Getting Started With The Pioneer DDJ-SB3

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DDJ-SB3 Beginners Guide

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 is a brilliant entry-level controller for those wanting to take their first steps into the world of DJ’ing. Compatible with Serato DJ Lite and Djay, the SB3 is compatible with a computer or iOS device. In this beginners guide, we are going to show you how to set up the DDJ SB3 on both platforms, getting you mixing as soon as possible!

pioneer dj ddj-sb3

How to set up the DDJ SB3

Connecting headphones and speakers to the DDJ SB3

The DDJ-SB3 features straightforward audio connections. Headphones connect to the front of the controller using a smaller 1/8th TRS connection. Speakers connect to the two RCA line-level outputs on the rear, labelled master. These are colour coded with the red connection for the right speaker and white being for the left.

pioneer dj ddj-sb3 connections

Finally, the TRS microphone input with dedicated volume control is found on the rear of the controller. It is worth noting that the microphones audio is not sent to the computer over USB, meaning you won’t hear it in recordings or streams.

Setting up the DDJ-SB3 on a computer with Serato DJ Lite

Before connecting the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3, ensure you have the latest version of Serato installed on your computer, available here.

Connect speakers and headphones to DDJ-SB3
Then Launch Serato DJ Lite
Finally, connect DDJ-SB3 to the laptop using supplied USB cable

If you’re using Windows and no sound comes from the computer after connecting the DDJ-SB3, change the output of your computer back to your built-in speakers.

Using computer speakers with the Pioneer DDJ-SB3

Serato DJ Lite allows users to use the default computer speakers alongside the speakers connected to the DDJ-SB3. This can be especially useful if the DJ doesn’t own a pair of speakers or when on the move. To use the computer’s speakers alongside the connected speakers, head into the preferences. Under the audio tab, check the box “Use Laptop Speakers”.

Using DDJ SB3 with computer speakers guide

Getting started with Serato DJ Lite

In this video, founder and tutor Jamie Hartley explains how to get started with Serato DJ Lite. Learn how to get started importing and managing your music library! To learn more about using Serato, read our beginners guide found here!

Setting up the DDJ-SB3 on iPad/iPhone with Djay.

Before connecting the DDJ-SB3, ensure the latest version of Djay is installed from the App Store. The USB-B port on the rear of the DDJ-SB3 connects the controller and powers it. Using this supplied cable to connect iOS devices does require adaptors which we will link below.

Users with USB-C iPad devices can bypass the adaptor, using a USB-B to USB-C cable. Do note this method disables the iPad charging, so keep an eye on battery levels!

To connect to lightning port iOS Device (iPhone / Older iPad)

Launch djay app
Connect the Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to iPhone/iPad
Plug iPad/iPhone charger into Camera Adapter
Connect DDJ-SB3 to camera kit via supplied USB cable

To connect to USB-C Device (2020+ iPad Pro/ 2021+ iPad Air and iPad mini/ 2022+ iPad)

Connect speakers and headphones to DDJ-SB3
Launch djay app
Connect a USB hub to iPad
Plug the charging cable into the USB Hub
Connect DDJ-SB3 to USB Hub via the supplied cable

Getting started with Algoriddim DJAY

In this video, DJ Holland explains how to get started performing your first mix on Algoriddim DJAY. Learn how to stream music and perform your first mix. Although this video doesn’t use a DDJ-SB3, the application’s basic navigation and managing the library inside DJAY still applies.

FREE DJ MUSIC PACK & More DDJ-SB3 Tutorials

At the start of your journey as a DJ, one of the main things you will need is music! That’s why we have created a music pack specifically for DJs with extended edits of songs perfect for practising with. The music is exclusive, and better yet, it’s free to download and mix with on your DDJ-SB3.