What happens when you put a DJM mixer, a DDJ-SX, and an RMX/EFX in a blender? The DJM-S9 is what. It’s a lumpy smoothy of the finest bits of what is cool in Pioneer DJ’s extended range all mashed up into something that Jazzy Jeff described as “a 909 on steroids”. He wasn’t wrong. Watch the video to see Pioneer DJ’s assault on the hearts, minds, and wallets of the turntablist scene.
THEIR SAY
Battle Ready: the DJM-S9 two-channel mixer for Serato DJ gives DJs the power to personalise
6th August 2015: The new DJM-S9 two-channel mixer for Serato DJ puts the power of personalisation in DJs’ hands, with a fast, accurate and customisable crossfader, plus Performance Pads and FX buttons that DJs can map to suit their preferences. The mixer delivers plug-and-play integration with Serato DJ’s four decks and boasts DVS support, on-board Beat FX, two USB sound cards, and a top-loaded input switcher for seamless DJ transitions.
The DJM-S9 is built to withstand the most rigorous scratch performances and suit every DJ’s style. The proprietary magnetic crossfader is both robust and responsive, with customisable Fader Bumpers, feeling adjust, cut lag and fader curve. The colour-coded Performance Pads give instant access to loops, cues, samples and rolls – or DJs can reconfigure the pads to trigger their favourite Serato DJ functions.
Plus DJs can customise the FX buttons and banks to their choice of 55 Serato DJ FX[1] and 15 on-board Beat FX, and manipulate the parameters with a wet/dry dial on each channel. And the FX On/Off lever means they can exit their creative compositions in a flash.
The versatile DJM-S9 is at home in any pro-DJ set-up. DVS control means DJs can use CDJs and turntables to control Serato DJ; non-Serato DJ users can access the on-board FX and use the Performance Pads to give tactile performances without the software.
The DJM-S9 will be available from late October 2015, at an SRP of €1,799, including VAT. Plus the limited edition gold DJM-S9-N will also be available from November at an SRP of €1,899 – the perfect companion to the limited edition PLX-1000-N turntable that launches at the same time at an SRP of €899, including VAT.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DJM-S9
- Tough, responsive Magvel Fader Pro for precision scratch performances
Pioneer DJ’s proprietary Magvel Fader Pro is packed with features that ensure a reliable response – whatever a DJ’s performance style:
- Highly responsive operation
The low-latency fader delivers a fast, accurate response, while DJs can change the operational load using the Feeling Adjust dial. Shock-absorbing Fader Bumpers are included in three materials, so DJs can choose the level of resistance they prefer.
- Robust build for excellent durability
The DJM-S9 is built to last using a contactless, magnetic crossfader and metal shafts that withstand repeated use over a long period without loss of reliability.
- Configurable Curve and Reverse
DJs can adjust the crossfader’s curve characteristics to suit their style and use Reverse to switch the cut lag from the bottom to the top.
- Multi-coloured Performance Pads for physical performances
The DJM-S9 has large Performance Pads that are precision engineered for accuracy and rapid response. DJs can use the sixteen multi-coloured pads – eight on each deck – to trigger and manipulate features including Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer and Loop. Or they can choose to map the pads to other functions within Serato DJ. The organic EL display screen shows what mode is in use, and DJs can allocate pad colours to Hot Cues in Serato DJ for an even stronger visual cue.
- Customisable buttons give access to a host of on-board and Serato DJ FX
The DJM-S9 draws on the enduring legacy of the DJM-909 battle mixer to give DJs access to a wealth of high-quality FX. Six Beat FX buttons and six Serato DJ FX buttons, plus two banks, mean DJs have unprecedented choice.
- 15 on-board Beat FX with added parameter control: Six dedicated buttons trigger the popular Echo, Delay, Reverb, Flanger, Phaser and Trans effects in time with the BPM. DJs can replace these with other on-board Beat FX – and assign six more Beat FX to the second bank.
- 55 Serato DJ FX[i]: DJs can map the six buttons, plus an additional bank, to their favourite Serato DJ FX powered by iZotope.
- Filter FX: a high pass/low pass filter on each channel lets DJs manipulate FX; DJs can switch this for other filters and FX, including Dub Echo, Noise and Pitch.
- Release FX: use the large RMX-1000 style lever to trigger FX briefly, lock them on, or exit arrangements quickly.
- Two USB sound cards, four-deck support and top-loaded input switcher
The DJM-S9 is the ultimate plug-and-play Serato DJ mixer, with two USB sound cards to let two DJs play back-to-back seamlessly. The input switcher is on the top of the mixer, so there’s no need to fiddle around at the back of the unit between sets. DJs can switch between all four Serato DJ decks, while DVS support makes the DJM-S9 ideal for Serato DJs who prefer to play using CDJs or turntables. Plus DJs can record direct to the software during performance.
