Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2 DJ Mixer

General

Pioneer's DJM-900 Nexus DJ mixer - the familiar club standard - was due for an update, and the result is stunning. Part of a new generation, the Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 certainly deserves its spot in Pioneer's top segment. Among other things, this new Nexus media player boasts a double sound card that facilitates DJ sets with two laptops. The familiar layout has hardly changed, but thanks to a number of clever extra features, such as a 64-bit mixing processor, the DJM-900NXS2 is bound to be a flagship model for some time to come.

The DJM-900NXS2: New Features

Thanks to its double audio interface, the DJM 900 Nexus 2 allows you to connect two laptops simultaneously. That's not just great for Back 2 Back DJ sets, it also enables one DJ to set up his or her gear while another is still finishing a set, allowing for quick switches without uncomfortable silences. For the DJM-900NXS2, Pioneer has made a number of changes to the effects section. The familiar X-Pad on the righthand side now features a touchscreen/display, and the Beat FX display has been replaced by a compact OLED display, freeing up space for a special USB send/return on the top right that allows you to add effects via an iPad (InterApp support). Most remarkable, however, is the FX Frequency, a feature that allows you to apply effects not just per channel, but per frequency band too. This means you can apply a flanger to the vocals (trebles) in a track, for instance, or a roll effect to the bass line. Imagine the creative possibilities and the innovative transitions you'll be able to produce! Finally, Pioneer's flagship mixer now features a 64-bit mixing processor, ensuring a warmer, more natural and detailed sound.

Subtle extras

The Pioneer DJM900NXS2 boasts a number of modest new features that make life much easier for DJs. For starters, there are now two headphone connectors—one jack, one mini jack—and LED indicators per channel inform you at a glance which channels have effects applied to them. Furthermore, the DJM900NXS's mono/stereo switch has made way to leave more space around the crossfader, so you can freely use it without accidentally hitting other controls. Fader start assignment has also been omitted, seeing as most DJs will use Pro DJ Link to connect their players to the mixer.

Standard Pioneer layout and functionality

The Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 won't take much time getting used to, especially if you're already familiar with the DJM-900NXS. The standard four-channel layout with input selector, trim, 3-band EQ, Color FX, Cue, fader and crossfader assignment has remained the same, as have the microphone function on the left side and the masterfader + settings on the right side. On the far right, you'll find the effects section, which can be combined with the Sound Color FX located in a 3x2 matrix on the left, and directly applied to the channels. The back of the DJM-900NXS2 has a range of inputs and outputs, including phono/line for the four mix channels, an effects send/return for external effects gear, a network connector for Pro DJ Link and, of course, the necessary outputs for master and booth signals. Thanks to its standard 12" width and a footprint that's identical to that of the DJM-900NXS, finding a suitable flight case for the Pioneer mixer won't be a problem. Combine the DJM-900NXS2 with two CDJ-2000NXS2 players and you have the perfect DJ setup, but of course the mixer is also compatible with older CDJs or with PLX-1000 turntables.

Housing and finish

The DJM-900NXS2 is a rugged device that you can safely take with you on the road. Its durable aluminium construction ensures the occasional knock won't harm it. Like the DJM-900NXS, the DJM-900NXS2 has a separate top plate for the fader section, which makes it easy to replace the faders or the crossfader. Thanks to its slanted front, the mixer looks great next to the CDJ-2000NXS or CJD-2000NXS2.

• Please note: the pictured media players serve illustrative purposes only and are not included.