Feeling left behind by other companies high-end club mixer offerings, Pioneer announced the DJM-1000, a six channel 24 bit/96 kHz club mixer with all the upper end features of competitors including digital in/out, a MIDI out, curve control of both the cross fader and the channel fader, and 2 Send/Returns with three types, Pre Insert, Post Insert and Aux. As a bridge to sync their ground-breaking DVJ-X1 DVD DJ deck, the mixer includes a link for rudimentary syncing. The DJM-1000 includes an Isolator on the Master out for three band "kill" options of the Hi, Mid and Low frequencies. The aesthetic choice of the silver Isolator section on the elegant all-black mixer is suspect, because it looks like an add-on instead of a cohesive thought. We'd like to see Pioneer develop a solid back light system on all their pro club mixers to reveal every knob, button and slider. That way the mixer can be easily manipulated in the darkest of club environments. Even a light bridge on the top of the mixer shining down, would be a huge benefit. The DJM-1000 will be available in April for under $3000 dollars.

Pioneer also showcased the EFX-1000, a big brother to their EFX-500 DJ effects processor. The EFX-1000 is a full 24bit 96 kHz unit with digital I/O, MIDI in/out, and a digital link mode for unique interaction with the DJM-1000 mentioned above. Fourteen effects can be modulated by BPM or with the new Rhythm Mode that allows the user to input their own cadence. The EFX-1000 has expanded the sonic control of the effects including a "Character" parameter and the revamped Jog Break wheel that sports several new options. The unit is far more robust than its baby brother. The meters and digital readouts are easy to read, and most of the buttons are backlit. The EFX-1000 should be in stores by the Spring and will retail for $999.
www.pioneerdj.com

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Futuremusic wants to thank everyone who participated in The Next Big Thing 2004. John Digweed, Beatport, Alienware, M-Audio, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia, PVDJ, PK Graphics, Ableton, The DubHouse, Propellerheads, Technics, FreeFloat, The Church, PCDJ and every DJ who entered this year's event thank you. From the sheer number of quality mixes, we can tell you that dance music is thriving in the United States. The amount of outstanding talent and creativity really blew us away, and every DJ who's putting their heart, mind and soul behind the music is a winner. John Digweed has made his decision and the winner is...