The Lowdown
Less scary and more popular than the DJM-2000 (and now DJM-2000NXS), the DJM-900NXS is a great club mixer. This mixer adds digital inputs and some better hardware effects to the spec of the DJM-850. However, for software DJs it doesn’t add an awful lot more over the DJM-850 for your extra cash. It’s probably not worth paying the extra unless you’re thinking of going down Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox route – even though you’ll pay royally for the privilege.
First Impressions / Setting up
The Pioneer DJM-900NXS is a four-channel mixer with several beat and audio manipulation effects controlled by the device’s X-Pad. A mic can be plugged-in as well as a USB stick. The DJM-900NXS is compatible with Traktor and Ableton and can be connected to up to four CDJs.
The DJM-900NXS has a three-band EQ, a separate EQ for the mic, trim knobs and several fade curve options. Standard XLR and RCA outputs for connecting to PA different systems and a 1/8” headphone jack for monitoring.
The screen displays the waveform and BPM and is placed just above the Tap and Quantize buttons.
In Use
The DJM-900NXS faders and knobs all feel smooth and reliable. The screen and level meters for each channel are bright which is great for dimly lit environments. The chassis itself feels very solid as well and can probably take a beating.
The beat effects all sound very useable and we found the slip roll to be probably used more often than the others. The six sound color effects including crush and filters all sound great as well and leave a lot of creative space to be explored. It should be mentioned that the color effects are post-fader meaning that the effect will still go off even if the tracks’ fader is at 0.
Both effects can be controlled by the DJM-900NXS’ X-Pad. The X-Pad is a single touch strip on the device and manipulates certain parameters of the effect chosen. It may be a little cramped for some people especially ones with larger fingers but is a great feature of the DJM-900NXS.
An Amazon reviewer mentioned that the DJM-900NXS is a bit noisier than its previous version, the DJM-800. With that being said, the same reviewer said that the DJM-900NXS is a great choice for clubs since no one will notice the noise anyway.
Conclusion
With great build quality and access to a number of great sounding effects and a lot more features packed into it, the Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS is a great choice if you want to upgrade to more professional gear.
