Many DJs and audiophiles wonder if they can connect their professional Pioneer mixers, particularly those with digital output, to a home audio system like the Sonos Beam. The Pioneer DJM series mixers, such as the DJM-900NXS, are staples in DJ booths worldwide, known for their robust features and high-quality audio output. On the other hand, the Sonos Beam is designed as a soundbar primarily for TVs, offering a streamlined home theater audio experience. This article explores the feasibility of bridging these two worlds and examines the technical considerations involved in connecting a pioneer mixer with digital out to a Sonos Beam.
The user of a Pioneer DJM-900NXS mixer is facing this exact challenge. They’re looking to utilize the digital output from their mixer to feed audio into a Sonos Beam. The DJM-900NXS manual (available at http://docs.pioneerdj.com/Manuals/DJM_900NXS_DRB1542B_manual/?_ga=2.122783947.1149498362.1631907776-1773056362.1629119165 and https://www.pioneerdj.com/en/support/documents/archive/djm-900nxs/) does mention a digital output, which uses the same physical connector as a standard RCA but carries a digital signal. This digital output is typically an S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connection, commonly used for transmitting stereo audio digitally.
The Sonos Beam, designed for home theater, primarily expects audio input from TVs. It offers connectivity through HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical audio input. The challenge arises because the Beam is designed to communicate with TVs, and it may not automatically recognize or accept audio from other sources, especially those not presenting themselves as a “TV” source.
Understanding the Digital Output of Pioneer Mixers
Pioneer mixers like the DJM-900NXS feature a digital output to send high-quality audio signals to recording devices or other compatible digital audio equipment. This output bypasses the analog output stage, preserving the audio fidelity of the mix. The digital output on the DJM-900NXS is likely a coaxial S/PDIF output, using an RCA connector. This is different from the optical S/PDIF (TOSLINK) which uses a fiber optic cable.
Sonos Beam Inputs and Compatibility
The Sonos Beam is equipped with:
- HDMI ARC: Designed to receive audio from a TV connected via HDMI ARC. This connection is bidirectional, allowing the TV to send audio to the Beam and potentially receive control signals.
- Optical Input: Sonos includes an HDMI to Optical adapter, allowing connection to devices with optical outputs. This is a unidirectional audio connection.
The core issue is that the Sonos Beam is optimized for TV audio and might not readily accept a digital audio signal from a pioneer mixer with digital out without some form of conversion or signal adaptation.
Possible Connection Strategies
To connect a pioneer mixer with digital out to a Sonos Beam, you’ll likely need a converter. Here are a few potential approaches:
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S/PDIF Coaxial to Optical Converter: Since the Sonos Beam comes with an optical adapter, the most straightforward approach is to convert the coaxial S/PDIF output from the Pioneer mixer to optical S/PDIF. Converters like these are readily available and relatively inexpensive. You would connect the digital output of the DJM-900NXS to the converter’s input and the converter’s optical output to the Sonos Beam’s optical adapter.
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S/PDIF to HDMI Audio Converter: The user mentioned trying an RCA to HDMI converter, which likely didn’t work because it was probably designed for analog RCA to HDMI video and audio, not digital coaxial S/PDIF audio. A converter specifically designed for S/PDIF coaxial or optical to HDMI audio might be another option. However, even with this converter, there’s no guarantee the Sonos Beam will recognize the HDMI input as a valid “TV” audio source.
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Using an Audio Interface with Digital Output and HDMI Output: A more complex but potentially more versatile solution could involve using a USB audio interface. Some audio interfaces accept S/PDIF input and have HDMI outputs. This interface might be able to process the digital audio from the mixer and output it via HDMI in a format that the Sonos Beam can understand. This is a less common setup and would require more technical knowledge and potentially higher cost.
Considerations and Potential Limitations
- Sonos Beam’s Source Recognition: The Sonos Beam is primarily designed to work with TVs. It may not automatically switch to or recognize audio input from a converted source as easily as it would from a TV. You might need to manually select the input source in the Sonos app.
- Latency: Digital audio conversion can sometimes introduce slight latency (delay). While likely minimal, it’s something to be aware of, especially in DJing scenarios where timing is critical.
- “TV Imposter” Requirement: The user’s concern about the Beam needing a “TV imposter” is valid. Sonos devices are designed to integrate into a home theater setup, often expecting specific communication protocols from TVs. Converters might not fully emulate these protocols.
- Stereo vs. Surround Sound: The digital output of the DJM-900NXS is stereo. The Sonos Beam is designed for surround sound (though it can play stereo). You will be getting stereo audio from your mixer through the Beam.
Conclusion
Connecting a pioneer mixer with digital out to a Sonos Beam is technically possible, primarily through the use of a digital audio converter, most likely an S/PDIF coaxial to optical converter. While there are potential challenges related to Sonos’s source recognition and potential latency, it’s a viable path for users wanting to integrate their DJ equipment with their Sonos home sound system. Experimentation and potentially some troubleshooting might be needed to achieve a stable and satisfactory connection. It’s crucial to choose the right type of converter and to understand the input limitations of the Sonos Beam. While Sonos might not officially recommend this setup, for adventurous users, it’s an interesting technical challenge to explore.
