It included a loop function, as well as loop-out adjust, and other facilities associated with looping samples from the track being played. The first Pioneer player to have a Jog Dial, (although Technics were the first to feature a jog dial in 1986 with the SL-P1200), allowing for cueing of the CD unlike rack-mounted CD players that were common at the time. However, there was a Pioneer CDJ-300 that was released in 1992. The CDJ-500 (known as the Mark 1 once the second version was released) was recognized by Pioneer as their first CDJ CD player, released in 1994. For unknown reasons, the Pioneer CDJ-300 is left out of most popular accounts on CDJs.
Pioneer integrated its software rekordbox with the CDJs to prepare music with cue points, accurate BPM, and search/playlist functions. Pioneer CDJs released after the CDJ-400 can play from USB sticks as well as CDs. Models released prior to the CDJ-1000 lacked this feature. The Pioneer CDJ-400, CDJ-800, CDJ-850K, CDJ-1000, CDJ-900, CDJ-2000 and the latest model CDJ-3000 have a vinyl emulation mode that allows the operator to manipulate music on a CD as if it were on a turntable. Currently, Pioneer DJ CD players are now the most commonly found in dance clubs and are seen as the industry standard by many DJs. It quickly became the industry standard and was widely adopted in most clubs and mobile DJs throughout the 90s up until 2004 when Pioneer made an impact with the CDJ-1000. In 1993 Denon was the first to implement a 2 piece rack mounted dual-deck, variable-pitch, CD player with a jog wheel and instant cue button for DJs.
Many pro audio companies such as Gemini Sound Products, Denon, Numark Industries, Stanton Magnetics, and Vestax produced DJ quality CD players. Additionally, some can function as DJ controllers to control the playback of digital files in DJ software running on a laptop instead of playing the files on the CDJ. Many have additional features such as loops and beat analysis that are not present on turntables. CDJs have jog wheels and pitch faders that allow manipulation of the digital music file similar to a vinyl record on a DJ turntable. In typical use, at least two CDJs are plugged into a DJ mixer. Originally designed to play music from compact discs, many CDJs can play digital music files stored on USB flash drives or SD cards. The song order in the Tag List can be altered and saved as a playlist in rekordbox.A DJ setup in a nightclub, consisting of three CDJs (top), three turntables for vinyl records and a DJ mixerĪ CDJ is a specialized digital music player for DJing. Tag List Function - Equipped with an editable Tag List functionality, users of the player can easily register tracks during play or preview to add to their playlist queue.
For additional versatility, the player can also be used as a PC audio interface. With the use of the built-in USB HID interface, the CDJ-850 can also control more complex operations of DJ software without the need for a control disc. The WAVE display enables smooth DJ play because the user can visually analyze the flow and dynamics of the entire song.ĭJ Software Control and Audio Interface - The CDJ-850 multi-media player features MIDI, enabling control of various DJ software running on a laptop. Combined with its rotary selector, navigation through music lists (title, artist, BPM, etc.) is extremely fast and easy. User Interface - The display and user interface of the player is designed for quick and fluid music selection. Play histories on the CDJ-850 are automatically recorded onto rekordbox via connected USB device for the DJ’s next session which makes the cycle of music file management, DJ play and preparation for future sessions very simple. USB Export Capability - DJs using the rekordbox software can easily export their music files and custom managed data onto a USB device and quickly plug in directly to the CDJ-850 and access tracks without the need to be linked to a PC. When music files are imported to rekordbox,the software analyzes each file and prepares them for use specifically with the new CDJ turntables.
Pro-series Design and Exacting Features - The CDJ-850 integrates a large 206mm jog dial for continuous free and easy control along with a rotary selector and browse buttons integrated within the display.Ĭompatible Media and Formats - The CDJ-850 is compatible with MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF digital audio formats recorded on USB storage devices or CD-R/RW discs.įree Rekordbox Music Management Software Included - Pioneer’s proprietary music management software organizes and catalogs a DJ’s entire music library.