NAMM 2014: Pioneer releases the DDJ-SZ and Remix Station 500

Credits: Jesse Grant-Getty Images for NAMM

Pioneer has released the DDJ-SZ and Remix Station 500!

PIONEER BEEFS UP ITS DJ CONTROLLER LINE-UP WITH

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FLAGSHIP DDJ-SZ

DDJ-SZ Integrates Professional Look and Feel of Pro DJ Gear

ANAHEIM, Calif. – NAMM Booth #5810 Hall B (January 22, 2014) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today expanded its family of Serato^® DJ software compatible controllers with the introduction of the DDJ-SZ, its flagship model that strongly emulates the look and feel of Pioneer’s world-renowned CDJ digital players. The DDJ-SZ is designed for the serious “controller” DJs who are inspired by the performance specifications of Pioneer’s professional DJ products but also want the convenience of an all-in-one system. The new controller is 35 percent bigger than the widely popular DDJ-SX, sporting additional functionalities and features including extra large JOG wheels (the same size available on CDJ players), large performance pads with multi-color illumination, DJM style mixer, dual USB ports and a MAGVEL cross fader.

“The DDJ-SZ is the ‘Big Daddy’ of our controller lineup meant for those professional-type software DJs who really love our CDJ gear but like the ease of having everything in one unit,” said David Arevalo, director of marketing, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “We’ve given the DDJ-SZ a similar look and feel of our PRO gear, including large JOG wheels with a display that makes every performance even better.”

Similar to its smaller DDJ-S counterparts, the DDJ-SZ is optimized to work with the latest Serato DJ software.

Big JOG Wheel – The most noticeable CDJ PRO gear integration to the DDJ-SZ is its large 8.1-inch JOG wheels. The JOG wheels provide instantaneous response and excellent operability for accurate and smooth scratching and mixing performance. The center of each JOG wheel also features “ON JOG display” to illustrate playback status, cue points and position. In addition, the unit offers a JOG FEELING ADJUST to enable users to change the resistance of the wheel from light to heavy for a customize feel.

Performance Pads – Directly below each JOG wheel are four effects buttons – HOT CUE, ROLL, SLICER and SAMPLER. Under the effects buttons are eight extra large velocity sensitive “performance pads” that DJs can quickly access to insert different modified effects to music playing. In Sampler mode, the output volume of the sampler effects also varies depending on the strength of user’s tap of the pad. An update from the current DDJ-S controllers, the performance pads on the DDJ-SZ illuminate in different colors to quickly communicate the effect mode it is in.

Dual USB Ports – The DDJ-SZ includes two USB ports to enable simultaneous connection of two computers. Users can instantly switch between two computers for seamless transitions between two DJs or as additional music sources.

High-End Mixer – The mixing area of the DDJ-SZ also closely mimics Pioneer’s DJM series of professional mixers, utilizing a generous number of controls and effects with features including Sound Color FX and new Oscillator functions to deliver more creative music arrangements. The mixer can also be used as a standalone 4-channel mixer for outboard players and turntables.

Oscillator – The new Oscillator on the right side of the mixer provides four types of sound effects: Noise, Siren, Cymbal and Horn. A quick touch of the buttons activates the effect(s), which can also be modified in amplitude (volume) to add to the music currently playing.
Sound Color FX – The mixer includes four Sound Color FX functions (Pitch, Jet, Echo and Filter), which add numerous audio effect combinations and arrangements to currently playing music with a simple twist of the knobs. Through Serato DJ’s beats per minute (BPM) analysis, users can also synchronize Echo effects to the BPM of currently playing music.
DVS Functionality – The controller can support DVS (Digital Vinyl System)¹ using control tone to enable an external player to be used as a Serato DJ deck.

MAGVEL Cross Fader – For extremely smooth transitions and high durability between the DDJ-SZ’s players, the unit features a MAGVEL cross fader (the same component used in Pioneer’s DJM-900SRT) that utilizes a contact-free magnetic system that can withstand more than 10 million operations. The “cut in” time of the cross fader can also be customized to the user’s preference.

Additional Features

Serato DJ Software – A new Serato DJ software² is bundled with the DDJ-SZ for an easy out-of-the-box experience.
Slip Mode – While activated, Slip Mode silently continues song playback during a performance loop, scratch or hot cue and resumes audible playback when the loop, scratch, or hot cue operation is ended, creating smoother and more seamless transitions.
Needle Search – Users can immediately jump to a specific part of a music track with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.
High Quality Audio – Two built-in 24-bit soundcards, low-jitter clock and a Wolfson high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) are used for accurate audio playback. In addition to a 32-bit Digital Signal Processor to minimize digital noise, its balanced-hybrid operational amplifier and balance output circuit also reduce analog circuit noise.
Built-in Sound Card (audio interface)
P-LOCK Fader Cap – Prevents the fader knob from slipping off during extreme use.
Auto Standby – Automatically switches to standby mode when no activity or input is detected for a period of time.

