All About - Pioneer DJM-850

Pioneer DJM-850 mixer
Pioneer DJM-850 mixer

Pioneer DJM-850


Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division continues to make advancements in its lineup of DJ products with the launch of its new DJM-850 performance DJ mixer that brings more functionality for the growing number of DJs that utilize today’s popular DJ software.  Inheriting many of the same technologies, reliability and operability of Pioneer’s industry standard DJM-900nexus mixer, the DJM-850 also features a built-in high-performance USB sound card, various functions for laptop-connected DJ performances, and the industry’s first1 BEAT COLOR FX function, which changes effects by linking the audio input of each channel.

Pioneer has included innovative new features in the DJM-850 that expand DJs’ creative capabilities when they’re using their favorite DJ software. We see the growing use of DJ software as a great opportunity to bring professional level quality and features to this space,” said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Variety of Effects

 

The DJM-850 follows Pioneer’s traditional mixer layout, featuring a variety of advanced sound effects that provide DJs with virtually limitless possibilities when mixing their music. Pioneer includes a new BEAT COLOR FX function, which changes effects by linking the audio input from each channel.

Sound Color FXThe Sound Color FX offers four types of effects (Filter, Crush, Noise and Gate) that can be linked to the input sound of each channel.

Beat Color FX – Users can quickly change between the new Beat Color FX and Sound Color FX to suit each tune for further remixing and sound capabilities. By activating the Beat Color FX, users are able to manipulate the Sound Color FX and Beat Effect simultaneously, resulting in more creative effects that complement the beat of the music.

Beat EffectThe Beat Effect function presents 13 different types of effects (Delay, Echo, Up Echo <new>, Spiral, Reverb, Trans, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Robot, Slip Roll, Roll, and Reverse Roll) that can be combined to produce up to 100 other original effects.

Sound Quality


The design of the DJM-850 combines broad functionality and high quality components to achieve great sound quality: 24bit/96kHz Built-in USB Sound Card – An integrated high performance USB sound card enables up to four inputs/outputs2simultaneously with no deterioration in sound quality.  The sound card supports three different sampling rates (96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz) and the ASIO/Core Audio standards that can also be used for music recording and production. The USB port on top of the mixer provides quick connections to use DJ software via laptop.  The signal output path from the mixer can be easily modified using its setup utility tool3 via a computer. Sound Quality – The use of high quality components such as a 32-bit digital-to-analog output converter and a 32-bit digital signal processor, separate analog and digital circuitry, and extremely short audio transmission paths results in clear and powerful audio output.

TRAKTOR SCRATCH 2 Certified4

The DJM-850 offers compatibility to the Scratch Control (DVS)with Native Instrument’s TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2/DUO 2 software.  Using the timecode disc bundled with the software and a PC, the DJM-850 is ready for scratch control (DVS) with a CDJ player or Vinyl turntable.


Additional Features


The DJM-850 is equipped with additional features that add to the versatility of the mixer:

    - MIDI Signal - Operation information of the mixer’s knobs and buttons can be transmitted as a MIDI signal5 for a “Full Ensemble MIDI” function to control other connected devices.
    - Switching 3-Band EQ/Isolator – Each channel of the mixer is equipped with a switchable 3-band EQ (+6dB to -26dB) and 3-band isolator (+6dB to -∞dB)
    - High Performance Channel Faders - The slide mechanism supports the fader knobs with two metal shafts for both durability and smooth operation.  Furthermore, the new mechanism’s design minimizes the negative effects of moisture and dust particles on the mixer’s performance.
    - P-LOCK Fader Cap - Keeps the fader channel and crossfader knobs (caps) locked, preventing them from physically slipping off during heavy use.
    - Scratch Control - Scratch control6 is possible by using the time code disc7 bundled with DJ software supporting DVS (Digital Vinyl System)8 from CDJ players and vinyl turntables.
    - Auto Standby - Automatically senses active operation and the presence of input signals, switching to standby mode when inputs are not detected for a long period.


No. of channels


Audio: 4, Mic: 2

Inputs: CD/LINE x 4 (RCA), LINE x 2 (RCA), PHONO x 2 (RCA); MIC x 2 (XLR & 1/4 inch PHONE combined use x 1, 1/4 inch PHONE x 1)

Outputs: MASTER OUT x 2 (RCA x 1, XLR x 1); BOOTH OUT x 1 (1/4 inch PHONE); HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 1 (top side 1/4 inch PHONE); REC OUT x 1 (RCA); DIGITAL OUT x 1 (COAXIAL)

Other ports: SEND X 1 (1/4 inch PHONE), RETURN x 1 (1/4 inch PHONE); MIDI OUT x 1 (5P DIN), USB x 1 (top side B port), CONTROL x 4 (Φ3.5 mm MINI JACK)

Sampling rate: 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz; D/A converter 32 bit; A/D converter 24 bit

Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.004% or less; S/N ratio Min. 106 dB (LINE)

Head-room: 19 dB

Power use: 120 V AC (60 Hz)

Electricity consumption: 30 W

Max. external dimensions: 12.6” (W) × 15.0” (D) × 4.25” (H)

Weight: 17 lbs.

1  As a hardware DJ mixer. Current as of February 23, 2012, based on Pioneer research.
Windows/MacOS supported. For Windows, distribution to three or more systems is possible only when using software that supports ASIO.
USB sound card functions can be used by installing the driver software and setup utility software from the included CD-ROM.
4 TRAKTOR SCRATCH can be used without connecting a soundcard.
5  Standard for linked performance with electronic music instruments.
6  Serato’s SCRATCH LIVETM  is not supported.
7  System for playback of music files on PC in combination with playback position/speed of the time code disc.
CD/vinyl record with time code for control of DVS software.