My review of Pioneer's DJM-800.

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Johnpuga1982

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First off this is a vast improvement from the DJM-600/3000. However, I feel that it isn't worth the investment.

I'll start off with the slide faders. They are pretty smooth. There is just enough resistance in the upperward movement.

I like how Pioneer replaced the master volume control with a rotary knob. There have been times when I have accidently bumped up the master out fader on the DJM-600.

The effect on the DJM-800 aren't as harsh as on the DJM-600/3000. However, I'm still not a fan of them. The filter sweeps however are intresting. I do like those. However I prefer the big knobs of as isolator of vermona action filter.

The DJM-800 doesn't sound distrorted when the faders are passed 8. Or when both channels are at 10 during a mix. That was something that really bothered me with the DJM-600.

I don't like how it converts everything to 24bit. Turntables sound weak through it.

The highs can get very harsh and there is no low end to that mixer.

The effects LED display is a great improvment. It easy to see and navigate through in the dark.

Over all a great improvement from the previous mixers, but still not worth the money. If it were 500 dollars cheaper, then it would be a great buy.
 
I use the DJM 800 and beg to differ on a few of your issues you point out. First off you need to state the gear...ie amps speakers you used to do your review. This basically just sounds like someone complaining about how much the gear cost. Pioneer gear has never ever been cheap. If you buy Pioneer you are getting your moneys worth whether you realize it or not. Pioneer gear will hold it's value long after that piece has been replaced. The 800 made tremendous improvements since the 600. Look how long the 600 has been on the market. The 800 will be on the market for years. This mixer is the sweet spot for many club dj's.
 
I have to agree with Tigersharc actually. The price looks extortionate at first glance but really the Pioneer has made leaps and bounds since the already brilliant DJM 600. And you didn't hear many people complain about the price of that. I admit i've only used the 800 a couple of times (im trying to get my hands one as we speak) but it's easily one of the best mixers I've ever used surpassing the Xone 92. Saying that it would be a great buy if it were $500 cheaper is a massive statement, I personally think its worth every penny.
 
I used it on an all RCF sound system.

My home set up:
3 x Technics Mk2's
3 x CDJ-1000
Original Urei 1620

In the process of buying an Allen & Heath V6 and two Funktion One Resolution 2's for monitoring. Look up any of that equipment and I'm sure you will see its all quality and cost alot more then the DJM-800. There for I'm not bitching about the cost, but more of the cost per quality issue.

My first mixer was a DJM-500. I got rid of it as fast as I could after playing on a Rane MP 2016. Pioneer caters to the bells and whistle djs.

Hell I've a heard a Funktion One Sound System sound less then par do to a DJM-600 hooked up for the night. All the top club I've been, with top dollar sounds systems pass on that pieace of ****. They use Rane MP 2016. Example: Club Space in Miami, Club Shelter in NYC, Crobar Miami and Chicago, Nikki Beach in Miami, etc...

Here is a nice article I found.

http://www.ibiza-voice.com/news/news2003.php?id=223
 
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I know what stuff your into I remember you from a while ago being into the really high quality valve amps and mixers like the V6 and along with Mattu and the other old schoolers you were one of original people using the Urei 1620's. When I saw this post I was surprised as I figured the DJM 800 is aimed at a different market yourself. Which from the post above it obviously is.

From my perspective I can't use Urei's, V6's or the 92's with the rotaries and the like because my style of mixing doesn't suit rotary mixers and its the same for many Dj's, however there are many Dj's like yourself (I also remember your mixes - excellent by the way) who do adopt a far different, calmer and gentle form of mixing. I think the DJM 600 was built to be a club standard - a compromise between both extremes to accommodate all Dj's - for me that was the point of the 600 and the 800 is just a continuation of that. It wasn't built to be perfect for you or me but to accommodate both of us. Im not sure how it works in the US but in clubs in the UK with many different genres and styles of Dj playing in the same clubs, the installations have to welcome every Dj (with the exceptions of the Super Clubs that install every high end piece of equipment going!).

Just me thoughts, I hope none of that sounded offensive!!
 
I've found the Ecler to be a better option. Their Nuo 5 is great slide mixer. It also is $500 USD cheaper.
 
I think this is not really a review then. Because in this case you aren't taking all dj's into consideration. I don't like rotary knobs on a mixer. I do however appreciate quality. With that said the DJM 800 is quality as are all the models you refer to John. So really a disclaimer to dj's as to the styles they play may have made a little difference. Your information can be informative to a new shopper, but you may scare them away based off the fact that you didn't like the price. I always tell people try before you buy. Everyone is different.
 
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