Pioneer DDJ RB vs RR

[Andrea123]

Hi!

I am new to all this Dj-ing but i am really interested and i wanted your opinion when buying my gear. Because i am starting out i have a bunch of questions so i hope you can help me out. I was thinking about buying the Pioneer DDJ RB controller to start out and that i could also have some space to learn. But is this a wise option? I mean i also saw that there is the RR version which is obviously more expensive and therefore has more capabilities. And of course there are a bunch of others but these are the two that have been on my mind lately. The RR can also be used as a mixer, so thats why i was thinking that maybe in the future i could use it although there are sets that i can also buy together.

What do you think about the RR and RB?

Also, this might be a stupid question but i cant really understand how to setup the contoller with the speakers and everything. I know obviously how to connect the USB but for ex. the RB controller has one RCA output( 1 red+ white) but when i have a set of speakers then can i connect them both to the DDJ RB? Also, i have heard people talk about that this depends whether there is an amplifier in the speakers, but i havent really understood that part. I would really appreciate some help.

Thank you so much.

[SlayForMoney]

If you have the money go for the RR.

But let me tell you this: the first thing you should get if you want to be a DJ is speakers. Without good speakers you cannot hear and appreciate good music.

Yes, all controllers/mixers have RCA (unbalanced) outputs. Some better ones have TS/TRS (unbalanced or balanced) outputs and even XLR (balanced) outputs. One part of being a good DJ is knowing how to connect your gear and about audio in general so you might wanna learn that stuff before you make your purchase.

As for connecting your controller to speakers, you are correct - if you have to connect it to a set of unpowered speakers you will have a power amplifier in that audio chain and you will use a "standard" RCA cable that has 2x RCA male plugs (white+red) on each side (speakers will need to be connected to the amplifier with a different type of wire/cable).
But the more common setup will be to connect it a set of powered monitor speaker (like the KRK Rokit, typical example). Powered speakers like those have amplifiers built inside so you will need to connect each speaker directly to your controller outputs. Considering you will have each speaker set apart at least 2m you cannot use a single cable that has 2xRCA male plugs on each side unless you split it in half. So, if that's the case get two cables with single RCA male plug on each side.

And that's just for your typical bedroom setup. If you have balanced outputs (TRS or XLR) on your mixer/controller AND such inputs on the speakers, it is generally recommended to use them instead (cons: they cost more, bulkier than RCA - pros: shielded from interference, more durable, can use them on gigs, etc..)

[overcast]

What type of speakers do you have? Can you attach a photo of the back of them at all? SlayForMoney offered great advice, but if we knew what speakers you have, we could directly guide you how to set it all up.

[Andrea123]

Thankyou so much for your reply. Well, i am planning on getting new speakers as my old ones are really really bad. I was thinking of getting the KRK Roket 6 but i am not sure. What do you think? Also, should i get a soundcard as well or isn't it that important?

I put a picture of the back of the speaker as well (just in case). As i understand i need to buy different cables in order to set it up with my controller, soundcard, etc. By the way, i think i am going to buy the Pioneer DDJ RB just because it is quite a lot cheaper and i think that as a beginner it would be okay.

I still need some help on how to set it all up, and i would appreciate the help a lot.

Thanksrokit-g3-lg-3.jpg

[SlayForMoney]

Pioneer DDJ RB only has master RCA outputs so that narows it down. Buy two single RCA cables with male plugs on both ends. Choose lenght according to your choice: 3m or 5m is enough if the speaker will be on the same table as the controller. Don't go over 10m, RCA cables are unbalanced and the signal degrades slightly over long distances.

[Andrea123]

Thank you so much for helping me out! I appreciate it.