[January 22, 2014] |
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Pioneer Beefs up Its DJ Controller Lineup with the Introduction of the Flagship DDJ-SZ
ANAHEIM, Calif. --(Business Wire)--
NAMM Booth #5810 Hall B - 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.
Pioneer DDJ-SZ Serato DJ compatible controller (Photo: Business Wire)
"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.
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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 (News - Alert) 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 customized feel.
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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 a 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.
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Dal 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Serato DJ Software - A new Serato DJ software2 is
bundled with the DDJ-SZ for an easy out-of-the-box experience.
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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.
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Needle Search - Users can immediately jump to a specific part
of a music track with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.
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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 (News - Alert) to minimize digital noise, its balanced-hybrid
operational amplifier and balance output circuit also reduce analog
circuit noise.
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Built-in Sound Card (audio interface)
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P-LOCK Fader Cap - Prevents the fader knob from slipping off
during extreme use.
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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.
1 Serato time code vinyl/disc sold separately. 2
Visit http://pioneerdj.com/support/
for details (update available beginning of March).
PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation (News - Alert). SERATO
is a registered trademark of Serato Audio Research Ltd.
For more information follow us on:
Twitter (News - Alert) at twitter.com/PioneerDJ Facebook (News - Alert)
at facebook.com/PioneerDJusa YouTube
at youtube.com/pioneerdjglobal
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140122005524/en/
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