The Denon DJ SC2900 appears to offer all the benefits of the company's flagship SC3900 model, but with static platters.
Hot on the heels of its well-received SC3900 model, Denon today revealed a new digital controller and media player, the SC2900, via a pre-launch YouTube video.
Although there is no official work on pricing or specifications yet, the video is revealing enough for the lid to be blown on what looks like an interesting new entry in the mid-range media player market.
In short, the player seems to be the SC3900 but without the motorised platter, replaced with a more standard large-form static platter of the type that will be familiar to anyone who’s used conventional DJ CD decks such as the Pioneer models.
The SC2900 seems to be the DN-SC3900 but without the motorised platter…
Like the SC3900, the Denon DJ SC2900 can be used as a Midi controller (it’s shown with Traktor in the video, which it supports natively), to play music from USB (including with a network link between players), or of course from CD. Expect it to also play nicely with Denon’s Engine software (the company’s Rekordbox equivalent) and thus with the wireless iPad version of that software too, which is in fact shown in the video.
Indeed, having looked closely at the video and having compared the controls on the SC2900 with the SC3900, I can pretty confidently say that this will be able to do everything the SC3900 does, just minus that real vinyl / motorised platter section. As such, this player would likely appeal more to the European market, where similar players from Pioneer are standard in DJ boxes everywhere.
Like with the SC3900, it appears that it will be possible to use your iPad wirelessly to access your music library while using the SC2900.
Two functions worth noting that were highlighted by the video are a torque adjust control, to allow you to set up the static platter to suit your style of playing, and slip mode, allowing the track to continue playing underneath as you scratch.
Of course we haven’t got the full spec or had chance to properly play with a pair of these yet, but two thoughts spring immediately to mind: Firstly, for digital DJs who want a home set-up that means they can use DJ software but also practise CDJ-style DJing in order to become proficient at both disciplines, these could make a lot of sense as they appear to offer the “best of both worlds”.
Secondly, with the flagship SC3900s (which we’re reviewing at the moment and really like, by the way) at only US$999 each, presumably these are going to come in at well under that – and that means some stiff competition for Pioneer’s CDJ players.
We await the official launch, full specs and a pair to review. Watch this space (and meanwhile, watch this video…)
Video
• Want more pics? See a full Denon DJ SC2900 gallery over on our Facebook Page
Are you glad Denon seems to be offering some competition to the acknowledged DJ booth leaders, Pioneer? From what you’ve seen, what do you think of Engine, Denon’s software? Can you see yourself bagging a pair of these as your “all-round” decks, for digital and analogue use? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Now go to:
Video: Denon DJ SC3900 Digital Turntable & Midi Controller
Review & Video: Denon DJ MC3000 Controller
Review & Video: Gemini CDJ-700 Media Player
Want to escape the bedroom and play in public - fast?
Our 1000s-selling How To Digital DJ Fast video course shows you how.
Learn to DJ Free - email course plus bonus PDF book
Sign up for our weekly email course for beginners now...
Trouble choosing a controller? Visit the web's #1 guide!
DJ Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2013.
Tags: cdjs, denon, denon dj, SC3900
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
I would have to try them out to give my honest opinion, looks like a lot of features were added and I how to see if it flows.
[ link ]How much do you think the 2900 will retail?
[ link ]Guess we’ll find out imminently…
[ link ]These looks pretty awesome and love that such a high quality unit will come at a nice and respectable price point.
[ link ]I agree, assuming they’re as nice as the 3900s, which I love, they’ll be an interesting player for sure.
[ link ]Just noticed Phil’s latest update on this one. I am more confused than ever now! seems that there is so much going on in the market now.
[ link ]Denon have really stepped up their game. I was less than impressed with their CD players a few years back (compared to Pioneer) but things could change. I think they may still always be stuck half in the consumer market though as its hard to compete with the “industry standard”. No one could touch Technics…but they had a design patent that no one could top, whilst CD players are probably similar guts inside.
[ link ]There is an interesting thread about this over on DJTT. In my honest opinion as a relatively new DJ on a relatively average salary, it’s hard to justify spending so much on Pioneer gear. But with the way the CDJ market is, you either buy Pioneer, get products that attempt to be Pioneer, or get relatively cheap units that have questionable build and stability. It’s rough if you’re trying to get that club style feel without spending an arm and a leg (At least in the US). I’m really hoping these units hit the mid range price tag and put some competition in the CDJ market, because as much as I love DJ’ing I don’t love the idea of financing (Yes, financing) a Pioneer DJ setup that has the price tag of a used car.
[ link ]Nothing ground breaking. It all looks pretty much jacked from pios line, slip mode (Didn’t even bother renaming it), engine, which is rekord box, and basically almost the same layout as a Pio. The layout I don’t mind, or the features, but the display is really lacking in my opinion, I love the big bright display of my 2000s with all the info. I understand for the price these are competing for that, but I mean their top of the line stuff should be top of the line no?
[ link ]Denon invented Slip Mode – it was called “Dump” on the DNS-5000 which was introduced some ten odd years ago.
Don’t like the small display? Check out the Engine iPad app.
[ link ]In the video they call it “slip”, but in the 3900 manual they call it “dump”. Just sayin’
[ link ]These could be piokillers- if only they are made as well as pios. I really like these, all the things you need, enough space, good linking, usb and for a reasonable price. I just might grab 2 for pure support.
[ link ]Wonderin if these will have hybrid timecode…
[ link ]Who cares who’s copying who, it’s all money in the pocket for the company’s that compete. Just love the art of sound and stay ahead of the game, why complain, pioneer and denon are still gonna get paid…..Good Job Denon, dont let anyone out do you in this market…
Studio 2 Mobile Dj
[ link ]Birmingham Ala.