The Pioneer DJ DDJ-GRV6, recently launched by AlphaTheta, is a powerful DJ controller built to elevate live performances. Its standout features—such as the Groove Circuit and Stems FX—allow DJs to remix tracks on the fly by swapping drum parts and isolating track elements. Designed with four channels, this controller offers a premium feel similar to the industry-standard CDJ-3000 and DJM-A9 setups, but at a more affordable price point. It integrates seamlessly with both Rekordbox and Serato Pro, giving DJs unparalleled creative control.
Key Features
Groove Circuit: Freely manipulate drum loops for instant remixes.
Stems FX: Isolate vocals, bass, drums, or melodies and apply effects in real-time.
Enhanced Layout: Borrowed from the CDJ-3000 and DJM-A9 for a club-standard feel.
Multi-Device Compatibility: Works across desktop and mobile platforms using Serato Pro and Rekordbox.
Design & Build of DDJ-GRV6
When it comes to design, the GRV6 doesn't represent a complete departure from the FLX6 it replaces, but there are some key differences. Firstly, the build quality is significantly improved compared to its predecessor. While the FLX6 felt rather cheap and plasticky, resembling more of an entry-level controller like an FLX-4 or DDJ-200 in terms of construction, the GRV6 is notably better with a industry standard solid and sturdy feel throughout, including the pads and faders which seem durable enough to endure extensive mixing sessions.
The controller's layout is aimed at mirroring the club-standard CDJ-3000 and DJM-A9 mixer setup. Features such as having the performance pads positioned above the jog-wheels and the mixer effects layout contribute to a smoother transition to professional equipment.
The GRV6 aligns with AlphaTheta's recent trend of a more streamlined appearance for their new equipment. The unit sports a matte black finish, with minimal markings for a cleaner and more sophisticated aesthetic overall.
Connectivity/ Back Panel of DDJ-GRV6
Connectivity options include 01 RCA, 01 balanced ¼ inch & 01 Booth Master outputs, a USB-C bus & power connection, and a microphone input with its own attenuation knob. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of professional setups, making it ideal for mobile DJs and club performers alike.
Decks & Mixer on the new DDJ-GRV6 DJ Controller
Decks - The jogwheels on this gear are touch capacitive, similar in size to those on the CDJ-3000s, rather than mechanical, which is typical for equipment in this price range. Despite this, they feel well-made. In the center, there is a basic display showing a virtual needle moving. It would have been beneficial if AlphaTheta included more information here, even if it only displayed the BPM or Waveform etc.
The pitch fader for tempo adjustment is shorter than on some other models, but it functions without any problems.
A dedicated button allows you to switch between decks 1 and 3 or 2 and 4, shifting the entire deck to that layer and transferring all functions to control that deck, enabling manipulation and mixing of up to four decks simultaneously.
The performance pads are now positioned above the jogwheels, resembling the setup of the CDJ-3000s, and they offer a similar responsive feel. The pad modes include Hot Cue, Stems, Beat Jump, and Sampler.
By pressing shift, you can access additional functions like Keyboard, Pad FX, Beat Loop, and Key Shift. These pad modes are mapped out similarly in both Serato DJ and Rekordbox.
Mixer - The mixer is equipped with four channels featuring standard 3-band EQs, trim and up-faders. However, the crossfader lacks dedicated controls for settings, requiring adjustments to be made in the software.
Additionally, there is a sound color FX knob for applying various effects, which can be activated or deactivated using the adjacent button. Holding shift allows you to cycle through 9 different effects.
When it comes to Beat FX, users can select from 14 effects, reminiscent of those found in club-standard gear like the DJM-A9. It is possible to choose the beat fraction for effects and even apply a release effect upon deactivation. These effects function consistently across Serato and Rekordbox without altering Serato's internal operations. While this maintains the mixer's simplicity and delivers impressive effects, whether it suits you depends on your preference for Serato's built-in effects.
Furthermore, the mixer includes a 'Stem ISO' feature enabling the isolation of vocals, instrumentals, and drums. This feature allows users to adjust the levels using the EQ controls. These are activated when pressed along "SHIFT" button as a secondary function. Press SHift and click Headphone Cue to activate Stem ISO feature on your channels. In this mode your EQs are activated as Drums [Low] / Vocal [Mid] / Melody [Hi].
More Efficient Browsing on DDJ-GRV6
The browser section of the GRV6 has been enhanced with several new features to simplify the process of finding your next track. A new joystick has been introduced at the center, allowing movement in all four directions. This joystick is particularly useful for navigating playlists and enables you to skip through 10 tracks at once, which proves extremely beneficial when browsing extensive music libraries.
Additionally, the new Discover function automatically recommends tracks to play next based on the currently playing song. Utilizing AI technology, it determines suitable songs from your personal collection or any linked streaming service.