The Pioneer DDJ-SZ will be available in March 2014 with a suggested retail price of $2,399.

The first 5,000 units of the DDJ-SZ sold worldwide will be bundled with a free license for the Serato Video plug-in (worth $149).

For a video demonstration, please click here.

Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ Equipment through its Professional Sound & Visual Division. Its DJ products are industry standards at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for their high quality sound and reliability. For more information, visit www.pioneerdjusa.com.

¹Serato time code vinyl/disc sold separately.

² Visit htpp://pioneerdj.com/support/ for details (update available beginning of March).

PIONEER OFFERS DJS ANOTHER TOOL FOR ENHANCING THEIR

MUSIC PERFORMANCES WITH THE NEW REMIX-STATION 500

ANAHEIM, Calif. – NAMM Booth #5810 Hall B (January 22, 2014) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division today launched the REMIX-STATION 500, which enhances DJ performances with its ability to generate a range of sound effects with a variety of buttons and controls, all accessible at the user’s fingertips. The REMIX-STATION 500 offers three effect sections, Rhythm FX, Scene FX and Release FX, for simple musical arrangements and features the industry’s first “Pressure Controller” knobs, which further alter and vary the effects of the arrangements. In addition, the system can also act as a USB controller when used with the included VST¹/AU²/RTAS³ RMX-500 Plug-in software.

“The Pioneer REMIX-STATION 500 can be added to virtually any DJ rig to give you the ability to insert a multitude of audio effects to the tracks you’re playing,” said David Arevalo, director of marketing, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Another cool feature on this device, the ‘Pressure Controller’ further enhances the effects giving you more creativity on the fly, so every performance with it is unique.”

Rhythm FX

The Rhythm FX section of the REMIX-STATION 500 offers five audio effects, ROLL, TRANS, ADD, REV DELAY and OFFSET, which cuts up and manipulates parts of the music playing to produce new rhythms. The effects can be increased and decreased with a turn of the large knob as well as altered when the knob is pushed down, activating the pressure controller.

The Rhythm FX section also incorporates five Instrument buttons (KICK, SNARE, CLAP, HI HAT and CYMBAL), each offering six different patterns of sound that can be added with a simple touch. The unit also features a 4-Beat Sequencer with an OVER DUB button, and when activated, enables users to record one bar of each instrument button for more unique sound effects playback. The OVER DUB can also be deactivated after the recording process and while playback occurs, to then give users the ability to tap each button for additional instrument sounds.

Scene FX

In the Scene FX section, users can choose from five Build Up effects and five Break Down effects. The Build Up effects, consisting of MOD, ECHO, NOISE, SPIRAL UP and REVERB UP, add sounds, while Break Down effects, consisting of HPF, LPF, ZIP, SPIRAL DOWN and REVERB DOWN, cut sounds. The large knob increases or decreases the parameters of the chosen effect with a simple turn as well as changes the effects with a push of the knob. Two sub-parameters knobs are also available for additional changes to the effects being produced.

Release FX

The system also includes a Release FX button that eliminates the current music playing and leaves only the sound effects when activated. Release FX can also be used to create the opposite effect: When the button is disengaged, all section effects are eliminated while the original music continues to play. Three types of Release FX are available, Vinyl Brake, Echo, and Back Spin.

Plug-in Software

Using the included REMIX-STATION 500 VST/AU/RTAS plug-in software, users can create the same types of music production and effects while producing on a computer. In addition, connecting the device to a computer enables it to act as a controller for music production.

Additional Features

QUANTIZE function enables real-time music analysis and synchronization of effects along with the beat of the music
AUTO BPM function automatically measures and follows the tempo of music
Compact design for easy portability and convenience
USB-MIDI for use as a MIDI controller
Mountable on Pioneer’s T-U101 (X-Stand)

The REMIX-STATION 500 will be available in February with a suggested retail price of $499. For a video demonstration of the product click here.

Main specifications

Inputs	RCA × 1
Outputs	RCA × 1, Stereo phones jack (1/4”)
Other ports	USB B port×1
Sampling rate	48 kHz
A/D and D/A converter	24 bit
Frequency response	20 Hz ～ 20 kHz
Total harmonic distortion	0.006 ％or less
S/N ratio	96 dB
External dimensions	12” (W)　× 2.6” (H) × 5.2” (D)
Weight	2 lbs

¹Virtual Studio Technology is a format that enables the addition of new effects and instruments to applications for the production of music. Audio Units is a format that enables the addition of new effects and instruments to applications for the production of music.

² Audio Units is a format enabling the addition of new effects and instruments to applications for the production of music.

³ Real Time Audio Suite is a format of audio plug-in developed by Avid Technology.

Pioneer is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation

VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

The Audio Units logo is a trademark of Apple Inc.

Pro Tools and RTAS are registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

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Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ Equipment through its Professional Sound & Visual Division. Its DJM series of mixers has become an industry standard at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for its high quality sound and reliability. For more information, visit www.pioneerdjusa.com.