djsoftware.com.au –

Fresh from the boys at Pioneer…. More news to follow!
PIONEER IS IN THE MIX WITH LATEST DJM MIXER
Revolutionary DJM-2000 Features 5.8-inch Multi-Touch Screen, Advanced EFX and MIDI Control

LONG BEACH, CA (March 10, 2010) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division, is again front and center of the DJ scene as a technology leader with the introduction of the DJM-2000 professional mixer providing new generation digital DJs the ability to creatively produce outstanding performances at an entirely new level. A perfect companion to Pioneer’s CDJ-2000 digital media players and compatible with any player in the market, the DJM-2000 is marked to be the pinnacle of mixers with technological advances that include the industry’s first 5.8-inch multi-touch1 screen effects, Evolved Beat Effects, Pro DJ Link and MIDI controls.

“At the heart of DJing is the mixer and it’s absolutely essential to have the best product in your arsenal when you’re entertaining hundreds and even thousands of club goers. I’m confident that the DJM-2000 will be marked as the ‘go to’ audio mixer in the industry,” said Matt Dever, vice president of professional sound and visual division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Performance Driven
For those DJs looking for a serious mixer that can greatly enhance their performance capabilities, Pioneer’s DJM-2000 will deliver incredible audio features and audio effects.

# Mixer Layout
The DJM-2000 inherits a larger foot print than its predecessors to accommodate a sectioned layout of features as well as cosmetically match the latest Pioneer CDJ series of digital media players. On the top center section of the mixer resides its EFX capabilities to give DJs a bounty of digital effects. Located on each side of the middle section is its audio mixing controls for connection of up to four digital or USB sources. Across the middle section, Pioneer added new INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) functions which allow DJs to further alter and create more sound effects. And, at the bottom center of the mixer is a large LCD touch display that provides DJs a window for remixing beats and adding effects with the ease of a simple touch of the screen.

# Industry First Multi-Touch Panel
A first in the industry for audio mixers(*1), the DJM-2000 incorporates a full-color 5.8-inch LCD multi-touch panel for adding audio effects. Users can simultaneously manipulate the displayed controls on the panel by touching different areas of the screen. Three different performance modes are available including;

* Frequency mix – Enables more precise mixing within seven frequency ranges. For example, users can enhance the bass region within the music they’re mixing.
* Sidechain remix – DJs can create seven different dynamic audio effects with touches and movements on the screen.
* MIDI mode – Allows the user to assign various controls displayed on the LCD screen to control DJ software via MIDI. Four types of MIDI modes are available for more performance flexibility.

# Evolved Beat Effects
A section of the mixer resides an Evolved Beat Effects adopted from earlier versions of the DJM series of mixers to generate a multitude of sound effects. Numerous buttons were added for selecting multiple effects and beat parameters for additional performance capabilities. Further manipulation of the sound effects can be made using the Effect Frequency knobs that changes the low, mid and high frequency bands of the music. Turns of the knobs enhances the effects to each frequency band, i.e., an echo added specifically to the vocals of the music or a doubling of the hi-hat rhythm, providing incredible performance options.

# Instant Instrument FX
The INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) provides six additional audio effects that include Noise, HPF, LPF, Jet, Zip and Crush. Each of the effects can be induced into the channel with a turn of the Filter knob. Additionally, the Parameter knob allows the effects to be fine tuned.

# Live Sampler
A cool feature of the mixer is its Live Sampler capability which allows the sound from a microphone or from the MASTER(*2) output to be recorded directly into the mixer. The “sampled” sound can instantly be transferred via LAN cable to a CDJ-2000/900 for scratching.

# Pro DJ Link
When used specifically with Pioneer’s CDJ-2000 or CDJ-900 turntables via Pro DJ Link, the DJM-2000 becomes an even more powerful musical tool. The mixer incorporates four Ethernet ports in the back of the unit allowing up to four of the most recent CDJ turntables to be connected (via LAN cables) while sharing only one music-filled SD card(*3) or USB storage device. In addition, up to two laptop computers pre-installed with Pioneer’s music management software rekordbox™ can be interfaced with the DJM-2000 via LAN cables, in cases that two DJs are transitioning for their individual performances.

