The rekordbox DVS ready Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2

Pioneer DJ is coming for potential DVS users with the updated DJM-250MK2. Plug and play with rekordbox DVS - just add timecode, for just £299.

Now here’s something interesting from Pioneer DJ. Normally an entry-level DJM mixer might garner a modicum of interest from the DJ community. And on the face of it, the updated DJM-250MK2 mixer is likely to raise the odd eyebrow, if only because it’s a new Pioneer DJ product. But what we have here is something special, for the new DJM-250MK2 is a rekordbox DVS ready mixer, and by my reckoning the cheapest on the market by some margin.

Pioneer DJM-20mk2 rekordbox DVS mixer (7)

Master the art: Meet the DJM-250MK2 –

rekordbox dvs-ready 2-channel mixer with pro-grade features and built-in sound card

1st March 2017: We’ve upgraded one of our most popular 2-channel mixers to create the DJM-250MK2. The new mixer is the entry point into the DJM series and is packed with professional features including the Magvel crossfader and Sound Color FX filter from the DJM-900NXS2. With its own built-in sound card, the DJM-250MK2 offers high-quality audio and can be connected to any set-up, while the clear-cut controls let you scratch and mix instinctively.

The clear layout of the DJM-250MK2’s lower half gives you freedom to perform complicated scratch techniques. The Magvel crossfader, inherited from our flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer, feels accurate and assured, and it’s highly durable (capable of approximately 10 million movements). You can also perform seamless blended mixes on the DJM-250MK2 using the smooth channel faders.

The upper half of the new mixer packs in several features including 3-band isolators, which you can use to completely eliminate your chosen frequency range. Each channel has its own filter inherited from the Sound Color FX on the DJM-900NXS2, which you can apply by twisting the dedicated knob and then add texture with the separate parameter knob.

Warm, high-quality audio from both analogue and digital sound sources comes thanks to the DJM-250MK2’s dithering technology. The built-in sound card means you can connect the mixer to your PC/Mac with a single USB cable and use the bundled rekordbox dj application to mix music files stored on your computer via Pioneer DJ multi players. If you like to DJ using digital files but prefer the feel of vinyl, you can use rekordbox dj with rekordbox dvs plus pack application, which is also included, to control the tracks stored on your computer with turntables and our control vinyl (available separately). The software licences are worth a combined €248. Find out how to use them below.

The DJM-250MK2 will be available from early March 2017 at an SRP of €349 including VAT.

Watch our introduction video for the DJM-250MK2 or find out more about the mixer.

KEY FEATURES OF THE DJM-250MK2

  1. Magvel crossfader, smooth channel faders and 3-band isolators
    Mixing and scratching on the DJM-250MK2 feels instinctive and effortless. The Magvel crossfader – taken from the flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer – is accurate, smooth, and durable for more than 10 million movements. Precise, fluid mixes are a breeze using the mixer’s channel faders, and the 3-band isolators give precision across the highs, mids and lows. You can use them to totally eliminate each frequency range when you turn the knob all the way to the left.
  2. Flagship filter with nuanced control
    Get creative in the mix using the filter inherited from the Sound Color FX on the flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer. Simply turn the knob on each channel to apply the filter, then create unique textures by twisting the parameter knob to adjust resonance and add tension to your performance.
  3. Built-in sound card and easy recording
    Connect the DJM-250MK2 to your PC/Mac using a single USB cable. The USB connection supports sound input and output, so you can record your mixes to your computer’s hard drive.
  4. Bundled licences for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs
    The DJM-250MK2 comes with free licence keys for our professional dj performance applications, rekordbox dj (requires rekordbox version 4.3.0 or higher, available from 1st of March 2017) and rekordbox dvs, worth €248 combined. Use them together to play digital tracks from your PC/Mac using either multi players or turntables and control vinyl (available separately).How to use rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs:Buy the RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl from a Pioneer DJ authorised dealer or directly from our website (limited countries only). Visit rekordbox.com to download the latest version of rekordbox for free and enter your licence keys for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs. Find out more.
  5. High-quality sound
    Hear the true, high-quality sound of your tracks whether you’re playing from digital or analogue sound sources thanks to the mixer’s dithering technology.
  6. Other features
    • XLR terminal – high-quality audio output
    • Two headphone outputs – ¼-inch stereo jack and 3.5-mm mini jack
    • Signal GND terminal – easily attach and securely hold ground wires from analogue turntables
    • Independent Mic section – use a microphone and the Aux input at the same time.

DJM-250MK2 specifications

ChannelsAudio 2 channels, MIC 1 channel, AUX 1 channel
Input / Output terminalsInputsLINE × 3(RCA), PHONO × 2(RCA), MIC × 1(1/4″ TS × 1)
OutputsMASTER OUT x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1), HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 2 (1/4” STEREO PHONE JACK, 3.5 mm STEREO MINI JACK)
OthersUSB (B) x 1
Sampling rate48 kHz
D/A Converter24-bit
A/D Converter24-bit
Frequency response20 Hz to 20 kHz (LINE)
Total harmonic distortion0.005 % (LINE-MASTER1)
S/N ratio94 dB(LINE)
Power supplyAC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Power consumptionDC12V 0.6A
Maximum dimensions (WxDxH)230mm x 319.5mm x 107.9mm
(9.1 in. × 12.6 in.  × 4.2 in.)
Weight3.0 kg / 6.6 lbs.
AccessoriesPower cord, AC adaptor, USB cable, Operating Instructions (Quick Start Guide), License key card (rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs)

Pioneer DJM-20mk2 rekordbox DVS mixer (2)

DVS READY FOR SUB £300

Honestly, I couldn’t care less about the rest of the DJM-250MK2. We’ve been here so many times before from every manufacturer on the planet. All I can think about is how Pioneer DJ is using this corker of a mixer to endear rekordbox to the next generation of turntable DJs. They realised that they couldn’t do it with controllers, hence cozying up to Serato again. But with the current growth in turntables (who’d have thought that Pioneer DJ would have two models in their range?), a sub £300 mixer capable of full DVS is going to appeal massively to a broader range of DJs than ever before. Just add rekordbox control vinyl (or most probably Serato DJ too), and this is running out of the box.

It does lack line fader curves and reverse, and only has a crossfader curve 3 way switch, but the inclusion of a Magvel fader is notable. Given that it’s a rekordbox mixer, I’m pondering if some of the missing features are software selectable.

HERE’S WHY IT MATTERS

The cheapest plug and play DVS ready mixer is the Traktor Kontrol Z2 coming in at £469. The cheapest Serato DJ mixer (and I exclude the £199 Akai Pro AMX from this as it’s a controller) is the Xone:43C at £699, and you still have to buy the DVS upgrade.

Outside of that you’re looking at cheaper mixers with an audio interface that will almost certainly work with VirtualDJ or Cross. But for the target market, dropping £299 plus control vinyl on the counter of their nearest DJ retailer for a Pioneer DJ plug and play experience is going to win for 99% of potential buyers.

CLEANING UP IN THE SCRATCH GAME?

While the DJM-S9 isn’t an official rekordbox mixer, it seems that every video I see these days has the S9 front and centre running Serato DJ. Mostly likely given away to scratch VIPs or actually bought, the S9 appears to be the tool of choice in the absence of Rane right now.

So the kids who are actively seeking new turntablist demos online are likely to perceive Pioneer DJ as the brand of choice for DVS. And when they stumble into their local DJ boutique, and see the Pioneer DJ logo on a DVS ready mixer costing a full £150 less than the nearest competitor, it’s a no brainer.

And then they’re in Pioneer DJ’s house using rekordbox, and thus getting a strong foothold in the next generation of DJs.

SUMMING UP

Regardless of DVS, the DJM-250MK2 looks to be a seriously good entry-level mixer. It offers the basics at an established Pioneer DJ quality level, but importantly includes an audio interface. And at £299, this is likely fly off the shelves, and give rekordbox an important foothold in the up and coming DJ generation’s hearts and minds.

The DJM-250MK2 will be available in the next few weeks for $349/€349/£299.

GALLERY

Mark Settle
Mark Settle

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

Articles: 1228

94 Comments

  1. Sorry, how can you NOT compare it with Akai AMX when both AMX and NI Z2 (even the DJM-S9) work in internal mixing mode when used with software for DVS – both are just controllers made to look like mixers.

