Another box ticked — the Pioneer Rekordbox DVS INTERFACE 2

Filling a glaring hole in their chokka full range, Pioneer DJ announces the INTERFACE 2, a DVS ready box for rekordbox, and all round audio interface.

Pioneer DJ rekordbox DVS audio interface box INTERFACE 2 (1)

As Pioneer DJ has made its play for global DJ domination, I had a crazy vision of a detailed chart on a wall listing every conceivable DJ product. And as Pioneer DJ has striven to become the one stop shop for every possible need, the boxes have been ticked one by one. And one box left unticked for the longest time has been the DVS box. Until today that is for the INTERFACE 2 is here.

There’s some PR, but I’m pretty sure you can work out exactly what the INTERFACE 2 is and does without it:

Introducing the INTERFACE 2 –

2-channel audio interface for using rekordbox dvs with any DJ set-up 

6th July 2017: We’re opening up the rekordbox ecosystem to all DJs by releasing the INTERFACE 2. The new 2-channel audio interface lets you use rekordbox dvs to scratch and control the digital music on your computer using any DJ set-up.

Wherever you choose to perform, using Pioneer DJ products or other hardware, you can connect the INTERFACE 2 quickly and simply to your equipment. It features LED lights to indicate signal flow and warn you about signal problems, and it delivers club-standard sound quality thanks to its high-performance components.

Licence keys for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs as well as two timecoded vinyl records, worth a combined €264, are bundled with the INTERFACE 2 so you can start scratching your digital tracks as soon as you unbox it.

The INTERFACE 2 will be available from early July at an SRP of €299 including VAT.

Watch the introduction video or find out more about the INTERFACE 2.

KEY FEATURES OF THE INTERFACE 2

  1. High-quality soundYou can use the INTERFACE 2 at gigs thanks to its crystal-clear sound, inherited from our professional DJ gear. Supporting audio up to 96 kHz, it features a high-quality D/A converter and the S/N ratio exceeds 110 dB, so it’s well suited for use in clubs.
  2. Compact, robust chassisTake the INTERFACE 2 out on the road with confidence. The unit is compact and portable, and its seamless aluminium casing makes it highly robust, while the extended edges protect the terminals.
  3. LEDs indicate signal flowConnect the INTERFACE 2 to any DJ set-up quickly and easily, even in a dark club. After plugging into your laptop via USB, LED indicators on the INTERFACE 2’s top panel show signal flow, giving you a visual grasp of the setting status. You’ll immediately see if there’s a signal failure or a problem with a connection, or if the signal level is too low or high, for example, when a turntable is incorrectly connected to the line input. The LEDs flash if a signal is in mono only.
  4. Includes control vinyl plus licences for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvsThe INTERFACE 2 comes with bundled licence keys for our professional DJ performance application rekordbox dj and the rekordbox dvs Plus Pack, so you can control and scratch digital tracks stored on your computer. Using the engine of rekordbox dj, which uses the same audio signal processing in our professional DJ mixers and multiplayers, you can enjoy high-quality audio and low latency response.
  5. Other features
  • Mains or USB power – choose your preferred source.
  • Stand-alone audio interface – use the INTERFACE 2 for recording audio to your computer or to send audio to speakers.
  • Large signal GND terminal – firmly holds turntables’ ground wires to reduce noise. The knob stays attached even when fully turned, so it can’t be dropped.
  • High-quality audio – supports 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz / 96 kHz signals.
  • DVS options – use timecoded vinyl (included) or the custom control signal WAV file for use via CDs or USB drive (free download available).

INTERFACE 2 Specifications

Frequency response20 Hz to 20 kHz
S/N ratio112 dB (USB)
103 dB (LINE)
100 dB (PHONO)
Total harmonic distortion0.002% (USB)
0.005% (LINE)
0.007% (PHONO)
Input/Output terminalsInputsRCA x2 (LINE/PHONO)
OutputsRCA x2 (LINE)
OthersUSB-B port x1
PowerAC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Power consumptionDC 5 V, 600 mA
Maximum dimensions (WｘDｘH)141 mm x 32.5 mm x 127.8 mm
5.5” x 1.2” x 5.0”
Weight0.6 kg / 21.1 lb
AccessoriesPower cord, AC adaptor, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty, Licence key card (rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs), Audio cable x4, Rubber feet x4, Control vinyl x2

System requirements

Compatible OSWindowsWindows: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 (the latest service pack)
MacmacOS Sierra 10.12 (updated to the latest version), OS X: 10.11, 10.10, 10.9 (updated to the latest version)
CPUIntel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3
Intel® processor Core™ 2 Duo
2.0 GHz or above

* Audio performance is based on 96 kHz audio format.
* Disclaimer: specifications and price are subject to change.

Pioneer DJ rekordbox DVS audio interface box INTERFACE 2 (5)

Box ticker, not game changer

Sometimes, new stuff is about filling gaps in product rosters. And as rekordbox is comparatively late to the DVS game, it’s understandable that the INTERFACE 2 has only just arrived. And given the maturity of the DVS market, bringing anything new to the turntable is unlikely.