# Link Monitor
When linked with the CDJ-2000 player, the mixer informs the DJ of its connected status. The JOG rings of the turntable changes in color based on the current on-air(*4) status or channel number connection, providing quick visual indications to the DJ

# USB interface
The DJM-2000 features a USB audio interface(*5) that allows direct computer connection without the need for an external sound card. Up to four audio sources can be assigned to each channel providing even more flexibility. For additional convenience, the MASTER output can be connected directly to a computer for recording(*6) of performances.

# Sound Quality
Continuing the prestigious reputation of Pioneer mixers, the DJM-2000 provides excellent sound quality. By utilizing balanced hybrid op-amp and a perfectly balanced output circuit in the analog processing stage, Pioneer managed to significantly decrease induced noise resulting in a dynamic range of 107dB with 0.004% THD for an extremely clean and powerful sound.

Additional features of the DJM-2000 includes:
• Switching 3-Band EQ/Isolator – Equipped with a switching 3-band EQ (+6dB to -26dB) and 3-band Isolator (+6dB to -?dB) on each channel
• Digital In – Permits audio signal of each channel with no deterioration in sound quality
• Fader Start Play – Connection with CDJ player(s) with PRO DJ LINK or control cable allows the mixer to start the turntable by switching faders
• Talk Over – Lowers the volume of the music when a connected microphone is used
• Peak Level Meter – Displays input levels at a glance
• Cross fader Assign function – Allows the flexible assignment of the input on each channel to the cross fader
• Fader Curve Adjust function – Allows changes to cross fader and channel fader curves

# Specifications

No. of Channels
• Audio: 4-channels
• Mic: 1-channel

Input Terminals
• CD/LINE×6?RCA?
• PHONO×2?RCA?
• DIGITAL IN×4?COAXIAL?
• MIC × 1 (On top, XLR & 1/4-inch general-purpose phone×1)

Output Terminals
• MASTER OUT×2?RCA×1?XLR×1?
• BOOTH OUT×1?1/4 inch PHONE?
• HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT×1?On top, 1/4 inch PHONE?
• REC OUT×1?RCA?
• DIGITAL OUT×1?COAXIAL?

Other Terminals
• SEND×1?1/4 inch PHONE?
• RETURN×1?1/4 inch PHONE?
• MIDI OUT×1?5-pin DIN?
• CONTROL×2??3.5MINI JACK?
• USB-B Port × 1
• LINK Terminal × 6

Sampling Rate 96 kHz
D/A Converter 32 bit
A/D Converter 24 bit
Frequency Performance 20 Hz ?20 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.004% or less
Signal/Noise Ratio 107 dB ?LINE?
Headroom 19 dB
Power Source AC 120 V ?60 Hz ?
Power Consumption 42 W
Max External Dimensions 16.9 in (W)×16.1 in (D) ×4.3 in (H)
Weight 18.7 lb

The DJM-2000 will be available in June 2010 with a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,999.

Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ Equipment through its Professional Sound & Visual Division. Its DJM series of mixers has become an industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for its high quality sound and reliability. For more information, visit www.pioneerprodj.com.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, California, and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, established in Tokyo in 1938, is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets.

Contacts:
Jaed Arzadon, 310-952-2451 or jaed.arzadon@pioneer-usa.com
Dave Arevalo, 310-952-2745 or david.arevalo@pioneer-usa.com

*1 – Current as of March 10, 2010, according to Pioneer research.
*2 – Final sound from mixing.
*3 – SD cards are only compatible with the CDJ-2000.
*4 – Only the CDJ-2000 can indicate on-air status.
*5 – Compatible with Windows or Mac. When using Windows, three sources or more can be assigned only when using ASIO compliant software.
*6 – CD-ROM included. The USB audio interface function can be used after software is installed on the computer.

