Pioneer DJ mixer brings multi-touch screen
updated 09:50 am EST, Wed March 10, 2010
DJM-2000 controls mix, software through touch
Pioneer hoped to move the technology of DJ mixers forward today by launching a new addition to the DJM line. The DJM-2000 is the first mixer with a multi-touch display and uses the 5.8-inch LCD to provide control over the sound that would be difficult with buttons. At a basic level, it lets musicians put up a set of custom interfaces for controlling a Mac or PC's music software through MIDI. Gestures also work to create "sidechain" mixing, and on-screen sliders can fine-tune the frequency.
The device brings new live instrument effects such as crush or noise in addition to popular techniques like live sampling of the mic or output and new beat effects. USB provides the direct-to-computer connection, but four Ethernet ports both let digital turntables and other Pioneer DJ gear share a common pool of music from SD card or USB sources. Notebooks with Pioneer's rekordbox app can similarly work directly with the mixer.
Pioneer is unveiling the DJM-2000 early and doesn't plan to ship it until June, when it will cost $2,999.
