Pioneer - Dawn Of A New Species

[Dukesy 0]

So this is what all the fuss is about.

 

CDJ 2000

 

http://www.pioneerprodj.com/images/gear/tabletopplayers/cdj-2000.jpg

 

Features

 

* Multi Format Playback - The CDJ-2000 enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files on CD,DVD-ROM, SD card and USB memory devices.

* Pro DJ Link - New Pioneer Pro DJ Link that enables up to four CDJ-2000/900s to beconnected and share a single music source.

* 6.1” Full Color LCD panel and Graphic User Interface - For displaying song titles, jacket art as well as detailed track information and wave form display of each song so DJs can find informatio nneeded to select a song at a glance.

* Needle Search - Helps DJs instantaneously get to a specific part of a song with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.

* MIDI - Users can assign various buttons of the CDJ-2000 to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software with MIDI mapping capability.

* Free Rekordbox Music Management Software Included - 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 thenew CDJ turntables.

 

Evolution. Changing times call for changing tools. That’s why Pioneer’s new multi-format player is the natural selection for the next generation of DJs. It’s been 15 years since the genesis of Pioneer’s first CDJ deck, which led to the world-beating CDJ-1000 series. Now it’s time for something completely new. Introducing a major leap forward for the club standard CDJ series: the CDJ-2000 – Pioneer’s new professional player for the digital age.

 

The CDJ-2000 fizzes with fresh DNA and can play music from multiple sources, including CD, DVD, USB storage devices and SD memory cards. It also comes with the revolutionary music database management software for DJs: rekordbox™. Based on Pioneer’s ‘Prepare & Perform’ concept, rekordbox™ works (for both Mac and PC) like the leading music database management software, but is more creative and more DJ-friendly. rekordbox™ allows DJs to prepare more before their performance and opens a door to tools such as Hot Cue Banks and Quantize, for perfectly synced loops every time. DJs can then export data to a USB or SD device to access vast libraries of music files and perform live – without the need for extra equipment or any inconvenient rewiring in the club. No need to burn CDs, simply take your USB device to the club, plug in to the CDJ and play. Through the industry-first Pro DJ Link, music files and database data on one single USB or SD device can be shared simultaneously by up to four players connected via LAN (local area network) cable. Plus, the data history of each DJ set is automatically saved and can be made into a playlist that can be loaded back into rekordbox™. Another key facet of the CDJ-2000 is its advanced HID (human interface device) and MIDI capabilities for native control of DVS (digital vinyl systems) via USB. What’s more, it achieves Pioneer’s highest sound quality to date through an improved audio output circuit, a new audiophile-pleasing Wolfson DAC processor, and a built-in 24-bit/48 kHz sound card.

 

Naturally, the CDJ-2000’s layout is related to its robust, reliable predecessor, the CDJ-1000MK3. However, although it fits easily into the MK3’s footprint, it ramps up performance with the largest (6.1-inch) clearest full-colour screen in the business. Below the screen is an industry-first waveform Needle Search™/Needle Drop ribbon, so that all the convenience of direct file browsing can now be found in an intuitive hardware format. Add to these features a highly evolved illuminated Jog wheel, and an overall enhanced design, complete with carry handles and Kensington lock, and you have the ideal digital innovation for total performance and seamless synchronisation.

 

‘DJing is increasingly about the endless creative possibilities opened up by digital Darwinism. Natural selection favours superior performance and those who can better streamline processes to channel the best of the software and hardware worlds. It really is all about the survival of the fittest. This new hybrid species of multi-player, our CDJ-2000, is thus an adaptable digital solution for the evolving needs of leading DJs,’ comments Mark Grotefeld, Head of Marketing (Pro DJ), Pioneer Europe.

 

CDJ-2000 KEY FEATURES

Fully compatible with a wide range of media formats

Besides regular audio CDs (and MP3 data CDs and DVDs) the CDJs can play music files that have been copied to SD memory cards and USB storage devices, such as flash memory and hard disk drives. Compatible file formats are MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF (16/24-bit). Files on Tonium’s Pacemaker*1 can also be played when connected as a storage device via USB.

