Reloop Jockey 3 Review: Can this heavyweight Traktor Pro 2 controller give the Kontrol S4 a run for its money?
Reloop has been busy releasing interesting new digital DJ gear for the past few months, with its Contour and Mixage controllers adding modular and entry-level option to its existing and popular Digital Jockey 2 range.
But with the imminent Traktor Pro 2-ready Jockey III, the company has signalled its intention to be taken seriously at the pro end of the controller market.
Constructed in gun metal to a high standard, weighing in at a considerable 11lb (5kg), and easily one of the biggest DJ Midi controllers on the market, the Reloop Jockey III Master Edition is one serious beast of a DJ console.
It combines a two-channel/four-deck mixer and twin jogwheel approach with high-quality design and pro-grade bells and whistles (including full standalone mixer capability).
The Jockey III could be seen as a natural successor to that legendary workhorse, the Vestax VCI-100…
Plainly meant to live at the heart of a modern pro digital DJ set-up, the Jockey III could be seen as a natural successor to the legendary workhorse the Vestax VCI-100, its considerably more heavyweight feature set reflecting the way controller DJing has developed in the many years since Vestax blew the market open with that seminal model.
Alternatively, you could easily consider this alongside the Allen & Heath Xone range, or – with its Traktor Pro 2 sensibilities – as the first true Kontrol S4 competitor. Let’s take a closer look…
First impressions
About the same size as the Traktor Kontrol S4, the Jockey III couldn’t be more different in feel.
While the S4 looks quirky and innovative, the Jockey III looks traditional and classic. While the S4 uses modern plastics and finishes to come across as a quality product, the Jockey III is of metal construction with a whopping, heavy chassis: it’s approaching the weight of a turntable, and easily the heaviest DJ controller we’ve ever tested. Imagine the Denon DN-MC6000 but half as big and heavy again and you’re getting there.
Only two physical channels?
If you’ve looked at the pictures you’ll have immediately noticed that this controller has a two-channel mixer, not the four-channel type as seen on the Allen & Heath Xone:DX, the Traktor Kontrol S4 and the Denon DN-MC6000. Of course, it can control four virtual decks (plus two external inputs), but it still has only two physical mixer lines, with a three-way toggle switch at the top of each line for input selection.
On learning this (if you have an opinion at all), you’ll probably either think “nope, not for me – I want four separate physical channels”, or you’ll think “great, keeping it simple”. I wouldn’t be surprised if you fall into the latter category: the truth is, most people still DJ with two channels in active use, using the others sporadically or (crucially in this case) for sample decks.
Two channels and a crossfader - classic design for those who aren't fussed by four physical channels.
Reloop has obviously made the decision that most people will only use two deck channels most of the time, and opted to go for big jogwheels and space out those two channels in order to occupy the large surface of this controller.
Also, as we’ll see later, the mapping and controls mean that if you’re using Traktor Pro 2 in sample deck mode, this actually proves to be a bit of an inspired move from Reloop, keeping things simpler than with a four-channel mixer-equipped controller, while offering full control of the deck C and D sample decks.
A substantial level of control
So, with only two physical channels on such a large surface, the decks ought to really pack the features in, right? They certainly do. With eight knobs, a fader and 26 buttons on each side plus the ubiquitous doubling-up using the shift button, Reloop has used the space and relative lack of cost considerations against its own more price-sensitive consumer controllers to really ramp up the features.
There’s four-knob control over each channel’s set of effects, with infinity knobs with circular LED lighting indicating state, that also have push-to-click functions. Two infinity knobs allow full control over looping, including the ability to move a loop by a user-definable beat/bar jump step.
Beatgridding is possible from the controller’s surface, and eight cues can be controlled, although they are in two banks of four so (as with most DJ controllers) diehard beatjugglers will find this wanting.
There are individual filter knobs, and also pan knobs for each channel.
Reloop has always been good at multifunction jogwheels, and these are no exception, with library scrolling, scratching, scrubbing and nudge all available, selectable by pressing one of four small square buttons adjacent to the jogs.
Reloop has always been good at multifunction jogwheels, and these are no exception…
Like the Vestax VCI-300, this controller also has jog drag adjusters, allowing the weighted, capacitive metal/rubber jogs to be set for the right amount of drag to suit your style. The jogwheels are big and purposeful, while being relatively low profile (compared to the S4′s, for instance).
There are the usual four buttons for cue / cueplay / sync / play-pause under each jog, and the pitch control, which is long throw and high quality, is reminiscent of that on a Technics 1210 turntable (although it has no centre click or 0% light).