Having got through the BPM coverage, it’s now time to get back to the business of news and reviews again. Teasing me badly are the new Pioneer CDJs and the putting together of the preview feature. I was going to do it all in one lump, but I figure it’s easier to trickle the material out as you’re probably somewhat hungry to hear my thoughts on this new shiny stuff. First up is Slip Mode, something that had me scratching my head as to what exactly it was. Watch the video and then you’ll know.

Essentially, it allows the current track to keep playing underneath while you pause, scratch or spinback on the platter. When you release, the track picks up exactly where it should as if it had kept on playing. It’s quite simple, but instantly understood when you try it for yourself.

It’s certainly a new feature to me, and one that will allow users to come up with some new creative ways to rock a crowd. Imagine the fun that could be had spinning doubles of the same track – perhaps offbeat as well to create new ideas for old sets. Of course, it’s also open to abuse in that a DJ could sequence a string of tracks on a USB key – all slam mixed together and only needing a spinback at the right point to appear like they’ve been mixed. I doubt however that a DJ who is in the market for such aspirational products like these is that type of DJ anyway.

This is the puzzling thing about the feature – why isn’t it on the 2000? This is one reason why I made the previous statement about which unit to get isn’t as straight forward as you might think. I’ve just filmed some scratching, juggling and drumming and will edit that into a 2 minute clip later this week. All you need to know for now is that the difference in feel between the 900 and 2000 is minimal, and that just like the older CDJs, both are extremely capable scratchers.

I’ve currently got the decks LAN’d up via an older wireless router and talking to each other happily. The next thing to get my head round is cueing and looping and how the units differ, which I feel will be another key feature that will make a decision one way or another for potential buyers.

 

Taken From Skratchworx.com

NEW PIONEER CDJ DIGITAL TURNTABLES BRING THE ART OF DJING TO NEW HEIGHTS NEW PIONEER CDJ DIGITAL TURNTABLES BRING THE ART OF DJING TO NEW HEIGHTS
CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 Enable DJs to Access Their Music Directly from the Players

Long Beach, CA (September 17, 2009) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division, the leader in Pro DJ products and the innovator of the CD turntable, today launched two multi-format digital turntables, the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900, with features that put the performance back into the art of DJing and reduce the need for laptops to access music files. DJs of all experience levels can enhance their mixing and scratching capabilities using proprietary technologies such as rekordbox™1 music management, Pro DJ Link, Needle Search and USB and SD card connectivity.

“Understanding the expanding needs of today’s evolving DJs, Pioneer’s new multi-format digital turntables allow DJs to access, search and control their content directly from the player itself,” said Matt Dever, Vice President, Professional Sound and Visual Division. “The new CDJ players provide the same legendary quality standards and playability of the CDJ-1000/800 with the added convenience of native playback of key digital media file formats accessed through a multitude of compatible media, whether it’s on CD, DVD, portable hard drive or flash memory device. In addition, both models are HID compatible with today’s top DJ performance software, making these players the natural selection for any performance DJ.”

Prepared For Any Performance
Adapting to today’s variety of media formats, the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 enable playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files from CDs and USB memory devices, and from DVDs and SD cards as well on the CDJ-2000. A USB port located on top of the turntable enables users to quickly connect an external storage device such as a Tonium Pacemaker™ or a hard drive packed with music files, minimizing the need to bring a laptop computer to performances.

Both the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 turntables include rekordbox™, Pioneer’s proprietary music management software that organizes and catalogs a DJ’s entire music library. When music files are imported to rekordbox, the software analyzes each file and prepares them for use specifically with the new CDJ turntables. Key elements of Pioneer’s rekordbox software:

Analyze:

Beats Per Minute (BPM) Data – BPM / Tempo information for each song is identified and processed into rekordbox for use by the DJ in preparing and performing a set.

Waveform Data – The waveform of each song is identified and then displayed on the bottom screen for quick data visualization and for use with the needle search function on the CDJ-2000 turntable.