 

rekordbox™ database management software for DJs introduces the ‘Prepare & Perform’ concept

The idea behind ‘Prepare & Perform’ is that rekordbox™ works in harmony with DJs, allowing them to analyse, arrange, edit and export their music and data to digital media before their performance. Put simply, rekordbox™ offers an alternative to taking a laptop to the club. Not only does it function like a database for DJs (and is compatible with the leading music database management software through a bridge feature) but it also offers many more creative opportunities. DJs can prepare cue points, loops and Hot Cues in advance of their show. They can manage music files by editing tag information and artwork, while rekordbox™ analyses such track information as BPM and wave data. DJs can also edit beatgrids, which utilise the CDJ-2000’s new Quantize performance features, so, as an option, all cue points and loops can be set perfectly on-beat every time. In addition, users can create, edit and manage playlists in rekordbox™ and the CDJ-2000 creates a history playlist on your storage device of every track played for review when you next sync with rekordbox™.

 

Huge full-colour display screen leads the market

A bright, elevated 6.1-inch LCD enables DJs to acquire all information at a glance in the dark. And it’s not just about browsing directly though text, because artwork can also be displayed. Thanks to a combination of the GUI (graphical user interface) and a rotary selector, track browsing/selection is made super-quick and easy. Plus, for on-the-fly programming, tag lists can be created using the dedicated Tag button. Meanwhile, that all-important wave data is displayed with improved precision, so that high/low amplitude components can be grasped in the greatest detail to date.

 

Industry-first Needle Search™/Needle Drop for speedy searches and previews

This industry first reproduces digitally the action of needle dropping on vinyl. Needle Search™ lets you instantaneously preview music at any chosen point with pinpoint accuracy. Simply slide a finger along the Needle Drop pad while listening to the stuttered preview and checking the wave display to locate peaks and troughs. This tactile ribbon controller can also be used to conduct keyword searches.

 

Industry-first Pro DJ Link permits multi-play from a single source and file sharing among four players

For the very first time, DJs can connect up to four CDJ-2000s and rekordbox™ by LAN connection and instantly share music and data between the players. That’s one LAN hub, one USB storage device or SD memory card, and countless creative possibilities – multi-directionally reinforced.

 

Improved quality audio output circuit with Wolfson DAC processor

A high-performance Wolfson DAC processor allows audio to be reproduced with a lush analogue feel. Great news for audiophiles is the better signal-to-noise ratio, giving a massive improvement on the CDJ-1000MK3 processor, and a new hybrid operation amplifier circuitry that also minimises noise. The result is a clear, transparent sound that is faithful to the original.

 

Advanced connectivity with 24-bit/48 kHz sound card, HID and MIDI control via USB

The CDJ-2000 has a built-in sound card so no extra interface or unnecessary rewiring is required and connection is possible by using only one USB cable. Information can be output as MIDI to software and other MIDI devices via USB. The player can also be used as a MIDI controller. But HID control offers superior interfacing with software, beating MIDI with speed, audio/visual streaming and two-way information on displays. Consequently, the player can easily, precisely and natively control such DVS systems as Serato’s Scratch Live*2 and Native Instrument’s Traktor*3 series – without any need for time-coded discs.

 

Quantized beat loop for perfectly synced cue points, loops and Hot Cues

After music files have been analysed with rekordbox™, the Quantize function automatically corrects and syncs the beat during a manual loop or real-time cue in. This even works if the in/out point is off beat. There is also a convenient auto one-touch four-beat loop onboard, if required. And thanks to a new 0.5 frame step, there’s twice the resolution for setting even more precise cue and loop points.

 

An extra three Hot Cue Banks, available via the rekordbox™ playlist

Aside from the three Hot Cue buttons on the CDJ-2000 player itself, there are also three Hot Cue Banks to be found in the rekordbox™ playlist. This provides users with an abundance of Hot Cues to further extend the editing opportunities.

 

Advanced new Jog for smooth operability and greater feeling adjustment

The all-new club conscious Jog dial is illuminated in four different places. It’s also much quieter and smoother in operation, and has a far wider tension range when compared to the CDJ-1000MK3.

 

Full training online from October

 

 

CDJ 900

 

http://www.pioneerprodj.com/images/gear/tabletopplayers/cdj-900.jpg

 

Features

 

* Multi Format Playback - The CDJ-900 enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files on CD,and USB memory devices.

* 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 acustomized sound to provide more time for DJs to blend in transitioning music

* MIDI - Users can assign various buttons of the CDJ-900 to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software with MIDI mapping capability.

