Intermediate-level and professional DJs often have a variety of media players, mixing consoles, and a myriad of accessories stockpiled on their shelves. Oftentimes they tend to have at least one portable model they use when space is an issue.
When searching for your workhorse, you should be looking for a balance of sound quality, features versatility, connectivity, price, and ease of use, and suffices to say, Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 fits the description perfectly.
The CDJ200NXS2 launched in 2016, and since then, it is on top of every list of the best DJ Media Players in the world. Even though it’s not the cheapest DJ player on the market, it’s easily one of the most valuable multi-player stations that money can buy. Furthermore, it’s laden with state-of-the-art technologies and bleeding-edge features that there’s no limit to what you can do with it, for as long as you take the time to tame its steep learning curve.
The new CDJ3000 is considered one of Pioneer’s finest mixing consoles up to date. In this review, we aimed to cover the features Nexus 2 comes outfitted with, how good its design is, how great it sounds, and what are some of its most prominent advantages and drawbacks. Without any further ado, let’s dive straight into the review of this fantastic multi-player.
Pioneer DJ Professional Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 Review
First look – Design
There are several reasons why most people would describe Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2’s design as ‘convenient’.
First of all, it’s pretty small and compact, which makes it ideal for live-performing DJs. Secondly, it’s almost weightless, and that is always a big plus due to enhanced portability. The dimensions of Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 measure 16.3 inches by 18.2 inches by 8.1 inches, and it weighs approximately 12.5 pounds.
If you’re unaware of the features it comes supplied with, you’ll most likely be absolutely amazed to see that CDJ2000NXS2 has so much going on, despite being so petite and small. Differently colored Hot Cue buttons and the beautiful platter are the first things that will most likely catch your eye or the absolutely amazing 7-inch display.
Speaking of which, the display of Pioneer’s CDJ2000 Nexus 2 is easily one of its most important features. It rocks seamless integration with Rekordbox software, allowing you to implement additional media via Link, USB, SD, or Disc buttons.
The search bar and Track Info can be used to navigate the menus of the 7-inch display, but on its own, it will show you which track is currently playing, including BPM, progress, quantize level, and active effects.
Features – Specs
Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 is absolutely packed with high-quality features, which is all too obvious, considering it’s a portable DJ console. Its connectivity is exceptional, its versatility level is through the roof, and it’s generally pretty easy to use once you get a feel for it.
Starting from the top-left corner, there’s a USB 2.1 port and USB stop button right next to it; just below lay the SD Card slot and the three hot cue buttons, as well as the Hot Cue bank governing call and delete functions. Moving downwards, we can see the ‘direction’ switch that includes Slip, rev, and forward modes (while only the Rev mode features a standalone indicator).
The fact that the Cue button is way down at the bottom left corner is expected by Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Players design. Plus, it’s big and LCD-backlit, so you can’t miss it. Right below it is the ‘play/pause’ button, which is also backlit, only in green color (as opposed to the ‘Cue’ button’s orange LCD light).
Above these buttons, you’ll find track search controls that allow you to scroll through individual tracks or skip them altogether.
The scratch-resistant vinyl platter is the centerpiece of Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2; it’s decently big, very easy to use, and it’s surrounded by multiple buttons, knobs, and settings that complement its performance.
The first section of buttons in the top-left corner above the platter is comprised of the In-Cue adjustment, Out adjustment, beat loop cutter, slip, and Reloop/exit buttons. The In-Cue and Out-adjust buttons are backlit while the others are pretty small and inconspicuous in a sense.
On the opposite end, you’ll see the Jog Adjustment wheel, Cue/Loop call arrow buttons, and ‘memory/delete’ buttons, all of which are highly responsive. The bottom-right side shelters the Tempo slider above, which lay various tempo-based controls (such as beat sync, tempo adjustment, master tempo, and such).
Lastly, probably the most amazing feature of the Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 is the 7-inch full-color screen. It’s exceptionally comprehensive and contains on-the-fly information about the track, usable options, and active effects. The Denon DJ SC6000 is its biggest competitor with a 10.1″ high-resolution display.
Improved Sound Design – Audio Quality
The sound quality of Pioneer’s DJ CDJ2000 Nexus 2 is impeccable. It’s not just that it sports a highly balanced soundstage, but it’s also packed with a ton of tone-altering and sonic manipulation features.
This Multi-Player rocks a 96 kHz state-of-the-art sound card that operates on 24 bits, and its digital-signal processing is vastly improved in comparison to its predecessors. What’s more, Pioneer’s DJ CDJ2000 Nexus 2 is also outfitted with a 32-bit Digital-to-analog converter that keeps the analog noise down to a bare minimum.
Best of all, this multimedia player supports pretty much every accessible media format, from good old MP3 and WAV, over AAC & AIF, to more modern FLAC and ALAC.
Now, let’s talk a bit about the features you can use to alter the sonic performance of your Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2. First and foremost, there are eight hot cue buttons split across two banks of four customizable buttons. What’s more, you can quantize both cues & loops on your Rekordbox grid and put them to use straight out of the gate.