Customize:

Tag Info & Artwork – Edit and customize the file information to performance needs.

Hot Cues, Cue Points, and Loops – Prepare and customize cues and loops as well as create and manage hot cue banks.

Playlists – Create, edit and manage customized playlists for various performances.

Beatgrid – Utilizing the new Quantizing feature, cue points and loops can be set perfectly on-beat. The Quantize feature ensures cue points are set accurately and automatically, correcting and synching beats during manual looping or a real-time cueing, preventing off beat mistakes.

Users can then transfer analyzed music files to their preferred storage media and play them directly from the new CDJ turntables. The software offers song information that can be viewed easily during performances on the CDJs’ large displays to quickly search and access content by genre, title, BPM, etc. Also, as analyzed tracks are played through the CDJ products, the turntables automatically create and save a play history enabling users to review past performances on their PCs.

Pro DJ Link
The new turntables feature Pioneer’s Pro DJ Link that enables up to four CDJ-2000/900s to be connected via the Link Port to share a single music source, whether it is a hard drive, USB and/or SD memory card. Once linked, users have the ability to quickly find, display and choose the music file from a connected source through the CDJ’s built-in display and control knobs. A quick turn of the knob lets users scroll through created files and folders and a push of the knob confirms the song choice.

Advanced Connectivity
The new turntables feature a 24-bit/48 kHz sound card and HID and MIDI control compatibility via USB port. Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software by way of HID and/or MIDI.

The HID controls were implemented into the players for superior interfacing with software, faster communication speed over MIDI, audio/visual streaming and two-way information on displays. HID enables easy, precise and native control of DVS systems such as Serato™ Scratch Live, Native Instruments’ Traktor series and MixVibes Cross2 without the need for time-coded discs.

CDJ-2000 Enhancements

LCD panel and Graphic User Interface – The flagship CDJ-2000 features a large WQVGA 6.1-inch full-color 480 x 234 LCD panel for displaying song titles and jacket art as well as detailed track information so DJs can select songs at a glance. The wave data of each song is also illustrated on screen, showing high and low amplitude to further assist DJs.

Needle Search – Helps DJs instantaneously get to a specific part of a song with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad. Found directly below the CDJ-2000’s high resolution LCD panel, the touchpad lets the DJ “place the needle” and jump quickly to a specific part of a music track.

Jog Dial – Adjustments for tension were enhanced from previous models allowing the DJ to further customize the feel of the jog dial from a light to heavy sensitivity. Four illuminated areas on the sides of the Jog Dial aid the DJ in finding the desired spot on the plate in dim lighting environments.

CDJ-900 Enhancements

Slip Mode – When activated, Slip Mode silently continues song playback during a loop, reverse or scratch and continues audible playback at the exact time when the loop, reverse or scratch is ended creating smoother transitions.

Advanced Auto Beat Loop – The CDJ-900 generates a four-beat loop at a touch of a button creating a customized sound to provide more time for DJs to blend in transitioning music.

The Extras
For more accurate tempo control while mixing, each player is enhanced with increased frame increments of 0.5 frames that allow the DJ to set a cue point or loop point with more precision.

To achieve the highest sound quality, both the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 were equipped with the audio industry’s highly respected Wolfson DAC processors, delivering a very transparent, accurate audio signal resulting in a highly improved signal-to-noise ratio and increased headroom.

The CDJ-2000 will be available in November 2009 with a suggested retail price of $2,150.
The CDJ-900 will be available in December 2009 with a suggested retail price of $1,600.

Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ Equipment through its Professional Sound & Visual Division. Its DJM series of mixers has become an industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for its high quality sound and reliability. For more information, visit www.pioneerprodj.com.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, established in Tokyo in 1938, is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets.

