The arduous 5 day wait is over. The normal duck’s arse tight Pioneer machine had more leaks than wikileaks about the next CDJ. The whole industry knew about it, as did a lot of you based on forum chatter. But nobody really knew what it would be. Indeed, the teaser video proffered tantalising clues and hinted at the second coming of DJing. But now we know what we’d pretty much worked out anyway – it’s about wifi, syncing and a handful of solid performance updates. Behold the evolved CDJ-2000nexus.
There’s a stack of words, videos and pictures to get through. So please pull up a chair and watch performances from Laidback Luke, Kissy Sellout and Eats Everything:
Now read the various lumps of PR for completeness. For the record, our traffic is a fairly even split between US and Europe so it’s only fair to publish both.
Firstly, the European PR:
Introducing the Pioneer CDJ-2000nexus multiplayer
– evolved to elevate pro-DJ performances beyond beat mixing
6th September 2012: Pro-DJs are about to get a new lease of life, as Pioneer unveils the CDJ-2000nexus – the industry’s first multiplayer to be compatible with rekordbox™ DJ software on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Android smartphones and tablets.
Inheriting the DNA of the much-loved CDJ-2000, the CDJ-2000nexus has evolved beyond
DJs’ wildest dreams. DJs can prepare amazing sets and playlists using the included Pioneer rekordbox software or download the new rekordbox app to access the same features on their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Android smartphones or tablets. Music can then be loaded onto the CDJ-2000nexus via USB or, new for the CDJ-2000nexus, Wi-Fi*.
The CDJ-2000nexus opens up a new realm of possibilities during performance, with the addition of four-deck rekordbox Beat Sync. Dedicated controls for Master and Sync let you choose which new songs are automatically beat-matched to the master deck. DJs can now focus on taking their performance to new heights through their mastery of loops, cues and new live edit functions, all perfectly in sync.
“Finally true quantization comes to hardware users, opening up possibilities for those who want to retain traditional DJing methods but with the advantages of technology,” James Zabiela.
The hugely popular Slip Mode is an essential performance tool that takes the risk out of using remix functions such as loop, scratch and reverse. DJs can create live edits while Slip Mode keeps the music playing muted in the background, bringing it back in when the edit is finished. Another new feature is Active Loop; DJs can use rekordbox to set automatic loops in any track. So DJs can extend part of a track, never miss a trick, or prolong the end of a song so the music never runs out unexpectedly.
Pioneer has also added new Quantize functions. So as well as snapping all cue and loop points to the rekordbox beat grid, Hot Cues and Hot Loops can now be triggered in perfect time with the music. A dedicated Quantize button makes it easy to switch between ‘free’ or ‘quantized’ playback, giving DJs the choice to express themselves in the best way for each performance. Automatic recall of Hot Cues and Hot Loops makes the whole creative process even more fluid.
The CDJ-2000nexus makes mixing in-key effortless. Tracks are analysed by rekordbox and the CDJ-2000nexus browser incorporates a simple traffic light system that shows you which songs will mix well with the master deck. This works hand in hand with Master Tempo, which changes the music speed without altering its pitch. DJs will notice a significant improvement in quality and it now works without artefacts up to ±16%.
The large, full-colour screen now features rekordbox Wave Display and Wave Zoom to provide a much better view of the music, and lets DJs edit beat grids directly on the players. Browsing music is even more intuitive, with the option to view tracks in list, artwork or customisable formats. The screen shows a host of mixing tools that can be pre-set in rekordbox, such as Beat Countdown and Phase Meter.
The CDJ-2000nexus retains all the popular features of the CDJ-2000, such as the 206mm jog wheel and the ability to edit playlists on the fly. And, naturally for Pioneer professional products, the highest possible sound quality and robust build come as standard.
The CDJ-2000nexus is available from late September 2012, at an SRP of 1,799 EUR / 1,599 GBP including VAT.
KEY FEATURES
World’s first DJ player to be compatible with mobile devices, by USB or Wi-Fi
Pioneer’s rekordbox DJ software has already revolutionised set preparation with its indispensible features such as BPM analysis, beat grid, Hot Cues, Loops and Quantize. And now DJs are using it on their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Android smartphones and tablets to create playlists and store music.
The CDJ-2000nexus is compatible with both the included Pioneer rekordbox software, and the rekordbox app – which can be downloaded free from the App Store (iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad) or Google Play Market (Android devices). The player is Wi-Fi compatible, so – in addition to USB – DJs can connect wirelessly from their laptop, PC, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Android smartphones and tablets when the player is hard wired to a wireless router.
NEW! Beat Sync for perfect beat matching every time
Hit the Sync button and the CDJ-2000nexus looks at the rekordbox beat grids of music, on up to four connected players, and snaps them to the beat of the master deck. This amazing feature promises to revolutionise performance, freeing DJs up to get truly creative with loops, cues and scratching, or the samples and effects on their mixer.
High-quality Master Tempo keeps sound faithful to the original
DJs will be truly impressed with Pioneer’s best-ever quality Master Tempo. The CDJ-2000nexus uses a new algorithm to lock the track’s pitch while they manipulate the tempo, for sound that is more faithful to the original tone.
