Pioneer's DJM series are a stable across many DJ booths. Known for their clean sound, tempo-synced effects section and reliability. They are the Apple of the DJ world and are always pushing the boundaries of technology. The
DJM-750 has a familiar Pioneer effects section as well as a USB port. The USB port allows the mixer to act as a sound card and communicate with a computer on every channel, in both directions. This is great for news for producers, laptop performers and even DJ's who are looking to delve into technology.
Under the Hood
The DJM-750 is a four-channel mixer. Each channel can be assigned to either side of the crossfader or not assigned at all. The channels have the option of using one of two RCA analog inputs or the USB sound card as its source. The vinyl lovers can assign Channels 1 and 4 to either phono or line, while channels 2 and 3 both have two line inputs. A feature we really like is that the EQ knobs can be set to go from either a standard EQ, with a range of -26 db to +6 db, or used as isolators for complete cutting of a frequency range. Also, there is a mic input that accommodates 1/4-inch or XLR. The mic has a two-band EQ (hi and low) as well as on off button. The Effects unit can be assigned to the mic channel as well. The master output has both balanced XLR or RCA connections with the booth and record outputs as only RCA. There is also a digital coaxial output and 1/8-inch CDJ fader start connections.
Sound Card
The USB sound card driver is a simple couple of minute installation. Along with the driver,
Pioneer provides a DJM-750 Setting Utility app that allows you to configure input and output. Here you can assign the individual channels post-fader to a DAW input. You can also select the record out, mic, crossfader or timecode as a source. There is a number of optional sample rates including; 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz. On my system, Pro Tools recognised the mixer as a sound card after one click in the Playback Engine dialog. A really nice use of this mixer is transferring vinyl into you favourite DAW. By utilising both channels 1 and 4, it is possible to record two records at once. If you were performing either a DJ mix you could also record each stereo channel separately as well master output for further editing later on! The outputs of different synths and other instruments within your DAW can be routed easily to different mixer channels on the 750 and can then be further mixed, EQed and treated with effects. As well as DAW's they can also be assigned to the likes of Traktor Pro.
FX Section
The FX section has got a number of really forward-thinking features. The Sound Color FX section now has a 'boost' button that enhances the use of the Noise, Jet, Crush and Filter by adding delays and reverb tails to the sounds. On top of this, the faster you turn the Sound Color knob, the more intense the effect is. The Beat effects section contains many of the familiar DJM FX as well as the new Vinyl Brake effect that simulates pressing the stop button on a turntable. Effects can be applied to any individual channel, left or right of the crossfader, the mic and the master output. A neat feature is you can preview the effects in your headphones. If that isn't enough effects for you then there is a pair of 1/4-inch sends/returns on the back panel for adding any external effects processors.
Alternatives
Pioneer's DJ-750 is another brilliant mixer from Pioneer. What makes it stand out, however, is potential in the production world. Even DJs who never delve into production will find it a dream to record mixes and this is a perfect solution that removes the need for additional soundcards. It is perfect for use in live sets.
Specifications
- Channels - Audio: 4, MIC: 1
- CD/LINE×4(RCA)
- LINE×2 (RCA)
- PHONO×2(RCA)
- MIC×1(XLR & ¼ inch PHONE combined use x1)
- MASTER OUT×2(RCA×1, XLR×1)
- BOOTH OUT×1(RCA)
- HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT×1(top side ¼ inch PHONE)
- REC OUT×1(RCA)
- DIGITAL OUT×1(COAXIAL)
Other ports
- SEND×1(¼ inch PHONE)
- RETURN×1(¼ inch PHONE)
- USB x 1 (top side B port)
- CONTROL×2 (Φ3.5 mm MINI JACK)
- Sampling rate - 96 kHz
- D/A converter - 24 bit
- A/D converter - 24 bit
- Frequency response - 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
- Total harmonic distortioN - 0.004% or less
- LINE INPUT S/N ratio - 106 dB or more
- Headroom - 19 dB
USB sound card
- INPUT: Stereo 4-channel
- OUTPUT: Stereo 4-channel
- 24-bit, Sampling rate: 96 kHz/48 kHz/44.1 kHz
- Electricity consumption - 30 W
- Max. external dimensions - 320 mm (W) × 376 mm (D) × 108 mm (H)
- Weight - 7.6 kg