The 8.11-inch jog wheel plays a fairly significant role in the production of sound (and alteration thereof). It’s incredibly touch-sensitive and offers surgical precision in terms of tempo and sound micro-adjustments.
Even if you are, for any reason, still dissatisfied with how Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 sounds, you can use its superb connectivity to wire up to 4 players & laptops via LAN connection and ‘borrow’ from their sonic qualities.
For the official overview of the NX2 visit the Pioneer DJ website.
The CDJ2000 Nexus 2 is THE club-standard, used by every professional in the DJ scene.
Pros:
The shortest way to describe the pros of Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 is to say that it’s one of the finest multi-players in the price range.
It’s one of the best-rounded Jack of all trades models as its sonic customization potential is practically limitless. It’s packed with so many features that you’ll have something new and exciting to discover every time you decide to use it.
There are maybe a few models that could match the intuitiveness of Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2’s LCD display. It’s 7-inch big and gives a clear overview of everything you’ll need to know about your currently active track. Even though it’s quite expensive, it’s still one of the finest models available.
It is also compatible with Traktor Pro, Rekordbox, Serato DJ, and all major DJ Software out there. It considers the ultimate DJ setup with the new Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 6-channel DJ mixer.
Cons:
There are just a couple of things that you might not be so thrilled about regarding Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2.
First and most notably, it costs a small fortune. Even though it offers tremendous value for the cash, the fact that it costs a couple of thousands of dollars means that it’s unavailable to a lot of people. However, that’s only normal for a boutique multi-player, for as long as its value exceeds the price tag.
Secondly, and actually the only flaw regarding its actual performance, the CDJ2000NXS2 demands time, patience, and persistence before giving in. Its learning curve is a bit steep due to the fact that it’s supplied with a ton of features that are cramped up in a relatively small space.
To build the above setup you will need the best DJ effects unit out there or the Pioneer DJ XP2 controller and the legendary DJM-900NXS2 4-channel mixer.
Pioneer CDJ released years:
- CDJ-1000MK1: 2001
- CDJ-1000MK2: July 2003
- CDJ-1000MK3: March 2006
- CDJ-2000: September 2009
- CDJ-2000 Nexus: September 2012
- CDJ-2000NXS2: February 2016 (Latest Pioneer CDJ)
FAQs:
Why are CDJs so expensive?
Some users indicate that the CDJ’s are overpriced. However, this is a unit with high-quality and reliable components that takes a lot of research and development to bring to life. Features such as a premium audio quality soundcard, touchscreens, the software developed to allow cues, looping, pitch adjustment, beat gridding, and a jog-wheel technology that feels insanely smooth. There are also costs like branding, marketing, and personnel that adds to the final price of the product.
Do you need two USBs for CDJ’s?
Most DJ players including the previous CDJ’s will require one USB stick per player. However, the new CDJ-2000NXS2 with PRO DJ LINK system transfers data from one player to another, so you can DJ with two or even four players with just one USB stick. That’s right, you can perform an entire night from a single library source (USB, SD card, Laptop/DJ Software).
What is Nexus Pioneer?
The Nexus system is the upgraded version of Pioneer’s CDJ-2000 Media player. In short, it gives the opportunity for DJs to connect, CDJs, DJ mixers, and other audio devices via Pioneer’s PRO DJ LINK system that helps the machines cooperate in no time and with zero effort.
What is the difference between CDJ2000 and Nexus 2?
The most unique upgrade of the CDJ2000 Nexus 2 is Pioneer’s Pro DJ Link system which allows you to share all tracks and their meta-data from a single library source across all connected machines. This feature is what elevated the CDJ series to become the next club standard.
CDJ-2000 vs. CDJ-2000 NXS2:
- More hot cues: The Nexus 2 offers seven hot cues while the original CDJ2000 has three.
- High-resolution Matte full-color screen instead of gloss black.
- Bigger screen: More songs can be displayed at once when scrolling through the library.
- Rekordbox Wave Display and Wave Zoom: They provide a much better view of your music.
Are there any competitors to take down the Nexus 2?
Pioneer DJ CDJ2000 NX2 is the club-standard media player used by most professional DJs and set up on every DJ event and music festival in the world. However, Denon has taken big steps forward to improve the software and reliability of its products. The new Denon DJ SC6000 Prime is a great media player featuring all the latest advances in technology and is worth taking a look at before choosing.
Video: Alex Moreno testing the Pioneer CDJ-2000NXS2
Final Thoughts
Pioneer’s DJ Multi-Player CDJ2000NXS2 is a top-shelf multi-player made by one of the most prominent leaders in the DJ gear industry. So if you are out there searching for quality and do not intend to settle for less than the best of the best, we highly recommend that you check it out.
This multiplayer offers unparalleled versatility, a durable yet compact exterior, relatively simple and straightforward controls, a beautiful display, and a manifold of tools that you can use to step up your mixing game.
In use, it’s pretty much unbeatable, as it brings all of the advantages a DJ can want out of a mixing console/effect station. It’s basically a hybrid of some of the finest Pioneer media players that rocks a neat little looping station, easy on-the-fly beat sampler, superb customization potential, and generally a superb value for the money.
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