words: MICK WILSON
TECH
Pioneer CDJ2000
THE NEW SPINNING
REVOLUTION!
Pioneer’s CDJ2000 aims to be the one-stop-shop
DJing device for modern DJs of all persuasions…
T
he all-dancing, all-singing artist information but track artwork and
new Pioneer CDJ2000 is a CD covers; a useful visual aid, and in colour.
multimedia player for 2010 and To the right of the screen, there is a dial
beyond. It can play music from that enables the user to scroll and navigate
multiple sources, including CD, DVD, USB through menus and track selection. Another
storage devices and SD memory cards, and simple procedure — scroll through the tracks,
control DVS software like Native Instruments’ push down on the dial to choose
Traktor or Serato’s Scratch Live. It also comes them, and they will be loaded
with Pioneer’s Rekordbox, a new music onto the player. To the left,
database management software programme there are four selection
for DJs, developed with the help of MixVibes. buttons that allow the
The CDJ2000 is Pioneer’s answer to the DJ to switch between
restless evolution in the dance music the various music
industry, catering for the digital market formats that the deck
whilst still remaining true to its original can play, be it CD, USB
core audience, the CD performance DJ. It or SD storage. The link
has utilised the ability to play all audio fi le button will connect the
formats direct from just one unit, and aims CDJ to the user’s laptop,
to standardise how DJ booths and set ups and up to four CDJ2000s can
will look in the future, by offering an already be connected together, enabling music
industry standard CD deck with the new fi les and database data on one single USB
tools that seem to be infi ltrating modern DJ or SD device to be shared simultaneously
culture, like integrated laptop control. by the connected players.
PLEASING LINK UP
The CDJ2000 is very pleasing on the eye — a By “linking” to an external laptop, another
slim, but sturdy-looking deck with one key feature allows the CDJ2000 to control
stand-out feature in its large 6.1 inch, raised DVS software like Native Instruments’ Traktor,
coloured screen. Designed to provide the and Serato’s Scratch Live. Pioneer call it
user with all the vital information from track- HID — Human Interface Device. It basically
EASIER
listing to fi le selection, it also features a vastly turns the CDJ into a USB/MIDI controller There are a few new features that make using
improved visual representation of the track for digital vinyl systems, but with a higher the CDJ2000 even easier for the DJ — one
waveform, similar to the original visual view resolution than usual. All deck controls, hot being the new Quantize feature, which locks
of the CDJ1000. The rest of the unit looks very cues and pitch can be manipulated from the loops and cues to the beat (this feature only
similar to the original model: a large, central unit without any need for time coded discs. works with tracks that have had beat grids
jog wheel, the pitch control slider to the right Also, by linking laptops to the CDJ2000, it created using Pioneer’s new Rekordbox
of this, the play cue and track search buttons can actually be used as a soundcard for the software). The Auto Loop and Loop Cutter
to the left. user’s software. This is another bonus, as the functions are more useful additions that make
The layout is simple and uncluttered, which CDJ2000s feature Pioneer’s highest sound operating the CDJ2000 child’s play.
makes navigating the unit relatively easy. New quality circuitry, a new Wolfson DAC (Digital The Auto Loop works with the beat grids that
additions to be found on the deck include the Audio Convertor) processor, and a built-in can be pre-set on or off the BPM counter, on
touch sensitive needle search strip for quick 24-bit/48 kHz sound card. This all means the CDJ. Start things off by hitting the 4 Beat
auditioning of tracks. By simply running a amazing sound quality. Auto Loop button — which instantly creates a
fi nger up and down the strip, it’s possible four beat loop. If the button is tapped again,
to drop in on any point within the waveform The CDJ2000’s layout looks very similar to the it will halve the loop, and if it’s continuously
that is viewed just above it. This feature is industry standard CDJ1000. This is a good tapped, it will keep halving the loop until it
reminiscent of how it used to be when quick thing, as anyone who is used to playing with reaches the point where the loop starts to
listening through your records on a turntable, the 1000 should feel quite at home using this sound like a machine gun, great for quick,
by picking up the needle and dropping it back new player. However, the overall feel of the easy performance tricks.
onto the vinyl at various stages of the track. 2000 is far more solid than its predecessor, To reverse this process is just as simple: hold
Extremely useful and long overdue! the build quality is leaps ahead, and the unit down the regular Loop Out button, and tap
The screen itself is large, displaying not only just feels even more professional. the Loop Cutter button again. The Loop Out
104
www.djmag.com
DJ482.tech_cdj2000.indd 104 17/12/09 13:25:00
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