Pioneer DJ, the standard for professional CDJs, unveiled two new pieces of equipment at NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, this week. It used the platform to unveil its new CDJ-2000NXS2 and its new mixer, the DJM-900-NXS2.
The CDJ is an upgraded version of the nexus series, which was a big jump in the CDJ-2000 line. Its main upgrade is the inclusion of a 96 kHz/24-bit sound card that can handle FLAC files. It is also equipped with a 32-bit D/A converter.
It comes with an improved screen, where users can filter through tracks by BPM, key or special uploaded tags using a QWERTY keyboard. Added functionality and power means it can quantize songs more precisely and it is easier to set hot cues. Watch the video below to get a better feel for how the new CDJ works.
Also included in the announcement is its new mixer, the DJM-900-NXS2. The new mixer will also be upgraded with the same FLAC-capable soundcard. It will have a peak limiter to try and limit distortion at high volumes, which is a problem for many DJs who love to redline their songs in favor of being as loud as possible.
The mixer comes with upgraded ports like the power supply, which should make things sound a little better. It also has two USB docks, 4 phono inputs and DVS support to make transitions between DJs a little smoother, notably at festivals.
Improved fader curves and EQ are complimented by a 6 sound color FX and 14 beat FX to make manipulation of tracks easier.
Both items will be made available in Feb. 2016 for $2,199.
Over the past year and a half, Pioneer has been rolling out new models of CDJ to try and stay ahead of the technological curve. It unveiled the XDJ model, which ditches CDs entirely, since most DJs haven't used CDs in quite some time and either only use USBs to carry thousands of files or vinyls. It also unveiled a different XDJ model, the RX, which ditches laptops and adds more functionality.
