Pioneer DJ was pretty quiet at NAMM this year, lacking a single product release aside from their own analog synth. A month and a half later, they’re launching an update to one of their cheapest two channel mixers – the DJM-250MK2. With a built-in DVS soundcard and a Rekordbox DJ and DVS license, Pioneer DJ is making a play for a budget-conscious starter DVS solution. Keep reading to learn more about the feature set on the DJM-250MK2
Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2
- Product: DJM-250MK2
- Manufacturer: Pioneer DJ
- Price: $349
- Availability: March 23rd 2017 (pre-order yours from the DJTT Store)
The DJM-250MK2 is the cheapest DJ mixer that Pioneer DJ offers – but with this new upgrade to a MK2 version, they’ve added a ton of value that the old DJM-250 never had:
- Built In DVS Soundcard: Adding a soundcard to an introductory level DJ mixer is huge – and Pioneer DJ is clearly using this as a play to get new DJs using their Rekrodbox DJ software (which is also included, along with a DVS expansion pack). The soundcard supports input and output – so yes, you can send control signal to your DJ software, but you can also record your final mix as a record out as well.
- Isolator EQ Section: Instead of just normal EQs, the three-band mixing section is now full-kill isolators. This is a switchable option on the higher-end DJM models, so to see isolation EQ on this cheaper mixer is awesome.
- Filter Color FX with Parameter Knob: One of the best things about the newer DJM mixers is the ability to control the intensity of the Sound Color FX. While the DJM-250MK2 only has one such effect (Filter), being able to adjust the parameter knob to make it less intense is a solid mixing tool. Many DJs don’t like Pioneer’s traditional filters because they’re “too bright/sharp” – so this eliminates that entirely.
- Magvel Crossfader: Pioneer’s new standard turntablism crossfader is on this mixer – rated for >10 million movements. It’s the same fader as on the DJM-900NXS2 and the DJM-S9 mixers.
The new model has a complete physical overhaul, with design that matches the rest of the DJM family. Here’s a good comparison image – the new DJM-250MK2 is on the left, while the older MK1 model is on the right:
DJM-250MK2 Feature List
Here’s the complete feature list of the new DJM-250MK2 from the official press release:
- Magvel crossfader, smooth channel faders and 3-band isolators Mixing and scratching on the DJM-250MK2 feels instinctive and effortless. The Magvel crossfader – taken from the flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer – is accurate, smooth, and durable for more than 10 million movements. Precise, fluid mixes are a breeze using the mixer’s channel faders, and the 3-band isolators give precision across the highs, mids, and lows. You can use them to totally eliminate each frequency range when you turn the knob all the way to the left.
- Flagship filter with nuanced control: Get creative in the mix using the filter inherited from the Sound Color FX on the flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer. Simply turn the knob on each channel to apply the filter, then create unique textures by twisting the parameter knob to adjust resonance and add tension to your performance.
- Built-in sound card and easy recording: Connect the DJM-250MK2 to your PC/Mac using a single USB cable. The USB connection supports sound input and output, so you can record your mixes to your computer’s hard drive.
- Bundled licenses for rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs: The DJM-250MK2 comes with free license keys for our professional dj performance applications, rekordbox dj (requires rekordbox version 4.3.0 or higher, available from 1st of March 2017) and rekordbox dvs, worth $228.00 combined. Use them together to play digital tracks from your PC/Mac using either multi players or turntables and control vinyl (available separately).
- High-quality sound: Hear the true, high-quality sound of your tracks whether you’re playing from digital or analog sound sources thanks to the mixer’s dithering technology.
- Other features
- XLR terminal – high-quality audio output
- Two headphone outputs – ¼-inch stereo jack and 3.5-mm mini jack
- Signal GND terminal – easily attach and securely hold ground wires from analog turntables
- Independent Mic section – use a microphone and the Aux input at the same time
Great mixer design, however the absence of even a basic FX section will definitely limit the creativeness of transition opportunities with this. Of course, EQ/filtering can do a bunch of cool things, but they didn’t even include FX send/return to use an outboard EFX unit like a Kaossilator or something
Agreed – a send/return really would be great – BUT remember this mixer is now focused on DVS with Rekordbox – so using software effects is the solution.
kudos pioneer! this is pretty damn cool for a home setup. Probably gonna grab this. And those saying the price is too high… damn! It comes with DVS! damn good at this price point.