The mixer section has pleasing rubberised knobs that are well spaced; a browser wheel at the top with load buttons for each channel, and an input selector to switch between decks A and C / B and D, and the external inputs. The EQs don’t have push-to-kill, which is a shame, but they do have centre clicks (unlike the company’s entry-level Mixage controller reviewed last week). The crossfader is low resistance and replaceable, and twin 10-bar VU meters add to the overall pro feel of the unit.
Round the back
The back of the unit has twin RCA inputs for the external sources, and switches for line/phono for both of these, plus a ground pole; booth and master RCA output, plus balanced twin mono 1/4″ TRS master outs (but no XLRs); a second master thru (that being an 1/8″ stereo jack is meant presumably for iPod backup); and the usual power on/off switch and mains input (this unit needs mains power to work).
The jog sensitivity, LED dimmer and shift lock controls round the back: Three welcome additions to help get the controller set up as you wish.
There are also three functions that Reloop is fond of in its designs, namely an LED dimmer to vary the brightness of the unit; a jogwheel sensitivity adjuster (it seems to adjust the sensitivity of movement, not touch, but more on that later) and a shift lock that means you can switch the shift buttons from momentary user to toggles.
On the front
The front of the unit has a 1/4″ mono TRS microphone input that has a small level control and a three-way switch to choose between off, thru-to-master and software routing. There is a similar small crossfader curve adjuster, and there are two three-way switches that determine whether the external inputs are fed through software, straight to the master out, or again, simply turned off.
There is a headphone jack for each size of headphone plug (1/4″ and 1/8″), and finally there’s a cue/master thru button which allows you to switch the headphones from monitoring the cue outputs to monitoring the master through sources.
So we’re not even plugged in yet, but the overall first impression is of a highly professional DJ controller designer for club-style performances, squarely digital but also with a nod to sitting at the heart of a bigger DJ set-up.
By the way, before we go any further, note that with the Jockey III, you’d have to buy Traktor Pro 2 separately, as the unit only comes with Traktor LE, which should of course only be seen as starter software.
Setting up and in use
The big question of course since Traktor Pro 2 was released has been: When and how will third-party manufacturers catch up with Native Instruments’ new software, and release controllers designed to take advantage of the sample decks and loop recorder that the S4 has stolen the march in exploiting? Well in Reloop’s case, the answer is: Now, and with the Jockey III.
DJ controllers, and especially complicated ones, to a large extent sink or swim on the quality of the mappings provided with them, and from the off, it is clear that Reloop’s engineers have spent a lot of time on making this mapping attractive to Traktor Pro 2 users.
When and how will third-party manufacturers catch up with Native Instruments’ new software? In Reloop’s case, the answer is now.
But first, set-up. To prepare the controller, you install the drivers, then launch your software and import the Traktor settings file as you would with any controller. Two types of settings file are provided: For traditional four-deck support, and for two decks plus sampled decks. Of course, the latter is the more interesting, so we opted to review the unit with this .tsi file.
Once the .tsi is imported, everything clicks into place as per the S4-esque Quick Start PDF, which is where you first begin to appreciate the work that’s gone into the mapping.
To start with, let’s get the basics out of the way. Suffice to say that everything that most controllers have – looping, FX, mixer functions, cue/play/sync, library functions and so on, is all present and correct here. Not only that, but it is all implemented to the nth degree; in short, this controller has everything you need and they’ve left nothing out, barring the tactical decision to go with two rather than four mixer channels.
The only thing among the standard controls that we didn’t like was the fact that the EQs aren’t total kills when turned all the way down; with the absence of kills anywhere else on the unit, this should be possible, because 100% kill one way or another is something we regard as desirable in a controller. Relooop has told us that it intends to implement his feature in an update mapping, so that’s good news.
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Tags: digital dj controllers, dj controllers, reloop, reloop jockey III, reloop jockey III ME
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I was seriously considering this controller before I got my Hercules 4-MX. It’s nice and I’m glad you are reviewing some Reloop products.
[ link ]Both good controllers, both actually metal-heavy units too.
[ link ]Hello !
[ link ]I learnt the art of mixing on Cd players , but i hav switched on to Virtual DJ , many laugh it off , but i m able to make some really incredible sets on the software . I was planning to buy the Numark NS6 , so i need some advice regarding any other mixing software and other controllers …
Check out our DJ controller round-up and our 4-deck controllers round-up for the kit.
Your big 3 regarding software choice are basically Virtual DJ which you know, Serato ITCH (as with the NS6) and Traktor (lots of controllers).
[ link ]Thnx for ur words mate ! I also forgot to ask if Virtual DJ could be synced with NS6 ?
[ link ]So The Jog wheels worked like they’re suppose too, or can you magically stop the track like a certain DJTechTools Samurai…LOL! Great and unbiased review Phil.