- Pro-DJ design for accurate sound reproduction
The DJM-S9 inherits its high-quality audio circuitry from Pioneer DJ’s flagship DJM-2000NXS. The AC inlet is designed to reduce resistance and deliver the stable sound needed in loud club environments.
- Other features
- MIC input features Echo FX and high-quality circuitry to eliminate unwanted distortion
- Clip display shows when input levels are too high
- Peak limiter eliminates distortion on the Master output
- Built-in 3-band isolator (+6 dB to -∞dB)
- Fully MIDI compatible
- Adjustable brightness
- Lightweight and portable
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Software Serato DJ Input ports CD/Line x 2（RCA), Phone x 2 (RCA)MIC x 1（XLR & ¼-inch TRS jack）AUX x 1 (RCA) Output ports Master Out x 2 (RCA x 1, XLR x 1）Booth Out x 1（¼-inch TRS jack）Headphone Monitor Out x 2 (¼-inch stereo jack, 3.5-mm stereo mini jack) Other ports USB x 2 Frequency response 20 Hz ～20 kHz Total Harmonic Distortion ratio 0.005％ or less S/N ratio 107 dB （USB） Maximum dimensions(W X H X D) 267 x 107.9 x 407.3 mm Unit weight 4.6 kg SERATO DJ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Applicable OS
(Windows）Windows 8.1 / Windows 7(CPU) Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 1.07 GHz / (Memory) 4GB Applicable OS
(Mac）Mac OS X v10.10 / 10.9 / 10.8(CPU) Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 1.07 GHz / (Memory) 4GB Display resolution 1280 x 720 or higher USB USB 2.0 port Free HDD space 5 GB [1] When DJs buy the Serato FX Kit.
[i] When DJs buy the Serato DJ FX Expansion Pack.
OUR SAY
Finally. it’s been a very long time since the DJM-T1 graces our DJ tables, and given Pioneer DJ’s ongoing affair it was just a matter of time before a Serato DJ mixer came out. The signals have been clear that something was coming, and the DJM-S9 simply fills the yawning gap in their one-stop shop range.
There’s also a limited edition gold PLX-1000 and an all new cart to complete the set. More on those coming next.
We’re going to be pulling this apart in detail over the next few hours (because it’s too much to take in without breakfast), but we just wanted you to see this first and start a discussion about it.
YOUR SAY
Nutshell – 2 channels, Serato DJ, 2 x USB, heaps of effects, custom fader, and in black and gold editions, with a street price of €1799. Initial thoughts? Bigger story later.
GALLERY
Whoah! Too bad the price is out of my reach, so just another competitor to the Rane mixers. Had this came with 1 external FX loop and DIN MIDI out, I might have contemplated on selling a kidney for one.. O’well. That fader tho!
USB class compliance would mean you could hook this up to an iPad with DJ Player. Doubt it is though, shame.
This looks amazing! seems to be the complete article! Seems to have all the bases covered in a good layout! Would be keen to try the fader to check the feel! The price is what it is a guess – right in the combat zone with Rane (and maybe with whatever N.I. have up there sleeve to replace the Z2)
i feel i may have missed something – what is cue loop? (labelled grey on the cue mode button?)
Not sure if I’m 100% correct given my limited experience with SDJ, but Cue Loop is the feature that when you press it, it will jump to the beginning of a saved loop and it will automatically activate that loop at the same time. This way you can save time and don’t need to to “waste” a cue point to jump to your loop starting point.
That’s an interesting possibility! To my knowledge there isn’t currently any hardware available that does this out of the box – it’s possible using the GUI or mapping that functionality to a controller though.
However, I still think cue loop is more likely to be hot loop (see my reply to DJ L-BIZ) from the SP-1, given that there is also a saved loops pad option.
The Sixty-Four trigger’s cue loops. The DJM-S9 looks to do it also. The secondary function of the Roll is triggering Saved Loops judging by the photo. I’m just wondering why they have a turntable break and backspin button as an efx, especially after seeing the promo video.
+1 with brake and backspin
Not sure if I’m 100% correct given my limited experience with SDJ, but Cue Loop is the feature that when you press it, it will jump to the beginning of a saved loop and it will automatically activate that loop at the same time. This way you can save time and don’t need to to “waste” a cue point to jump to your loop starting point.
I would assume cue loop is hot loop from the SP-1; you hit a cue point and it sets a loop from that cue point. The loop length is defined with the parameter buttons.
i was about to upgrade from my old 57 to the 62 but this is certainly food for thought.. As soon as I saw the picture I thought ‘bet Jazzy Jeff will be all over this one, given his love of the old 909’…..
sold!!! how much!!!!!
£1299.
Can you confirm if it has Jazz’ signature 909 “ducking echo” onboard too?
