With the future of the DJ industry in mind, Pioneer DJ’s new rekordbox dj controller has been specifically developed for those just starting out who want to learn the basics of DJing. The lightweight and portable unit has a layout inspired by Pioneer DJ’s professional-calibre units, but also integrates newly-introduced software features that are designed to help new DJs learn their craft.

For aspiring DJs who want to try DJing at home and see how far it can take them, Pioneer DJ has created the perfect controller to learn on: the DDJ-400. Made for dedicated use with the company’s professional performance application, rekordbox dj (free licence key included), the 2-channel DDJ-400 is designed to help users get the most from the new features coming to the software with the release of rekordbox version 5.3 (released today).

The DDJ-400 is the ideal piece of kit for first-time DJs. Its controls enable newbies to easily learn the basics, plus it’s packed with features that will then help them to develop their skills. The controller is compatible with the new Tutorial feature in rekordbox dj, which explains basic equipment operation step by step. The updated rekordbox dj software also features a powerful new tool called Track Suggestion, which displays tracks from a DJ’s rekordbox library that match well with the one currently playing. It also offers easy sharing of mixes to social media, including track titles and time stamps.

Featuring a familiar layout, the DDJ-400 has two playback sections divided by a central 2-channel mixer section. The playback sections feature dedicated play/pause and cue buttons, Beat FX, CDJ-style looping controls and other features inherited from Pioneer DJ’s flagship NXS2 set-up. The fully-specified mixer section, meanwhile, boasts dedicated Trim, Filter and 3-band EQ controls for each channel as well as a crossfader, Master Level control and selectable cuing (including split-cue) controls.

The DDJ-400 will be available from late June at an MSRP of £249 including VAT.