Pioneer DJM-1000 Mixer [Back to HOME page]

Pioneer must be on a mission to rule the entire DJ world. Their DJM-500 and 600 mixers complete with logical layout and onboard effects caused quite a stir when they were introduced. Their next innovative model, the CDJ-1000 was an inventive addition to their already successful CD player line and have since gone on to become the undisputed industry standard. Add to that several quality scratch mixers (909 and 707), the ground breaking DVJ-X1 scratchable DVD deck, and their top notch effectors (EFX-500 and 1000), and it is clear that they are very close to achieving their objective.

The only segment of the DJ market that they haven’t made serious headway with is the installation mixer market. Setting out to rectify this situation, Pioneer recently introduced their newest piece, the DJM-1000 mixer (INSERT MSRP).

A drastic departure from previous designs, the DJM-1000 looks different, sounds different and is bigger and more robust than pervious models. Gone are the effects, replaced with greatly improved sound quality and changes in layout and overall build quality that scream professional. This is a mixer designed with the long term in mind, ready to withstand the rigors of the nightly abuse that installation mixers must endure.

First Impressions

The DJM-1000 is quite simply a massive piece of gear. Dwarfing any mixer I have touched since the ill fated Stanton VRM 10, the Pioneer is designed and built to last. From the slanted top panel (which facilitates easier operation), to the array of illuminated buttons, switches and VU meters; it is as functionally logical as it is visually stunning. The faders are sturdy and designed with just the right resistance, and the EQ knobs are durable and extremely smooth in their feel and response.

The DJM-1000 has a 24-bit/96kHz digital sampling rate and a 32-bit/96kHz digital sound processor and the input/output signal path allows for complete digital processing of Pioneer’s CDJ and DVJ series of CD decks, ensuring the best possible sound quality. Analog inputs are also transformed by a high quality A/D converter, meaning there is very little noticeable audio degradation. CDs and Vinyl melt together like butter and the resulting output is flat and amazingly clear.

As mentioned above, the DJM-1000 has lost the on-board effects that were prominent on the DJM-500 and 600 mixers. In their place, Pioneer has introduced two unique features called Sound Link and Visual Link, for use with forthcoming CD players and the Pioneer DVJ-X1 respectively), which will allow for BPM sync between all of the attached gear. The visual link utilizes the midi capable cross fader, allowing VJs even more options. There is a unique EFX link for direct connection to their exceptional EFX-1000 unit, as well as two fully adjustable send and return channels that make the DJM-1000 the most versatile mixer on the market.

The DJM-1000 has 6 completely assignable channels with individual level meters, 3 band EQ, and a separate two band microphone channel, with talk over abilities. There is also a 3 band master isolator that features total frequency kills, a smooth on/ off switch and large knobs that are easy to find and grab in a dark DJ booth. There are master volume and balance (don’t see that too often anymore) controls, an adjustable booth monitoring section (with high and low EQ) and a bunch of other features like A/B cross fader switching, customizable cross fader and channel fader curves and split cueing.

The rear panel features some of the most innovative and forward thinking options that I have seen on any DJ mixer. All 6 channels can be used as phono or line channels (10 line inputs are available), with gold platted RCA connections for all. There is a ¼” line in for balanced connections on channels 1 to 4, submic on channels 5 and 6, and digital outputs for channels 3, 4, 5 and 6. There is also midi out (for use with effect units and laptops and the cross fader), RCA, XLR and digital master outputs, ¼” booth out, RCA record out and connections for fader start control. More of a master control unit than a mixer, the DJM-1000 does it all.

Up and Running

Finding a way to set up the DJM-1000 in my home studio was a challenge to say the least. For nightlclubs designed with the DJM-1000 in mind, this wont be a concern. But any existing club looking to add the DJM-1000 should take heed of its size, as it will certainly take a bit of rearranging and reformatting of the gear in the booth to make everything fit. Once I found a space for the mixer and plugged everything into the myriad of connection, it was smooth sailing.

The channel faders are thick and easy to operate (there is also a rotary kit for those so inclined) and the cross fader is efficient and extremely responsive. While I only have one EFX unit, I got a glimpse of just how versatile the dual send and return channels are, and am happy to report that this is a big step forward from most other mixers on the market.

I got down to some mixing and was very pleased with the initial results. The attack on each channel was even and accurate and it felt like I was mixing on a quality sound board more than a DJ mixer. The mic channel was strong, the isolator was a lot of fun and the overall sound was pleasing and powerful. It was abundantly clear from the get go, that the inside of this mixer is as well built as the outside and as my session went forward, my comfort level increased as did the smirk on my face. Working with the DJM-1000 is a real pleasure.

Advanced Features

I have some mixed feelings about the advanced features on the DJM-1000 and their proprietary nature. One part of me feels that after paying so much for a mixer, I should be able to use all of the features and shouldn’t have to go out and buy more Pioneer gear to take full advantage of all the mixer has to offer. On the other hand the mixer itself, minus these advanced features, is still one of the best I have used and well worth serious consideration. It is also worth mentioning that the future of DJing is clearly pointing towards incorporating visuals with your music, so buying the DJM-1000 ensures you will be ahead of the curve for a change.

Conclusion

The DJM-1000 is a rock solid mixer and coupled with the EFX-1000 and the CDJ-1000, clearly takes Pioneer to another level. The versatility and available features are unmatched and the sound quality and usability place it near the top of the DJ mixer heap.
If you are looking for a fantastic addition to your set up, or are a forward thinking DJ that is looking to get the most out of your existing Pioneer gear, you need look no further than the truly awe inspiring DJM-1000.