Anyone know the purpose of the “Wake Up” label under the filter?
some Pioneer mixers go into a sleep/standby mode if they’re left on for a long time without any audio passing through them – pretty sure this is for waking them back up without power-cycling
By default this button is triggered to the airhorn sample. so when the crowd is falling asleep between to drops, you can just hit the “Wake up” button (several times for best results). Nice feature I think.
after watching the trailer i just wanted move my furniture
This is the Mercedes-Benz version of the DJ-Tech DIF series, an overengineered budget mixer aimed at both club & scratch DJs wanting something more than just “bugdet” but still without paying a premium.
They absolutely nailed it. Pioneer is slowly covering every single part of the DJ market with at least one premium choice.
Nobody needs booth out at this price range, if you really utilize it you most definetely have something much better for a mixer. Or you have both a booth (???) & a PA inside your bedroom, lol. If you have no use for the Pio fx, then this is your choice without paying for them.
i’m 100% with you on this one!
+1
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I’d like to see a XDJ-700 mkII to go with these.
I’d love to see beatjump added to the mk2’s if they ever get released. It’s the only feature keeping me from buying the current model.
I’m waiting on lossless file support.
Recordbox now does flac.
What are you waiting for lossless file support on?
I wonder if you can adjust the cut in, and lag of the crossfader with the software like on the s9? The front controls are gone, I havn’t tried one but heard it’s a great fader
I don’t think so…it says magvel fader,the s9 says magvel pro…I wonder if one could put the actual S9 fader in this….would be cooler
If anyone finds out Please share
I watched the video a few times, and I didn’t see anything regarding the curve adjustment for the faders either. Maybe they’re managed in the software?
I’d like this mixer with a pair of XDJ-1000s. I really like the price point too. I was also looking at the DJM450.
This and a couple plx 500s look like a good beginner set. Would be a great deal if cert by NI
Right now it’s just Rekordbox at launch. We’ll see who actually ends up certifying it…
It’s a great deal for the DJ turned Producer that has an outdated SL1, failing mixer and a pair of turntables. If you want to see how your tracks “play out” you can practice using the same software that you prep for playing on CDJs at the club. Most producers I know want to spend their money on new analog hardware, not a new DVS kit they use mainly at home. It’s decent bang for the buck.
This is me…
Although i still torture myself by carting around my serato box and laptop and plugging every time i play out, still never been on using cdjs as a controller. i do like the idea of being able to put together my sets on my turntables at home and having all my playlists/cue points ready to go via usb if i end up venturing that route. what i hope for though would be that the DVS hardware becomes standardised across the entire pioneer range meaning clubs using a fully up to date pioneer setup, i’d be able to plug my laptop straight into the mixer and go with none of the cable faff. that would be the dream!
avoid the plx500s like plague.
I was planning on bying a plx500. Should I avoid the plx500? Why?
Here’s a Pioneer “Premium” Turntable, the pricey PLX 1000. Watch the whole clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX_fNeNApos
… And now imagine a PLX 500, which is the “cheaper” version.
P.S. You’re welcome! 😛
Edit: Boooo, the original video has been taken down! This is just the short version, you should have seen the inside of the turntable!
No booth control? That’s a no-go for me.
Yep, absolutely missing an essential feature that every unit should have.
Simple fix.
Master out via XLR.
Booth out via Phono (RCA if you’re on the other side of the Atlantic) via one of these;
https://www.gak.co.uk/en/fostex-pc-1/55415?gclid=CjwKEAiA_9nFBRCsurz7y_Px8xoSJAAUqvKC–O0qYJisoXomhTzrG-166VxI3vqTTZRI2HuvITpNxoC1BTw_wcB
That’s the best solution I came across as well @disqus_1kj3NEU7fq:disqus
Better option is just use a mixing board for booth out.
Meh, please no..
Hopefully Traktor will certify that mixer.
The DJM-450 currently works like a champ (output routing in Traktor) with the pioneer drivers installed, and I imagine the same with this model. I’m not sure about timecode control, but I assume that doesn’t work.
Ive just bought the 250mk2, i have tested on traktor 2.6.2 mac and works perfect for mixing, i did the hack for DVS support based on the tutorial explained on YouT and didnt worked, thats because Traktor still not recognizes the inputs like RBox, ive checked in Ableton how inputs on mixer works and no matter where you connect the source audio on the 8 RCA inputs, you will see activity on 5/6 only, in RBox they have routed to phono 1 and 2, while you are in USB for playback, phono input is available for DVS signal, ive made the DVS test of RBox with a pair of Traktor timecode vinyls, and the only difference is songs plays 2 times faster than normal and i think thats because of the frequency of the timecode signal, not sure if MKII vinyls from Traktor will work in RBox.
thank you is great deal for the price smal mixer and more extra inputs maybe i have to save money