Head to head
DJM-450 vs. DJM-S5
Both are Mixers in the same price bracket (over €600) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.
Pioneer DJ
DJM-450
The two-channel mixer above the DJM-250MK2: Magvel fader, Beat FX, sound card for rekordbox DVS.
For
- Beat FX like on the big DJMs
- Magvel crossfader, replaceable
- Built-in sound card for rekordbox DVS
Against
- Only two channels
- Expensive for home use
Pioneer DJ
DJM-S5
The scratch mixer for Serato DJ Pro: Magvel Fader Pro, pads, crossfader curve right on the unit.
For
- Magvel Fader Pro, built for scratching
- Runs with Serato DJ Pro, DVS-ready
- Crossfader curve right on the unit
Against
- Only makes sense with Serato
- Little point without turntables — a pure scratch mixer
The key facts side by side
| Feature | DJM-450 | DJM-S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pioneer DJ | Pioneer DJ |
| Price bracket | over €600 | over €600 |
| Our classification | Step up | Step up |
| Meant for | Vinyl setup | Vinyl setup |
Where they differ
- They are built for different ways of playing: at home, in a club, or for scratching. That is the difference that matters most day to day.
We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.