NEW! Wave Zoom for even more detailed information
In addition to the original Wave display, which lets DJs see the peaks and troughs of the music, the CDJ-2000nexus is the first player to have Wave Zoom for even more precision on loops and cues. And the popular needle search – which lets DJs slide their finger along the ribbon to intuitively access any point in the track – is now illuminated for improved visibility in the booth.
Highly evolved features to breathe new life into performance
The CDJ-2000nexus is bursting with exciting new and improved features that really put the joy back into performing.
- Slip Mode: a popular feature on Pioneer’s CDJ-900, Slip Mode silently continues track playback during a loop, reverse or scratch and brings the music back at the right point when the DJ exits the performance.
- Improved Quantize: Quantize uses the track’s beat grid to ensure loops and cues are set and triggered in time with music, with 100 per cent accuracy. And DJs can now access Quantize via its own dedicated ON/OFF button.
- Active Loop: DJs can use rekordbox to set an Active Loop at the end of tracks to ensure they’re never caught unprepared again. The CDJ-2000nexus will even display a beat countdown to that point.
- Hot Cue auto load: instantly loads up to three pre-set Hot Cues when a track is loaded onto the player.
- Emergency Loop: if the player becomes disconnected from the source, the CDJ-2000nexus automatically goes into a four-beat loop, which DJs can scratch or mix into another source.
- Last track played: DJs can use the dial to easily navigate backwards through the last five tracks loaded on a player.
- Rating on the go: rate and change the ratings of tracks during performance, and it will be automatically synched with rekordbox.
Improved track information to make mixing a breeze
The CDJ-2000nexus automatically displays even more information on its large LCD screen.
- Beat Countdown: DJs can use rekordbox to mark key points on a track, and the CDJ-2000nexus counts down to them from up to 64 bars away.
- Phase Meter: DJs can see the position of the beat in the bar and compare the phase with the master deck on each player at a glance.
- Key Analysis Indicator: this browse feature known as the ‘traffic light system’ shows you which songs are in a compatible musical key with the master deck and, when used with Master Tempo, ensures harmonised mixes every time.
Sharper screen and improved browsing
The new player inherits the 6.1-inch full colour LCD screen from the CDJ-2000. Browsing and selecting music is even easier; DJs can choose how they view tracks – list, artwork, or custom view – and scroll through using the large rotary dial.
My Settings function for immediate access to personal preferences
DJs can access their personal preferences on any CDJ-2000nexus thanks to My Settings. The player automatically detects settings that have been selected in rekordbox – including Quantize ON/OFF and Master Tempo ON/OFF – for a customised DJ booth in seconds.
High-quality sound and improved LAN port
The CDJ-2000nexus boasts professional quality audio circuitry, and a built-in 24-bit/48 kHz sound card, for a clear, powerful sound even at club volumes. A precision engineered Wolfson DAC, which plays master quality audio files up to 24 bit/48 kHz, reduces jitter, while the player’s signal-to-noise ratio of 115dB ensures incredibly accurate sound reproduction.
A new IEC connection allows a more professional power connection for improved sound quality. In addition the improved LAN port design is more robust and now makes it impossible to plug in the wrong cable.
Stylish, robust design and familiar layout
The CDJ-2000nexus inherits its design and layout from its club-standard predecessor – but with a few improvements. The metal colour jog wheel and pots give the unit a more premium look, while the anti-scratch panel keeps it looking sleek and new. And white illumination ensures a contemporary look and high visibility in the booth.
Other features
- Improved jog wheel tension dial
- Control various DJ software via MIDI/HID control
- Pro DJ link enables sharing source with up to four players connected by LAN cable
- Supports MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF music files
* A wireless router is required for this connection
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Playable media iPhone 4GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, IPhone 3G/ iPad 3rd generation/ iPod Touch 4th and 3rdgenerationAndroid phone/Android tablet, etc.USB storage devices (flash memory/HDD, etc.)SD memory cardsComputers (Mac/Windows PC)Audio CD, CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW/R-DL Playable files MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF(iOS version of “rekordboxTM” enable to playback only MP3 and AAC) USB storage support file systems FAT32, FAT16, FAT12, HFS+ Frequency response 4 Hz ～ 20 kHz S/N ratio 115dB or more Total harmonic distortion 0.0018% or less USB ports USB A port ×１, USB B port ×１ Audio output ports AUDIO OUT(RCA)×１, DIGITAL OUT（COAXIAL）×1 Other ports LAN（100Base-TX）×1, CONTROL(φ3.5 mm mini plug)×１ Audio output voltage 2.0 V rms Power use AC 100 V (50 Hz/60 Hz) Electricity consumption 37 W Max. external dimensions 320 mm （W） × 405.7 mm （D） × 106.5 mm （H） Weight 4.7 kg rekordbox™ music management software (included) Supported OS Mac OS®X 10.5.8, 10.6 or 10.7Windows®7 Home Premium/Professional/UltimateWindows Vista® Home Basic/Home Premium/ Ultimate/Business (SP2 and above)Windows® XP Home Edition/Professional (SP3 and above)(*Windows® XP Professional x64 edition is not supported) Playable files MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple inc. rekordbox™ is a registered trademark of Pioneer Inc.
Windows®, Windows 7, Windows Vista® and Windows XP are registered trademarks or trade names of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
* Android is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
* rekordboxTM is a registered trademark of Pioneer, Inc.
