Pioneer Announces The New CDJ-1000MK3 And CDJ-800MK2

[DJ Al B Bad]

NEW GENERATION PIONEER DIGITAL TURNTABLES PROVIDE MORE CONTROL AND BETTER MIXING CAPABILITIES CDJ-1000MK3 and CDJ-800MK2

LONG BEACH (February 22, 2006) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced the CDJ-1000MK3 and CDJ-800MK2, a new generation of high-end digital turntables that puts more control into the hands of DJs. Step-up features include jog feel adjustments, hot looping / re-looping, improved track and wave data display and MP3 compressed audio playback, providing DJs enhanced mixing and scratching capability to sharpen their craft. Suggestions from previous generation CDJ owners were taken into account in developing the new turntables, to add better feel, precision and performance. DJs will find the Pioneer CDJ products to feel as close to a vinyl turntable with the great benefits of a digital player.

“The input we received from leading DJs who used the previous CDJ models helped in the development of the next generation products,” said Karl Detken, product planning director for DJ products for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Adding MP3 playback to the CDJ-1000MK3 and the CDJ-800MK2 was a natural progression based on the growing use of MP3s. MP3 adds convenience and immediacy, making it easier for DJs to transport and access their music.”

Both new turntables will be available beginning in March 2006. Suggested price for the CDJ-1000MK3 is $1449 and the CDJ-800MK2 is $849.

CDJ-1000MK3
Club owners and DJs will appreciate the robust build of the CDJ-1000MK3, with its familiar high-quality polished look and clean layout. The new features make it easier to transport music as well as simplify cueing, looping, scratching and stretching of tracks.

MP3 Capability – The player accepts playback of MP3 music including VBR files. A direct folder search button was added to allow DJs quick access to files within folders on an MP3 disc.

JOG Wheel Feeling Adjust – The CDJ-1000MK3 includes a unique JOG feeling adjust letting DJs modify the resistance of the non-slip metallic jog wheel to meet individual styles. The wide tempo range (+100% to –100% with CDDA and +70% to 100% with MP3) also gives greater control.

Multicolor Fluorescent Display - The display on the wheel was improved with a brighter, fluorescent display for quick visuals to music information. The larger cue marker and angle marks make it easier for scratch DJs to time their effects. The track display area was doubled in resolution to accommodate WAVE data and playing address details so users can see a track’s entire length at a glance.

Hot Loop / Hot Cue Button – The player utilizes a single button to perform hot loop and hot cue storage, holding up to three loops per track. Orange and green illumination differentiate hot loop and hot cue tasks.

Resume Play – A resume play feature starts the disc at the exact time a CD is ejected eliminating the need to start playback from the beginning of a disc. The feature is especially helpful when a CD is ejected accidentally.

Gold RCA Connectors – Ensuring the highest level of sonic purity, the players use gold RCA connectors to minimize audio signal resistance.

CDJ-800MK2
The CDJ-800MK2 retains the same key design themes found in many of Pioneer’s CDJ products, with a stylish new silver metallic finish and metallic buttons. It employs additional features for outstanding performance.

MP3 Capability – The unit’s MP3 playback capability includes a “Folder Search” and “Text Mode” to provide artist name, track title and file name for quick access to music files.

JOG Wheel Adjust - The feel of the JOG wheel is tweaked to mimic that of the CDJ-1000MK2. The jog wheel retains the non-slip metallic finish of the CDJ-1000MK3 as well as the same features on the JOG Display (brighter, larger cue point and 45° marks).

Track Data Display – Track information through a higher resolution display is extended to show the complete track.

Resume Play – Much like the CDJ-1000MK3, the unit resumes CD playback at the time a CD is ejected. 􀂃 Auto Beat Loop - DJs can create 1/8th beat loops with a new auto beat loop command with a quick hold of the loop-in button.

Availability March Suggested Price - CDJ-1000MK3, $1,449, CDJ-800MK2, $849.

Pioneer offers a complete line of Pro DJ Equipment through its Pro Audio Group. Its DJM series of mixers have become an industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for their high quality sound and reliability. For more information, visit www.PioneerProDj.com. Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company, founded in Tokyo in 1938, focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment™ and components.

[dj_redd]

Very sexy, very sexy indeed. I'll take all black and/or all silver any day over the "stripe" look of the 200 and Denon's 3500. I look forward to playing with those puppies.

[DJ Dynamight]

hmm...I like the JOG Wheel Feeling Adjust.

April should be a fun month. TTM57....a pair of CDJ-1000MK3....

