Pioneer CDJ-2000

The Pioneer CDJ-1000 CD Turntable was revolutionary when it launched because it was among the first devices to mimic vinyl turntables without the vinyl. Now, upgraded and equipped with a huge, 6.1-inch screen, the CDJ-2000 wants to up the ante.The screen is able to display song info, album art, wave data and other advanced song info. In addition to the WQVGA screen (480x234), the CDJ-2000 brings a number of enhancements over its predecessor. For starters, it has a touch-sensitive area called the "Needle Pad," which lets users jump to a specific song point with the flick of a finger. Secondly, the turntables can now act as a MIDI controller for other devices, with all of its 35 buttons at the ready for musical manipulation. Lastly, it comes equipped with Pioneer's "Pro DJ Link," which lets you plug and external data source into one turntable, and access that data on any other CDJ-2000 turntable linked up to the system.

Analyze:

• Beats Per Minute (BPM) Data – BPM / Tempo information for each song is identified and processed into rekordbox for use by the DJ in preparing and performing a set.
  
• Waveform Data – The waveform of each song is identified and then displayed on the bottom screen for quick data visualization and for use with the needle search function on the CDJ-2000 turntable.

Customize:

• Tag Info & Artwork – Edit and customize the file information to performance needs.
  
• Hot Cues, Cue Points, and Loops – Prepare and customize cues and loops as well as create and manage hot cue banks.
  
• Playlists – Create, edit and manage customized playlists for various performances.
  
• Beatgrid – Utilizing the new Quantizing feature, cue points and loops can be set perfectly on-beat. The Quantize feature ensures cue points are set accurately and automatically, correcting and synching beats during manual looping or a real-time cueing, preventing off beat mistakes.

CDJ-2000 Enhancements

LCD panel and Graphic User Interface – The flagship CDJ-2000 features a large WQVGA 6.1-inch full-color 480 x 234 LCD panel for displaying song titles and jacket art as well as detailed track information so DJs can select songs at a glance. The wave data of each song is also illustrated on screen, showing high and low amplitude to further assist DJs.

Needle Search – Helps DJs instantaneously get to a specific part of a song with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad. Found directly below the CDJ-2000's high-resolution LCD panel, the touchpad lets the DJ "place the needle" and jump quickly to a specific part of a music track.

Jog Dial – Adjustments for tension were enhanced from previous models allowing the DJ to further customize the feel of the jog dial from a light to heavy sensitivity. Four illuminated areas on the sides of the Jog Dial aid the DJ in finding the desired spot on the plate in dim lighting environments.

CDJ-900 Enhancements

Slip Mode – When activated, Slip Mode silently continues song playback during a loop, reverse or scratch and continues audible playback at the exact time when the loop, reverse or scratch is ended creating smoother transitions. Advanced Auto Beat Loop – The CDJ-900 generates a four-beat loop at a touch of a button creating a customized sound to provide more time for DJs to blend in transitioning music.

The Extras

For more accurate tempo control while mixing, each player is enhanced with increased frame increments of 0.5 frames that allow the DJ to set a cue point or loop point with more precision.To achieve the highest sound quality, both the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 were equipped with the audio industry's highly respected Wolfson DAC processors, delivering a very transparent, accurate audio signal resulting in a highly improved signal-to-noise ratio and increased headroom. The CDJ-2000 will be available in November 2009 with a suggested retail price of $2,150.The CDJ-900 will be available in December 2009 with a suggested retail price of $1,600.

Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ Equipment through its Professional Sound & Visual Division. Its DJM series of mixers has become an industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for its high quality sound and reliability. Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is head quartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, established in Tokyo in 1938, is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets.