The Pioneer DJM-250 mixer with two sound filters:
a professional DJ experience, without the price tag
Pioneer is breaking the mould once again with the release of the DJM-250: the industry’s first sub-£500 mixer to boast two sound colour filters and a range of professional features.
An absolute favourite among professional and hobby DJs alike, quality filters are usually confined to high-end mixers, however, now with the Pioneer DJM-250 two-channel mixer, DJs can combine EQ effects with not one, but two filters to perform mixes that sound like they were meant to be.
The DJM-250 is loaded with 8 inputs to connect with an array of sources, including 1 MIC input for MCing at parties. The mixer mirrors the layout of its bigger brothers to deliver the professional experience. Plus the XLR balanced output guarantees the high quality sound expected from Pioneer’s club standard mixers, making it perfect for DJing at home, parties or in music bars.
“This is the first time DJs can get their hands on a high quality mixer with two filters without having to break the bank. Add that to the DJM-250’s pro features and you’ve got a mixer like no other on the market,” says David Eserin, Pioneer Technology Expert and former Tech Editor at DJ magazine.
Available in sleek black/grey (DJM-250-K) or cool white/grey (DJM-250-W), this compact, attractive mixer looks good wherever you are performing. The suggested retail price is
299 euros / £249 inclusive of VAT
KEY FEATURES
- Two independent sound colour filters
Borrowed straight from Pioneer’s high-end DJM-900 Nexus, the two sound colour filters can be added independently to each channel for seamless marrying of tracks. Combine that with the EQ effects to really carve out the mix. Lights on the filter knobs clearly show when each filter is engaged, to provide a unique visual aid to DJs for perfect performance every time.
- Eight input paths for maximum connectivity
Proving that you can’t judge a mixer by its size, the compact DJM-250 is loaded with eight inputs (four DJ multi-player and analogue turntable paths, three AUX and 1 MIC input), giving DJs the option of connecting to multiple equipment such as portable music players and synthesizers. It can also be used as a pre-amp.
- XLR balanced outputs for high-quality sound
Equipped with XLR balanced XLR outputs, the DJM-250 provides clear, accurate sound with no degradation of the source audio signal. And you can connect it to XLR compatible devices, such as powered speakers, without the need for an adapter.
- Other key features:
* 48 kHz/24-bit full digital processing for clear sound quality.
* 3-band isolator type equalizer (+9dB to -∞) for the HI/MID/LOW bands on each channel.
* Fader Start Play function to control fader operation on Pioneer players linked by cable.
* Peak level meter for audio inputs on each channel.
* Cross Fader Curve Adjust function enables switching between three patterns of cross fader curves.
* Built-in rack-mount brackets for installation in booths or home studio desk.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Number of channels: 2 channels
Inputs: CD x 2 (RCA), LINE/PHONO x 2 (RCA), MIC x 1 (1/4 inch PHONE x 1), AUX x 3 (RCA x 2, ø3.5 mm STEREO MINI JACK x 1)
Outputs: MASTER OUT x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1), HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 1 (1/4 inch PHONE)
Other terminals: CONTROL OUT x 2 (ø3.5 mm MINI JACK)
A/D, D/A converter: 48 kHz / 24-bit
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.01％or less
Signal to noise ratio: 74 dB or greater (CD)
Included AＣ adapter: Power supply 100 V AC 50/60 Hz, rated output 5 V DC
External dimensions: 240 mm (W) x 300.2 mm (D) x 107.7 mm (H)
Weight: 3.1 kg
And adding this in here, the US suggested retail price is $399, which no doubt translate to something cheaper on the streets.
I think it's a smart move from Pioneer. Given the global financial crisis, it's incredibly hard to sustain a high end product line normally seen in super clubs. Off the back of the digital revolution, there's a whole world of up and coming DJs who haven't got the money for DJM-900s, but would happily drop cash on the Pioneer logo.
Like every other manufacturer, Pioneer have to keep the lights on in the office, so a product like the DJM-250 is essential for their product line. It's this kind of box shifting unit that lets them make the monstrous shiny stuff that we all crave. So let's not have any of this lack of innovation nonsense that proliferates other new gear posts.