[Spazz]

Thanks MDX. I really am contemplating the MK3's. We will see. TTM57 is in the bag though.

[jayo]

Wow, that thing looks pretty good. I would like to try a pair out...

[Slickp7]

WOW. I can't wait for the Bar & Nightclub Show in Vegas!!!!

[DJ Al B Bad]

Originally Posted by DJ Dynamight

hmm...I like the JOG Wheel Feeling Adjust.

April should be a fun month. TTM57....a pair of CDJ-1000MK3....

Yep, I couldn't agree more.

[tranqui]

hmm, I don't know. I sure expected them to release something that would make me kick my own ass for not waiting,
and here I am, a little bit disappointed. the 1000mk3 may be cool, but it's not that much better than the mk2
and sure as hell has no moving platter. sorry, I think I'm going to wait for something better to be released.

[DJ Al B Bad]

Here is a quote from Pulse that may put things into better perspective.

I tend to agree with what he says. I think everyone assumed/wanted Pioneer to come out with some new kick ass player but understand what its target is and you will be able to understand why it is what it is.

I prefer a spinning platter just like a TT but no one, and I repeat, no one has got it right yet.

Jay and I were discussing some of the feedback of the new products over breakfast and here's what we came up with...

The new products aren't designed as new units (as Steele mentions, they are like software upgrades - new units would have new model numbers), they're feature upgraded models.

Pioneer isn't expecting DJs or clubs to run out and replace their decks with MK3s, the changes are such that new DJs or DJs replacing existing units would want to step up to the MK3 instead of the MK2 (which is being discontinued as a sale item, but will continue to be a quality player). The new features will certainly attract more new users to the players as there IS demand for MP3 (god knows why ), so why not improve an industry standard?

We're all sure there are newer, better products in the pipe from Pioneer R&D, but when we'll see that, who knows, but don't think Pioneer is resting on its laurels. Heck, the DVJ-X1 is almost 2 years old and nobody else has come close... and we know they're working on improvements for the next DVD model too.

So don't fret, the new gear is a good thing!

Also here is a little FAQ prepared by Karl for those interested:

FAQs:

Since I know there will be some let me start. (Pulse please feel free to add to this list)

Q: CDJ-1000Mk3: What are the resistance ranges in the "Jog Feel Adjust"?
A: All the way to the left is the same resistance as the CDJ-800(mk1). About 1pm is the CDJ-1000mk2. All the way to the right is slightly heavier than the 1000Mk2.

Q: Why are the prices more expensive than the 800(Mk1) and 1000Mk2?
A: More stuff and more improvements over those players

Q: What if we just purchased a 1000mk2 or 800(mk1)? Do you guys have a upgrade trade in program?
A: No. If you just purchased they will have been cheaper than what you will have to pay for the new models. So if you really think you need the new features then sell the old ones and get the new ones.

Q: When will they REALLY hit the stores.
A: For sure beginning of April. Possibly end of March.

Q: If the 800Mk2 has been increased to 4000 cue point memory. 10 per CD x 400 CDs. How much did the 800(mk1) have?
A: 500

Q: What does it mean that the 800Mk2 mimics the 1000mk2 jog feel.
A: The 800 no longer will have that super light feel. It will have the heavier feel of the 1000Mk2

Q: What if I like the feel of the 800 (Mk1).
A: Get the 1000Mk3 which you can fine tune to have that super light feel.

Q: Is the resume function on these new players the same as the resume on the CDJ200?
A: Yes

Q: Is the Hot Loop on the Mk3 the same as the Hot Loop on the DVJ?
A: Yes

Q: Am I correct to understand that the pitch in wide when using MP3 is +70% where as the pitch when playing CD is +100%? If so why is that.
A: Yes you are correct. The reason why is just BECAUSE.

Q: Is the reason that the 1000Mk2 has been so hard to find because you guys were discontinuing the line?
A: Yes and No. Yes we knew we were going to introduce a new player however we thought we had ordered enough to fill demand through April. However over the last 18 months Pioneer (Worldwide) has experienced a record sales growth on our turntables. Literally the demand outweighed the supply.

Q: When will the product be available in Europe.
A: Around the same as US

Q: When will the product be available in Australia?
A: Australia is usually a month behind the rest of the countries however check with them to be sure.

Q: What's the deal with the little door for the memory card?
A: The door was placed as a protection. Not that it has ever happened to anyone I know but in the old model if you accidentally removed the card when writing to it the card would be permanently damaged. This way you cannot write to the card when the door is open.

