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.
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
- 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.- 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.- 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.- 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.- 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.- 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
Channels Audio 2 channels, MIC 1 channel, AUX 1 channel Input / Output terminals Inputs LINE × 3(RCA), PHONO × 2(RCA), MIC × 1(1/4″ TS × 1) Outputs MASTER 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) Others USB (B) x 1 Sampling rate 48 kHz D/A Converter 24-bit A/D Converter 24-bit Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (LINE) Total harmonic distortion 0.005 % (LINE-MASTER1) S/N ratio 94 dB(LINE) Power supply AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz Power consumption DC12V 0.6A Maximum dimensions (WｘDｘH) 230mm x 319.5mm x 107.9mm
(9.1 in. × 12.6 in. × 4.2 in.)Weight 3.0 kg / 6.6 lbs. Accessories Power cord, AC adaptor, USB cable, Operating Instructions (Quick Start Guide), License key card (rekordbox dj, rekordbox dvs)
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
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.
The AMX needs a laptop. It cannot run without one. Everything else is a mixer, that can run turntables or CDJs without a laptop. That’s why I don’t compare them.
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.
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.
I don’t see a booth out?? or am i missing something
It’s Pioneer DJ’s new InvisiBooth™ technology.
In all seriousness, this mixer doesn’t need booth.
Presuming it will happily output to both the XLR & Phono’s at the same time. Just plug one of these in to the phono outputs.
https://www.gak.co.uk/en/fostex-pc-1/55415?gclid=CjwKEAiA_9nFBRCsurz7y_Px8xoSJAAUqvKC–O0qYJisoXomhTzrG-166VxI3vqTTZRI2HuvITpNxoC1BTw_wcB
Yeah I agree, although some Pioneers allow you to connected both balanced and phono simultaneously so you might be able to wing it with phono and an active speaker
I/O – 2x Monitor out.
Ins and outs are exactly the same on both mixers.
My bad!! Just realized it now !
I would’ve loved it, had the design been based on the DJM-707.
INB4 explanations about coherent design among products of the same series: yes, I understand why it isn’t.
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 does lack line fader curves and reverse, and only has a crossfader curve 3 way switch”
It does have cf reverse switch.
Badly written, but that’s what I meant.
I guess that was the point to keep the price down.
Would like to see what DAC is in this.
So I would suspect XDJ-700MK2’s to follow….
It’s too early imo. Rather some dvs controller like sp1 or single deck controller with jog wheel.
I wonder if another single deck controller will ever come from anyone. Denon did have the DN-SC2000 (http://denondj.com/products/view/dn-sc2000) but it never seemed that popular.
True, but Pioneer could popularize it :) Would be great to have a choice to add different type of wheels (jog vs tt) to a small soundcarded mixer like this one, according to ones portable needs.
The SC2000 was way ahead of it’s time. Built like a tank. If they did an MK2 version with a screen, ( AND LEAVE THE ORIGINAL DESIGN ALONE ), they could have a hit.
I have a pair. Flight cased either side of a Kontrol Z2.
It’s my rig of choice at the moment.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6b17eaa5d9a6829350a5730401839a0e8e17e9d0ef516f80c639200273ef8efc.jpg
Seek and ye shall find lol.
I suspect he’s not reading this on a computer.
I’m on my phone at the moment & you have to expand my original post to see it.
Have a pic? I would love to see that.
Ditto. I keep four of them (two on the road and two backups in the home studio) with an X1600 in the middle and it works like a charm. The jogs are a little small, but functional. The lack of a newer modular controller with a jog is a hole I can’t believe nobody wants filled.
I’ll see your Z2 and raise you with my X600 ;) Been rockin it for the past 6 years with or without the mixer. And the mixer is also better then the new DJM-450: has booth out, analog & usb send/return, 12 point fader curve adjust, record out, 2x aux line inputs,… https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/54af8a03f4a27a7afa318f2b9da358165f23b02d1060786009443bee1faabe62.jpg
Sweet!
I had a chance to buy one of those the other year, & passed on it.
I’m perfectly happy with my Z2, but part of me wishes i’d have grabbed the Denon when i had the chance.
