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
