Pioneer DJ has long been recognized for its commitment to delivering top-tier DJ equipment, and the DJM-450 mixer is a testament to this dedication. Embodying the spirit of its flagship counterparts, the DJM-450 offers a streamlined yet potent mixing experience, bringing professional features to a more accessible price point. This two-channel mixer inherits sought-after elements from the renowned DJM-900NXS2, including a Magvel crossfader, dynamic on-board effects like Sound Color FX and Beat FX with parameter controls, and seamless digital connectivity. Equipped with a built-in audio interface, the Pioneer 450 Mixer effortlessly connects to your PC/Mac via a single USB cable, unlocking the full potential of the included Rekordbox DJ and Rekordbox DVS software licenses. Let’s delve into the details of this impressive piece of DJ technology.
Pioneer DJ DJM-450 Mixer Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Midi-enabled Mixer |
| Launch Date | November 2016 |
| Power | External Power Adapter |
| Dimensions | 230 x 108 x 320 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Price | $769 / £649 / €769 |
| Key Features | Magvel Fader, Sound Color FX, Beat FX, Built-in Audio Interface, Rekordbox DJ & DVS Included |
| Official Website | Pioneer DJ DJM-450 |
Video Exploration
Video Review (Replace with actual video review link)
First Impressions and Setup
DJM-450
In this review, we’re taking a close look at the Pioneer DJM-450, a compact two-channel mixer that packs a significant punch. It’s immediately apparent that the DJM-450 draws heavily from Pioneer DJ’s flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer, inheriting a wealth of effects and functionalities. Despite its smaller size, the DJM-450 feels substantial and robust. The all-metal construction is a welcome feature, especially for DJs who demand durability from their equipment. For DJs who are hands-on and perhaps a little rough with their gear, the solid build of the DJM-450 inspires confidence.
The tactile experience of the DJM-450 is excellent. The rubberized knobs are not only weighted for precision but also offer a comfortable grip. The chunky Color FX knobs and the Beat FX selectors further contribute to the mixer’s feeling of quality and resilience. From the initial touch, it’s clear that this mixer is built to withstand the rigors of regular use.
The mixer’s layout is intuitive and familiar. The front panel features a clear two-channel mixer section, each equipped with three-band EQs, along with dedicated microphone level and EQ tone controls, and a master output knob. Mirroring the design of the DJM-900NXS2, the Pioneer 450 mixer includes a Send/Return section, expanding its effects capabilities. The Aux section is versatile, offering a level control and a switching matrix to select the auxiliary signal source—whether from a laptop, RCA Aux input, or the Return Aux.
The Pioneer DJM-450 masterfully integrates a comprehensive DJ mixing suite into a compact footprint. This makes it an ideal choice for home studios, bedroom setups, or any DJ space where desk real estate is valuable. Like its high-end sibling, the DJM-900NXS2, the DJM-450 boasts two types of onboard effects: Sound Color FX and Beat FX, providing a wide palette of sonic manipulation tools.
Sound Color FX are easily accessible on the left side of the unit. These effects, including Filter and Sweep, are applied and modulated using the dedicated Color knob on each channel, allowing for expressive and dynamic sound shaping.
Beat FX, positioned on the right side, are tempo-synchronized effects. These effects are intricately linked to the BPM, which can be set using the Tap tempo button and is clearly displayed on the Beat FX OLED screen. This synchronization ensures that effects like Delay and Reverb are perfectly timed with the music.
We will explore both the Sound Color FX and Beat FX sections in greater detail, showcasing their capabilities and how they can enhance your DJ sets.
The DJM-450 has an abundance of connectivity options for hooking up speakers, turntables and CDJs, and your laptop.
The DJM-450 excels in connectivity, offering a wide array of options to integrate with various DJ setups. Around the back, Pioneer DJ has thoughtfully included a comprehensive set of connections. These include unbalanced RCA master outputs and balanced XLR master outputs for professional sound reinforcement. Two phono/line inputs accommodate both turntables and CDJs, with a grounding post for vinyl setups. An RCA aux input, a 1/4″ mic input, and a USB socket further expand its versatility. Power is supplied via an external power adapter. While functional, some users might prefer a standard three-prong power cable for ease of replacement.
In Practice
To put the Pioneer 450 mixer through its paces, we paired it with a set of Pioneer DJ PLX-500 turntables. This setup was ideal, as the DJM-450 is fully Rekordbox DVS-enabled. Connecting the turntables and launching Rekordbox DVS was straightforward, allowing us to quickly dive into testing its performance for both mixing and scratching.
Mixer Section Deep Dive
The DJM-450 features a classic two-channel layout. Each channel offers a source selector (USB, line, or phono), a trim pot for gain adjustment, three-band EQ, a Color FX knob, a smooth channel fader, and a headphone cue button. The three-band EQ is a standout feature, offering switchable modes between Isolator and standard EQ. In Isolator mode, DJs can completely eliminate frequencies by turning the knob fully counter-clockwise, ideal for creative mixing and transitions. Standard EQ mode provides frequency attenuation, but still allows some signal to pass through, offering a more traditional EQ response.
Isolator mode EQs are increasingly favored by DJs for their ability to create clean and impactful blends, particularly when aiming for full frequency range kills in the mids or lows during transitions.
The crossfader on the Pioneer DJM-450 is a Magvel Fader, Pioneer DJ’s renowned contactless fader technology. It lives up to its reputation, providing an exceptionally smooth and responsive feel. The Magvel fader is highly adjustable with curve switches, making it adaptable to various mixing styles. DJs can set it for sharp cuts ideal for scratching or adjust it for longer, smoother transitions when blending tracks.
