As a DJ and content creator at Pioneer Technology, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a wide array of DJ equipment. Coming straight out and saying it, I’m not a tech wizard who dives deep into specs. I’m all about the real-world DJ experience. That’s why I wanted to share my honest, DJ-centric perspective on transitioning from my beloved Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 to the brand-new Pioneer Djm-a9. If you’re after detailed specifications, the official Pioneer DJ website is your best resource. Here, it’s all about how this mixer feels and performs in the booth.
Initially, the price tag of £2,500+ for the Pioneer DJM-A9 raised eyebrows. From a quick glance, it didn’t seem like a radical departure from its predecessor. However, faced with the choice of servicing my trusty NXS2 or investing in the new flagship mixer, the allure of the upgrade won. After several weeks of rigorous testing and performance, I’m ready to break down my experience and give you the DJ’s truth about the Pioneer DJM-A9.
Pioneer DJM 900 Nexus 2 (left) vs Pioneer DJM A9 (right)
1. Sound Quality: A Leap Forward
Having spent a full day with students pushing the DJM-900NXS2 to its limits, switching over to the Pioneer DJM-A9 was immediately striking. The jump in sound quality was undeniable – a genuine “WOW” moment! Even through our studio’s KRK Rokit 5 monitors, the clarity and depth were significantly enhanced. This immediately got me excited to imagine how this sonic improvement would translate in a club environment on a professional sound system. The Pioneer DJM-A9 clearly sets a new benchmark for audio fidelity in DJ mixers.
2. Connectivity: Modern and Forward-Thinking
Pioneer has clearly considered modern DJ workflows with the DJM-A9. The inclusion of a USB-C port alongside the standard USB-B is a welcome update. This future-proofs the mixer and eliminates the need for dongles, a common frustration for DJs using newer laptops. Beyond the standard line, phono, digital, and USB inputs, the addition of Bluetooth connectivity initially seemed perplexing for a professional DJ mixer. While it’s convenient for home practice or casual listening, the thought of track requests via Bluetooth in a club setting brings a humorous shudder. Latency concerns also make it impractical for live beatmatching. However, for pre-gig prep or personal listening, the Bluetooth is a nice-to-have feature.
3. Microphone Inputs: Enhanced Vocal Performance
The microphone section on the Pioneer DJM-A9 has received a significant upgrade. The inclusion of Phantom Power is a fantastic addition, allowing DJs to use studio-quality condenser microphones for vocal performances or announcements. Furthermore, dedicated microphone effects – Reverb, Echo, Pitch, and Megaphone – open up creative possibilities for vocal manipulation. These can be combined with the standard beat FX for even more dynamic vocal textures, making the DJM-A9 a versatile tool for DJs who incorporate live vocals into their sets.
4. Dual Headphone Outputs: Back-to-Back Ready
The A and B headphone connections are a brilliant feature for collaborative DJing. In a recent back-to-back set on a DJM-900NXS2, a fellow DJ’s headphone mishap highlighted the practical benefit of this addition. The dual headphone outputs on the Pioneer DJM-A9 prevent awkward interruptions and ensure smooth transitions during tag-team sets, a crucial feature for modern DJ culture.
5. Color FX: Refined Control and a Powerful Crush
The addition of a center lock on the Color FX parameter knob is a subtle but impactful improvement. While the FX ON/OFF button offers similar control, the center lock provides a tactile and immediate way to prevent accidental parameter adjustments, especially during high-energy mixes. This allows for more confident and expressive use of the Color FX.
However, the “Crush” effect has undergone a significant transformation. It now feels considerably more intense, almost to the point of being too aggressive. The bitrate reduction seems much more pronounced, even at subtle settings. While the enhanced intensity might appeal to some, it requires a more cautious approach compared to the DJM-900NXS2’s Crush. I’m still on the fence about how much I’ll utilize it in club environments.
The “Gate” effect within the Sweep Color FX has been replaced, and its new iteration remains somewhat of a mystery. The Gate and Echo combination was a personal favorite for creating rhythmic, skippy effects. While the new effect might be a notch filter, its purpose and application aren’t immediately clear, requiring further exploration and perhaps a dive into the manual. Ultimately, in the Color FX section, the DJM-900NXS2 still holds a slight edge due to the familiar and versatile Gate and the more nuanced Crush effect.
6. Faders and EQs: Smoothness and Precision
The faders and EQ knobs on the Pioneer DJM-A9 feel exceptional. The smoothness is immediately noticeable, and hopefully, this premium feel will endure over time. The layout offers slightly more spacing, making EQ adjustments feel more natural and comfortable, especially during intricate mixing.
The Magvel Fader returns, catering to scratch DJs. While crossfader techniques aren’t central to my mixing style, its inclusion will undoubtedly please DJs who prioritize scratching and turntablism. Booth EQ settings are a new addition, offering control over the monitor output. While personally, I haven’t found a pressing need for booth EQ adjustments, it’s a potentially useful feature for fine-tuning the monitor sound in specific booth environments.
7. Beat FX: Farewell Slip Roll, Hello Triplet Filter!
My initial reaction to the Beat FX section was a pang of disappointment: the Slip Roll effect is gone! This was a beloved tool, particularly effective for vocal manipulation. Its absence was immediately felt. The “Mobius” effect initially seemed perplexing, bordering on chaotic.
However, diving deeper into the Beat FX reveals significant improvements and exciting new additions. The larger screen provides much greater visual feedback, allowing for precise parameter adjustments and a clearer understanding of each effect. The simplified X-Pad is more intuitive and user-friendly. Dedicated channel select buttons for Send and Return are a game-changer, enabling independent routing of external FX units like the RMX-1000 to different channels in conjunction with the Beat FX.
While most of the core effects from the NXS2 are carried over with performance tweaks, the new additions are where the Pioneer DJM-A9 truly shines. The “Mobius” effect, when combined with Color FX like Reverb or Dub Echo, reveals its creative potential. The “Triplet Roll” is a cool rhythmic variation. But the standout, game-changing effect is the “Triplet Filter.” This effect is simply phenomenal. Its versatility is immense – from building tension in transitions to adding rhythmic modulation to vocals or creating subtle textures on loop pads. The ability to manipulate its parameters and achieve LFO-like effects is incredibly inspiring and has quickly become my favorite effect on the Pioneer DJM-A9.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Despite the initial price hesitation and the slight learning curve with some of the new and altered effects, the Pioneer DJM-A9 proves to be a worthy upgrade from the DJM-900NXS2. The leap in sound quality alone is a compelling reason to upgrade. Combined with enhanced connectivity, improved microphone inputs, thoughtful performance features like dual headphones and the Color FX center lock, and the inspiring new Beat FX, the DJM-A9 solidifies its position as a top-tier professional DJ mixer. While the absence of Slip Roll and the intensified Crush effect might require adjustments for some, the groundbreaking Triplet Filter and overall refined performance make the Pioneer DJM-A9 a powerful and inspiring tool for any DJ seeking the ultimate mixing experience.
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