TURNTABLE LAB

Pioneer
CDJ-100S CD Turntable

OVERVIEW
This is Pioneer's most basic professional CD player, perfect for those who need to incorporate CDs into their sets or studios without the high expense of a deluxe model. The main difference between the CDJ-100 and higher priced models, is the lack of a vinyl simulation mode (you won't be able to scratch with this). In its place you have the standard jog dial which is fully functional for cueing and beat matching. In addition, the CDJ-100 also features cue point settings, master tempo pitch control (aka key correction, an excellent feature here), effects (flanger and wah), up to one minute of sample time and more. The compact size of this model is a plus, measuring 8.5 x 3.75 x 12.25".

OPINION
Overall, the most impressive feature is the excellent price point, more than half the price of its big brother model with the same Pioneer quality.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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cd turntables / pioneer - cd turntables

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Pioneer
CDJ-800MK2 CD Turntable

OVERVIEW
The upgraded version of Pioneer's popular CDJ-800 digital vinyl turntable. The 800 was already gaining wide use for its unmatched combination of performance and price tag (it's basically the same as their top of the line CDJ-1000 player, just without some of the deluxe features), and this new model should continue to be the best value on the CD turntable market.

FEATURES
There are a few major differences between the CDJ-800MK2 and the CDJ-800 (which has now been discontinued), the most important being the ability to play mp3's. While the CDJ-800MK2 doesn't offer a USB connection or any other way to hook up to your computer, it is now capable of playing all mp3 files burned onto CDs. Another major improvement is with the unit's display features. You can now switch to "text mode" and get the artist name, track title or file name on the display, as well as perform a "folder search" during mp3 playback. The display is a higher resolution, closer to the surface for better viewing, and includes a few improvements on the jog wheel such as 45 degree angle markers. The jog wheel itself has also been altered from the original CDJ-800, featuring a "heavier" platter more similar to the CDJ-1000 and a new metallic finish. Lastly, the cue point memory has been increased from 500 on the old unit to 4000 on the new CDJ-800MK2.

Aside from that, the CDJ-800MK2 remains almost identical to the very successful CDJ-800. It features all the details that you need to successfully dj with cds, including perfect scratch performance, an excellent cue point system, auto beat loop functions and more.

OUR OPINION
While Pioneer hasn't made any drastic improvements to the CDJ-800, this is still an outstanding piece of equipment and the new features have really optimized the 800's performance. Please note that rather than being a piece that current CDJ-800 owners should upgrade to, this is aimed more at new customers and those looking to replace old units. Pioneer CDJ's are the most widely used cd turntables from clubs to studios to bedrooms, and it doesn't look like anyone will be taking them out soon. Their players are extremely easy to use, function more or less perfectly, and have great display functions (extremely important when dj'ing on cd players). For the price and the features, this is probably our most recommended cd turntable.

improvements over the CDJ-800
- mp3 support
- heavier jog wheel with new metallic surface
- improved jog wheel display
- 4000 cue point capability (compared to 500 on the old model)
- improved main display with text mode for easy track identification
- new metallic finish on buttons, jog wheel and pitch slider
reviewed by mgmnt

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cd turntables / pioneer - cd turntables

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Pioneer
CDJ-200 CD Turntable

OVERVIEW
The CDJ-200 is a step up from Pioneer's CDJ-100, bridging the gap between their most basic professional CD player and the higher priced vinyl simulation models. This is an excellent choice for djs who need a high quality cd turntable with dj functions, but don't require scratching ability. You do have a digital jog dial which is fully functional for cueing, beat matching and controlling effects, but scratching is not a possibility with this unit. The CDJ-200 is also much smaller (11" x 8.5") than the vinyl-simulating models, which makes it perfect for traveling and cramped studio spaces.

FEATURES
While the lack of scratching capability will be a drawback to some, the CDJ-200 includes an efficient and useful set of features which will meet the needs of nearly everybody else. Functions include assignable cue point settings, +/-6/10/16 % pitch bend with master tempo control (aka key correction), digital jog break effects (jet, zip and wah), sampling & looping capability with easy to use adjustments, CD-RW and mp3s playback capability with folder search functions, and more. Many of these are either improvements over the CDJ-100 or simply new features.

OUR OPINION
Pioneer continues to be one of the top digital manufacturers, and their cd players are some of the most trusted on the market. The CDJ-200 looks great (people love the blue light), the quality is high, and the relatively small size is very welcome. It still comes in at an excellent price point, and solidifies Pioneer's stake in the market for non-scratch professional cd players.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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cd turntables / pioneer - cd turntables

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Pioneer
CDJ-1000MK3 CD Turntable

OVERVIEW
The upgrade to Pioneer's industry leading cd turntable. Pioneer has always led the way when it comes to cd turntables, introducing the first cd player that could truly emulate vinyl control with the CDJ-1000 and keeping it up to date with many improvements over the years. This latest model builds on the successful platform by tweaking the features and improving the layout and functions.

