As a working DJ, I’m not going to pretend to be a tech wizard diving deep into specifications. What I can offer is a real-world perspective on upgrading from my long-time favorite mixer, the Pioneer DJM-900NXS2, to the brand new DJM-A9. If you’re after detailed tech specs, the Pioneer DJ website is definitely the place to go. This is just my honest DJ-to-DJ opinion.
Initially, seeing the DJM-A9, the big question was: is this upgrade worth the hefty price tag? Visually, it didn’t scream ‘revolution’. However, faced with either servicing my trusty Pioneer 900nxs2 or taking the plunge into the A9, I opted for the new model. After a solid couple of weeks mixing on it, here are my thoughts.
Pioneer DJM 900NXS2 (left) versus Pioneer DJM A9 (right) highlighting the visual differences and layout of professional DJ mixers, emphasizing the Pioneer 900NXS2 in the context of DJ equipment comparison.
1. Sound Quality: A Clear Step Up from the 900NXS2
I spent a day teaching DJing with students hammering away on the Pioneer 900NXS2. As soon as they wrapped up, I swapped it out for the A9 and the first thing that hit me was the jump in sound quality. It was immediately noticeable. I use KRK Rokit 5 studio monitors in my teaching space, and even on those, the improvement was significant. This got me seriously excited to hear how the A9 would sound in a proper club environment – a fantastic start indeed! The DJM-900NXS2 always sounded great, but the A9 takes it to another level of clarity and depth.
2. Connectivity: USB-C and Bluetooth – Practical or Pointless?
The inclusion of a USB-C port alongside the standard USB-B is a smart move. It’s just practical in today’s world of laptops, saving DJs from needing dongles or, worse, forgetting them at home! Beyond the standard line, phono, digital, and USB connections, there’s now Bluetooth. My initial reaction to Bluetooth was… why? Sure, it’s handy for home listening, connecting your phone to practice or just chill. But my first thought in a DJ booth was, “Oh no…” Has Pioneer just made it harder to politely refuse track requests? If club-goers realize there’s a Bluetooth connection, we’re in trouble! For home use, Bluetooth is a nice addition. In a professional DJ setting, especially considering potential latency issues for beatmatching, I’m still searching for its real purpose. While the DJM-900NXS2 had excellent connectivity for its time, the A9 is trying to future-proof itself, though the Bluetooth inclusion feels a bit questionable for core DJ use.
3. Microphone Inputs: Pro Features Added
The mic inputs have received a serious upgrade. Phantom power is a welcome addition, finally allowing DJs to use studio-quality condenser microphones directly. Plus, dedicated mic FX – Reverb, Echo, Pitch, and Megaphone – are fantastic. Being able to combine these with the standard beat FX opens up a lot of creative possibilities for vocal performances or MCs. This is a significant step up from the basic mic capabilities of the Pioneer 900NXS2 and brings the A9 closer to a live performance mixer.
4. Dual Headphones: A Back-to-Back Game Changer
The dual headphone jacks (A and B) are brilliant! I recently did a back-to-back set on a DJM-900NXS2, and the other DJ plugged his headphones into the mini-jack while I was mixing – not ideal timing on his part, admittedly. This new feature would have been perfect then! It’s a small but incredibly practical addition for collaborative sets, something the Pioneer 900NXS2 lacked.
5. Color FX: Crush Effect Overhaul and Gate Gone?
The center lock on the Color FX parameter knob is a smart addition – very useful for preventing accidental over-tweaking. While you could always disable the parameter knob on the Pioneer 900NXS2, you’d lose the parameter movement entirely. This lock gives you more control and options.
However… “What have they done to the Crush effect?!” It feels drastically more intense now, almost too much. It sounds like the bitrate reduction is far more aggressive, even with minimal application. I’m now hesitant to use it in club settings, whereas I used to rely on it on the DJM-900NXS2.
And the Gate effect in Sweep? Gone! I loved combining Gate with Echo beat FX for a cool rhythmic effect. It’s been replaced by… something else. A notch filter maybe? I’m still figuring it out. Reading release notes might explain the change, but it won’t make me miss the Gate any less. Ultimately, with Color FX, sound is what matters, not terminology. For Color FX, the Pioneer 900NXS2 still edges it for me due to the Crush and Gate changes.
6. Faders & EQs: Smoothness and Spacing Improvements
The faders and EQs feel fantastic – incredibly smooth. Hopefully, that smoothness lasts beyond the honeymoon period of a new mixer! The EQs are as precise as ever, but the slightly increased spacing in the layout makes them more comfortable and natural to use. The Magvel Fader is back – great news for scratch DJs, although crossfading isn’t really part of my mixing style.
Booth monitor EQ settings are a new addition. Honestly, I can’t see myself using them. I’ve never thought, “I wish I could tweak the monitor’s high-end right now.” But maybe someone will find them useful! Overall, the improved ergonomics of the faders and EQs are a clear win over the Pioneer 900NXS2.
7. Beat FX: Farewell Slip Roll, Hello Triplet Filter!
My first reaction to the Beat FX was… “Where’s Slip Roll?!” I LOVED that effect, especially with vocals. Its absence was a real disappointment. I initially approached the new FX with a negative mindset because of this loss. Mobius? Sounded like a video game glitch to me at first.
But then I actually started jamming with them, and things clicked. The larger screen is a real advantage. It gives you much more visual feedback and precision when controlling parameters. The X-Pad is also simplified and more intuitive. The Reverb parameters, for example, are so clearly displayed that even a complete beginner could understand them. Channel selection buttons are also improved – more responsive and precise.
The separate channel selection for Send and Return is a game-changer! Routing external FX like the RMX-1000 to different channels independently from the Beat FX unlocks huge creative potential.
Most of the classic effects from the Pioneer 900NXS2 are carried over with some tweaks. The Echo now has a cool tape delay effect when you adjust the timing. Updated FX include Mobius – which, admittedly, is growing on me, especially when paired with a Color FX like Reverb or Dub Echo. Triplet Roll is fun, but the star of the show is the TRIPLET FILTER! Seriously, this effect is incredible. I’m obsessed! It’s so versatile – great for build-ups, vocal modulation, subtle textures on pads. The parameter control for creating LFO-style sweeps is just brilliant. My love for triplet rhythms definitely plays a part in my enthusiasm for this effect.
Final Verdict:
While I miss the Gate sweep and the original Crush effect from the Pioneer 900NXS2, and the loss of Slip Roll in the Beat FX initially stung, the DJM-A9 is undeniably a step forward. The improved sound quality alone is a major selling point. Add to that the enhanced mic inputs, dual headphones, and the incredible Triplet Filter, and you’ve got a mixer that justifies the upgrade, especially for professional DJs looking for the best performance. The Pioneer 900NXS2 remains a fantastic mixer, but the DJM-A9 has taken the crown.
