Today Pioneer introduced a new two-channel mixer with the worlds first in loop sampler, the DJM400 and the DJM800, which incorporates features recommended by many professional DJs and club engineers, raising the bar on sound fidelity and ease of mixer operation. Most important are its high quality 96kHz/24 bit sampling and harmonic mixing capabilities.
DJM400
World’s First In-Loop Sampler – An intelligent 96kHz/24bit sampler automatically detects the tempo of a song during playback, sampling it for a length of 4 beats; then loops the sample. Since the sampled sound is in sync with the beat of the tune being played, no matter the tempo, it enables live remixing like never before. Samples are automatically stretched and compressed to match the beat.
The DJM-400 will store five samples onboard. “The combination of the new DJM-400 with the CDJ-200 is a great combination for pro DJs looking for a great entry-level system,” said Karl Detken, director of product planning for Pro DJ products at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “It offers the reliability, a wide range of features, and the high quality audio for which Pioneer products are known.”
Onboard Effects and Equalization – Onboard effects automatically detect the beats per minute of the music and sync to the beats. The DJM-400 includes seven onboard effects: Delay, Echo, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Robot and Roll. All effects are processed at 24bits for the highest quality sound. A new Beat Select button allows more intuitive and aggressive DJ playing and remixing. Each channel has a 3-band isolator EQ with full cut capability. The EQ ranges from +9dB to -∞ (infinity) for total control of the sound.
The DJM-400 offers a number of key features for a professional DJ, including:
– The ability to select either of two microphone connections or one stereo line connection;
– A fader start so playback can be started by simply sliding the cross fader or channel fader when connected to a Pioneer CDJ product;
– A peak level meter so the DJ can check audio input levels for each channel or for the master;
– A Talk Over feature that automatically lowers track volume for the DJ to speak over the track.
DJM800
High Quality Audio – The analog signal from the player passes through the shortest signal route, first digitized at 96kHz / 24bit through a pro A/D converter where it reaches the digital mixing stage with the best sound possible. The mixing is carried out by 32bit DSP with minimal deterioration of sound quality. A highly rigid chassis minimizes unnecessary vibration, which could adversely affect sound quality. The mixer also incorporates a dual-shield structure for eliminating entry of digital noise and a high performance power supply for noise-free power.
Sound Color Effects For A New Style of DJ Mixing – The world’s first DJ mixer with Auto Harmonic Tuning detects the key of song and automatically corrects it to the closest true key. In music theory terms, when a DJ raises the pitch of a song in the key of C by three percent, the song is no longer in the key of C, but somewhere between C and C sharp. This makes it impossible to perform a perfect harmonic mix. Pioneer’s new Harmonic Tuning feature takes the key of the source audio and adjusts the pitch until it is that of a standard note.
Of course a DJ still has to know some basics about music, such as which keys match, in order to pull off an acoustically perfect harmonic mix. World class DJs currently spend thousands of hours learning the keys of their music and re-mastering their library to be in “perfect pitch”. Now the DJM-800 makes it easier to perform a “Harmonic Mix”.
“As the art of DJ mixing becomes more and more sophisticated, Pioneer raises the level of its equipment to provide the tools needed by today’s professionals,” said Karl Detken, director of product planning for Pro DJ products at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Effects – The DJM-800 incorporates a highpass / lowpass filter, notch filter and bit crusher effect for all channels. In conjunction with the additional Beat Effects, 50 combinations of effects are possible. Higher quality effects at 24bits make for a cleaner sounding remix. The effects automatically detect the BPM of the music and sync to the beats. DJM-800 includes some familiar effects, plus some new ones: Echo, Delay, Reverse Delay, Pan, Transform, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Robot, Chorus, Roll and Reverse Roll.
Digital Input/Output terminals – Digital inputs and outputs allow for connection with other digital-capable equipment for a fully digital chain, without degradation of sound quality. The DJM-800 is not only ideal for the club professional but also great in a recording studio environment where high fidelity sound is required. Input frequencies of 44.1/48/96kHz are compatible; output frequency is selectable between 48/96kHz.
Fully Assignable MIDI function – There are a total of 61 assignable controls. The MIDI signal can be sent from almost all knobs and switches on the surface of the DJM-800 to external midi equipment. Since the mixer can send out many MIDI signals, it can be used as a flexible interface to music software or hardware such as Ableton Live or EDIROL V-4 Video Mixer.
Rotary Volume Knobs Available (optional) – The main volume fader knobs can be replaced with rotary volume knobs (DJC-800RV), which are especially valuable for extended mixing providing more subtlety and precision.
Numerous other features make the DJM-800 ideal for a sophisticated DJ:
• Cross Fader Assign allows the DJ to assign each channel’s input to the cross fader.
• Fader Curve Adjust allows the user to change the cross fader/channel fader curve.
• When connected to a Pioneer CDJ player, the Fader Start allows playback to be started by simply sliding the cross fader or channel fader.
• A built-in three-band equalizer enables level control within a –26dB to +6dB range for high, mid, low bands, respectively.
• The Talk Over feature automatically lowers track volume so an MC can talk over the track.
• The Mic Signal Cut eliminates the microphone sound output to the booth monitor to prevent feedback.
• The DJ can check the peak level of the input audio for each channel and the master.
The DJM-400 will be available March 2006 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $699. The DJM-800 will be available late February 2006 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,699.
More information will be available at the Pioneer DJ website.