I’ve seen several mint condition units go for $250 which is a steal (retail price was around 700 because Denon intended it to be a TSP certified mixer). Z2 just does not have the same build quality.
I use 2 – SC2000 with a Xone:DB2 – using custom Serato XML
Best of both worlds Traktor and Serato!
What about Xone 23c and Mixvibes Cross, that has full DVS.
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.
I guess this one will never be Serato DVS ready? (I know.. but I want to!)
I feel they’ll make it a future “Club Kit” compatible mixer.
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.
This could be a good entry level (since the soundcard should be class compliant…)
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.
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.
Tour line is the first sign of standalone rekordbox-like new gear…
No booth output :-(. When is Pioneer going to release a two channel mixer with a proper booth output???
It really is quite stupid and would cost them stuff all to implement.
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.
I think Luke’s agreeing with you.
It’s quite stupid (of Pioneer) & cost them stuff-all to implement. :)
A booth output is also not difficult to implement.
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.
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*
I thought the video was pretty cool
where are the picklz
i wonder how this sounds playing regular vinyl.
the Z2 is known for bad sound quality when playing without laptop
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.
Although you are right, I did also hear comments about “bad sounding” real vinyl with Z2. I can only assume it’s comparison with some higher-end mixer models in home studio enviroment.
just compare it with an A&H mixer and you will hear the difference
I never said it sounds better than an A&H mixer. But there is a difference between: doesn’t sound as good as the market leader vs. “bad soundquality”
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.
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.)
Umm…it’s the exact same crossfader that’s in the DJM-S9.
Nope. It’s the same that the one in 900nxs2 but there’s is no feeling and curve adjustment like in the S9.
I know, but does that really makes it non-scratch fader? ;) Because that’s what he said.
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.
free rekordbox? LOL I bought the 900nx2 and there was nothing free – I wish Pio would send those NX2 users a free license out…
…& 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.
@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!
Sorry I don’t get what you talk about and smartphone makes this CSI a pita…
Okay… Maybe it’s just me but it really looked like (on the first viewing) that the SP1 pads was lit in different colours.
It could just be the red lights shining so maybe I was seeing things!
Well an rgb update could make sense somewhere in the future…
I just did a Photoshop overlay, and it looks to be an exact match layout wise. But those pads are lit up red, and as far as I know the SP1 only did blue. Maybe a firmware update? Because a whole new unit for some new lights seems unlikely or at least unpopular.
I think we’re due for an SP1 MK2 soon. Maybe an RB1?
On second look it could be the red reflection but those other lights to pierce through.
Hmmm… I’ll go with red overhead lighting for now!
I saw it and I’m pretty sure it’s unlit pads reflecting the intense red light from above.
Look closely at the blue pads. They are much lighter in the centers. The “red” ones are evenly colored.
I don’t think it’s a new unit.
I don’t think it’s the light, otherwise all the pads would be red. So what is it?
Pretty sure those 5 pads are just not backlit (or off). Compare the color of the pads to the center marks of the knobs. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b4647788d6e9f52374e634c4a629566035fc4cfd22314542517c35766c78c578.png
And also, for reference, check this picture of an S9.
The red pads have that kind of glow in the center.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/269205c4f280c11df54274d6b261ef535b23b85917e97a4890872348e7b90f9e.png
Well spotted.
I just don’t buy it.
For the approx. price of a Denon/Traktor interface you get a whole mixer WITH interface. Can’t beat that.
Nice!! I want this for Serato
Hey there, does anyone knows if this Mixer has Post-fader-effects (with the rekordbox DJ Effects)?
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.
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
Yes — when you press play, the music will start and stop like a normal piece of vinyl. That’s how DVS works.
For more detailed questions, you’ll get more help from the manual: https://rekordbox.com/en/support/manual.php
Dear Mark
I have read the manual already.
Any thoughts on how to set cue points when in dvs mode?
Regards
Sorry — I don’t have rekordbox DVS, and have very limited experience of rekordbox at all. Seeing as rekordbox is a library manager, you’d set all the cue points inside rekordbox. It’s on page 85 of the manual.
Does anyone else on here know how to set cue points within the rekordbox dj software when using turntables for dvs?