NAMM 2015: Gemini MDJ-1000 media player

For a while, it looked like Gemini might disappear. But they're back with the Slates, and a new CDJ-a-like media player, suitably named the MDJ-1000.

Gemini MDJ-1000 CDJ media player NAMM 2015 (3)

I had some fears last year for the future of Gemini. Their booth was sparse and their product offerings were lackluster. This year, though, they are moving back closer to their former glory and there’s a lot of good stuff coming through. They had the Slates out, which we have a review in the works for. I really like these little guys, and find their implementation really elegant. More on that in the review.

MDJ-1000

They also showed us their new cd deck, the MDJ-1000. A few years ago we reviewed the CDJ-700, and it looks like they took all of our complaints, as well as others, and fixed them. There are a lot of similarities to the pioneer CDJs, and Gemini is extremely honest about it. You can play off of CDs, USB keys, and send midi. There’s linking via Ethernet for USB keys, and you can add hotcues to your tracks. The software is not 100% done, but they are constantly improving it.

This isn’t the most exciting product, and I know a lot of people are going to write it off as just a poor man’s pioneer, but that isn’t a bad thing. If these decks can stand up to the punishment DJs dish out on gear, then we all win. Having a less expensive, reliable options is never a bad thing. They are priced as $399.

Gemini MDJ-1000 CDJ media player NAMM 2015 (1)

Gemini MDJ-1000 CDJ media player NAMM 2015 (2)

Mark Settle
Mark Settle

The old Editor of DJWORX - you can now find Mark at WORXLAB

Articles: 1228

37 Comments

  1. Screens look nice! Well, they look nice for a $300 player that’s for sure.
    The older 700 turned out to be pretty bombproof…all it was missing was some sort of Rekordbox-like system that would provide for seamless loops and hotcues.

    Maybe that’s what’s in the works for these? Hopefully?

  2. happy to see some Gemini products. Hi David :) looking forward to some more awesome demos from ya’ll
    (weird to see no Stanton or behringer products from the show. didn’t the same guy rep both of those brands during their demise?)

  3. I use the Gemini CDMP 7000. Similar to the Pioneer CDJ’s and its a good unit for the price. This new MDJ – 1000 might be a good deck. Everybody dont have those thousands to spend on the Pioneer CDJ’s. I think the CDMP 7000 is a great unit to use in order to get that CDJ experience so this MDJ 1000 should set the game up on a whole new level for Gemini

  4. I rather spend the extra grand get the Pioneer xdj 1000 n a djm 850 for $3000. I have the whole Nexus setup at home cause that’s what all the club’s have i spin at…yea i spent close to 5Gs but it’s worth it being a DJ for 16 yrs. Dnt like the new all in one Pioneer Rekordbox setup. I need 2 decks n a mixer. These 2 new setups by Pioneer are for basement n bar DJs but good to start out on for the price.

    • I think pios,technics,geminis,numarks,etcetc are very similar when using serato…right???I had play pios before n numarks n technics (I own a pair of technics dzsl1200) same thing for me man

    • you can use a pair of 850 or 900s and any mixer at home as for a mixer they hardly ever change, personally a&h mixers a personal favourite and anywhere play never uses pioneer mixers. its not hard at all to adjust to club equipment having used any pioneer gear at home as they’re all identical, as long as you know the basics

    • That’s not a bad idea. I’ll run it by the team and see. the only big differentiator is RekordBox, since Gemini doesn’t have anything to compete. Beyond that I’m sure they are going to be almost identical.

    • I think I would go for the Xone 23, or the Xone 23C (which has an integrated soundcard) if you want to record your mixes on your computer. I personally think it’s the best build for a “bedroom dj”. I personally still use my 22 when on the road.

  5. Gemini was crap and will stay crap. End of story. Don’t make the mistake and buy this cheap CDJ fake! Better take Numark or Reloop, they are ok. But not Gemini or DJ-Tech. Use ur brain.

  6. Super stoked for this player…With it’s upgraded touch sensitive jog wheel with feel adjust, 4.3″ full color display, solid build quality and LINK features….. The MDJ-1000 brings an insane amount of value to the game…

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