* Free Rekordbox Music Management Software Included - 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 thenew CDJ turntables.

 

 

Reuters:

 

CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 Enable DJs to Access Their Music Directly from the Players

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(Business Wire)--

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

rekordbox1 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 Pacemaker2 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 Live3, Native Instruments` Traktor4 series

and MixVibes Cross5 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.

 

 

DJ Video's Eddie Halliwell, Laidback Luke, Swedish House Mafia, Paul Woolford, Armin van Buuren here

[djtuffer 0]

Nothing here that Numark and Denon have not done already.

[stardust 0]

It looks and sounds beautiful!

 

I have never used any of the Pioneer CDJ's - With all the new mp3 features, do you reckon you could use this as a pure mp3 device with ease? Or is it really and truly a CD player with capabilities of mp3 playback - but most features are for CD playback?

 

CHeers

Steve

[Dukesy 0]

From the videos, I was under the impression that although there was CD playback facility, the DJ could pre-load the music via devices and playback wav, mp3, etc just as you would a CD...I hope.

 

If they can flood the clubs with these babies though, the creativity of the DJ should allow for enhanced sets, plus the DJ carries less too. No need to plug in a laptop on night! LOL!

 

I can see a few notable differences to the CDJ1000s and the 400, but for me, until there's an update to the DVJs ( for VJing / mpeg and media files ) I'm not really saving my £££'s.

 

[superstardeejay 0]

Nothing here that Numark and Denon have not done already.

 

Can you elaborate?

[McCardle 1]

Nothing here that Numark and Denon have not done already

 

Can you elaborate?

 

That it plays CD's

 

:funjokeandlaugh:

 

I was bought a phone, which takes/ displays / sends colour photos, surfs the internet, connects wirelessly to any wi-fi or bluetooth attachment, plays mp3's, can organise my diary and life better than I ever could, translates words and phrases into 15 different languages, reminds me about birthdays, plays games, has about 100 different ringtones and amazingly all I ever use it for is for speaking to people who are some distance away from wherever I happen to be when one of its 100 ringtones begin to sound.

 

 

....Sorry couldn't resist.

 

Maybe i'm just getting old (Heck, I even feel OLD tonight), but I don't even understand what half of those features are, let alone use them :sad:

Edited September 17, 2009 by McCardle

[superstardeejay 0]

 

Official Pioneer youtube video

[McCardle 1]

Moving pictures!, now thats more understandable for an old timer like me

[Bouncy Dancefloor 0]

Pioneers dominance on the nightclub market should ensure this will take over, eventually

 

However it may be sluggish, clubs wont buy them unless they have to. They will only buy them when they hire in big names and the big names insist on having them. Then itll work its way down so that the resident DJ's can use them. Once all the big clubs have them, the smaller clubs will end up getting them too

 

 

This could take a year or two to work its way through the line

[deejaymitch 0]

It looks like a decent bit of kit but I can't see anything it offers that isn't available with the Denon DNS-3700 at just over half the price, or several other units that are even cheaper again. And, based on previous experience, I'd take Denon unit over a Pioneer one anyday, no matter which superstar deejays Pioneer have given freebies to.

[superstardeejay 0]

I'd take Denon unit over a Pioneer one anyday,

 

 

Rather than another tiresome Pioneer v Denon fight, which has no doubt turned many people off this forum, it would be better, if comparing any reviewed product with an existing one, to cite reasons and references behind your comments; this is more enlightening and useful to any prospective purchaser.

 

You mention the Denon DN-S3700 cd player as having similar features or performance to the Pioneer featured; can you elaborate on the comparisons? They look to me like fundamentally different machines; for example the Denon has a rotating 'vinyl' platter that the Pioneer doesn't...this sort of thing.

 

Kevin

 

[Dukesy 0]

This is interesting

 

jJ-S9Xf3waY

[deejaymitch 0]

You mention the Denon DN-S3700 cd player as having similar features or performance to the Pioneer featured; can you elaborate on the comparisons? They look to me like fundamentally different machines; for example the Denon has a rotating 'vinyl' platter that the Pioneer doesn't...this sort of thing.

 

Erm, I didn't.

 

What I did say is that I can't see any feature of the CDJ2000 that isn't available on the DNS3700 that would make paying nearly double the money justifiable.

[superstardeejay 0]

It looks like another fist fight so I think I'll close this one.