* Other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
* Other product, technology and company names, etc. mentioned herein are the trade names or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
And the US press release:
NEXT GENERATION PIONEER CDJ-2000NEXUS IS READY TO CHANGE UP THE MUSIC MIXING GAME
Long Beach, Calif. (September 6, 2012) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.’s Professional Sound and Visual Division, the leader in Professional DJ products, today unveiled its next generation flagship CDJ player, the CDJ-2000nexus, offering exciting features and technologies including Wi-Fi® connectivity, a first in the industry, compatibility with Pioneer’s new rekordbox™ App for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and new functions such as Beat Sync, Wave Zoom and Slip. Newly enhanced features inherited by the CDJ-2000nexus include a selection screen interface for a more intuitive music search experience, increased visibility of the needle search pad, and improved master tempo sound quality.
“Our CDJ players are the established de-facto equipment in the professional DJ community and we’re making sure they stay that way by continuing to improve their functions and features,” said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The CDJ-2000nexus is the first player that will also enable users to prepare their music on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and then wirelessly transfer it to the unit for playback.”
Industry’s First DJ Player with Wireless Source Capability
The CDJ-2000nexus can utilize different music sources, from a hard drive to USB thumb drive and/or SD memory card, and now for the first time, an iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and a computer via Wi-Fi. Using Pioneer’s rekordbox App to create playlists, cue/loop points, beat location settings, waveform analysis and more, users can temporarily transfer the content wirelessly through Wi-Fi to the CDJ-2000nexus. Users can also perform the same wireless function with a Mac utilizing the rekordbox music management software.
New rekordbox Software Functions
With the included rekordbox music management software installed on a computer, users can organize and catalog their entire music libraries. Newly added features available when rekordbox is used with the CDJ-2000nexus include music file analysis functions such as Wave Form Zoom (wave form expansion) andKey, as well as additional settings such as Active Loop and Hot Cue Auto Load.
When music files are imported to rekordbox, the software analyzes each file and prepares it for use specifically for the CDJ player. Key elements of Pioneer’s rekordbox software:
- Data Analysis – Wave Zoom, Key, Wave, Beat Grid, BPM, ID3 Tag and more
- Track Settings – Active Loop, Hot Cue Auto Load, Cue, Loop
- Creation and editing of Playlists
- Saving of playback log information
Full-Color LCD Display
The CDJ-2000nexus features a large full-color WQVGA 6.1-inch (480 x 234) LCD panel for displaying song titles and album art as well as detailed track information. The Wave data of each song is also illustrated on screen and the new Wave Zoom function provides five different levels of magnification of the wave data which are color-coded according to bandwidth.
Pro DJ Link
Pioneer’s Pro DJ Link feature enables up to four CDJ-2000nexus players to connect via the Link Port and share a single music source. Additional functions added to the CDJ-2000nexus that can be accessed when other players are connected using the Pro DJ Link are:
- Beat Sync – Tempo and beat location of music currently playing on one of the device can be matched with the push of a button.
- Traffic Light – Shows the keys of music being played by any players connected via Pro DJ Link, making key-compatible music easier to find by a different color indicator.
- Beat Count and Phase Meter – The Beat Count, which is the number of beats until a set point (memory cue), and the Phase Meter, which shows the beat/bar of the music, can also be displayed simultaneously by other players.
Performance Functions
Pioneer added Slip Mode and Quantize functions to the CDJ-2000nexus for added performance and reliability.
- 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, resulting in smoother transitions.
- Quantize – Utilizing a 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 real-time cueing to reduce off-beat mistakes.
- My Settings – The function settings of a player can be saved to an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, USB storage device, SD memory card, or other device. For additional convenience, the settings can also be can be made ahead of time on the rekordbox App or software allowing users switch to their settings when a connection is made to the CDJ-2000nexus.
- Wolfson Processor – To achieve excellent sound quality, the player is equipped with the audio industry’s highly respected Wolfson® DAC processor, delivering a very transparent, accurate audio signal with a highly improved signal-to-noise ratio and increased headroom.
More Features
- DJ software MIDI/HID control – Up to 35 controls on the surface of each player can be used to trigger other devices, such as DJ effectors and software by way of HID and/or MIDI.
- Active Loop – Automatically starts loops when playback begins from a specified point.
- Load Previous Track – Playback of prior music that has been loaded to the player.
- Rating on the Go – Users can rate tracks during play for easy reference or sorting.
The CDJ-2000nexus will be available in September with a suggested retail price of $2,399.
At first glance, the changes aren’t at all obvious. It’s a bit like when Apple upgrade a MacBook Pro – you want the new one for all the cool stuff, but it rather disappointingly looks just like the old one. And frankly, from the teaser video, I think we have expected a quantum shift to something else. I guess next time round we’ll see something a little different. So let’s dig into the new stuff:
Wifi – I guess this is the “they went there” reference in the teaser. In conjunction with the previously seen rekordbox app, you can prep tracks and have the CDJs work wirelessly with it. It is important however to read a little deeper into what the CDJ-2000nexus can actually do with wifi. This isn’t like the AERO, nor is it being promoted as the party hardy wifi free-for-all. The CDJs still have to be connected to a router to get the full menu of new features, so it’s not quite 4 players all connected together wirelessly and all using music from any old wifi device. It’s very ordered and well designed. But you can connect individual CDJs to individual wifi devices, or via USB too.