Thus the INTERFACE 2 is simply filling a void in Pioneer DJ’s product offering. It isn’t designed to do anything other than fulfil an existing need but with a Pioneer DJ logo on it. That said, it does look to be a very tasty piece of shiny indeed.

Death, taxes, and …

The INTERFACE 4. You know how this works — numerical nomenclature, Pioneer DJ’s propensity for four channels, and the need to offer everything means that there will almost certainly be a four channel version at some point. Perhaps it’ll be a higher end offering that bridges the production world, thus ticking several boxes at once.

I’m just spitballing though — I have no idea as the first most people (media included) about new Pioneer DJ shiny is when the PR lands in the inbox at 8am on the morning of release. So don’t take this as a “DJWORKXS confirmed today…” type thing.

BUT NO PIONEER TAX

Now here’s where things get interesting. The legendary Pioneer tax is a thing, and it’s generally accepted that the Pioneer logo carries a certain level of premium. But let’s do a quick comparison with the key packages:

Rane Serato DJ SL2: £449
Denon DJ DS-1: £309
Traktor Scratch A6: £239

The INTERFACE 2 comes in at £259/€299/$299, so is aggressively priced against Serato DJ, and not that far away from Traktor Scratch A6 to make a difference.

SUMMING UP

With the INTERFACE 2, Pioneer DJ ticks a box and brings more choice to the DVS market for people without audio interface enabled mixers, such as the now 13-year-old DJM-909. And it does so for a lot less than you might think. Perhaps this will help rekordbox get a firmer foothold in the wider DJ market too. The INTERFACE 2 is coming early July (so any time now) for £259/€299/$299.

GALLERY

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Mark Settle
Mark Settle

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

Articles: 1228

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41 Comments

  3. Mostly agreed with the article, Mark. The question in my head is “this is a serato killer?”
    Maybe Serato is working on SDJ 2.0 with all the new features?
    Pioneer is doing right its job…

    • Talk of Serato’s death is greatly exaggerated. I’m sure people like to stick it to the big boys, but it’s just too popular fir it to go anywhere in a hurry.

      As for the next version of Serato DJ — it’s still my contention that there’s little more than can be done to DJ software to make it more popular or useable than it already is. Sure, they can bring out plugins and expansion backs to add features that a small percentage of people will use. But for most people, it all does everything that they need to do. It just needs to do those things better.

      • Rane sale last year keep Serato in strange position. If Pioneer could fit the gap better than them it could be a killer? That’s my question.
        Serato big success was ScratchLive meanwhile Sdj has been growing in stability and features but IDK how numbers are going (maybe better than SSL?)
        Pioneer is ticketing the boxes as you pointed and Serato has made a bet with dj808 but their software need some improvements to make good competetion to RemixDecks+Maschine/ToRaiz proposal that could be a fail (ATM) but sure is pointing to the “Future” since all of them sell less than Ableton (who shifted the paradigm)

        Is like live remixing seems the new trend but Serato only has a product in this field against F1, X1, D2, S8, S5, Maschines… ToRaiz series and all the ableton controllers (from launchpad to Push2). If we focus only in “dj controllers” NI aren’t the most sold but if we open the category (and count all the possible revenue from each product) NI maybe is selling a lot side to side with Pioneer…

        I will love to see more Serato remixing hardware since it could be a sign of their health. Obviously an standalone Dashboard with SSL could be amazing but maybe a sales fail… I base my opinion in Serato Forum wishlist and an interesting tesis about “Music software for the masses” someone gently drop at audiobus forum.

        http://www.nada.kth.se/utbildning/grukth/exjobb/rapportlistor/2011/rapporter11/lenberg_henrik_11070.pdf

          • Sure but mainly revenue will go for its developers meanwhile the work to make them compatible resides on Serato. The point is market share and integration. Take a look into the tesis, it’s a worth reading :)

            • serato, as in the company right now, will be sold or fold before they start making hardware, its never been part of their plan and 13 years later they’ve never had any hardware. My bet is that they are sold within 3-5 years.

              • That’s a good point but it has a lot of alliances (Numarkai, Roland, Denon…) and inMusic has bought enough DVS djing softwares in the past (includding Torq) to need one more… or maybe is the missing piece? Rane was bought by them keeping Serato in limbo… don’t you think so?
                Who could buy Serato? What can do Serato as strategy to go forward? I’s clear dj808 wasn’t a “two-days-making” idea so Serato has some roadmap even it seems sometimes they are lost (talking about their forums and lack of communication). Lately the feel is with Rane sold most of the suppor team was gone and there is still not new “people” to manage right well the asian spamming in example…

                • rane(u.s.a.) and serato(new zealand) are 2 totally different companies, Inmusic did not buy serato, it bought rane. serato has worked with numerous other companies besides rane and pioneer. it has the best forums of any dvs system on the market.

