Since the CDJ-200 is MP3 compatible, aspiring DJs can now include the very latest downloaded tracks in their sets, without having to convert the audio from other formats. The MP3 functionality also allows DJs to locate tracks more quickly (via folder search) and to see the name of the disc, artist and song on the unit’s bright dot-matrix display window. This screen also has a bar graph showing the elapsed and remaining playing time of a track, plus an Auto BPM Counter, giving DJs the real-time information they need to create better mixes more quickly. The unit has a tempo read-out as well as a separate Master Tempo button with three settings for locking the pitch of a track as it’s sped up or slowed down.
The unit uses an electric-blue light at strategic locations to give the DJ constant feedback about the status of the CD and the effects in use. The light above the CD-slot, for example, shows that there’s no disc onboard and also guides the DJ to the user-friendly quick-load slot. With the disc inserted, that light goes off and a blue illuminated ring appears around the edge of the jog wheel - indicating that a CD is loaded and ready for playback.
An established highlight of Pioneer’s Pro DJ CDJ players, the jog wheel can be used to speed up or slow down the music; to fine-tune cue points manually; or to control the mix with the help of another proven feature, the digital jog break. This has three effect buttons (jet, zip, wah) for creating original sounds as the DJ manipulates the jog wheel. When the digital jog break is on, the blue ring flashes quickly. Once the HOLD/RESET button is used, the flashing slows down. With the effects off, the continuous blue light returns.
The CDJ-200 also has a unique “resume” function that takes effect if a CD is ejected accidentally. Once the DJ re-inserts the disc, it automatically starts playing from exactly the point where it stopped. The unit has a digital out socket so that all of the digital features available in DJ Mode can be carried over to a connected digital environment. The headphone jack with volume control allows the DJ to monitor a CD without connecting the CDJ-200 to a mixer or external amplifier.
FEATURES:
• Plays CDs and virtually all MP3 formats
• Large jog wheel
• Cool blue light illuminates CD slot (when empty); blue light illuminates around jog wheel (when loaded)
• Built-in effects
• Auto BPM counter
• Unique “resume” function automatically picks up where “accidentally ejected” discs left off
• Headphone output with dedicated volume control for cueing (no mixer required)
• Cue/loop memory
• Realtime seamless loop
• Realtime cue
• Auto & manual cue
• Pitch bend
XL8R Review
The compact disc player market for DJs is dense. Companies from Denon, Vestax, Stanton, Numark and Technics all have CDJ models, each with minor performance differences. I know DJs who swear by Denon’s club-worthy reliability, and others who value pricepoint and physical shape over bells and whistles. That’s why Pioneer’s line has always been compelling; their a leader in the technology (plus the first to offer a portable CDVJ) whose cost and reliability have remained stable. Think of the Pioneer CDJ200 as the benchmark portable DJ CD player, with features like looping, cue programming, MP3’s compatibility, super-fast search with the jog dial, and +/-16% tempo change with its smooth pitch-control slider. The 200 is a compact, every-day unit that’s equipped with familiar Pioneer remix assist functions (Jet, Zip and Wah) for on-the-fly effects alterations. I used a pair at Burning Man in the Black Rock desert, in a tent during and after a major sandstorm. The fine, alkaline sand particles got in to everything (including my mouth) but the players didn’t skip or malfunction once. Reliability in extremes makes the investment worth it.
Derek Grey
SPECIFICATIONS
• Power requirements: AC 120V, 60 Hz .
• Power consumption: 14W .
• Dimensions: 216 W x 292 D x 99.5 H mm, .
• Frequency response: 4 Hz to 20 kHz .
• Signal-to-noise ratio 110dB or more (JEITA) .
• Dimensions: 8.5"w x 3-15/16"h x 11-1/2"d.
• Weight: 7 lb
UDG Travel case not included.
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