Pioneer is announcing two major releases with one of them confirming recent speculations surrounding a successor to the XDJ-RX. Out of Pioneer’s Professional Audio department comes a new speaker that is prepared for club/restaurant installation as well as going on tour. Read more below to see the latest hardware coming from Pioneer.
XDJ-RX2
Hardware: XDJ-RX2
Price: $1,699.00 in the DJTT store
Availability: Late September 2017
The latest addition to the Pioneer DJ family is the XDJ-RX2, the successor to the popular all-in-one DJ system. The XDJ-RX2 inherits features and design traits from Pioneer’s NXS2 set-up. Like the XDJ-RX, this is an all-in-one unit that can function with just a USB or with a laptop running Rekordbox using the Link Export Mode. DJs can expect a more modern layout with familiar features. Some standout parts of this generation include:
- New 7” Touch-Screen Display: This new display allows DJs to zoom in on tracks using Wave Zoom. DJs can also call up a QWERTY keyboard to quickly find the next track to play.
- Inspiration from DJM-900NXS2: The mixer on this unit uses similar EQs and channel faders with curves that are equivalent to what is found in the DJM-900NXS2. Color FX and Beat FX are making a comeback as well.
- Multi-colored Performance Pads: The eight performance pads include different colors, much like the pads found in other professional hardware.
Like the XDJ-RX, the mixer section can be used as a standalone mixer, with both phono and line inputs on each channel. The input/output section hasn’t changed and is still limited. Yet, for a two channel mixer, it’s a decent set – including XLR and RCA master outs, 1/4″ TRS booth outs, and two mic inputs. Interestingly, there is no longer an ethernet link port on the XDJ-RX2. (See below.)
XY-3B and XY-2 Hybrid Speakers
- Hardware: XY-3B and XY-2
- Price: ~$5,500 for the XY-3B; ~$3,000 for the XY-2
- Availability: Early 2018
On the professional audio side of things, Pioneer is announcing two additions to the XY series: the XY-3B three-way full range speaker and the XY-2 mid-high speaker. Both deliver natural audio at the high sound pressure level (SPL) required for large venues and outdoor events. What truly makes these speakers unique is that these aren’t installation speakers and they aren’t touring rigs. These are meant to be seen as hybrid units for both instances.
Specifically, the XY-3B is rigging and tour ready. Flying hardware options will become available along with ground stacking configurations. For tours and festivals, the XY-3B wheel board attaches to create a safe and easy way to transport the speakers. The XY-3B can also stacks two-high and four-wide to maximize space when transporting.
The XY-3B speaker is the product of three years of using 3D printers to create components that produced natural sound. An 8-inch cone driver delivers precise mid-range frequencies using Pioneer Pro Audio’s X-Phase system. A 1-inch compression driver produces clear high-frequencies which, thanks to the molded Bi-horn, seamlessly blends with the mids. (See the video below for a more detailed explanation.) Finally, two 12-inch cone drivers create tight, chest-pumping low end.
The additional unit XY-2 unit is the mid-high component from the XY-3B. This provides the same mid-high range coverage as its big brother at a fraction of the size. This makes the XY-2 a good candidate to be a PA speaker for large stadiums, a DJ booth monitor, or as a down fill for an XY-3B cluster setting.
Be sure to check back soon for pre-orders on the DJ TechTools Store!