UPDATE: Just to clarify this – the CDJ-2000nexus has no wifi of its own. This is why it needs a hub.
Our take: Can only be a good thing. Pro DJs are busy people, and track prep is a modern but vitally important process that has to be done if you’re to succeed. Being able to prep on the go, jump off a plane into a taxi and turn up ready to go with just your phone is a pretty killer feature, even if it is a brave DJ who relies just on that. It’s odd to imagine a future where a mobile phone will be a communication device, a music player, a camera, a credit card, a boarding pass and the sole device necessary to rock a stadium full of people. Just don’t lose it.
Beat Sync – Oooooh sticky subject right here. Pioneer have implemented sync to the CDJs, which means that everything, and I mean EVERYTHING will be perfectly beatmatched across whatever you’re playing, be it loops, tracks or effects to the grids generated in rekordbox. Move the pitch control on one deck, and everything changes with it.
Rather hilariously, I read that someone had it on good authority that there was a “mashup” button in the unit, based on the corner shot in the teaser clip. That’s about as likely as the viral “donk” button I made up a few years ago.
Our take: Some call it the death of DJing, but I call it the unleashing of creativity. Locking beats IS NOT MIXING – it’s a chore that has been automated, thus by definition not an art. Mixing however is, and that is not what sync does. Think of it like MIDI clock – it simply ties the BPMs together, but you still have to do all the skilled creative stuff. I’m sure many will argue with me but I don’t care – sync is good, is not the death of DJing, nor were CDJs, DVS, controllers, iPads and the demise of Technics, and if used properly can free up DJs to get way more creative than they could when they had to ride the pitch. It’s a time saver and nothing more. You try pitching down 4 decks in perfect sync.
Better Screen – this is more like it. CDJ and DVS users have become near dependent on waveforms, and the CDJ-2000Nexus brings considerably more detailed ones, including hotspots, and a much clearer loop and cue display. And it’s zoomable too. There’s just a lot more happening on screen now, and it’s in glorious technicolor.
Our take: Pioneer want you to leave your laptop at home, or at least pushed to the side so that your focus is on the CDJs. I’m all for that.
Slip Mode – included in the original CDJ-900, but bizarrely left off the original 2000, slip mode allows you to get busy on the CDJ with scratching, looping (yes a slip loop) and reverse, but leave the original track playing along happily underneath ready for you to rengage.
Our take: Pioneer would have been lynched if they hadn’t put this seriously cool feature on the new 2000Nexus.
Autoloop – imagine being able to set a loop up in rekordbox, and when that loop was reached in the track, it kicked in. That’s pretty cool, and especially useful if you’re the kind of DJ who likes to meticulously plan a set.
Our take: Serato users kicked off about this recently, as this was standard behaviour but was then changed in ITCH, making switching from DVS to controller a pain in the neck. Either way, it’s still very welcome in rekordbox.
Quantize – if you’re a little more freestyle with your performances and can’t be arsed with annoying things like track prep, quantize lets you set cues and loops, and know that they’ll be bang on the beat. but you can switch it off if you don’t want to be confined to the 4 to the floor grid.
Our take: Another timesaver. Or is quantize another step too far for some? Do DJs have to be able to hit a cue bang on beat too? I will never use it though, but simply because I cannot abide by the American spelling on the word. Perhaps Pioneer could add a label into UK boxes with the correct spelling. Ta very much.
Pro DJ Link – this seems to have been upgraded a little and shows information about all players across all the decks. Beat counters, phase meters and key indicators (the new rekordbox calculates key) give you a much clearer overview of what’s happening across your setup.
Our take: if you’re trying to control 4 decks at once, you’ll need all the help you can get. And thankfully it looks to be well presented on screen.
There’s much more, all of which can be gleaned from the extensive lumps of PR above, which if you haven’t read yet, go do it now.
Overall, Pioneer have built upon the foundation of the 1000 and 2000, and added things they should’ve added first time round, but importantly made it a whole lot better for performance DJs who really like to push technology to the limit. For those who rock just 2 decks, the upgrade is less compelling – much of this is about automation and syncing, something that is more easily achieved on 2 decks.
Bye bye laptop?
There is something interesting happening here. Rekordbox was released as a music manager, but the features have advanced to the point where it replicates much of what is being done in a DVS. The new screens show all the things you’d normally look for on a laptop, much like 4 Traktor decks, but without the need for a laptop, audio interface or certified mixer – but who wouldn’t by the DJM-900Nexus to complete this setup? Perhaps we’ll see even more advanced HID stuff happening with Traktor.
So Pioneer brought out the last CDJs with a clear “keep the laptop out of the booth” message. But then they realised that people still wanted to use laptops because of all the features that the software offers. But now, with rekordbox doing so much more, and the 2000 screens mirroring this functionality, to me Pioneer are reaffirming their no laptop stance. I certainly don’t see any in the videos.
Upgrade or Update?
It’s not just a matter of some new features – there’s a whole new workflow going on, one that allows you to prepare remotely and be sure that it’ll all just sync together perfectly. I think for CDJ-1000 fence sitters, this is the time to jump. For the CDJ-2000 owners, you’ll have to decide for yourself if these new features are worthy of dropping a lot of cash on.
