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
