The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 is an advanced DJ controller designed to unlock the creative potential of Track Separation in Rekordbox and STEMS within Serato DJ. With a broad range of performance focussed control options for RTS (Rekordbox Track Separation) and STEMS, including part isolation, FX part select, part instant doubles and the ability to solo or mute parts as required – the DDJ-FLX10 offers a unique approach to one of the most exciting developments in DJ technology for some time.
Cut the midrange, drop the bass – actually, just isolate the vocal!
Advancements in Track Separation, or STEMS creation as it’s widely known, have unlocked the creative potential of DJs across every conceivable genre. The ability to isolate an individual part, usually a vocal, melody, bassline, or the drums in a track and solo or mute them opens new ways to blend and transition. Thanks to the on-board hardware effects section of the DDJ-FLX10, DJs can now apply affects to just the isolated part/STEM with ease.
When creating the hardware controls for RTS/STEMS features within Rekordbox and Serato DJ, the team at Pioneer DJ focussed on slick workflows to allow creative freedom. Taking feedback from a range of DJs, the research and development team realised that most would prefer to have control over the Drums, Vocal and Instrument parts.
Within Rekordbox, these three components are analysed in real-time when loading a track into a deck. Serato DJ recommends the use of offline STEMS analysis and splits the track into four parts (Drums, Bass, Melody and Vocal). The Melody and Bass STEMS are combined when using the Active Part controls of the FLX10, becoming the Instrument STEM.
Tapping the Active Part control mutes the part. Rekordbox users also have the option to solo the isolated part, but users of both software platforms can combine any two STEMS to achieve the same results. It’s worth noting that there has been a significant amount of visual feedback incorporated into the FLX10 when using the RTS/STEMS features. The jogwheel illumination changes to reflect the colour of the corresponding part that has been selected. When using multiple parts, the colours are blended to give a clear indication of the parts which are playing.
Part Instant Doubles allows you to isolate and duplicate the playing track onto another deck with a simple double tap. Linking decks has a different workflow between the two software platforms, with Rekordbox enabling simple stacking on the upper or lower deck on the playing side, whereas Serato DJ requires a few extra button pushes to achieve the same outcome.
Users of both Serato DJ and Rekordbox can enable the new FX Part Select functionality. This applies the Sound Color FX and Beat Color FX to the selected part only. For example, a roll could be added to the drums in a track while the vocal and instruments remain unaffected.
In addition to all these options, the DDJ-FLX10 offers two further RTS/STEMS isolation options. The channel EQ can be set to isolate parts and allow for rebalancing of the mix, you can even boost a STEM/RTS part using this function. There’s also the option to use three of the four channel faders to control the individual parts.
It’s clear that the development teams at both Rekordbox and Serato DJ have placed a huge focus on getting the FLX10 integration right. This level of RTS/STEMS control simply isn’t possible with any other controller on the market.
Now that we’ve covered the live mashup side of things you might be wondering what else there could possibly be to focus on. Well, as it happens, there’s still even more to cover.
Enhanced visual feedback
The DDJ-FLX10 opens a wide range of performance options and keeping track of where you are in the mix is vital. To ensure that the important information is right at the heart of your mixing decisions, the team at Pioneer DJ have extended the On Jog Display feedback when compared to the DDJ-1000.
Rekordbox users get the benefit of 3 band waveforms across some of the 4 display modes now available on the FLX10. Deck info mode displays information for the deck, including the overall waveform (this mode shows the virtual deck of Serato DJ Pro when not using Rekordbox). Waveform mode provides a visual representation of both decks which are zoomed in. Artwork mode will display the artwork for the track that’s playing, and DJ Logo displays a predetermined image that can be added to the unit using the Image Transfer tool for MAC/PC. The new Pad Info mode provides an at-a-glance view of the pads – no need to look up at the laptop.
Expanded FX
Another benefit of the FLX-10 over the DDJ-1000 is the inclusion of two new Sound Color FX – you can now choose from Space, Dub Echo, Crush, Pitch, Noise and the usual filter options. The Beat FX section now includes the new Stretch FX – perfect for creating Jungle/Speed Garage style vocals – as the Beat FX can now be used on isolated parts and STEMS of a track, you can create exciting live VIP edits.
Crossfader upgrades.
With the latest generation of Magvel fader on-board, the FLX10 offers up a premium feel to the mixer section. The crossfader features four sensors (increased from two in the DDJ-1000) to increase sensitivity. As you would expect with a Magvel, the feel is excellent – perfect for mixing and scratching.
Let there be – synchronised – light!
For the first time ever, Rekordbox Lighting is built-in to a DJ controller. The FLX10 includes a DMX socket for connection to lighting, making it the perfect choice for mobile DJs who need an impressive, synchronised light show with minimal effort. After the DMX universe has been configured in the software and addresses assigned on the lighting fixtures, simply analyse your tracks in Rekordbox and choose from the pre-defined shows. What’s more, the FLX10 includes a dedicated lighting pad mode to give DJs hands on control of the light show.
The main features of the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 include:
- Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro compatibility
- Dedicated Rekordbox Track Separation (RTS) controls
- Dedicated STEMS controls for Serato DJ Pro
- On-Jog display expansion with 4 modes plus Pad Info
- New Stretch Beat FX
- Magvel 4 sensor system
- DMX output for Rekordbox Lighting mode
Software |
rekordbox Serato DJ Pro |
|
Frequency response |
20 Hz – 20 kHz |
|
S/N ratio |
110 dB (USB) 94 dB (LINE) 83 dB (PHONO) 81 dB (MIC) |
|
Total harmonic distortion |
0.002% dB (USB) 0.007% (LINE) 0.025% (PHONO) |
|
Input/Output terminals |
Inputs |
LINE x 2 (RCA x 2) LINE / PHONO x 2 (RCA x 2) |
- Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro compatibility
- Dedicated Rekordbox Track Separation (RTS) controls
- Dedicated STEMS controls for Serato DJ Pro
- Mix Point track linking
- Advanced on jogwheel data displays
- Rekordbox Lighting DMX connectivity
Please note, streaming services are unlocked by your choice of DJ software.
*An internet connection and separate subscriptions are required to use these services.