Q: The CDJ-800Mk2 says it has a metalic look non slip jog dial. Is this the same as the DVJ?
A: Same look however a different composite material that is not as slippery as the DVJ. Has the same texture as the 1000Mk2.

Q: The wave display on the 1000Mk3 looks differente
A: Yes you are correct because the Mk2 was 50 dots wide the Mk3 is 100 dots wide.

Q: Am I correct to understand that the 1000Mk3 now can use SD as well as MMC cards just like the DVJ can?
A: YES

Q: Why didn't Pioneer make the Mk3 a rotating platter.
A: The CDJ patented jog dial technolgy has been around since 2000. It's the industry standard and what ALL top DJs ask for on their riders. All other rotating platters do a poor job of emulating a turntable. So we will stick to what we know best and continue with this jog dial format.

Q: Will Pioneer be offering system cases for these players with your mixers.
A: No however the foot print of these players as well as the new DJM800 is the same as the previous models. Many case companies already exist and market cases for these players.

Q: The press release says more data is available now. What does that exactly mean.
A: The longer wave display and more text display. The old player had 10 characters the new one has 16 characters.

Q: Is the wave read the same speed as the mk2
A: Wave Data reading speed is faster thatn Mk2

Q: What doea it mean improved Super Fast Manual Search
A: Normal Mk2 and 800 reads 80x speed when super fast is engaged
NEW Mk3 has step levels of speed so the faster you turn the faster the super fast reads. I.e. 5x – 10x – 20x – 40x – 80x – 160x


Q: Will the mk2's memory card, cue points and wave data work in a mk3 player?
A: YES


Q: Why are the new players so much more expensive than the old players.
A: You have to compare the MSRP's of both not what you are use to seeing the Mk2s sold for on the streets. The CDJ-1000Mk2 MSRP was $1,349 the CDJ-1000Mk3 is $1,449. Only $100 more. Same for the CDJ-800

Q: Although the features are nice this does not seem like such a big deal. I was hoping for blah blah blah blah.
A: Waaaa waaaa waaaaa. You guys complain about not having certain features (ie MP3). Now you get it and you complain. Can't please everyone. Seriously guys. Pioneer works hard at continuing to improve their products. Ideas like USB connection, DVD compatability, hard disc controller, Spinning platters Midi connections, waffle toaster, godzilla button etc may all be good ideas that will hopefully eventually end up on players however we have to take one step at a time. So for those that disappointed with this update and were expecting more just know we are always working on new ideas. Also if you are disappointed because you didn't see the particular feature you wanted AND you have never submitted your idea as a product suggestion you have no room to talk! If you want to see something on new players then you NEED to let us know via the product suggestion link link on this forum . Posting it on this forum does absolutely nothing to get it to the engineers in Japan.

Q: I don't really care for the new features. I am fine with the 1000Mk2 features. Are they still available to purchase.
A: Yes they are at some dealers. However since the demand has outweighed the supply for more than a year you may have a tough time finding one on the shelf.


Q: On the CDJ 800 MK2...will you be able to read the cd text while the time info is on the screen?
A: No, you can't see the text and time at the same time, just like you can't see the text and wave display at the same time on the CDJ1000MK3.

Q: Is there any 'sound' improvements like as in vinyl emulation.
A: No, the Mk3 still uses Legato Link Conversion (proprietary to Pioneer) that does the best job to emulate sonic frequencies of Vinyl. That is why there is no other player that sounds as good as the CDJ/DVJs.

Q: is there a beat cutter similar to the one on the 200 on the MKIII?
A: No only the CDJ-800 and the 200 have the beat cutter. Sorry

Q: Did the 800mk2 get improved pitch resolution?
A: No it ramains like the 800(mk1)

[JJ]

Q: Why didn't Pioneer make the Mk3 a rotating platter.
A: The CDJ patented jog dial technolgy has been around since 2000. It's the industry standard and what ALL top DJs ask for on their riders. All other rotating platters do a poor job of emulating a turntable. So we will stick to what we know best and continue with this jog dial format.

This has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. This unit was amazing in 2000, it's 6 years later Pioneer. If rotating platters do a poor job of emulating a turntable, wouldn't you say a static plastic platter does an even poorer job at emulating a turntable? :-?

The Toyota Corolla is way better than a Dodge Viper because it sold more, therefore it's an industry standard. WHATEVER.

