Pioneer DJ's Iconic CDJ-400 and DJM-400 A Throwback to DJing's Evolution
In the late 2000s , Pioneer DJ made an indelible mark in the world of DJ equipment with the CDJ-400 and DJM-400, entry-level units that redefined home DJing. Towards the end of their lifespan, Pioneer DJ introduced the CDJ-400-K LTD and DJM-400-K LTD — striking black variations with captivating blue illuminations, available only as a coveted bundled package encased in a flight case.
Jeroen Groenendijk of Pioneer DJ reminisces about the tremendous popularity and rapid sell-out of these limited edition bundles. "People were captivated by the color variation and the use of the mesmerizing blue illumination," he recalls. The CDJ-400, designed for aspiring club DJs to use at home, was a game-changer. This digital CD deck enabled users to play MP3 collections from CD-R/RW discs or USB storage devices, expanding the scope of music sources for DJs. Pioneer DJ took a cue from its industry-standard CDJ-1000 series, ensuring that the CDJ-400 embodied flexibility and affordability without compromising on performance. One of the CDJ-400's standout features was the world's first Scratch Jog Effects, offering three creative scratch effects and an innovative Loop Divide function. Notably, the deck allowed virtually all button and slider functions to send MIDI data via USB output, enabling control of external DJ software like Pioneer DJ's DJS.
This software mimicked a full Pioneer DJ setup on a PC, providing eight effects, a waveform display, cue/looping ability, and easy conversion of CD/line input signals to MP3. Moreover, the CDJ-400 was compatible with third-party applications such as Traktor and Serato Scratch Live, further amplifying its versatility in the DJing landscape. When paired with the DJM-400 mixer, this dynamic duo delivered the ultimate home party setup, catering to both aspiring and seasoned DJs alike. The CDJ-400 and DJM-400 series, with its limited black variations, stands as a nostalgic testament to Pioneer DJ's evolution and continued innovation. These units paved the way for modern DJ technology, marking a crucial stage in the journey of home-based DJ equipment. Though they may be a "throwback" now, their impact on the DJing world remains undeniable, serving as a foundation for the contemporary DJ equipment we see today.
sound press November 2023 |
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