Sound Color FX Exploration
Sound Color
Pioneer DJ’s Sound Color FX section is a signature element found in their professional mixers and controllers, and the DJM-450 is no exception. It incorporates four essential Sound Color FX: Noise, Filter, Dub Echo, and Sweep. Noise generates white noise, useful for adding texture and build-ups. Filter offers high and low-pass filtering, essential for frequency manipulation and transitions. Dub Echo provides a post-fader echo, perfect for creating space and depth. Sweep is an EQ bell/notch effect that DJs can sweep across the frequency spectrum using the Color FX knob, adding dynamic movement to the sound.
A dedicated Sound Color FX Parameter knob enhances the versatility of these effects. This knob allows for further real-time manipulation, such as adjusting the resonance of the Filter effect, providing DJs with even greater creative control.
Beat FX In-Depth
The Beat FX section on the Pioneer DJM-450 introduces time-based effects that synchronize with the tempo of your music. These effects are also featured on the flagship DJM-900NXS2, although the DJM-450 includes a carefully curated selection of eight popular effects: Delay, Echo, Spiral, Reverb, Transformer, Flanger, Pitch, and Roll. These effects can be assigned to individual channels, the mic input, aux input, the crossfader, or the master output using the intuitive Channel Selector switch.
Tempo synchronization can be achieved by tapping the Tap button or by fine-tuning with the Time knob, with the BPM clearly displayed on the OLED screen. The Beat FX section also offers parameter adjustments via the Beat arrows. For instance, DJs can select the note value for the Delay effect, choosing from options like 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8 notes, allowing for rhythmic variations.
The intensity of the Beat FX is controlled by the Level/Depth knob, ranging from subtle enhancements to dramatic transformations. An on/off button provides instant effect engagement and disengagement.
Send/Return Functionality
Send Return
The inclusion of a Send/Return section on the DJM-450 significantly expands its effects capabilities. This feature allows DJs to route audio to external devices like smartphones or tablets running effects apps, and then return the processed signal back into the mixer. This opens up possibilities for integrating apps like the RMX-1000 app for additional effects processing within a DJ set.
The Send/Return section offers flexible routing options. When set to Aux, the returned signal is routed to the Aux channel, allowing volume control of the wet signal. When set to Insert, the effected sound is returned directly to the channel selected with the Beat FX channel selector, offering seamless integration of external effects into the main signal path.
Aux Section Versatility
The Aux section on the Pioneer 450 mixer is designed for maximum flexibility. Its switchable matrix allows users to select the Aux input source from USB, Line (RCA Aux jacks on the rear), or Return Aux (from the Send/Return channel). This versatility makes it easy to incorporate various audio sources, such as laptops, drum machines, samplers, iPhones, or other playback devices, into your DJ setup.
Headphone Monitoring
Headphones
For headphone connectivity, the DJM-450 provides both 1/4″ and 1/8″ jacks, accommodating a wide range of headphone types. It includes essential headphone monitoring features like mono split and stereo cueing, along with cue/master blend and headphone level controls. Standard headphone Cue buttons allow DJs to select which channels are monitored, ensuring precise cueing and mixing in any environment.
Rekordbox DJ and Rekordbox DVS Integration
A significant advantage of the Pioneer DJM-450 is its full compatibility with Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox DJ software and Rekordbox DVS. The mixer is Rekordbox DVS enabled, allowing DJs to use timecode vinyl or CDs for spinning and scratching with digital music libraries. The DJM-450 includes licenses for both Rekordbox DJ and Rekordbox DVS, providing immediate access to these powerful software tools. (Note: Rekordbox timecode vinyl/CDs are sold separately).
Conclusion: The Pioneer 450 Mixer – A Compact Powerhouse
Conclusion
The Pioneer DJM-450 is a remarkably versatile and robust mixer, capable of handling diverse DJ setups, from CDJs and turntables to hardware samplers and drum machines. When paired with CDJ/XDJ media players or turntables, the DJM-450 provides a feature set that closely mirrors a club-standard CDJ/DJM setup. In contrast to more basic models like the DJM-250MK2, the DJM-450 is packed with features typically found on high-end Pioneer DJ club mixers. It’s well-specified, feature-rich, and built to last.
The Beat FX section is a standout feature, offering aspiring club DJs the opportunity to familiarize themselves with effects commonly used on DJM-900NXS/NXS2 mixers in a home setting. This valuable practice can translate directly to performance skills in club environments, bridging the gap between home practice and professional gigs.
One minor drawback is the absence of a booth output. Its inclusion would have made the DJM-450 an even more compelling option for professional and mobile DJs seeking a compact yet feature-complete mixer without investing in a full-scale DJM-900NXS2.
Priced around US$700, the DJM-450 represents a significant value proposition. It delivers Pioneer DJ quality and flagship features for CDJ/turntable mixing, along with digital DJing capabilities through Rekordbox DJ compatibility and DVS support. It truly embodies the essence of a scaled-down DJM-900NXS2, making it an ideal home mixer for DJs who require professional features in a two-channel format that mirrors industry-standard club layouts.
For DJs content with their DJ controllers, the DJM-450 may be less essential, unless they are aiming to transition to a CDJ/DJM club setup or a turntable-based scratch rig. In such cases, the DJM-450 is an exceptional, compact mixer choice for pairing with CDJs, XDJs, or PLX turntables.
If you are in search of a serious intermediate mixer that offers a workflow and feature set that will seamlessly transition from bedroom practice to club performances, the Pioneer DJM-450 is an outstanding choice. It stands as the mixer for emerging professional and club DJs seeking club-standard functionality in a compact, robust, and feature-rich package.
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