PIONEER DDJ SZ2 VS DDJ SX3
First of all, I want to start off this post by saying I am a huge Pioneer DDJ SX2/SX3 fan. On the other hand, when you look at the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3, and learn about all of it’s features, it’s kind of hard to figure out which Dj Controller is the best. In fact, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 were both built for maximum performance and upgraded with features that all DJs can appreciate.
In this post, I will compare the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 and all of it’s features to the Pioneer DDJ SX3 including specs, hardware, price details, & also affordable monthly payment plan options.
Price Differences
Most importantly, it basically always boils down to which one is worth purchasing more, right? In fact, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 is several hundred more dollars than the Pioneer DDJ SX3, but wait until I explain how affordable these controllers can be…
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First payment ships your Pioneer DDJ SZ2!
First payment ships your Pioneer DDJ SX3!
In conclusion, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 have many similar functions/features. To summarize, the pioneer ddj sz2 is bigger, better, & more expensive. However, are those extra features worth spending several hundred extra dollars?
Now, lets talk about the obvious, shall we?
Size Difference
Pioneer DDJ SZ2 Specifications
- Width: 34.25″
- Height: 3.87″
- Depth: 16.52″
- Weight: 23.59lb
- Soundcard: 24 bit / 44.1 kHz
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20000 Hz
Pioneer DDJ SX3 Specifications
- Width: 26.14″
- Height: 2.77″
- Depth: 13.95″
- Weight: 13.45lb
- Soundcard: 24 bit / 44.1 kHz
- Frequency Range: 20 – 20000 Hz
First off, when you see these two controllers side by side, the first difference you will notice is the size difference. In fact, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 is about 8 inches bigger than the Pioneer DDJ SX3 in width.
The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 has 8.1 inch Pioneer CDJ-style touch-sensitive jog wheels with illuminated indicator displays whereas the DDJ SX3 has 5 inch Jog wheels.
Knob Locations
In comparison, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 share many knobs and features that are located in the same positions or moved to a different location on the controller.
For example, the Needle Search Ribbon Strip is in the same location on both controllers as well many other features such as the censor button, Serato Flip, tempo faders, key up/down, & Effect buttons. However, there are features or functions that separate these two controllers entirely.
As a matter of fact, I have researched and listed below, in great detail, some of the best features each controller has and doesn’t have.
DDJ SZ2 VS DDJ SX3 Features
Performance & Sound Cards:
Even more, The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 both have 24bit/44.1khz sound cards with a frequency range of 20-20000 Hz. Personally, after performing on both DJ controllers, I noticed that the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 was slightly better in sound quality. Although there’s not a huge difference with their frequency response time, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 is a little more powerful. Hence, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 does show to have a slightly better signal to noise ratio.
4 Channel Mixers & Dual USB’s:
Secondly, both the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 & the Pioneer DDJ SX3 are 4-Channel mixers with Dual USB’s so you can connect 2 laptops at the same time.
However, unlike the Pioneer DDJ SZ2, the Pioneer DDJ SX3 has 3 mic inputs in which you can adjust parameters and tweak performance for each individual input. The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 only has 2 mic inputs (Explained below). The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 makes up for this in other ways…
Inputs & Outputs:
The Pioneer DDJ SX3 beats the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 when it comes to it’s 3 Mic Inputs. In Fact, the Pioneer DDJ SX3 has two combo (XLR, 1/4 Inch) mic inputs on decks 3 & 4, as well as one (1/4inch) Mic input on the front of the controller. The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 only has two mic inputs; One combo XLR & One 1/4Inch mic input on the back of the controller assigned to their own channel (In the image below). However, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 has it’s own dedicated mic channel as shown in the image below.
The Pioneer DDJ SX3 has one mic slot (1/4″) on the front of the controller, a knob, and an on/off switch.
Also, On Channels 1 and 4, you have the option to switch back and forth seamlessly from your Line to Mic as well as USB B! In the image below, it shows channels 1-4 on the Pioneer DDJ SX3. Notice the switch? 
Sound Color FX:
Likewise, The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 both have Sound Color FX buttons. However, the Pioneer DDJ SX3 has its Sound Color FX buttons dead center on the controller as shown in the image below.
On the Pioneer DDJ SZ2, they decided to put Sound Color FX buttons closer to deck 1. In the image below, notice the Sound Color FX buttons under the dedicated mic channel on the Pioneer DDJ SZ2.
Load / Prepare Knobs:
Similarly, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 both have library control knobs, prepare/view buttons, & sampler volume knobs. However, Pioneer decided to get genius with the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 and they dedicated library knobs for both deck 1 and deck 2! The Pioneer DDJ SX3 only has one library knob in the center of the controller and you better load that next song to the correct deck! On a side note, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally loaded a song on the deck that’s currently playing… In the image below, you can see the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 library knobs on deck 1 and deck 2.
The Pioneer DDJ SX3 has the Library knobs in the center of the controller as shown in the image below.
Notably, the library knobs on each deck causes less confusion during performance. Hence, making the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 win in this area.
Now, lets talk about some other features the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 has that the Pioneer DDJ SX3 doesn’t have.
Pioneer DDJ SZ2 vs DDJ SX3 Extras
Pioneer DDJ SZ2 Oscillator:
Additionally, the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 has an Oscillator feature located on the left of deck 2′ to the right of channel 4. In the next two images, you can see where the Oscillator is located (Yellow rectangle) on the Pioneer DDJ SZ2.
Here is a closer look…
Obviously, It’s not hard to tell why this feature adds on to the extra bucks the Pioneer DDJ SZ2 is worth compared to the Pioneer DDJ SX3. During a set, this feature can come in handy!
Jog Feeling Adjust & Stop Time:
Furthermore, The Pioneer DDJ SZ2 has two knobs, jog feeling adjust & stop time right at your finger tips located on deck 1 under the library controls. Although you can access these settings in the Serato DJ settings menu, Pioneer decided to give you this beautiful short cut! In the image below, you can see these two knobs on the Pioneer DDJ SZ2.
Together with these two new features, Pioneer improved the jog wheel latency on the DDJ SZ2 so expect to feel a little difference compared to the Pioneer DDJ SX3.
Fortunately, you can’t go wrong purchasing either DJ controller because they’re two of the best DJ controllers on the market today! Also, there are some other good controllers so be sure to check out my other post:
Click here to check out my post on 10 Affordable DJ Controllers!
