Gemini CDJ-700 TECH
VERDICT BUILD QUALITY
EASE OF USE FEATURES
8.0 8.5 9.5
VALUE FOR MONEY 9.0 SOUND QUALITY
7.0
HYPE Good build quality and more
GRIPE No auto loops, high rotary
obstructs loop buttons.
USB and SD options, but all tracks loaded quickly and the deck had no problems picking up the BPM and track overviews. We also tested out the MIDI functions by mapping one deck to control Traktor. Again, super-responsive. It would have been nice for Gemini to include settings files for the common software options but they will surely start popping up on the forums, either user-generated or from Gemini themselves.
TOUCH OF LIFE One of the unique features of the CDJ-700 is the intuitive touch screen display. This full-colour panel displays the key track information, the browser and also the waveform that can be zoomed in and out of simply by tapping on the screen. The waveform accentuates the peaks of the track in a similar way to the original Serato Itch interface. It is a neat system and is actually more beneficial than the more generic waveform displays on other models, as the breakdowns and drops are noticeable down to the second. Adjusting loops is also an easy affair in the highest visual zoom setting. Elsewhere, the touch screen can be used to control the EFX parameters
(which can also be controlled by the platter) and the track position for quick auditioning of tracks or jumping past long intros. All of this stuff could potentially be triggered accidentally, but fortunately the Gemini bods have included an on/off button so you can switch off the touch functionality if you are so inclined.
SLIP N SLIDE One super-effective creative addition to the decks is the slip function. This is a fairly common feature on midi controllers these days but rarely seen on many stand-alone decks. When engaged, the track playing can be scratched, reversed or looped, and continue playing in the background — ready to return to its original position post-spinback/reverse beat/ stutter loop (delete as appropriate). Unfortunately the hot cues have been omitted from the slip mode, but it’s still a fantastic and useful creative feature and one not available on many competitors’ decks. Each deck comes equipped with two banks of three effects. These are basic but functional and are controlled by a combination of the turntable platter and a dry/wet rotary control. The effect amount can also be controlled
using the touch-screen interface, although we found this less effective than the jog wheel. The performance control of filtering using the large platter feels great and adds an element of performance to the DJ’s arsenal. Just be sure to disengage the effect once you are finished or your jog wheel movements will continue to control the effect and not your tempo nudge. Although, as the unit also has pitch-bend buttons, the deck could be set-up so that the platter is used for effects and the pitch buttons for keeping your beats locked mid-mix.
All in all the CDJ-700 is a versatile, well-built and feature-rich deck. The various input options, midi functionals and effects offer an entire arsenal of tools for the modern DJ. The lack of auto-loops is the only clear omission but the real winning point is how well everything works. Mixing on the 700s is a joy due to the platter quality and easy control. With the exception of the touch-screen feature, these decks won’t win any awards for design innovation but at the end of the day the real points are how well they work for the price — and these come up trumps.
A great deck that takes its styling from Pioneer’s top of the range player but offers the DJ a chance to get involved at a price that won’t break the bank.
8.4/10
PRICE $599.99
CONTACT
geminidj.com
features than you can shake a stick at!
www.djmag.com
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