Speaking of which, there are some pricing differences. In the UK, we’re traditionally stiffed big time, but the price remains the same – £1599. Wait a second DJWORX – isn’t that a full £100 more than the current price. Well yes it is, but the retailers have discounted it themselves, so I would expect the new CDJ-2000Nexus to settle down back to its normal price. But for the US and Europe, the price is rising. Sorry readers, but your currency sucks right now, so Pioneer have had to adjust accordingly. The CDJ will have an SRP of $2399 and €1899.
A serious question – how many of you have 4 CDJs? These videos look great and all that, but is it just a few VIP DJs who are really going to make the most use of all this glorious technology?
And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can someone at Pioneer put a really good Hip Hop DJ in front of a 4 deck setup and let them go wild. I’d love to hear a proper Hip Hop set turned inside out on such an advanced setup. It’s not just for EDM – it’s for all DJs.
I really hope Denon take a long hard look at where Pioneer are going and realise that not everyone wants to use a laptop or an iPad alongside their DJ kit.
I am wondering whether there will be a firmware update making some of the features available on the CDJ-2000. I would love to get the waveform display, but I have no idea how the screen resolution of the 2000NXS is compared to the 2000. I could also imagine connecting my iPad via USB. I would guess that not all features are really based on new hardware inside, but who knows. Anyway, I guess Pioneer would rather like to sell new units instead of porting features down…
My understanding is that the 2000nexus is a direct replacement and as such will only get limited updates. And those will most likely be to allow 2000s and nexuses (nexii?) to coexist in the same setup. It makes no business sense to keep enhancing old product.
I agree. However, your observation invalidates an argument often brought forward by CDJ users. They say that the possibility of firmware updates makes the product future-proof. But the fact is: you don’t get that much via firmware updates. It’s not at the same level as the software updates (and upgrades) you receive as an SSL/Itch/Traktor/VDJ user.
The future is for only as long as it makes money. Then it’s new shiny time!
The connection via USB for iPad would be great. It makes a lot of sense and would stop me from having music libraries on a million flash drives. I have my iPad and iphone with me all the time. less likely to lose them so let me use them as my USB drive and connect to CDJ’s. But they need to upgrade Rekordbox to play WAVs on the app to do that. Don’t see how they can show $15,000 worth of gear and the $10,000 a night DJ playing the new stuff and he can’t show the the WiFi feature from his phone in the video because most big DJ’s use WAVs. Not very “pro”.
Hi, on
http://pioneerdj.com/english/products/player/cdj-2000nexus.html there is a special note (quote):
“To coincide
with the launch of the “CDJ-2000nexus”, Pioneer will commence a
“CDJ-2000/CDJ-900” firmware update from end of October. This update will make
it possible to avoid certain feature restrictions when connecting the
“CDJ-2000nexus” and “CDJ-2000/CDJ-900” via LAN.
Scheduled
download start date : End of
October, 2012
Download
site : http://pioneerdj.com/support/
Version information :
Ver. 4.20
Update
content : Eliminates feature
restrictions when connecting CDJ-2000nexus and CDJ-2000/CDJ-900 via LAN”
So maybe there will be some added features, or at least you get those features if you use a nexus besides mk1 players.
Missing FLAC support is a show-stopper for me.
How so? Flac has never been widely adopted. Why not use formats that have filled so many clubs and festivals for the last 10 years?
FLAC is not adopted that widely in the DJ community. But overall (that is, including non-DJ usage), it is the most popular lossless codec by far.
Traktor has supported FLAC for ages. I’m not a Serato user, but my understanding is they will add FLAC support with the upcoming SSL 2.4.3. So I was hoping Pioneer would join the party and also add FLAC support. (More and more other manufacturers currently add FLAC support as well. The latest example is Panasonic which just added FLAC playback capabilities to its latest line of TVs and Blu Ray players.)
My entire collection has been in FLAC for years.
Seems that companies are waking up to FLAC then. Perhaps it’ll come soon then. Fingers crossed.
FLAC might be the favorite lossless codec of a select group (that even know what it is) but to say it is the most popular lossless codec is laughable. WAV is, and will probably always be, the most popular. Doesn’t matter any of the ways FLAC is superior.
Apples to Oranges as the .WAV he’s talking about is not a compressed format or really a codec. However FLAC is a codec that can be used to convert the raw .WAV to FLAC format. Hope that makes sense.
WAV is not a codec.
True, but neither is the FLAC file itself if you want to get technical.
Wikipedia can help you learn the difference between codecs such as MP3 or FLAC and non-codec audio file formats such as WAV and AIFF.
Finally We will leave computer at Home! Thanks PIO! Somebody Know if Beatgrid will be “flexible”?
Taking the software features into some hardware to avoid using the laptop is a very smart move, but a costly one for us customers.
Preparing on a device can be cool if it is as advanced as the computer version. Unfortunately I’m not sold at all on all this wireless things.
I see so many djs not understanding how to setup a dvs, what are the differences between midi and audio, what is a mapping, how to select proper midi channel into a cdj and so on : I can’t see these guys setup a ad-hoc network from a CDJ to connect to their phone/tablet.
The best thing for me into Rekordbox is the Link but they have not pushed it far enough for me.
As a loooooong time Pioneer user and enthusiast, I have to say; Big whoop.