[ link ]The jog wheels are fine, I watched and didn’t really understand the video you mention – the sensitivity can take care of that. Make no mistake, this is a very, very good controller – it is easily good enough for pro use.
[ link ]I’m really torn as I want to get a new controller for my Virtual DJ setup. I used to have a Numark Mixdeck but decided to dump it. I then went to a Hercules RMX and hate that it’s USB powered. I would love to get the new NS6 but it be released until September. Anyone have any ideas?
[ link ]The NS6 is out in June. Or you could look at the Denon DN-MC6000 which is a wonderful controller and comes with a tight Virtual DJ mapping.
[ link ]Can you use the 2 inputs for timecode control like in the S4?
[ link ]I don’t think so, there’s no mention of timecode in the spec.
[ link ]Yes and no. Not certified for SSL, but works like a champ with Virtual DJ! I love this controller!
[ link ]I have a Reloop Digital Jockey 2 Master Edition.What version of Virtual DJ is compatible with this player, if not are there nay near chances that it will be compatible with Virtual DJ.
[ link ]When you buy Virtual DJ, all updates are free, so you just update to the latest version, which is compatible with the DJ2 – although your DJ2 may need a firmware upgrade – see this post:
http://www.reloopdj.com/forum/index.php?topic=4495.msg21637#msg21637
[ link ]Thnks, Phil
Does the LE version of VDJ support Digital Jockey 2 ME with the firmware upgrade..
[ link ]Depends whether it was an LE version designed for The DJ2 – if not, no. LE versions are specific to the hardware they are provided with, with no way of altering the mappings.
[ link ]digitaldjtips.com – “Even with the current jogwheel shortcoming we’ve highlighted, this controller announces Reloop’s arrival at the top of the market and will for many people be the Traktor Pro 2 controller they were waiting for.” –>
with the new downloadable version and patch, this jogwheel problem has been fixed… and more functions added. Mine works perfect now!!! no more issues here… the BEST TSP2 controller for me… !!!!
[ link ]Agreed, we’ve got the update too and the jogwheel performance is now a lot tighter.
[ link ]Hi,
I have bought this controller, for use in vdj pro full 7.0.5, but it is not supported, so I was wondering if anyone have got a custom mapping for the Reloop DJ3ME><Virtual DJ?
Kind regards
[ link ]Jon Aril
yo wassup? it for me to pick up a new dj controller, I’ve had my eyes on this one since it was announced. I have totally converted to Traktor 2 Pro (from VDJ) and this seems to be a killer controller for that.
About 5 months of its release, does it still hold its place??? Any other serious contenders in this weight class? ( I read here that S4/S2) might just not have the tough quality mobile djs need from their instruments.
any feedback is welcome!
p.s
what’s a good online shop to pick this up from (US)?
[ link ]Thanks for this detailed and informative review. Last week I had a little play with and was amazed how solidly constructed it is, especially after picking up the Numark PlasticPro
So, I’m almost sold on these, bar the price, as I was looking at something in the region of £300-400. Do you know if they will be producing a cheaper, Interface Edition of this? I’m really keen on a controller with crossfader curve control.
[ link ]Not heard anything about a cheaper version, although to be fair this is really good value for what you get.
[ link ]Hi,
I’m wondering if booth master output can be separated from the master?
[ link ]In certain cases, I’d like to keep using my Pioneer mixer wich have great effects and sensitivity.
they have separate volumes but carry the same output.
[ link ]Hey Phil
[ link ]Do you know if the new mapping gives the EQs full kill? If not, how hard would that be to map?
Thanks!
I don’t think so – apparently it’s a Traktor thing and all hardware is the same.
[ link ]Thanks Phil. Hopefully Traktor will fix this in a future version.
[ link ]hey phil, i underatand its possible to hook up cdjs to this badboy and use the reloop mixer to EQ the cdj, but how does this work when theres only 2 phyiscal channels? if had a cdj eq’d and then swtiched that channel to a “reloop channel”, the eq’s are already set at cdjs levels so is there some inconsistency here? or am i jsut missing something?
thanks!
[ link ]I haven’t tried it but it usually works by the control remaining inactive until you move it back to where it was last time you had that source selected.
[ link ]I own the S4 AND this one and i have to say, the S4 is seldom used since i got this thing.
I use two decks and samples most of the time and I feel that setup is better accessible on the reloop.
This one feels just somehow tighter, more direct and more versatile than my S4.
Never had any jog problems – after proper setup.
Also: The channel-PAN potis that you mention to have no real use it club setups i personally find to be crowd-thrilling!