      • True, but you cannot deny that all of the above are designed to be used with a laptop. From my point of view, the RCA-only outputs is a bigger line that separates it from others then the not-standalone flaw.

  2. It is pretty funny that DJM250MK2 is entry level DVS mixer, while DJM450 is kind of step up with more features without one – the booth out… So DJM250MK2 has one and its bigger brother doesn’t? I don’t get it to be honest.

  3. UPDATE: I wrote this piece pre-breakfast and pre-shower, and with tickets for the first Logan show that I’m on my way to see as I write this. It was a clusterfuck, and for that I apologise. I think it’s fixed now.

    • It’s a fair point and I mention Cross in the article. The 23C does require an internal modification to work with DVS. It’s very simple (plug in a supplied jumper cable), but the manual recommends getting a service engineer to do it so the warranty is intact should anything else go wrong.

    • The gain for the dvs signal (not the timecode but the music) seems to be software only, imo a trick to drag you into buying a controller like K1. Plus the crossfader is pretty bad and needs upgrade to innofader, so add some 100 bucks.

  4. It’s not a bad little unit for the price, I can see it being used in a small home studio. A few of us do our Rekordbox prepping for a night out on CDJ’s with our main desktops. Plug the little Pio mixer into a stereo line in on your studio summing mixer (I use a Yamaha MG06X to my Tannoys) and switch the interface over with a pair of TTs off to the side. Whenever I do prep on my tracks, it gives me the itch to play… nice bang for the buck.

      • Entry level… for sure, but I know a few DJs that over the years became producers. Investing the bulk of their money in new hardware, like synths and drum machines for use with their DAW. A mixer like this is a perfect replacement for their old failing mixers to their Tech 12’s. A lot of them bought an SL1 when they first came out, don’t want to invest in a whole DVS set up all over again and haven’t. Since they prep their own tracks in Recordbox to play on CDJs at clubs anyways, using the bundled software (Rekordbox DJ and DVS) with this mixer, saves a lot of time to practice at home for a decent price.

  5. I don’t see recordbox catching on cross is well established and still doesn’t have mass adaptation. Denon did it right and made it part of the deck as thats the only way a new software is going to make it.

      • Why would you call a booth output “stupid” when there are DJ’s who don’t need a four channel mixer however want a soundcard built in and don’t need effects? Think about what you’re saying really? The DJM-450 with all of its features for that amount of money should have had one.

        • I can see it filling a need to both the beginner with nothing more than a receiver for sound and the old school DJ that turned producer and has a pair of Techs, with an outdated SL1 and a failing mixer. I know a few people that would be happy with this unit, using their studio PA by populating a channel in on their summing mixers and hooking up the USB to the production desktop that they create and prep their tracks on for CDJ play at the clubs. It’s “cost effective” due to the fact that it comes bundled with software that gives new life to their TTs without the need of going deep on a new interface for their DVS or double prepping for Serato or Traktor. If you look at it objectively, it’s three birds, one stone.

          • I think the only thing missing (beside the booth output of course) is a 1xUSB hub for the SP1 (or any other MIDI controller) that are bound to be used with the bundled RekordboxDJ.

  6. As a DJM 250 owner, I’m stoked. This fixes the main issues I had…the big ones being how busy the fader area was. This is so much cleaner!

    BUT, what is the Filter “Wake Up” button and the “Standby” LED for?

    Either way, at pretty much half the price as the DJM 450, I like this and will probably replace my DJM 250 with this! Adding an SP1 for effects and MIDI for either Serato or Rekordbox would be clutch.

  7. Nice bang for the buck!
    I wonder if the Traktor Scratch “hack” works with this mixer.
    Anyone tried it with the DJM-450 so far?

    But that promo video… *lol*

    • Do you have any links to reviews or so that discovered the “bad sound quality”.
      I didn’t find anything and had many vinyl only DJs play on a Z2 and never heard a complaint. Even got one guy who wanted to buy it without the intention of using traktor.

    • I’ve played vinyl through my Z2 countless times and that’s never been my experience. Certainly not the absolute best but hardly the worst either.

  8. Love the concept here (quality & simplicity) but can’t help but think there’s a bit of wasted real estate adjacent to the two channel faders on this mixer.

