Hey, it's Joey for Digital DJ Tips right now
taking a look at the DDJ-WeGO4 from Pioneer
DJ.
It's a 2-channel controller that works with
a variety of platforms and DJ software.
You can hook this up to your laptop and use
it with Pioneer DJ's own Rekordbox DJ software,
you can use it with djay Pro on the Mac, and
you can even use it with Virtual DJ and Traktor
Pro 2, as long as you've got the mapping.
Now if you want to go mobile and use it with
your smart device it works with Android
and iOS phones and tablets running djay2,
and you can even use it with Pioneer DJ's
new software WeDJ for the iPad and the iPhone.
It's a streamlined DJing app that's meant
to be easy to use.
So in this video we're going to take a look
at the features of this controller and then
I'm going to give you my thoughts on whether
or not it belongs in your DJ bag.
Let's go!
The DDJ-WeGO4 is a portable 2-channel DJ controller.
It's got a 2-band EQ with filter knobs, browse
and load controls, as well as master, mic,
and headphone volume knobs.
It has a 1/4 inch mic input, RCA master outputs,
a USB jack for connecting a Lightning or USB
on the go cable, a USB jack for connecting
to your laptop, and a power socket.
There are 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch headphone
jacks too.
The jogwheels are smaller than what you'd
find on most other controllers coming out these
days, but they're solid and feel great.
There are four switchable hot cue and sampler
buttons, and transport controls at the bottom
of each jog.
And on top are loop controls and three pad
effects buttons per channel.
The WeGO4 has a slot at the top of the unit
for docking your tablet or smartphone.
It works with djay2 on Android and iOS.
It also works with Pioneer DJ's WeDJ software
for the iPhone and iPad.
The WeGO4 worked tightly with both apps and
I'm particularly fond of using it with WeDJ
because it's a simple app that's easy to use
for those starting out and wanting to learn
how to mix.
It also works with Mac and PC laptops
running Rekordbox DJ, Virtual DJ, and Traktor
Pro 2.
Alright, so what are my thoughts on this controller?
Let's start with the things that I like.
First off, it works on a variety of different
platforms, and that can mean two things. If
you are a beginner DJ and you still can't
decide whether you want to DJ with a laptop
or with a mobile device, having a controller
that is compatible with both means that you
can make a decision and choose which one better
suits your workflow.
If you want something that's a little bit more
portable, something more handy, you can try
DJing with a tablet or a phone.
Or if you want something with a little bit
more power, storage, and potentially a larger
display, well you can mix with a laptop.
Now, once you've chosen your platform you
can also use the WeGO4 for choosing which
software you want to use.
As I mentioned, this works with Rekordbox
DJ on your laptop, as well as Virtual DJ.
In fact it works with almost all the major
DJ apps on your laptop with the exception
of Serato DJ, at the time of this filming
at least.
Now if you want to go the mobile route, it
works with djay2 on the Android platform, as
well as iOS, and like I mentioned this works
with WeDJ, which is Pioneer's new DJ software
for iOS.
Now if you're an advanced DJ and, let's say
you own a larger 4-channel controller and
you use software like Traktor, Virtual DJ,
or Rekordbox DJ, or even if you use CDJs out
when you DJ in clubs, having a controller
like this that works with the same software
that you use with that other controller or
with that CDJ set means that you're using
the same music library whenever you play out
with this little device.
Which brings me to the next thing that I like
about it, it's size.
The DDJ-WeGO4 is just about as large as this
15" inch Macbook Pro, making it ideal for
places where space is a premium, such as DJ
booths, at bars, and pubs.
But, it's no slouch for club gigs either.
In fact, I played a gig last night using this
controller and this laptop running Rekordbox
DJ at a 500 person capacity club, and I had
absolutely no problems with it.
It worked flawlessly.
Don't let the size fool you guys, this is
a very capable controller.
Switchovers with the DJ before me was very
easy and painless, all I had to do was remove
one of the CDJs, put this in place, stick
in the RCA jacks, open up my laptop, and I
was good to go.
Alright, now it's on to the things I don't
like.
The faceplate is a lot simpler now, it's more
minimal which is cool.
However, the jogwheel lights are still here,
and I still don't like them.
They've been around ever since the first WeGO
controller, and I understand that it's kind
of like a hallmark of the WeGO series design,
however I just think they look really tacky
and I know some DJs like having those LED
lights because it lets them know whether or
not a track is about to end, but I kind of
like the controller the way it is.
I mean right now it's not powered, I haven't
connected it to my laptop or to a power supply,
and it just looks great.
It's understated, it's sophisticated, and
it's sleek.
I don't mind having lights for the effects
buttons here and the hot cues, but for the
jogwheels, I'd really rather it not have any lights
there at all.
Now another thing that I didn't like about
this controller are the pitch faders.
They're just really loose and flimsy.
I complained about the pitch faders in the
DDJ-RB, I thought they were wobbly, and these
faders are wobbly as well.
I know there's a sync button on this controller,
but if you are just starting to learn how
to DJ and you want to learn how to beatmatch
properly, I think having good pitch faders
is very, very important.
Despite these minor gripes, the WeGO4 is still
an excellent controller overall.
Again if you are a beginner and you still
can't decide what platform you want to mix
on, or what DJ software you want to use, the
WeGO4 opens you up to a host of possibilities.
If you are an intermediate DJ or maybe you're
a professional, somebody who already has a
larger controller or somebody who spins with
CDJs at the club, the WeGO4 makes for a great
backup controller for when space is a premium,
or if you want to practise DJing at home.
Further, the WeGO4 is an excellent value coming
in at just a little over $300, because it ships
with a Rekordbox DJ software and Virtual DJ
LE.
So that's it for this talkthrough video.
I've got the full review over at the Digital
DJ Tips website.
The link is in the description box below.
Please hit the thumbs up icon if you like
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My name is Joey, thank you so much for watching.
I'll see you next time.