FEATURES
There are a few major differences between the CDJ-1000MK3 and the older MK2 (which has now been discontinued). These include:
- mp3 support
- adjustable resistance on the jog wheel
- improved jog wheel display
- improved main display to accommodate WAVE data
- "resume play" function
- new hot loop function
- capable of using both SD and MMC memory cards

The most important improvement is the ability to play mp3's. While the CDJ-1000MK3 doesn't offer a USB connection or any other way to hook up to your computer, it is now capable of playing all mp3 files burned onto CDs. The jog wheel itself is now adjustable, letting you change the resistance all the way from the loose feel of a CDJ-800 up to the stiffer feel of a first generation CDJ-1000. Another major improvement is with the unit's display features. On the jog wheel, the cue and angle markers have been enlarged for easier use, and they have doubled the resolution of the main display area. This allows you to see all the track info, as well as accommodate WAVE data and easily search through folders on mp3 discs. The "resume play" function starts the disc at the exact time the cd is ejected, which is especially useful for mistakenly ejected cds. The hot loop function stores up to three loops per track, working the same way as the "hot cue" function. MMC memory card capability allows you to store up to 10 cue points on 10,000 cds with an MMC card.

Aside from the improvements mentioned above, the CDJ-1000MK3 remains relatively unchanged from the successful CDJ-1000MK2. It features all the details that you need to successfully dj with cds, including perfect scratch performance, an excellent cue point system, auto beat loop functions and more. For further details on the intricate functions of the CDJ-1000MK3 and comparison to the CDJ-800MK2, please see the forums at Pioneer.

OUR OPIONION
Pioneer has been the go-to cd turntable manufacturer since they first introduced the CDJ-1000 in 2002 and it has remained on top by constantly improving their gear and listening to the requests of their customers. Their players are extremely easy to use, function more or less perfectly, and have great display functions (extremely important when dj'ing on cd players). While they haven't made any drastic improvements with the CDJ-1000MK3, this remains the most reliable cd turntable on the market. The new features have optimized the 1000's performance, made it even more user friendly and prepared it for the switch from djs using actual cds to djs using mp3s compiled on cd. Pioneer CDJ's are the most widely used cd turntables from clubs to studios to bedrooms, and since the memory cards will be recognized by any CDJ-1000, you can just bring your discs and your memory card to any club and you will be ready to play. The CDJ-1000MK3 remains the top of the line when it comes to cd turntables.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Pioneer
CDJ-400 CD Turntable w/MIDI Control + USB

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase two (2) CDJ-400's between January 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008 and get a free download version of Pioneer's DJS Software. Details on redemption card inside the box.

OVERVIEW
The latest addition to the popular CDJ line is the CDJ-400, which brings many high-end features like those found in higher priced models at a relatively affordable price. This versatile deck can play all types of CDs, MP3 CDs, and media from USB storage devices, vinyl emulation and scratching, plus unique features like MIDI control via USB (which allows you to control DJ software like Serato without the timecode disc), scratch and loop effects, and much more.

FEATURES
The CDJ-400 is a full featured CD deck with the capability to play CD, CD-R, CDRW, and MP3 CD formats, as well as music from mass storage devices, thumb drivesm and external via USB. Through the new push-selection Rotary Scroll Wheel and Back Button, users can navigate files and folders as simply and quickly. The deck also features the unique capablitliy to control your DJ and music software with MIDI via USB. This is achieved by simply selecting the PC Source Select button, so that virtually all of the deck’s buttons and slider can send MIDI control data via the PC USB connection. DJ's can connect the CDJ-400 to a PC or MAC and play and manipulate files from their favorite DJ application software (like Serato)without the time-code disc! Other features include: +/-6, 10, 16 & 100% pitch range, vinyl emulation and scratch capability, the world's first Scratch Jog Effects (bubble, transform, wah), DSP effects (jet flange, wah, roll), BPM counter, hot looping with beat divide function, illuminated touch sensitive jog wheel w/ 6 settings, digital anti shock & pioneer oil damper float, and reverse play.

OUR OPINION
Pioneer's CDJ line is the most trusted and widely used CD turntables in the business. With many advanced features like MIDI control, effects, and many compatible formats, The CDJ-400 is an excellent choice for CD DJs of all levels at a relatively affordable price.

reviewed by the mgmnt

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cd turntables / pioneer - cd turntables

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