Pioneer's DJM-850, available in black or white. (Click to enlarge.)
Pioneer today announced the latest mixer in its range, the DJM-850, a replacement for its DJM-800 model. The mixer builds on the DJM-800′s features, adding the ability to integrate the mixer further with DJ software, and more sophisticated effects that borrow from the DJM-900nexus.
With a built in four-stereo channel high-quality sound card, the mixer further blurs the line between hardware and software DJing, and sheds a little more light on the ultimate direction digital DJing might take over the coming years. Below we look closer at what’s on board, bring you the launch video, and link to more photos as well as the official press release.
Better integration with DJ software
There is a definite trend towards hardware taking over some of the features of DJ software at the moment, and the DJM-850 continues that. It has a four-stereo-channel sound card built in, meaning with one USB cable, you can connect your computer to it and DJ across all four of its channels with your digital music.
There is a definite trend towards hardware taking over some of the features of DJ software…
Pioneer also says the sound card is compatible with digital vinyl (DVS) software “such as Traktor” (although compatibility with other DVS systems is not explicitly stated in their press release).
It comes with a computer utility that automatically opens on your computer when you plug the mixer in, allowing you to configure it to work with your particular system.
Hardware-grade effects
Pioneer makes much of the effects on the new mixer. It inherits the comprehensive effects section of the DJM-800, adds some more effects (a couple borrowed from the DJM-900nexus, and a new effect of its own called “up echo”, that apparently helps somehow with mixing).
It looks like a lot of work has gone into this area, which makes sense, as one of the benefits of hardware effects is that manufacturers can build in things that you can’t find in software, giving them USPs.
So two USPs here are “beat effects”, that link volume changes on incoming channels to a parameter on an effect (such as resonance on a filter for “pumping” effects), and a supercharged wet/dry knob, that past 12 o’clock adds something extra (specifically, “pitch up” to their new “up echo” effect, and a high-pass filter to reverb).
Other features
The mixer can act as a Midi controller as it’s fully Midi assignable. Its sound card boasts three sampling rates (96kHz, 48kHz and 44.1kHz) plus inputs, so the mixer can act as a music production and recording tool as well as a straight DJ mixer.
Its USB port is on the top (for easy computer attachment in installations, presumably), although there’s no duplication of it at the back, which is a shame as it makes for a not-very-neat installation if you have your computer permanently attached.
Price & availability: €1,499 / £1,299, available from late March (no US launch or price as yet)
• Photo gallery
• Official press release
Video
First thoughts
DJ controllers have kind of had it all their way in recent years – you only have to walk around DJ or music shows to see that controllers are ruling the game as far as digital DJing goes.
But there are definitely benefits to the feel and features of “traditional”-styled gear. As a mixer, this is better than the mixer on all DJ controllers, even the very best.
Coupled with good platter control (Pioneer expects this to be paired with its own CDJ-850s, but it could also be from software controllers like for instance Denon’s DN-SC2000s, or other cross media players with digital compatibility, which are being released almost as fast as new controllers at the moment), plus DJ software on a connected laptop, and you’ve got a pretty awesome system – for home OR club.
Same technology at home and in venues?
I can envisage a digital DJ turning up to play with a laptop and maybe a small pad controller (or even a wirelessly connected iPad). You’d plug in your laptop to a mixer like this, use the club’s “decks” to control your MP3s via software, use the mixer’s onboard effects, and possible use your pad controller or iPad to add something extra to the mix that’s unique to you (sample triggering, as an obvious choice).
Don’t forget that Pioneer has its own software, Rekordbox, and other manufacturers are also entering the game…
Don’t forget that Pioneer has its own software, Rekordbox, and other manufacturers are also entering the game such as Denon with their new Engine software. These software packages are designed from the ground up to work with DJ hardware such as this.
As the two worlds continue to combine, expect the best of what software has to offer and the feel, usability and power of DJ hardware to merge more and more. As always it seems in digital DJing, the times ahead seem more exciting by the day.
What’s your impression? Do you see this being part of the way serious digital DJing will go? Can you see the advantages of using hardware effects and having a mixer that’s also Midi mappable and has on-board audio? What about the pricing? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Tags: audio interfaces, digital mixers, djm-850, mixers, pioneer, sound cards
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mmm… it seems it doesn’t have digital inputs as the DJM-800…
[ link ]First thought: you could get a Xone DB2 for that money…
[ link ]Literally just bought a 900 4 days ago…
[ link ]I don’t see the added value for this mixer next to the nexus. Why upgrade the 800 when you already have the 900?
[ link ]just one USB? Rane wins
i’m sure those fx will sound nice though
[ link ]Pioneer dev team conversation:
“Guys, I’ve just found a box of 3 million DJM-800 faceplates out the back, what the hell are we going to do with them?”
“Uh… I’ve got it! we’ll paint them white, stick an Audio 8 interface in there and call it a whole new product!”
“You, sir, are a genius. Pub?”
[ link ]Funny as allways mr pint
however i think it’s a quite nice upgrade.
Finally a djm that sounds ok.
Had the 800 before, really enjoyed most of it but the soundquality and need for external soundcard to work with traktor.
