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