[Spazz]

The Numark CDX came the closest to getting the vinyl emulation correct. As a matter of fact, the emulation part on the CDX was perfect. It was the other parts of the deck that was problematic. It's one thing I do like about Pioneer. The quality of their equipment justifies the price they charge over their competitors gear. I no this statement want get me any brownie points, but it's true. If these companies should take anything away from Pioneer it's this, build it good and build it reliable with quality parts and DJs will by it even with a higher price tag.

[djdigital]

Originally Posted by Spazz

The Numark CDX came the closest to getting the vinyl emulation correct. As a matter of fact, the emulation part on the CDX was perfect. It was the other parts of the deck that was problematic. It's one thing I do like about Pioneer. The quality of their equipment justifies the price they charge over their competitors gear. I no this statement want get me any brownie points, but it's true. If these companies should take anything away from Pioneer it's this, build it good and build it reliable with quality parts and DJs will by it even with a higher price tag.

I agree,
I always found that the saying "You get what you pay for" 99% of the time holds true.
Just My 2 Cents

[DENON]

Originally Posted by JJ

If rotating platters do a poor job of emulating a turntable, wouldn't you say a static plastic platter does an even poorer job at emulating a turntable? :-?

I couldn’t have said it logically better.

[jayo]

Originally Posted by Spazz

The Numark CDX came the closest to getting the vinyl emulation correct. As a matter of fact, the emulation part on the CDX was perfect. It was the other parts of the deck that was problematic. It's one thing I do like about Pioneer. The quality of their equipment justifies the price they charge over their competitors gear. I no this statement want get me any brownie points, but it's true. If these companies should take anything away from Pioneer it's this, build it good and build it reliable with quality parts and DJs will by it even with a higher price tag.

Spazz you are right on...

So why are we still offered problematic players with a spinning platter or no spinning platter but great build quality... Why not a player that acts like the CDX (platter control) but with better build quality?

[DJFrikkiao]

Player looks hot.

[tranqui]

Originally Posted by DJFrikkiao

Coming from a Denon enviroment, and having used denon products for years. I can say that Pioneer Products are SUPERIOR in perfomance, and expectation. Denon did a great job on their 2600, 9000 and 4500 rackmounts. But they have not mastered the Tabletop Technology. I am sorry to burst the ringmasters and Silvio Fanboy's ddreams. Over the past moonths I have been on tour with the top Latin DJs in the world, and we all agree. Pioneers are the truth.

I am not here to bash Denon, as I am over them. I currently own 2 MK2s. I still keep a 5K in my studio for alpha track tricks, and using the hot starts as samplers, as it's great for "recording". For Live gigs, I have to use the Pioneers. Only because they deliver EXACTLY what you would expect. Denon 5K, 6K, and 3500 are a JOKE. Anyone who is serious about DJing should definately consider pioneer. To me, Denon is like the Numark of CD players. Remember when Numark ruled the planet with their DJ Mixers?

The logic built into these units [Pioneer] is amazing. I will be purchasing the MK3's.

interesting. denon is the numark of cd players, you say? hmm hmm. I found the numark CDX to be much less reliable
than denon's 5000. my 5000 survived so many outdoor gigs without as much as a hint at a failure. I like that.
even the infamous CDX only died on me once, and that was after a gig, so it didn't hurt my rep at all, but it DID crash,
other than the denon. this (and the pitch res.) convinced me to get a pair of 3500s instead of waiting for the HDX.

I don't mean to say that the 3500s I own kick the **** out of pioneer 'cause they're more reliable, and there would be
no basis for saying so since they've only just been released. but time will tell. for now, I like their performance - they
haven't crashed on me yet since the update (even before, it happened only once and that was not with my disks).

[DJ Al B Bad]

Originally Posted by DJFrikkiao

Player looks hot.

There was no need to edit your post in regard to what you said. We have true freedom of speech here on our site.....

But, if you felt it was necessary that is cool also.

I did not see anything wrong with what you said, it is your opinion - and you are not alone by your own statements and statements of others on this site and many others.

Take a deep breath of free speech, ah, doesn't that feel good.....

[DJFrikkiao]

I know. But I felt it wasn't appropiate for this thread.

[DJFrikkiao]

theyhaven't crashed on me yet since the update (even before, it happened only once and that was not with my disks).

LOL - this was too funny to pass up!!!! LMAO!

I rest my case!

[tranqui]

Originally Posted by DJFrikkiao

theyhaven't crashed on me yet since the update (even before, it happened only once and that was not with my disks).

LOL - this was too funny to pass up!!!! LMAO! I rest my case!

I bet my ass that the pio 1000 mk1 was FLAWLESS right after its release