                  • Can you read twice my comment and see that I pointed inMusic buy Rane and also has other DVS softwares ATM to be interested in buy Serato…?
                    “Serato has worked…” ok and will continue working with? Will work with new like Roland? Pioneer will continue working with them instead focus in their own solution?

                    About the best forums, maybe in the past but lately chinesse spam and midi clock output that become Ableton link after years of Bridge request… little to zero response, lack in features to release a dj808.

                    Excuse me if you are (so) fan of Serato to read so fast to understand what I’m saying. I think Serato has a great product but Pioneer with Rekordbox and NI with hardware compatibility seems pushed hard Rane and obviously Serato aswell. SDJ is a revamped ITCH2 modified to allow DVS since they managed so-so the market shifting into controllers… it isn’t a fact? We still live in DVS dominating era? Maybe in “installed” or “sold” units but not in “market segment” and “new sales” where Pioneer controllers (alongside Traktor and Ableton) have flooded the market. At this point even Serato has released a dj controller instead a turntable (and dvs pack not included) You get it?

                    Now, we (you included o course) could continue talking about who could buy Serato or make a good hardware partner? This history start to be quite similar to Final Scratch…

            • i did read a bit of the thesis, but right now its so easy to make music with the current crop of programs/apps, i dont see it getting any easier

              • I started reading a few pages first and finished it lately. Aside from “easy of use” and “user friendly UI” it also talks about how developers develop for their current users and how to grow other segments. These parts are very interesting to understand how (and why) Serato probably shifted into SDj from SSL and how Rane was a great partner for the past but not the best for the future. Serato needs one big partner or make strategic alliances like Roland? It needs any hardware partners at least?
                Time will show us but its market with Rane was the same as Traktor/Pioneer; without Rane it seems more near to VDJ…

  4. My main concern with RekordboxDJ is the file management that create new files for the waveform/analyse.
    So if not tag compliant, these metadata can’t be handled within the media file.
    Also the need to import to collection is a big minus if you manage your files with itunes (universal). This mean you need to handle 2 libraries…
    Those were issues with Cross and are still now that they made it to RekordboxDJ.

    Media portability : this is the feature I love the most with Serato : I can scan, cue, loop a file, transfert it to my laptop and everything is still there. If I prepare a set on a usb thumbdrive, I can play on any Serato, anywhere and my cues and loops would still be there.

    • That is why I have never really been able to use anything but Serato. I bought Traktor for convenience to use DVS in a couple clubs that had the traktor box installed, but now i haven’t touched it in about 3 years.

      I also don’t like how other software wants to re-organize my music into its own file structure. I have all my music in folder by album and I can’t find anything once rekordbox organizes my music on USB sticks. Serato lets me organize whatever file structure I want for my music collection and simply plays nicely.

    • Thats what this is; an audio interface that allows you to use Rekordbox on any mixer not just Pioneer. The Interface 2 is a two channel audio interface that will allow Rekordbox’s performance mode to be controlled by any pair of DVS decks and output back to any mixer with audio ins. No Pioneer DJ approved mixer or controller needed to make it work!

      • Actually Rekordbox DVS will currently work on any mixer with a built in soundcard and any DVS box (including Traktor & Serato).

        Although if Pioneer ever gets anywhere near 1/3 of the market on DVS use, I would expect to disable it on non-pioneer hardware in the future.

  6. Apparently in the standard/imperial world, things weigh “just a little bit” more…. 0.6kg is 1.32lbs, but they wrote 21.1lbs on the PR sheet :P (aka I think there was a typo at some point in Pioneer)

    If that really is 21lbs, I feel sorry for whoever has to lug it around. o_O

    Grounding knob being captive within the unit is definitely a nice touch, because there’s no worry about loosening it to attach ground wires only to have said screw/nut/etc fall off and roll into some hard to reach, poorly lit area behind all of your gear…

  7. this was to be expected. surprised it took them this long. but i can’t give any pat on pioneer’s back until they update rekordbox so you can import playlists from usb sticks to a computer. personally, i travel with a macbook pro that has limited space, especially to keep dj libraries so i always have to move tracks around with external drives, and have the entire collection live on the usb sticks as there is no way to sync the libraries between 2, 3 10 computers. everytime i open the software it wants to update and it never has this one damn feature that i (and tons of other people) need and ask for.

  8. Doesn’t Rekordbox DVS work with any soundcard (external box and/or mixer)? I know it did when it first came out.

    I expect they will eventually lock it off to Pioneer hardware only, but not until they have more DVS market penetration.

  9. Looks like Serato will have to find a new hardware partner in the long run.
    Bitter – considering that Serato ultimately made their shitty & dumb plastic boxes (aka controllers) sell like hot cakes for years.

    I’m glad that rekordbox DJ doesn’t seem to gain traction in the DJ world.

  10. Damn, no thru position on the switch for playing regular vinyl.
    Another thing – will this work with other dvs software except Recordbox? Like DJ Player pro, Mixvibes, Mixxx…

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