Pioneer DJM-5000 DJ Product Review

by Ria on Oct.15, 2009, under DJ Product Reviews

Pioneer DJM-5000 DJ Product Review

Hello mobility!

Pioneer’s latest display of DJ equipment has been targeted to a number of working DJs, and I’m pleased to say they haven’t left anyone out. Mobile DJs are now getting a piece of the action, with Pioneer’s DJM-5000. This mixer is meant to be the updated version of the DJM-3000, with a number of differences: one being it’s a modern design, meaning fully digital. So, if you’re still carrying vinyl, then this isn’t the DJ mixer for you. One key component that will stay the same is the build: just like everything else Pioneer has designed, the durability of the 5000 is up to working DJ standards. Another key component that is very Pioneer-esque is a high pricetag: $1275 MSRP. Enough said.

You can find an extensive look at the 5000’s features on Pioneer’s official web site, but here is what mobile DJs get in a nutshell. First, the ability to master different output modes: multi-zone mode and standard. A brand new feature called Advanced Talk Over has also been thrown into the mix, which basically distinguishes announcements made by DJs and MCs. This was also designed so it won’t lower the volume output, and you won’t have to stop the music in order to talk. In the sound department, Pioneer has ensured the highest quality output in their DJM-5000, by utilizing a 96kHz/24 bit analog to digital converter, plus a 32 bit signal processor in the mixing process.

Pioneer DJM-5000

DJM-5000

Finally, Pioneer has also enhanced the control and connectivity with the DJM-5000. Not only can this four channel mixer be fully functional as a MIDI controller, working DJs can directly plug in a laptop computer to the mixer, over USB connection, without the use of an additional external card.

Check out the specs of the DJM-5000:

Number of Channels: 4
Input Terminals: CD / LINE x 6 (RCA), DIGITAL IN x 2 (RCA), MIC x 3 (Top Panel XLR / ¼-inch combo x 1, XLR x 1, ¼-inch x 1)
Output Terminals: MASTER OUT x 2 (XLR x 1, RCA x 1), ZONE OUT x 1 (XLR), BOOTH OUT x 1 (¼-inch), HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 1 (Top Panel ¼-inch), REC OUT x 1 (RCA)
Other Terminals: SEND x 1 (¼-inch), RETURN x 1 (¼-inch), CONTROL OUT x 2 (3.5mm mini-jack), USB-B Port x 1
Sampling Rate: 96kHz
A/D, D/A Converter: 24bit
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% or less
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 102 dB (LINE)
Headroom: 19dB
Voltage: 120V / 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 31 W
Dimensions: 19in (W) x 8.86in (D) x 4.24in (H) 482.6mm (W) x 225.1mm (D) x 107.8mm (H)
Weight: 15.2lbs / 6.9kg

I think that, at 15 pounds, many mobile DJs can agree the 5000 isn’t the most portable of portable mixers. It’s still light enough to be called "mobile". But is it attractive enough to be called "sexy"? Personally, I believe this is one of Pioneer’s less appealing designs, but if it’s strong, who cares if it makes Frankenstein look good?

There are many reasons to go out and get this "little" guy. The DJM-5000 offers a built in soundcard, MIDI mapping capabilities, a sound maximizer and multi-zone entertainment, so it’s made for all forms of entertaining performances. Just for fun, check out this visual overview of Pioneer’s new, rackmountable mixer.