Pioneer DJ PLX-500 USB Turntable Launched

Pioneer DJ just launched a new USB-equipped turntable for DJing and casual use. The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is a direct-drive turntable with a pitch control, RCA phono outputs for connecting to a mixer, and a USB output for ripping vinyl to your computer. It comes in two colours: black and white.

The PLX-500 seems ideal for DJs who are looking for decks on a budget: it comes in at almost half the price of Pioneer DJ’s own PLX-1000 turntables that were launched a few years back. A pair of these plus a Rekordbox DVS-compatible controller or mixer would make for a cost-effective set-up. The main difference between the PLX-1000 and this is that the PLX-500 has got a USB output onboard (something the PLX-1000 doesn’t have), so that means you can rip vinyl straight to Rekordbox, which is a handy feature for those who want to digitise their record collections. A more subtle change is that the pitch fader range is no longer adjustable, unlike in the PLX-1000.

Check out the promo video and photo gallery below.

Promo Video

Photo gallery

• The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 will be available from September 2016 for €349. Check the Pioneer DJ website for more details.

What do you think of this turntable? Are turntables ready for a comeback in this digital DJ world? Or are companies just running out of ideas for new controllers? Let us know what you think.