For me this upgrade is a big win.
Can now use the 850 as my “receiver” and control music from my laptop, add external controllers that fit my needs or even start fiddling with ipad as deck controller.
just my 2 cents
[ link ]This seems like a step down from the DJM-900 Nexus. I’m having real trouble following Pioneers product line, Phil where exactly is this meant to fit in ?
[ link ]Well it’ll be cheaper. But I struggle to see how this is any better than a DJM-800 with a Traktor Scratch Pro Audio interface, which you could probably pick up for less money.
[ link ]It’s an 800 replacement, so it’s meant to be a step down from the 900.
[ link ]I assume it will be Traktor Scratch certified, when they specifically mention Traktor in their press release. Talking about unique selling points, this is certainly an advantage over the DB:2. I know a few places that have DJs who either play with CDs only or with Traktor Scratch Pro 2 and the 850 might be really interesting for those guys. Not having to change any wires, no matter who is playing seems very tempting for small venues.
However, I feel that they are somehow hurting themselves by giving the 850 scratch certification and keep it away from the 900. I feel that a lot of people who are now going for the 850 would have eventually bought a 900 if they added Scratch Certification and it just feels weird having a “mid-range” (at 1500€ i find it hard to call it mid-range) mixer with a feature that their flagship mixers 900 and 2000 can’t offer. Especially if it is just a licensing and marketing decision, since I can’t imagine that there are any hardware-related obstacles that would prevent scratch certification for the 900/2000.
[ link ]the DJM-900 is Traktor Scratch certified as well
[ link ]To me the whole 850 line of products from Pioneer makes no sense (Cdj or Djm). You can find both the Cdj-900 and Djm-900 for just a little bit more on any number of websites. And actually on ebay you can get both the cdj900 and djm900 fr less than msrp of the corresponding 850s.
[ link ]I agree with you that the 850 line makes no sense. They seem to make a lot of strange decisions at Pioneer. Another example is the DJM-T1 that by all accounts has bombed badly. It’s just had its price cut again ! It’s no one wonder it was marketed as a “hybrid” Traktor MIDI controller but could also work as a stand alone mixer however if you wanted to pair with with some CDJ’s or TT’s it has no effects and less features than a DJM 400 ! They always seem to leave something glaringly obvious out. If anyone at Pioneer is reading this you need to upgrade the DJM-T1 to 4 channels, give it the same effects bank as the 900 or go the other way and add transport controls to the 900. The job always seems half done they either need to fully embrace software and integrate it or Denon is soon going to smash them out of the park. Getting back to the 850, it’s a pointless bit of kit and in that price range anyone in their right mind would buy a 900. I’m not a Pioneer hater at all , I just wish they would listen to what people want and get it right ! This “new” mixer fails.
[ link ]Couldn’t agree more, I bought DJM T1 after the price cut for $699 bargin really, however there is a massive gap in the market, either DJM T1 needs to be a full 4 channel or the 900 needs all DJM T1 midi controls.
[ link ]Getting back to the 850, the 900 feels like a plastic lego built mixer where as the 850 and the T1 feel like you can run a tank over it and smash the shit out of it. So I agree I wish Pioneer would listen to what people want and get it right. Overall Id get a 850 over a 900 as it just feels nicer to mix on, for now I will enjoy my T1
Hello everyone, I just bought the 900 over the summer and I honestly couldn’t ever see myself getting rid of it. Its the problem of pushing the paradigm and its obviously something pioneer isn’t ready to do. At this point they really need to rethink the direction in which their taking the whole djm line. The djm 2000 great idea man the same with the djm 900, a little pricey but in 4 years when I can still imagine having the same mixer with little or no complaints. Why build a product like the 850 except to profit off something that already needs to be redesigned. They don’t seem to be raising the bar.
[ link ]Exactly right …they have been resting on their CDJ’s laurels for far too long and now this …where’s the innovation ? Especially if you look at what Denon have done with the new SC-3900. Unfortunately for Pioneer they stand to lose the most from controllerism but sooner or later they know that they are going to have to embrace it.
[ link ]They should be working harder in their controllers line …
[ link ]i think pioneer are hitting the nail on the head with these mixers. What they’re basically trying to implicate with these products is you can just turn up with your laptop (NOTHING ELSE) and be able to DJ digitally. This allows switch overs to be as easy as using cds or vinyl, rather rummaging around the back of the mixer to plug in your dvs system or controller. In my opinion i can’t see any other DJ manufacturer breaking into the DJ booths no matter what amazing idea they come up with. Pioneer are trusted by most (if not all) professional DJs and if say denon come up with a ground breaking idea, pioneer will just copy them and clubs will buy the pioneer version simply because they are a more trusted manufacturer than any other brand
[ link ]$2000 dollars for a mixer? Not for me!
[ link ]I absolutely LOVE the layout, feel and sound of Pioneer´s mixers (and CDJs for that matter). It´s all intuitive, rugged, reliable. They just “get it right” in perhaps 90% of what they do, of course no one (or no company) is perfect.
[ link ]Im not an expert but hasn’t the DNX 1600 got the Traktor Certification and 4 channel usb sound card? and its a lot cheaper…
[ link ]