The unstoppable Pioneer DJ machine keeps on smashing out update after update, this time a small but nevertheless important one, that my own experience tells me should be a standard feature on all monitors. The diminutive DM-40 desktop monitors now get Bluetooth to become the DM-40BT.
Here’s what Pioneer DJ has to say:
Versatile Connectivity: Meet the DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W desktop monitor speakers with Bluetooth® wireless technology –
Clear sound quality and rich bass for DJs and producers
26th October 2017: We’ve upgraded our popular 4-inch active desktop monitor speaker, the DM-40, adding Bluetooth® wireless technology to offer versatile connectivity in the DM-40BT (black) and the DM-40BT-W (white).
The DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W active speakers create a versatile home set-up, producing a rich, balanced sound that’s ideal for producing and DJing. Drawing on our professional speaker technology, we’ve packed the compact speakers with Bluetooth® wireless technology, support for the high-quality Qualcomm® aptX™ audio codec, and AAC support.
The Groove Technology inherited from our highly-reputed active monitor speakers delivers a smooth bass response, while the DECO1 technology gives a wider sweet spot and allows clear audio quality and rich bass sound at the same time, despite the speakers’ compact desktop size.
The DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W active monitor speakers will be available from Nov 2017 at an SRP of €199 per pair, including VAT.
Find out more about the DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W SPEAKERS
1. Bluetooth® wireless technology, support for Qualcomm® aptX™ high-quality sound reproduction and AAC In addition to Bluetooth® technology, allowing you to play tracks from smartphones and tablets wirelessly, Qualcomm® aptX™ and AAC support lets you enjoy even higher quality sound reproduction.
2. Front-loaded bass reflex system with grooves for uninterrupted, rich bass
4-inch fibreglass woofers output bass from the front, and the bass ducts feature grooves to reduce air friction so you’ll feel a tight, punchy bass even if you put the speakers close to the wall.
3. Soft dome tweeters with convex diffusers deliver a 3D, high frequency sound
We’ve fitted the ¾-inch soft dome tweeters with convex diffusers that use DECO technology from TAD2 Labs. The diffusers channel high frequencies left, right and up – so you’ll enjoy a wide sweet spot and 3D stereo sound wherever you sit or stand.
4. Class AB amp and time alignment ensure balance across the frequencies
The tweeter and woofer are carefully positioned to eliminate crossover and ensure a well-balanced response across the frequencies, while a Class AB amp ensures perfect clarity with low distortion and no loss of quality.
5. Curved front edges reduce resonance for a clean sound
The cabinet’s curved front increases its rigidity and reduces external diffraction – as well as looking good in your home set-up.
6. Other features
- Volume control dial is on the front panel for ease of use
- RCA and stereo mini jack inputs
- Headphones output
1 Diffusion Effectual Convexity by Olson (DECO) is a TAD proprietary technology for improved directionality.
2 Technical Audio Devices Laboratories (TAD Labs) is a Pioneer sub-brand preferred by professional studios since 1978.
DM-40BT/DM-40BT-W specifications
Model 2-Way Active Speaker Tweeter (HF driver) 3/4 inch (19 mm) soft dome Woofer (LF driver) 4 inch (102 mm) cone Amplifier output Lch : 21 W/4 W, Class AB Rch : 21 W/4 W, Class AB Terminals Input RCA × 1, 3.5 mm stereo mini plug × 1 Output Headphone × 1 Version Bluetooth® Specification Ver. 4.2 Output Bluetooth® Specification Class 2 Supported Codec SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™, Qualcomm® aptX™ Low Latency Frequency response 70 Hz – 30 kHz Input impedance 10 kΩ Power consumption 35 W Power consumption when waiting (standby status) 0.3 W External dimensions (W x D x H)
Lch 146 mm x 223 mm x 227 mm Rch 146 mm x 210 mm x 227 mm Weight Lch 2.7 kg Rch 2.2 kg Accessories Power cord x 1 Audio converter cable (3.5 mm stereo mini plug to RCA) x 1 Speaker cord x 1
Bottom cushion x 8
WHY BLUETOOTH SHOULD BE STANDARD
We live in a connected world, where this device talks to that devices which talks to every other damned device in your life. But studio monitors largely stand alone, isolated from the plethora of otherwise connected devices, unless connected to something compatible. And I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wanted to run my iPhone through my Equator D5s without having to connect it to the old MacBook Pro and Forte interface just to get some sound out of them.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could run audio to the little desktop speakers sat on your desk, or equally run Spotify out through the rather more room filling 8″ studio monitors across the room? I’m speaking for myself of course, but choice is good.
THE BIG ISSUE
Latency. You knew I was going to mention it, because it’s probably the biggest issue for DJs with wireless technology. I’m happy to listen to music on Bluetooth speakers, and watch video provided I can compensate for the milliseconds of latency in the video player.