When your first reaction to a demo (where $10,000+ of gear is being used) is, “I wonder how much more cheaply that can be done, equally well and with more flexibility, using a software solution?”, then something is seriously *seriously* wrong.
IMHO, products like this are going to have DJ’s, old and new alike, absolutely flocking towards Traktor, Serato, etc, when it’s time to buy or replace their set-up. And it’s dedicated *high-quality* controllers (not the joke DTT S1/T1 efforts they’ve half-heartedly put out) for that rapidly expanding market that Pioneer should be paying closer attention to.
I’ve had nearly every iteration of CDJ’s from the 500’s to the 2000’s and every time I’ve traded-up (even from the 1000 Mk2 to the Mk3) I felt like I was truly getting something extra and worthwhile for the money. The CDJ 2000 Nexus though, has a *very* strong whiff of dinosaur about it.
If anything, this new machine has only reinforced my view that, when it’s time to give up my ‘old’ 2000’s, they’ll be replaced with a computer/software/controller package.
Agree 100% what you said about the sync function. Could have not put it any better even if I tried. On other topic, lack of FLAC support is disappointing. Hopefully it could be added as a firmware upgrade.
I’m currently using ITCH with a DDJ-S1 and have been looking at moving back to a more “original” setup. These have just sold it to me especially with the screen information available now. I have just 1 question, in my library I have 10000 tracks and the main area of concern on this type of setup will be the ability to search for tracks. I have my playlists like I have my CD’s so I know I can find almost anything as if I was browsing a CD case (oldskool I know) but sometimes I need to find a track and it would be good to see from others who have or have used the CDJ2000 what the search facilities are like. For example can you find tracks using the strip bar like on the DDJ-S1.
Thanks
It’s easy to search using the touch strip. There’s a ‘search’ category on the main menu. Press the browse knob and the alphabet characters appear above the strip. Touch the strip to highlight the letter and the letter is added to the search string. Almost like using a touch screen to type.
so just like the DDJ-S1 perfect that’s me ordering me some for the new year then. (Just don’t tell the wife)
Don’t forget you can also search using Rekordbox and drag & drop to the players.
True but the idea is to leave the laptop at home.
I love the upgrades but there is one HUGE GAPING HOLE in the WiFi aspect. You can’t use WAV files. only MP3 and AAC. So for most DJ’s that get WAV’s for higher quality you cannot use your iPad or iPhone or Android to do anything with Rekordbox. I Tried it both the day it came out and out of my library of current songs I play, only 4 transferred to my iPad. Need to fix that immediately. Also I think it would be great if you could load songs into Rekordbox and use it like a USB with a screen and connect it to a CDJ. That way you could have a bigger screen to look at your library and select music than the 6.1 inch on the CDJ.
“Pro-DJs are about to get a new lease of life” … Wow, that’s a bold statement. Apparently-Pro DJs were about to perish but Pioneer has come to save us all. It seems funny that features that “Pro DJs” prided themselves on NOT using (i.e. sync function, waveforms) are now key features. I’ve never been a big Pio deck fan… not because of the quality of their decks (because they are “industry standard”), but mainly because every DJ I know thinks they’re superior to other DJs because they paid an arm and a leg for their decks and because all the big headlining DJs use them. “I use the same decks as Tiesto!” they brag. Oh yeah, I play a Stratocaster but that doesn’t make me Jimi-effing-Hendrix lol.
Excellent observations. It’s a lease for 3 years at most before we die again. A price decrease on CDJs could have been a better marketing argument than all the new features together but it’s far less shiny and maybe it’s just business nonsense. After all there are a lot of “living dead hybrids” below that already make $.
On the other hand the owners have the responsibility to deal with the second-hand market, in each and every life: it’s a pity if their favorite deck has a decreasing value of 1$/day on the second-hand market.
This is a worthy upgrade, IMHO. Now if the -900 line would be upgraded to be the same thing without the CD/DVD drive, I think that I might be tempted.
agreed. Why include the cd anymore, give it to me with the same features, slimmer and cheaper!
cd drives are cheap. I don’t understand why people feel that excluding them from a unit will magically make the price lower. It wouldn’t. Wouldn’t even take the price down $50.
The CDJ-2000 and -2000nexus has DVD drives. THAT would impact the costs significantly.
“The CDJ-2000nexus will be available in September with a suggested retail price of $2,399.”
What! These Pioneer folks are smoking crack for some plastic CD Players. If Denon added Wifi to their latest decks or Native Instruments added Native support for the NS7 or V7, there would no competition. Who is crazy enough to spend $2400 on one deck when they can buy two that have the same features for that price range? Never mind that the Pio 2000s have build issues. Numark and Denon need to step up and release new updated decks in a more timely fashion to address changes in the DJ world. Pio has the cash to pay DJ to promote their stuff but Denon and Numark make better and well priced equipment.
You forget one very important thing – the power of the brand. It’s an iconic club standard that like Technics has a vice like grip on the clubs. Supply and demand dictates that a regardless of quality, the CDJ is always going to fetch a premium rate too. It’ll take something quite spectacular (maybe mass psychosis) to replace CDJs as the predominant media player.
I’m what many would call a Pioneer “fanboy” but I would switch in a heartbeat if someone would just make (what I consider to be) a suitable replacement to the CDJ line. As of yet no one has come close, including Denon.
