For DJs, certain pieces of equipment are simply non-negotiable. Among these, the standard size CDJ jog wheel is paramount. Anything smaller compromises the tactile feel crucial for scratching and precise cueing, while larger wheels sacrifice portability. This need for the ideal balance is where players like the Pioneer CDJ series shine.
When considering options for a home setup or professional gigs, features and usability are key. The XDJ-1000, for instance, shares a notable feature with the revered Pioneer Cdj 2000 Nexus 2: its 7-inch screen. This visual similarity is more than cosmetic. The XDJ-1000 mirrors the visual system of the CDJ-2000 NXS2, providing a familiar and intuitive interface. Crucially, performance-oriented functions such as hot cues and beat skipping are readily accessible through a dedicated ‘performance mode’ tab, ensuring quick and efficient operation during live sets.
Speed is of the essence when navigating through tracks, especially in high-pressure environments. The search functionality on the XDJ-1000, much like the CDJ-2000 NXS2, prioritizes efficiency. Manual track searching is streamlined thanks to the QWERTY keyboard interface. This feature marked a significant improvement over older models like the CDJ-2000 Nexus (version 1) and CDJ-900, which relied on slower A-Z touch bars. This enhanced search capability is a game-changer for DJs who value rapid track selection.
Looping is another fundamental aspect of DJing, and in this regard, the XDJ-1000 MK2 again echoes the functionality of the CDJ-2000 NXS2. Loop controls are implemented in a similar manner across both units. While there are minor differences – the XDJ-1000 MK2 offers a maximum automatic loop of 16 bars and beat skip of 4 beats, compared to the CDJ-2000 NXS2’s 32 bars and 16 beats respectively – these distinctions are often negligible in practical DJing scenarios. The 16-bar loop on the XDJ-1000 MK2 is more than sufficient for most creative looping techniques.
Despite the merits of the XDJ-1000 MK2, the CDJ-2000 NXS2 remains highly sought after. Even on the resale market, prices remain elevated, reflecting its status as the pinnacle of CDJ/USB players. Many DJs consider the Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus 2 to be the ultimate player, with subsequent models, even from Pioneer themselves, arguably offering lateral moves rather than outright improvements in core DJ performance features.
In contrast, models like the CDJ-900 NXS2 are becoming increasingly rare in club environments. Furthermore, they lack essential features such as hot cues and the efficient QWERTY keyboard search, making them less desirable for professional use compared to the CDJ-2000 NXS2 and its closely related counterparts.
Note: While the XDJ-1000 MK2 provides a compelling alternative with many similar features, it’s worth acknowledging that the Digital to Analogue Conversion (DAC) technology differs from the CDJ-2000 NXS2. Specification sheets reveal that the CDJ-2000 NXS2 boasts a lower distortion value, potentially offering a slightly cleaner audio output for discerning audiophiles. However, for most DJing applications, the XDJ-1000 MK2 delivers exceptional audio quality and performance, making it a strong contender, especially when considering the enduring appeal and benchmark status of the Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus 2.