I’m sure that for less immediate styles such as mixing and producing, the DM-40BTs are just fine. But for many DJs, Bluetooth is a non-starter. Be it your headphones, booth monitors, or PA, the differences between fast hand movements (i.e. scratches, button presses etc) and final audio are enough to make it an unworkable solution. If it was possible, headphone cables would have been history years ago. And I can’t remember a DJ product of note with Bluetooth out.
That said, I’m happy to see Pioneer DJ adding it to their range. I don’t know if it will filter up to other models, but it’s a good start.
GALLERY
I was also toying with the idea of getting Alto Trouper PA speakers for my DJ booth (I have no use for these production monitors) because of bluetooth.
“And I can’t remember a DJ product of note with Bluetooth out.”
I feel a disturbance in the force – like a room full of French-speaking product guys cried out all at once and then were silent.
They look great for a super super intoructory product. No balanced inputs have me leary. I cant see a use for bluetooth audio unless the DAC in the speakers are phenomenal, but that is doubtful.
Bluetooth is a very handy addition, kinda wish mine had it. I’ve the original DM-40’s and they’re a great little monitor for the price. Pumping out some Maurizio trough them at the moment :)
You can always add a bluetooth receiver to your existing setup, like a
Pro-Ject Bluetooth Box. .
Djs are expanding into producing & remixing but they also need to have some understanding of the science, disciplines & terminology of audio engineering & acoustics.
Your article & photograph is innacurate & fluctuates between speakers & monitors..
Studio monitors are supposed to be used as a precise neutral reference tool to aid you & reveal issues in mixing. They are not hi fi listening speakers which usually overcompensate & colour the signal.They also need to be correctly positioned & placed at ear level.
A bluetooth conection can never outperform a wired connection in a studio environment & no serious recording studio would use bluetooth when monitoring . Yet your advocating bluetooth on studio gear.
Bluetooth speakers are ok for multimedia but not for serious use in production.
When CDJs came out, they were initially hated upon because nothing matches the audio quality of vinyl. Yet here we are in a world dominated by digital audio. DVS was hated upon, because of audio quality and latency. But those same people now routinely use DVS with zero complaints.
My point is this — initial offerings of technology never quite measure up to the old ones. But with adoption and acceptance comes seismic leaps in quality and capability. I agree that pros won’t use wireless at this time, but it probably is good enough less demanding users. And in time, the issues that preclude it from a producer’s studio now will be overcome. It’ll take a good deal of time, put I like that Pioneer DJ has made this move. Time will tell if it does become adopted.
back when grandmaster flash invented/introduced the crossfader, the slipmats and Headphone cueing he was hated by many
sklills drive forward technology
get the knowledge from the orginal source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17yX-OdrBz8
peace out
Cameron Armstrong aka Dj StrongARMS from New Jersey
Your still misunderstanding the technical differences & applications between studio monitors & speakers .
Cd v Vinyl is a poor analogy. Wireless microphones versus wired microphones is more appropriate. Any professional will reveal the technical challenges of using wireless mics. But they are necessary because the performer is obviously detached & distanced from the source. But wired mics will always be superior if appropriate.
Contrast this scenario with someone less than a few metres away from the source in a studio requesting the option to sync devices of varying specs & quality. Not because of necessity, simply because they can.
Studio monitors are more expensive & marketed differently than consumer hi fi speakers because they are specifically used to identify & rectify problems in the mix. They are not designed & promoted for casual listeners to use & be placed anywhere in an untreated room. But some companies are trying to blur the differences.
Nearfield pro-studio audio equipment with bluetooth is an unnecessary feature as that would demote monitors into functioning as lower quality hi-fi speakers. They would be the wrong tool for the task even if there were no disadvantages with bluetooth.
So you now have a scenario where monitors are potentially functioning as hi – fi speakers which may need to be repositioned & recalibrated to find the sweet spot and may also mislead the uninformed listener / user.
This is not a rejection of advancements in technology. It’s an unnecessary feature for something that never was a issue..It’s just an additional link in the monitoring chain which should be simplified as much as is practically possible in a compact studio environment ..
It’s clear that your own setup and audio fidelity matters greatly to you, and that’s admirable and fine. But a lot of DJs just hang monitors off the end of their DJ setups. No room treatments, triangles, or fancy stands — just knocking out music. Check out any “show your setup” thread in the popular forums. Actually don’t — it would probably upset you. ;)
Your resistance to something you don’t have to use is interesting. You feel that its inclusion will “demote” a studio monitor to something less. I don’t feel that it will at all — isn’t it still the same studio monitor, just more flexible?
I visualise you in a studio opting to use an expensive wireless microphone whilst sitting inches away from a mixer. Simply because you can.
Look at your photo .. Playing pre-recorded mixed & mastered music is not the same as remixing & production.. it’s a more advanced skillset. You already know this of course but choose to be contrary.
Use the wired connection for production and the optional bluetooth for streaming from your smartphone, problem solved.
Thanks for the tip …I suggest you research Bluetooth Interference before you consider.
Rob Element ..( Electrical Electronic Technician )