    Might make it a tad more crowded like the DJM-450 but if the goal is to push users towards Rekordbox DVS at an entry level price a few pads in that empty space (a la the Z2 or Mixars Duo) would certainly sweeten the deal a bit.

    • That would be nice, but for the price you can’t fault them.
      Also having a nice clean fader section is nice for turntablists but pads wouldn’t get in the way too much (although the crossfader isn’t exactly a scratch fader.)

            • It’s a decent crossfader that you can scratch with but It’s not a scratch fader. The Magvel *Pro* crossfader (S9) is 100% a scratch crossfader and totally different than the Magvel Fader (non-pro.)
              I stand by what I said :)

              • They are both double-stem non contact crossfaders. I think that alone clasifies them as scratch faders, no matter do you like the feel of it or do they have user adjustable options.

        • It’s a totally different crossfader.
          The S9 not only has a thick stem (for durability), you can change the tension/feel of it, and it is totally different feeling crossfader.
          The S9 is a Magvel *Pro* crossfader and if you get the chance to play on the S9 the difference is huge. The “Pro” version is a lot nicer.

    • …& a Magvel PRO fader!!! :)
      Compared to the 2 mixers they’ve announced since the 900nxs2 the value just doesn’t correspond.
      I get the feeling Rekordbox DJ isn’t ready for prime time so they’re not wanting to bundle it with the 900nxs2. But still It’s hard not to feel like you’ve over paid when you compare the 900nxs2 to the newer offerings.

  9. @djworx

    Mark… Did you (or anyone else for that matter) not see what was at 2:40 on the promo video? Do we need to get some glasses for everyone?

    How blind are the readers on here? Haha!

    • Good question. Does it say anywhere if it midi mappable? If faders are not mappable then the answer is a definite no but if they are, there is a chance that – when connected to RekordboxDJ – it’s controling the internal mixer of the software where post-fader software FX are possible.

  10. Does anyone know if you can play real vinyl once the mixer is set-up. I have been doing some research and have found out that it is in fact a standalone mixer. This brings me to my next question. Would the real vinyl that you play on the turntable automatically play through Rekordbox when initiated if the mixer is connected via usb and would you have to run Rekordbox Dj software in order to hear the real vinyls that are playing? Can you still record a live dj set when using real vinyls through the software? I have not found much information on the web but I am expecting my new Pioneer DJM 250 Mk2 to arrive soon. It is on an ETA from the retailer and should be here soon. I am excited about this product because it represents great value for money. When I connect my mixer via usb do I have to attach the master out of the mixer to the input of my computer in order to use it with Abelton or can I just choose the usb option from the drop down menu when recording tracks in Abelton? I was hoping that I could do it all via the usb cable? Any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated. Regards

    • If you look at the very top, each channel has a three way switch — computer, line and phono. To use rekordbox DVS, switch to computer. For turntables and traditional vinyl switch to phono, And for media players playing CDs, use line. Traditional vinyl will bypass rekordbox completely.

      You should be able to hook up Ableton and do everything internally via USB.

      • Hi mark Settle

        Thanks for your reply it was very insightful.

        I have noticed the switches above the channels through videos and random pictures. The way you describe it makes it much easier for me to understand so thanks for resolving my query.

        I will try it out when my new mixer arrives.

        Regards

        • Dear Mark

          I have another question that I hope you could help me with.

          When using dvs with turntables does the start and stop button on the turntable stop and start the music file you are playing in Rekordbox Dj and does the pitch control also work within the software? Otherwise how else would you start and stop the track when Djing? Also how do you set a cue point at the first beat of a song when using the dvs with turntables so that you can beatmatch and the cue point is saved within the playlist/ song for later use.

          Any help on the matter would be great.

          Regards

          • You’re going to need to buy Pioneer rekordbox vinyl to use rekordbox DVS, although I think Serato vinyl might work too. This contains a timecode that is played into rekordbox via the mixer and that’s what controls the music.

            • Dear Mark

              I have already bought the Rekordbox timecode vinyl and it is arriving on Tuesday.

              I just wanted to know if the start stop button on my turntable will start stop the music file I am playing in rekordbox via dvs and how to set a cue point at the beginning of a song.

              Are there any keyboard shortcuts I should be aware of when doing this?

              Regards

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