Remix performances with Stems FX in Serato DJ Pro with DDJ-GRV6
The DDJ-GRV6 works seamlessly with Serato DJ Pro, offering a Stems FX function. Enhance your musical expression by utilizing effects like Roll, Trans, Echo Out, and Delay on individual track elements – drums, bass, vocals, or melody. Simplify operation by attaching the provided overlay sheet to the DDJ-GRV6 to switch the button labels to Stems FX.
DDJ GRV6 Groove Circuit: The main attraction
Freely manipulate drum parts and create new remixes
By utilizing the Groove Circuit feature, users can effortlessly produce remixes by pressing the designated buttons. This functionality allows for the substitution of drum components in a track – even during playback – with alternative drum loops, transforming them into various genres and executing unique remixes with ease. Moreover, through the application of effects to the drum elements, users can seamlessly generate fills, build-ups, and breakdowns. Through the flexible manipulation of the drum parts, users can deliver innovative and imaginative live remixes.
NOTE - The Groove Circuit feature is exclusively accessible on rekordbox for Mac/Windows. For rekordbox for iOS/Android, this feature is integrated with the sampler and other functions.* When using Serato DJ Pro, this feature is connected to Stems FX
The innovative Groove Circuit is the main highlight of this controller, so much so that it inspired its name. This feature is exclusive to Rekordbox, while Serato offers its own new feature called Stems FX, which we will discuss later.
The Groove Circuit empowers you to remove the drums from your track and substitute them with different drum loops. These loops can be chosen from the factory presets or you can upload your own. While your track is playing, you can simply press one of the buttons on the left side of the groove circuit to select a loop to replace the drums. Although this feature is most effective with electronic music, experimenting with other genres like R&B or Hip-hop can also yield interesting results.
The added drums function independently from the rest of the track. This means that if you loop a section of your track or perform scratches, the drums remain unaffected. This choice may seem somewhat odd, as ideally, it would be preferable for the feature to operate more like loading a different remix that can be manipulated.
Additionally, there is the Capture mode feature, allowing you to extract drums from a loaded song instead of using a loop. By pressing the capture button, a marker appears which can be set to 4, 8, 16, or 32 beats. Pressing the capture button copies the isolated drum section into the groove circuit sampler, enabling you to extract drums from any song on your computer and incorporate them into new compositions.
Furthermore, the Drum Roll effects loop the drums at intervals of 1 beat, ½, ¼, and ⅛. This is excellent for adding fills or build-ups before drops to enhance the excitement of a track. The Drum Trans effect chops up the drums for a stuttering sound, while the Drum Release feature offers three effects – backspin, vinyl brake, and echo – exclusively to the drums. You can choose to lock these effects or apply them momentarily.
Pioneer DDJ GRV6 DJ Controller Specifications
Maximum Dimensions (W × D × H) | 711.4 × 375.9 × 75.7 mm / 28.0” × 14.8” × 3.0” |
Main unit weight | 4.6 kg / 10.2 lbs. |
Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (USB) |
S/N ratio | 104 dB (USB) |
Total harmonic distortion | 0.003% (USB) |
Power supply | DC 9 V, 3.0 A (USB power adapter) DC 5 V, 1.5 A (USB bus power) |
Accessories | USB cable (C to C) Overlay sheet Quick Start Guide Precautions for Use Warranty (for some regions) |
Compatible software | rekordbox for Mac/Windows rekordbox for iOS/Android Serato DJ Pro |
Terminals
Inputs | MIC × 1 (1/4″ TRS jack × 1) |
Outputs | MASTER × 2 (1/4″ TRS jack × 1, RCA × 1) BOOTH × 1 (RCA × 1) PHONES × 2 (1/4″ stereo jack × 1, 3.5 mm stereo mini jack × 1) |
USB | USB Type-C × 2 |
Performance Control
Channels | 4 |
Deck Control | 4 / Dual |
Jog Wheel | 206 mm |
Sampler | (rekordbox) 16 slot × 4 bank (Serato DJ Pro) 8 slot × 4 bank |
Hot Cues | 8 |
Pad Modes | (rekordbox) Hot Cue, Stems, Beat Jump, Sampler, Keyboard, Pad FX, Beat Loop, Key Shift (Serato DJ Pro) Hot Cue, Stems, Beat Jump, Sampler, Pitch Play, Pad FX, Auto Loop, Key Shift |
Our Verdict on Pioneer DDJ GRV6 by Alphatheta
Retailing at around £719, €849, or $829, the DDJ-GRV6 sits in the mid-range price bracket but delivers far beyond its cost, especially with its cutting-edge remix features. For DJs looking to advance their creative performance, the DDJ-GRV6 offers the tools to truly innovate on stage.
For DJs seeking in-depth training on mastering the DDJ-GRV6, visit our courses at DJ Training Academy, where we dive into the Groove Circuit, Stems FX, and advanced mixing techniques.
Disclaimer:
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