Wonder what NI has up their sleeves…..
I was wondering the same thing for the past 2 years. I finally stopped wondering and switched to serato and Allen & Heath Xone 43c. Not looking back, they can keep their “stems” crap.
Let’s hope you can map traktor to this
It’s fully MIDI mappable, and the controls don’t look too out the ordinary. And you’d be able to use the audio interface too. But Traktor Scratch is likely to be out of the question.
interested to know what compatibility this will have with new rekordbox software. still seems to be missing a few buttons though……
Dear NI, if the next version of the Z2 “isn’t” gonna have free flowing non stiff line faders and no line curve adjusts, then for the love of God pleeeeeeeease get a deal done with Pioneer to make a Traktor version of this seemingly perfect mixer.
Ps screens, stems and rmx decks ain’t gonna be enough to keep your existing user scratch dj’s from jumping ship
Ps,ps kudos Pioneer, you guys are clearly taking advice from the right people. Jus from the initial info this seems like the closest thing to perfect modern scratch dj’s are gonna get
My sentiments entirely!!
I gotta respect NI for supplying the mass’s with a hefty amount of both soft&hardware features for the money but Traktor seriously needs a premium scratch mixer rather than a mixer that jus lends itself slightly towards scratching…..once you’ve modded the stiff line fades that is.
I get the reality of the model there using, supplying the mass’s with affordable yet quality gear that’s to be updated after 3 years, but as a hardened Traktor user I do look at Searto’s hardware options with envy, serious envy now thanks to Pioneer!
You’re nailing my thoughts! I’ve been an avid NI user since ’07, and I like the transition and direction. Yet they are losing my interest due to dated software and lack of ideas with djs as a whole. They’re using all of their resources towards the edm / electronic crowd. Once again, I applaud them for moving the culture forward, but there are mad amounts of DJs who are rebels and choose traktor. Hope they don’t forget the essence.
I agree to a point dude, I feel that for the most part both serato and Traktor have equally solid potential for all genres. Maybe the reality is simply NI jus haven’t given us a out an out scratch dj focused mixer yet so we end up seeing the “NI don’t do enough for turntablists” comment pop up every now and then. RMX decks and the loop recorder are stupid fun for turntablism.
To be honest I’m really satisfied with Traktors features, bar a few tweaks here and there of course, sampling directly in to RMX decks without the loop recorder and being able to post fade sample individual channels in internal mode/on the Z2 would complete my wish list for Traktor. I jus long for premium natively supported beast scratch mixer for TSP.
With the few club mixers recently getting Traktor certification there’s hope NI is returning to the essence and being less closed door, fingers crossed us scratchy folk will get some love and come up trumps with some more serious hardware options
Indeed!
I have been looking for a mixer than can do vinyl and digital with full Fader adjustment for a while. I hate to say it but this really does have everything I would ever want in a 2 channel mixer. I love the fader bumper idea. Very cool!
I would not use the S9 as a digital “controller”, although it is very capable. Unfortunately, the platters somehow are coined/associated with term “controller”.
Looks amazing but… where are gain knobs for each channel ? Don’t get it :(
“trim” ^^
The knobs labeled “trim” are your gain knobs.
Thank you guys. I was focus on gain…
For your kindness, I will order 2 more mixers just for… Hmmmm … No, forget. I am not that rich ;)
they are above the filter pots.
i Just found my upgrade from the numark nv
Looks like a great tool for creative turntablism! I wonder what they will implement in their next 4ch club mixer.
2 mini platters? :)
Looks nice! But they forgot to implement the foot switch!!! I love this feature on my 909
OH SHIT!!!!!!
THIS is the one i’ve been waiting on.
It really looked wicked sick! I really, really, really want THIS Mixer but for TRAKTOR! It is everything the DJM T1 and Z2 are/should have been + all the features (incl. Hardware FX) that those mixers were missing! So plz N.I. or Pioneer give us a new Traktor Battle Mixer!
exactly. fx loop and footpedal switch are only things missing to me.
>>It is everything the DJM T1 and Z2 are/should have been
Well that’s probably why it is released nearly 3 years after the Z2 and even more for the DJM T1…
It’s a bit late to add anything now. I guess they figured that the target audience would be happy with the onboard effects.
wait are all the faders magvel? or did they put some pussy faders for the lines like the Z2?
afaik the Z2 has all Innofaders, but the line faders are damped. A shame that you can’t switch them easily.
Just the crossfader.
Mark, do you have any info about linfaders stiffness? Thanks.
I’d have to ask DJs who have used it. I’m going to guess that they’re free flowing though. This is designed to be turntablist friendly.
This mixer might offer the “handshake” between a turntablism and a controllerism? :) I think it will converge the DJ’ing scene to new height. Here is an example: https://www.facebook.com/skratchbastid/videos/10153530964834084/