Pioneer XDJ-1000 MK2: Top featured non-CD media player

Pioneer XDJ-1000 MK2 is our best-selling non-CD media player, and to be honest, it is not difficult to understand why. Easy navigation combines with high-calibre features to create an all-in-one design that delivers a whole host of sonic entertainment options. Do not let its media player status let you underestimate how fully integrated this design fits within a DJ set up. Let’s take a closer look at the model to see why it is so popular.

Updated Design

The MK2 updates and surpasses the original MK1 by borrowing features from the high-end CDJ-2000NXS2, namely its 7 inch, full colour high resolution touch screen. Vibrantly colourful, it is hard to resist the lure of the screen which also enlivens the model with a bold and effortlessly appealing look. The track browsing functionality of the MK1 has been markedly improved by the addition of a new Track Filter that very handily filters tracks by BPM and key, making it super-easy to find that specific track at urgent notice. Further inheritances from the CDJ-2000NXS2 include the large jog wheel and innovative features such as 8 Hot Cues and Quantize. We found that these borrowed features really do offer a full and instinctive control over your mix, an advantage that is difficult to find in lower priced media players that do not share this model’s illustrious heritage.

Intricate Sound

Alongside MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF, the XDJ-1000MK2 supports high-quality FLAC and ALAC sound formats up to 48kHz/24-bit. A digital output has been added to send audio without degradation, while the power supply for analogue audio is completely separated from the digital circuit to reduce unwanted noise interruptions. In a model that offers so much functionality, it is heartening to see that the quality of sound has not been compromised.

Speedy Browsing

Easily browse your rekordbox library using the rotary button next to the display, or use the Qwerty keyboard to search for specific keywords. This is a neat little feature that enhances the user’s experience. Advanced features such as Matching and Track Filter help you play the right track at the right time, so you can be assured that your model won’t let you down when you need specific track at a moment’s notice.

Full-Integration

The MK2 offers full connectivity so you can seamlessly integrate it into your sound set up with ease. The USB socket comes into its own here, itself an update of the MK1, which allows you to connect the model to Pioneer’s DDJ-SP1 to access more performance features and effects to ramp up your creations. The Pro DJ Link is also super-useful here as it allows you to connect up to 4 players or laptops via a LAN connection. This can then be combined with Pioneer’s emblematic Recordbox DJ software, which opens up access to innovative features and track information such as Beat Sync, Beat Countdown, Beat Jump and Phase Meter. We also like how the model can be connected to the Toraiz SP-16, with Pro Link DJ allowing you to share beat grid information between the two models. The most appealing feature of the MK2 has to be how it seamlessly incorporates high-calibre features from the CDJ-2000NXS2 into an affordably priced model. The inclusion of the high-resolution touchscreen is a game changer itself that sets the model apart from other media players on the market. This, combined with the other borrowed features such as enhanced track browsing functionality and access to Hot Cues and Quantize, results in a model that while not cheap, offers a generous amount for its price point.