1 rekordbox is music file management software developed by Pioneer in cooperation with MixVibes for use in combination with Pioneer products.
2 For more information on the version that improves compatibility when connected with the CDJ-2000/900, please see the Tonium’s website at http://www.tonium.com.
3 For more information on the version that improves compatibility when connected with the CDJ-2000/900, please see the Serato Audio Research’s website at http://www.serato.com. .
4 For more information on the version that improves compatibility when connected with the CDJ-2000/900, please see the Native Instrument’s website at http://www.native-instruments.com. .
5 For more information on the version that improves compatibility when connected with the CDJ-2000, please see the MixVibes website at http://www.mixvibes.com.

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation
REKORDBOX is a trademark of Pioneer Corporation.
MIXVIBES and CROSS are trademarks of MixVibes Companies in the United States and other countries.
PACEMAKER is a registered trademark of Tonium AB.
SERATO and SCRATCH LIVE are trademarks of Serato Audio Research.
TRAKTOR is a trademark of Native Instruments.
WOLFSON is a registered trademark of Wolfson Microelectronics.

Specifications CDJ-2000

Compatible Media
Music CD Yes
CD-R Yes
CD-RW Yes
DVD±R Yes
DVD±RW Yes
DVD±R-DL Yes
USB Devices Yes
SD Memory Card Yes

Compatible Files
MP3 Yes
AAC Yes
WAV Yes
AIFF Yes

File Systems Compatible with USB Storage
FAT12 Yes
FAT16 Yes
FAT32 Yes
HFS? Yes

Frequency Range 4Hz – 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 115dB or higher (JEITA)
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.0018% (JEITA)

USB Ports USB-A 1 and USB-B 1
Link Port LAN / 100 base – tx Yes

Audio Output Terminals
AUDIO OUT 1 (RCA)
DIGITAL OUT 1 (COAXIAL)

Other Terminals
CONTROL 1(?3.5 Mini-plug)
Audio Output Voltage 2.0 Vrms
Power Supply to Use 120 V ac (60Hz)
Power Consumption 28 W

Maximum Dimensions
(WxDxH in mm) 320 × 405.7 × 106.4
(WxDxH in inches) 12.6” x 15.94” x 4.19”
Unit Weight (kg / lbs.) 4.6 kg / 10.14 lbs.

Specifications CDJ-900

Compatible Media:
Music CD Yes
CD-R Yes
CD-RW Yes
DVD±R No
DVD±RW No
DVD±R-DL No
USB Devices Yes
SD Memory Card No

Compatible Files:
MP3 Yes
AAC Yes
WAV Yes
AIFF Yes

File Systems Compatible with USB Storage
FAT12 Yes
FAT16 Yes
FAT32 Yes
HFS? Yes

Frequency Range 4Hz – 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 115dBor higher (JEITA)
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.003% (JEITA)
USB Ports USB-A 1 and USB-B 1
Link Port LAN / 100 base – tx Yes

Audio Output Terminals
AUDIO OUT 1 (RCA)
DIGITAL OUT 1 (COAXIAL)

Other Terminals
CONTROL 1(?3.5 Mini-plug)
Audio Output Voltage 2.0 Vrms
Power Supply to Use 120 V ac (60 Hz)
Power Consumption 26 W

Maximum Dimensions
(WxDxH in mm) 305 x 385 x 115.6
(WxDxH in inches) 12.01” x 14.78” x 4.55”
Unit Weight (kg / lbs.) 3.9 kg / 8.6 lbs.

Music File Management Software rekordbox™
Compatible Operating Systems Mac OSX (10.4.6 or later)
Windows Vista® Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business
Windows® XP Home Edition, Professional (SP2 & Later)
Compatible Files: MP3/AAC/WAV/AIFF
System Requirements: Mac OS X: / Intel® Core. Duo (or equivalent processor)
1.83 GHz or faster
Windows Vista® or Windows® XP:
Intel® Pentium® 4 (or equivalent processor)
2 GHz or faster
Memory 512 MB or more
Free Hard Drive Space 250 MB or more (Not including the space needed for saving music and other files)
Disk Drives: CD-ROM Drive
Display XGA (1024×768)
or greater recommended