Introducing the Pioneer DJ DJM-S5: Newest Mid-Range Scratch Mixer from Pioneer DJ (Transcript)

The DJM-S5 is a sturdy new battle mixer from Pioneer DJ, aimed at DJs who are starting to get serious about scratching. This is an entry-level product that slots in under the DJM-S11, and my beloved DJM-S7. It’s got a similar layout to the other two, but it sports this red and black design and has a transparent window on the front, showing the inner workings of the top-notch Magvel Fader Pro.

It inherits the same levers as the other mixers which allow you to engage all of Serato’s FX, but, it’s worth mentioning: unlike my S7, the S5 doesn’t have onboard FX, meaning that your laptop needs to be connected to the mixer to use FX (even when using CDJs or tables).

One really neat thing about this mixer is that it’s USB-C powered. This means you can plug it straight into your laptop and power it from there. It’s always nice to have one fewer cable to route, but if you have the need, there’s a second port for a power brick that is not included

DJM-S5 Features & First Impressions

Like the S7, the S5 saves a little room by putting the filter and trim knobs over here to the side of the EQ. You control your Master and Booth levels here on the top middle and can do all your browsing and loading tracks right here.

I found that the FX levers and upfaders basically felt like those on my S7. This means that, unlike the Magvel crossfader, the upfaders are “just okay”, and if there’s a way to adjust their curve, I wasn’t able to find it during my short time with the mixer.

The paddles are the same ones you’ll find on the S7 and S11, and again, they’re “fine” but not bulletproof.

The beat pads are actually different, though. They have a clicky response, and I certainly prefer mine. However, these work just fine if you’re not a world-class beat drummer.

Also, the S5 has four pads per deck, as opposed to the usual 8. However, that second row of four can be accessed with the push of a button. There are six buttons you can use to engage your Serato FX, as well as some secondary functions used with the Shift key. You can adjust your crossfader curve, and reverse it if you prefer hamster-style. You can also access Serato’s Scratch Bank, and two new exclusive features to this mixer called “Crossfader Hotcue” and “Scratch Cutter”. We’ll come back to that in a minute.

The only other thing I really felt was missing when compared to my S7, was its easy-to-use Loop controls. You can access Serato’s looping through the beat pads, but I really prefer having these Loop in-and-out, half, and double buttons. It’s just easier to do on the fly, without thinking about it.

But then there’s the Magvel Fader Pro, the heart and soul of this mixer, and where the real value of the S5 is. You only have two curve options (sharp and linear), but you want that sharp cut for most scratch action anyway.

DJM-S5 Curves & Adjustments

On the very front, you’ll find your Mic and Aux levels, your small and large headphones jacks, and the crossfader tension adjustment. Remember, you adjust the curve using the pads, rather than a dial.

Taking a look around back, comparing ports and connections with the S7, makes it a little more obvious what they’ve taken out to save cost. For example, there’s no built-in USB hub or dual sound card for multiple DJs, and the line and phono ports are shared (you change them with a switch).

Also, the S7 has a dedicated booth output with 1/4” connections, whereas the S5 has RCA jacks for this task, and has a secondary label of “Master 2”.

While the S5 is kinda stripped down to the basics, it also has all the main ingredients that you need for serious scratching such as the Magvel Fader Pro with adjustable tension and curve, proper FX levers, and access to Serato’s main features. This is more of a tool than a toy but at a surprisingly reasonable price.

I wish I had this as an option when I was first getting into scratching and djing top 40 style in the clubs. The S5 would’ve solved some problems for me early on, if I had access to a mixer that was this focused on DJs getting serious about both scratching and mixing

Our Conclusions

With the DJM-S5, we have an $800 mixer that is sturdy, pretty, and up to the task. DJ gear can be annoying, sometimes, when you’re shopping. Say you go to get a new cellphone, and what you really need is a little more storage and a better screen, but they also make you pay for storage and processor upgrades to get the one you want. It can make you feel a bit cheated, and DJ gear is not exempt from this phenomenon.

However, I find myself impressed at the feature set of this mixer for the price. The things they’ve taken away are pretty sensible; you don’t necessarily need two USB sound cards, or 8 pads on each side, you can get by perfectly fine without them. But it has the features that count, and the sturdiness where it matters.

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