What in your view is wrong with Denons compared to CDJs?
The logo for most people. Denons should be way more popular than they are.
Denon should be way more BETTER than they are. If they were they would be more popular. I would probably be a customer.
Take the SC2900 and fix all the little design flaws, of which there are MANY, and I will gladly pay $999 USD for one over $1,700 for a CDJ2000.
Damn Denon and their design flaws!
Pioneer fans will always find flaws with Denon gear no matter what they do to it.
SC2900 looks pretty sweet to me, I just don’t like that Denon “dumbed” it down to appeal to Pioneer fan boys. I do wish they would update the HS5500, greatest Denon player ever!!
If they were trying to appeal to Pioneer “fan boys” they failed miserably. Even more so than they did with the design and execution of pretty much all of their gear.
I’m a Pioneer fan boy by necessity. One that would LOVE to be able to not have to use/pay for their gear. One that is pleading with another manufacturer to come up with something I actually want to buy. Until that happens, and I am getting more and more discouraged by the year, I have no choice.
As for “dumbing down” the only place I see that is Pioneer dumbing down their products to appeal to everyone else the last year or so.
So what’s wrong in your eyes on the Denon decks ? They have the same features, if not more…
I already asked – all he said was “many design flaws”. Funny but my Denon gear works fine.
Which Denon deck would you like me to start with?
Gemini and Numark decks also have as many “features”, if not more. What is your point? Are they on par with your Denon because they have the same features too?
It’s your point that is biased not mine :
– you said you want to leave Pioneer but can’t
– I give you an alternative
– you give me 2 other and ask me what is my point ?
I can mix on any of the mentioned brands, you can or don’t want to for a reason but don’t say it is the brands fault : it’s your choice.
I was surprised on my last trip to UK (first time) to see Denon gear into the Carnival parade, the sound systems in Notting hill and even in some club (as 3rd player beside a pair of Pioneer). They seems to be way more popular than in France.
For me they’re quite popular in the UK.
I’ve done this before and don’t have time right now. It is a long list. Although I do indeed wish Denon would get it together and make something I actually want to spend money on. It would give people like me the choice and would also probably require Pioneer drop their prices because there would be some real competition.
I’ve had Denon tabletop CD turntables before (DN-3500) and liked them just fine until THE DAY I played on a Pioneer CDJ800MK2. Which was the day I switched to CD full time from vinyl and sold the Denons.
To each their own I guess. I’ve used CDJ-800s, CDJ-1000s, CDJ-2000s……I even have CDJ-400s myself. Despite using that lot, the decks of choice for me are Denon HS5500s. Still nothing on the market with a similar feature set. Perhaps if Pioneer made decks with motorised platters, internal hard drives and dual outputs I might consider changing.
If Pioneer put motorized platters on their gear they will lose the vast majority of their customers (and gain very few).
And why would I, or anyone for that matter, want to pay extra for a deck with an internal hard drive or dual outputs? It is expensive enough as it is without any more unnecessary features that 99%+ of us will never have any use for.
Well Denon seem to do OK with their motorised platters – very popular with DJs who like a more realistic turntable feel. I never said that YOU wanted an internal hard drive or dual outputs now did I? And FYI it didn’t cost extra – my 5500s cost less than a pair of CD only Pioneers at the time. Unnecessary features for you maybe, but certainly not for all the DJs who bought the 5500s. There are still DJs on the Denon forum pleading with them to make a follow up deck.
You said “perhaps if Pioneer put motorized platters, internal hard drives and dual outputs I might consider changing”. If they did that it would add to the price.
So yes, in the scenario THAT YOU BROUGHT UP it would cost more.
Well with Pioneer EVERYTHING costs more! It certainly didn’t have a huge impact on price when Denon did it. Using current products as an example look at the price difference between the SC2900 and the SC3900 (motor vs static) – not a lot in it.
I hear u Mark but everything has a limit and even a top-tiered club and club DJ is gonna hit a brick wall on price no matter the features. I don’t see those high priced 1200s around anymore not when you have alternatives like the TTXUSB for way less. And I’m sorry but the SC3900 is still more attractive purchase due to it’s price to features ratio. These high prices will eventually push the cub owners and club DJs to at least give decks like the 3900 and V7 a gander. So this could backfire on Pio.
You are right., they are crazy to think they can charge $2,400 for one player, but you have to realize that is MSRP. They won’t retail for that much. They’ll still be extremely expensive, but will be under $2,000 USD.
What? Denon? Oh please Denon are trash especially Numark so don’t compare that to Pioneer. U say it’s just plastic? Every electronics is plastic… is you’re TV or blueray player metal?
Already seen quite a few people on my twitter and facebook say things like “Shame on pioneer” about the sync button. Well, I hope you enjoy getting to your gigs on your horse and cart. Sync is here to stay, people need to just get on with it now.
‘People’ said using CD’s was cheating. ‘People’ went on to say using laptops was cheating.
‘People’ are idiots.
Agreed. Although they are more right about Sync than those things.
I don’t know about that.
If the Sync button means everybody can beatmatch, the next logical step in appreciation/criticism is the appraisal of tune selection.