Mixing with the ability to have a new sample/loop/track “fly in” with panning really rocks. I personally LOVE this! Never heard that most clubs run mono setups too…
Great site here btw! Different and you seem to be caring a lot about your readers mate! All the best.
[ link ]Yes I agree with you.I too own a S 4 but ever since I got this unit that one has not come out of the bag.The learning curve is higher compared to the S4 but once you got it there is no stopping this mean machine.However the initial set up and mapping is not simple as it appears to be,it took a while for the mappings to fall in line and work they way its supposed to.But overall its fantastic!!!
[ link ]this review has been really helpful! I have just a couple of questions to do with the reloop jockey 3:
[ link ]can it support timecode?
have they sorted the eq kill yet?(doesn’t matter from me but am interested)
The EQ kills is a Traktor things, not a Reloop thing. It won’t work with Traktor or Serato timecode.
[ link ]Hi Phil.
I appreciate all your reviews and your effort for helping us.
I really like Reloop Jockey III ME Controller.
Infact, I like well built controllers and I like to manually beatmatch so I need a controller with a real good pitch fader, something that really simulate manual beatmatching with Technics Turntables.
Considering that I do not have budget limits, and the only thing I want is a PRO two decks well built controller with a real good pitch fader and good jog wheels to be able to scratch fine:
do you think Reloop Jockey III ME Controller is my best choice? Or do you suggest other controllers?
Many thanks in advance for your help.
Stefano
[ link ]Vestax VCI-300 is my best recommendation if that’s all you want – it has the best scratch performance of any DJ controller I have tried (even on small platters) and the pitch controls are spot-on. Not much else, but what it does, it does well.
[ link ]Phil, many thanks for your answer!!!
No way to use it with virtual dj?
Thanks again for your precious help.
I will tink about it, and let you know my final decision.
Ciao
Stefano
[ link ]Yes, you can as it’s just a Midi controller. It might even work out of the box with Virtual DJ, I’m not sure. Try it and see (you’ll have to use Pro though)
[ link ]Hi Phil,
reading on the internet, I realized that Vestax VCI-300 and VCI-300MKII do not provide any pitch fader start function. It probably means that you cannot set easily the original song speed once you change it (your only chance is to understand it from your laptop screen). Is this right?
It seems that just numark n7 has this future. Is it right? I hope Vestax or other controllers could provide it. Do you think is a big miss?
Apart from this, is manual beatmatch with Vestax VCI-300 like with Technics turntables?
Sorry for annoying you but you are a real expert.
Thanks again.
Stefano
[ link ]“I will tink about it, and let you know my final decision.”
Hi Phil.
I have just bought Vestax VCI-300 MKII! I am really happy with it.
Thanks again for your support!!!!
Keep Spinning!!
[ link ]Hi Phil.
I would just thank you for your reccomandation.
Vestax Vci 300 MkII is a really great tool. It is what I was looking for: vinyl feeling!
Thanks again!!!!
[ link ]No problem, I thought it would be right for you.
[ link ]Hello Phil !
I am new to this forum but your videos and guides have been really useful to a beginner like me.
I have a humble question and it is regarding the comparison of two DJ Controllers which are
1.Reloop Jockey III ME Controller and
2.Reloop Digital Jockey2 Master-Edition
I actually bought myself the second one in an offer ( really cheap) and suddenly I came across this news of the first one which is pathetic I know.
Please can you tell guide me in recognizing the most basic difference between these two models.. Of course the first one is better but in which terms specifically ? Only 3 major differences will make my day .
Thanks a lot in advance !
[ link ]Atul =)
Grab our free guide that contains tables with every major difference! http://djtips.co/free
[ link ]are there separate mains for the US version of the RDJ3 controller and where could I purchase US mains in London or will an adaptor fix this power issue when travelling between London and New York with the RDJ3.
[ link ]Not sure, best place to check would be the Reloop specs on their site.
[ link ]Hi Phil,
Just wanted to thank u about the videos u made for this controller. It help me a lot. I bought the controller 2 months ago and im more then satisfied with it!!
[ link ]Glad they helped you!
[ link ]I started with adj many years ago on the digital jockey IE which I am still using (now with Traktor 2 pro) but it is time to upgrade my gear. After reading the reviews of the S2 and Jockey 3 I am tending to go for the Jockey 3 but knowing that there is no push kill for the EQ I doubt a bit especially the fact that you can’t kill it 100% makes me even doubt more or is this problem already solved by NI or Reloop? I wanna also thank you for your reviews as it helps me to make a better decision. In the beginning Reloop was more a “toy” but when I read your reviews theyes made big steps forward in becoming serious VDJ gear.
Cheers,
Johfra
[ link ]