 1 with Serato DJ Pro
Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to explore more advanced techniques that will take your performances to the next level.
Scratch Techniques
The DDJ REV 1's battle-style layout makes it ideal for learning scratch techniques:
Baby Scratch: The simplest scratch—push the record forward and pull it back
Chirp Scratch: Combine forward/backward movement with crossfader cuts
Transform Scratch: Keep the platter moving in one direction while cutting with the crossfader
Orbit Scratch: Combine baby scratches with crossfader techniques
To practice scratching effectively:
Load a track with a simple drum beat
Set a hot cue at the beginning of a vocal sample or drum hit
Enable Scratch Bank in Serato DJ Pro for dedicated scratch samples
Adjust the crossfader curve to a sharp/fast setting in Serato's settings
Using Track FX and Scratch FX
The DDJ REV 1 features dedicated effect sections that integrate seamlessly with Serato DJ Pro:
Track FX: Apply filter, echo out, noise, and other effects to entire tracks
Scratch FX: Add color to your scratches with vinyl brake, pitch, and other effects
To use Track FX effectively:
Select your desired effect using the Track FX selector
Adjust the depth/intensity with the parameter knob
Engage the effect by pressing and holding the FX button
Release to disable the effect or press the latch button to keep it active
Creating Seamless Transitions
While the DDJ REV 1 excels at scratch performance, it's also capable of smooth mixing:
EQ Mixing: Use the 3-band EQ to blend tracks by cutting bass on the incoming track
Filter Transitions: Use the filter knobs to create smooth frequency sweeps
Echo Out: Apply echo effects when cutting to a new track
Drop Mixing: Use hot cues to precisely time drops and transitions
For clean hip-hop style transitions:
Set hot cues at the beginning of verses or phrases
Use the crossfader for quick cuts between tracks
Apply Track FX like echo out for smoother transitions
Use the filter knob to gradually introduce new elements
Customizing Serato DJ Pro for Your Workflow
Personalizing Serato DJ Pro can significantly improve your efficiency and creativity with the DDJ REV 1.
Controller Preferences
Customize how your DDJ REV 1 interacts with Serato DJ Pro:
In Serato DJ Pro, go to Setup (gear icon) > Controller
Adjust crossfader curve to match your cutting style
Configure jog wheel sensitivity to your preference
Set up custom MIDI mappings for specialized functions
Display and Layout Options
Optimize Serato DJ Pro's interface for your needs:
Waveform Display: Choose between horizontal, vertical, or extended view
Library Columns: Customize visible metadata in your track list
Color Coding: Use colors to organize tracks by energy, genre, or key
Night Mode: Reduce screen brightness for dark environments
To customize your waveform display:
Click on the waveform display options in the upper-right corner
Choose between 2-deck, extended, or stacked waveform views
Adjust waveform size and zoom level to your preference
Select color schemes that help you visualize track elements
Creating and Using Flip Recordings
Serato Flip (an optional expansion pack) allows you to record and replay hot cue sequences:
Record complex hot cue routines and trigger them with a single button
Create custom edits and transitions on the fly
Save multiple Flip sequences per track
To use Serato Flip with your DDJ REV 1:
Purchase and activate the Serato Flip expansion
Enable the Flip panel in Serato DJ Pro
Create hot cues at key points in your track
Press Record and trigger hot cues in your desired sequence
Save the sequence and assign it to a slot
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a reliable setup like the DDJ REV 1 and Serato DJ Pro, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here's how to solve the most common problems.
Audio Problems
If you experience audio dropouts, distortion, or latency:
USB Buffer Size: Increase buffer size in Serato DJ Pro settings
CPU Usage: Close unnecessary applications to free up processing power
USB Connection: Use a direct connection to your computer (not through a hub)
Audio Drivers: Ensure your computer's audio drivers are up to date
Controller Connectivity Issues
If Serato DJ Pro doesn't recognize your DDJ REV 1:
Check USB connections and try a different USB port
Restart both the controller and your computer
Reinstall the latest version of Serato DJ Pro
Check for firmware updates for your DDJ REV 1 on Pioneer DJ's website
Software Crashes and Freezes
To prevent and resolve software stability issues:
Keep Serato DJ Pro updated to the latest version
Regularly rebuild your Serato database (in the Files panel)
Analyze tracks before your performance, not during
Maintain at least 20% free space on your hard drive
Expanding Your Setup
As you grow as a DJ, you might want to expand your DDJ REV 1 setup with additional hardware and software.
Compatible Hardware Additions
The DDJ REV 1 works well with several add-on devices:
External Mixers: Connect through the controller's line outputs
Turntables: Add vinyl control with Serato DVS (requires additional license)
Microphones: Connect directly to the DDJ REV 1's mic input
External Effects Units: Route through the controller's send/return loop
Serato DJ Pro Expansion Packs
Enhance your software capabilities with these optional add-ons:
Serato DVS: Add vinyl control capability
Pitch 'n Time DJ: Advanced key shifting and syncing
Serato FX Pack: Additional effects beyond the standard library
Serato Play: Use Serato DJ Pro without hardware (great for preparation)
You can explore these expansion options on the Serato Expansion Packs page.
Building Your DJ Career with the DDJ REV 1
The DDJ REV 1 and Serato DJ Pro combination is not just a practice tool—it's a legitimate performance setup that can help launch your DJ career.
Recording and Sharing Mixes
Serato DJ Pro makes it easy to record your performances:
Click the REC button in the top panel of Serato DJ Pro
Choose your recording format and quality
Perform your mix while monitoring levels
Click the REC button again to stop recording
Share your mix on platforms like SoundCloud, Mixcloud, or through independent distribution channels
Creating an Online Presence
Building your brand as a DJ requires an online presence:
Create social media profiles dedicated to your DJ persona
Share short mix clips and scratch videos on Instagram and TikTok
Upload full-length mixes to SoundCloud and Mixcloud
Transitioning to Club Equipment
The DDJ REV 1's battle-style layout helps prepare you for professional equipment:
Practice with the crossfader in the same position as on club mixers
Learn to use the performance pads in ways that translate to CDJs with hot cues
Understand EQ mixing techniques that work on any mixer
Familiarize yourself with Serato DJ Pro's library system, which has similarities to Rekordbox
Conclusion: Mastering Your DDJ REV 1 and Serato DJ Pro Journey
The Pioneer DDJ REV 1 paired with Serato DJ Pro offers an exceptional entry point into the world of turntablism and hip-hop DJing. With its battle-style layout, responsive jog wheels, and seamless integration with Serato's powerful software, this combination provides everything you need to develop professional-level skills.
Remember that mastering DJ techniques takes time and consistent practice. Focus on building a strong foundation of basic skills before moving on to complex techniques. Record your practice sessions to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Whether you're aiming to become a battle DJ, a club performer, or a bedroom mix creator, the DDJ REV 1 and Serato DJ Pro provide a platform that can grow with you as your skills and ambitions develop. The techniques you learn on this setup will transfer to professional equipment, making it not just an entry-level controller but a valuable training tool for serious DJ aspirations.
Start with the basics, experiment with the creative features, and most importantly, have fun exploring the endless possibilities of mixing and scratching with your DDJ REV 1 and Serato DJ Pro!