That’ll sort the wheat from the chaff…
So for $5000 I can have two decks…
A lot of people are going to get right on that, and good on them. I have a LOT of more important things, not to mention useful things, to buy for $5000 to DJ with and on. Not to mention, at any point in a career, $5000 is an above-top-of-the-line laptop, software, a suite of controllers, soft synths, DAW, DJ software, etc. etc..
And maybe clubs will buy them. Some will. The ones Laidback Luke spins at, at least.
But is ANY DJ who buys these going to drag them to a club to spin? I mean, that’s $5000 on the line not including a mixer. And for that wifi I need a router? I just think that’s a huge let down, personally.
i’m good with rent and food.
Exactly. I applaud Pioneer for pushing the envelope but realistically, how many clubs are going to drop $13,000 for all of this? How many non-world touring, work a 9-5 job, play at the local lounge DJ’s are going to drop that kind of cash on this? I’m quite happy with my S4 thank you.
That is the big question. I think a lot of clubs skipped the 2000/900 and will probably jump on these. But you can be absolutely sure than any club where a DJ you’ve heard of plays will feel obliged to upgrade.
It is a real shame.
The annoying thing is when 1210s were the club standards back in the 1990s and the early 2000s, they weren’t totally out of most people’s price range like CDJ2000s are. if you’re are a DJ who wants to play in a club and use club equipment, it is basically impossible unless you’re the son of Mitt Romney. I guess you could argue that CDJ900s (which are still ridiculously expensive) are a halfway effort, but it is a weak argument.
It was awesome having a set of 1210s at home and then going into a club and playing on exactly the same setup. And i bet it was great for the punters too because your mixing didn’t sound like ass!
The other problem is that because DJs want all the features of the CDJ2000 but don’t want to pay the price, they get into controllers and laptops. Which is a pain in the ass for club owners because instead of all DJs having standardised equipment, you get people turning up with random shit all the time.
Pioneer should think of the wider industry and culture and try to keep the club standard at an affordable level. Wishful thinking I guess.
Realistically, I don’t think that standardization exists anymore for the club scene. I like the idea of it, but I’d want to show up to a club, drop my gear on a table and start spinning. I’d love clubs to allow space for the laptop DJ, and give me easy access to plug into their rig.
DJs should demand all of the features of the CDJ2000nexus and then some, and for a fraction of what Pioneer charges. Hell, I can get Ableton Suite, Traktor Pro, Komplete 8 Ultimate and Maschine for around the same cost of a single CDJ2000nexus, if I’m doing my math correct.
There’s something wrong with that. :p
Yeah it is ridiculous. My housemate pretty much said exactly what you just said when I was talking to him about this. He earns good money but I think most reasonable people will balk at the idea of paying 4 x the cash for something that gives no extra functionality.
I still think laptops are a transitionary step (although having said that…talk about a long transition). I’ve been a laptop boy for a while now but I’d go back to a standardised set of equipment. I hate mucking about with laptops. The laptop is just for storage of all the music and a nice big screen. The CDJ2000 is pretty much there now in terms of screen size and storage is taken care of with the USB. But the price cancels out that and that is why club owners and djs are stuck with this laptop/controller/cdj purgatory for the last …. 5 years or so.
It will end eventually but Pioneer will need to get out of the way first.
Thanks for making the point about CDJs not just being from EDM DJs.
I’d love to have some of these, they are the best DJ decks ever invented. Will I buy them? HELL NO.
I think Pioneer will find out that people will not be ditching the laptop and/or switching to Rekordbox for the same reason I went with a laptop/Traktor when I switched from CDs a year or so ago…. Not only is it cheaper, I didn’t have to buy new decks and just use my old CDJ800 MK2s, but if you go the CDJ2000/Rekordbox route you are going to be FUCKED when you have to gig somewhere that doesn’t have them.
With a computer, or even just CDs, you don’t have to worry too much about what decks are there. Best case I can just plug in a couple USBs to the CDJ2000’s and play via advanced HID but worst case I can use timecode. If I was a Rekordbox deejay used to CDJ2000’s I would be hating life most of the time as I am not a big name that can demand the best of the best and newest of the new gear anywhere and everywhere I play. Until I become that (which isn’t going to happen, LOL) I am going to take what CDJ the club has int heir booth out of the equation as much as possible. I think most people playing off a laptop will be doing the same for a long, LONG time…
I just need to clarify this once again for everyone, as the wider press seems to be getting a tad confused. The new CDJ-2000nexus doesn’t have wifi – it has to be connected to a router which in turn can connect to wifi devices.
Great read this, best I have seen to date
Bahh, way overpriced. Say what you want about Denon – they have all the same features for half the price and more. If you have issues then put your $$ where your mouth is.
from somebody who always wanted hot cues on an 800 and auto loop buttons on a 1000/2000 its great to see pioneer have finally implemented both on the same player. i used to love the function on the 800 where you could trigger a manual loop then use the auto loop buttons to cut the loop in half and create mental build ups
The screen is reaaaally pretty! Good enough to ditch the laptop now I think. Pity these are so expensive :)
love all the comments. in the end it will be up to the end user. I have the 2000 nexus and denon 3700s. I have traktor and etc. it really depends on how you master the use of all or one. When I hit local clubs I can go in with a laptop, USB and move on.. if the have the top setup then I dont have to carry as much with me.. get my drift. In the end..you have to master what you have and master what you want.