Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 Review"
After Pioneer DJ granted two overhauls to its long-running CDJ-2000 in the Nexus version, the Japanese DJ equipment manufacturer claims to introduce with the CDJ-3000 not only a "new dimension" in terms of name. Cosmetically, functionally, and also technically, a big step forward has been taken, instead of just making minor improvements, without betraying its typical CDJ premium attitude. Although it doesn't really correspond to the CDJ designation anymore, as playing CDs is a thing of the past with the CDJ-3000.
Instead, the multimedia DJ player focuses exclusively on connected USB sticks, SD cards, hard drives, or even laptops or iPhones as playback devices and interfaces as a controller with rekordbox, but also in the future with Serato DJ Pro. To convert advocates of compact discs and previous models to the new CDJ-3000, convincing arguments are needed, provided by Pioneer DJ.
New Features - Familiar Interface
"Never change a running System!" - accordingly, Pioneer DJ adheres to the established design. And that's a good thing because anything else could unsettle DJs in their rehearsed workflow when switching to the flagship.
In direct comparison, however, there are numerous differences. The new CDJ-3000 is three centimeters longer, but slightly thinner, probably due to the elimination of the CD slot. Also, the once outdated bar, limited to four Hot Cues, has been doubled and placed more prominently under the new 9-inch touchscreen display.
The revised display is primarily functional and is one of the unique selling points. With "Touch-Preview," any point in the track can be searched by touching the preview in the reduced waveform overview.
If multiple players are linked via Pro DJ Link, tracks from another player can be previewed. Pioneer DJ has also improved the waveform display. In addition, the CDJ-3000 represents the waveform of tracks analyzed with rekordbox as 3-band, allowing the structure to be visually recognized based on the represented bass and highs.
Functionally, Pioneer DJ has also added to the CDJ-3000 a dedicated Key Shift and Key Sync function for manually or automatically adjusting the key between decks for harmonic transitions.
Furthermore, the Auto Beat Loop section has been expanded with an 8-beat Loop button, and even odd beat structures can be looped, regardless of the beat or bar count. Beat Jumps also make their debut, allowing for jumping forward or backward in the track by 14 to 64 quantized beats.
Jogwheels and Internal Features
For a more direct vinyl feeling, Pioneer DJ has reduced the latency of the Jog-Wheel by half. The resistance can naturally be adjusted according to personal preferences. In the center, the color LCD display shows as usual the playback position and the cover of the loaded track. The Japanese manufacturer promotes the CDJ, equipped for the first time with an MPU, consisting of a Quad Core Cortex Arm at 1.2 gigahertz or Dual Core Cortex Arm at 1.5 gigahertz, offering thus more stable performance and a smoother workflow.
Regarding the sound, the CDJ-3000 now operates with a 96 kHz/32-bit interface for a fuller, more natural, and detailed sound with a frequency range from 4 to 40,000 Hertz. The improved digital-to-analog converter also reduces digital noise.
The Gigabit LAN not only connects up to six players but also sends information via supported Pro DJ Link for phrase analysis to the DJ software rekordbox, to control lighting effects in sync with the played beats via the optionally available RB-DMX1 interface.
At the rear, the CDJ-3000 features, in addition to the network socket for the lockable power cable, an analog RCA and digital coaxial output, as well as a USB-A or USB-B port and a LAN socket.
Performance in Everyday Life
Right from the unboxing and powering up, you feel beamed into a new dimension, especially thanks to the outstanding touch display.
In addition to the updates already mentioned, the even more responsive, high-resolution screen impresses with the improved search function, including keyboard, to pinpoint tracks more effectively rather than just scrolling.
Furthermore, some features on the screen can be triggered instantly. Pioneer DJ also delivers on the latency promise with the Jog-Wheel, making scratching even better, although it still lacks the true vinyl feeling due to the absence of motorization.
After feeding the CDJ-3000 with data managed via rekordbox, the player wastes no time after docking and takes over all relevant data.
Additionally, all waveforms are displayed instantly. However, track editing prior to playback in rekordbox is unavoidable as the CDJ-3000 does not support onboard analysis.
For those who prefer to use the player as a controller for the Performance Mode of rekordbox with a connected laptop, this can be easily achieved, as the CDJ-3000 unlocks the software for free.
Serato DJ Pro is also expected to be triggered in the future. And even rekordbox iOS on iPhone obeys the CDJ-3000, provided the device is docked via USB cable. A wireless Wi-Fi connection to stream tracks from the player is omitted, as it is still not widely adopted in the professional club and festival scene.
Our Verdict
The Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 is likely to once again establish itself as the standard for club and festival DJs. Its enhanced workflow with the larger, significantly brighter display alongside new waveform representation and features speak volumes.
Its smoother performance, virtually latency-free Jog-Wheel, and high-resolution rich sound speak for themselves. Also, the eight Hot-Cues, extended Beat-Loop and Beat-Jump section, and Key-Shift or Key-Sync are features you won't want to go without - though the CD drive, you might. No regrets if you're armed with this player for the next dimension.
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