Pioneer DJM-850  4 Channel Home and Mobile Mixer

Submitted by Lead   on 20-02-2012 00:02
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Also in the Gearbase: Pioneer DJ - Mixer Overview

Gearbase product details : Pioneer DJ DJM-850-K

The new Pioneer DJM-850 mixer basically follows up on the DJM-800 and can be the new standard for home and mobile DJs. It inherits a lot of the DJM-800 like the basic layout, BPM synced effects and the Filters (Color FX).

The biggest differences are the addition of Reverb, Spiral and Slip Roll (same as on DJM-900nxs) to the BPM Effects, slghtly modified Level/Depth rotary, 4 soundcards with DVS (and Traktor) support, and all new Beat Color FX. In fact the DJM-850 combines the most appriciated features of the DJM-800 and has the same footprint, but has in addition to that the same build quality as a DJM-900 and adds some new effects/filters.

The Pioneer DJM=850 will be available in Black (DJM-850-k) and there will also be a Silver version (DJM-850-s) available from late March 2012 onwards.

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4 Filters with parameter and Beat detect

The Pioneer DJM850 has 4 filters that let you manually control for each channel. When no filter is applied the rotary on each channel is in 12 o'clock position (pointing to top), at this position the parameter is 0 so no filter will be applied. To be sure to deactivate a filter, make sure there is none of the blue Filter buttons blinking (blinking means that this filter is active).


New Beat function (sidechaining)
When the Beat function is enabled the filter effects (Color FX) are listening to the audio input and applies rhythmical changes accoordingly to the filter. In basics it adds another rhythmical effect to the filter, which is different for each Color FX:

Noise : adds Ducking Volume
Cutter : adds Beat Repeat
Crush : adds Resonance
Filter : adds Resonance

4 Color FX Filter Effects

When looking closely to the Color FX section there are 3 which you probably allready know about as they are also present on the DJM-800, the Cutter is a brand new one.


Cutter: Cuts sound by sidechaining
The Cutter cuts (mutes) the sound depanding on the volume of the audio that is being used on the channel, in production terms this would be called side chaining.

If the rotated counter-clockwise the cutter just cuts the sound, if the rotary is rotated further to the Low position it cuts more of the sound, but leaves most of the lower (sub) frequencies through.

When the parameter is rotated clockwise the Cutter is also cutting most of the lower (sub) frequencies. This is nice to use when 2 or more tracks are active/live.


Noise: Creates a white noise
The Noise Color FX Filter can also be used on a channel without audio input and the level depands on the Trim setting. The frequency is related to the position of the parameter rotary.

When at Low position there is low frequency noise and the frequency increases untill just before 12 o'clock. There the frequency keeps increasing while the volume decreases in the last part. You want to use this part of the range if you want to end the noise when frequency is highest (ie. before a break)

When using the range from 12 o'clock untill High, the noise starts with a rapid volume fade in and low frequency noise. If a higher parameter is reached, the frequency increases. At High position the noise keeps present, you want to use this part of the range if you want to keep the noise going when it reaches the highest position, or if you use the Noise on a channel iwthout audio and use the fader to control the volume.


Crush: Crushes the sound
This might sound like a heavy distortion, but in fact this filter crushes the sound. It actually creates a sound like it over modulates the sample, this gives a very heavy sound.

When the parameter knob is rotated counter-clockwise the Crushers parameter is changed to a lower range.
When rotated clockwise, besides that the parameters range is working in the higher range, it also adds a LFO. This makes that the lower frequencies are cut.


Filter: cuts frequencies
This is a Low Pass Filter and a High Pass Filter combined, which is active depands on the direction you adjust the parameter.

When the knob is rotated left it activates a LPF, this uses a shelving filter to filter out the high frequencies. The further you rotate to the Low position, the more high frequencies at filtered out.

When rotated right there is a HPF active so a shelving filter is applied that filters out all low frequencies.

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Computer Connectivity

Like most DJ equipment the DJM-850 has a lot of features that can be used when connecting the mixer to a computer via a USB-B cable. The socket is located in the top left corner and is closed by a rubber lit. You can use any USB-B to USB-A cable to make this connection, those cable are available in any computer or electronics store.

4 Channel Sound Card
Build in the mixer are 4 stereo sound cards thatuse 24bit/96kHz processing to maintain all the quality of the tracks you're playing. Any of the 4 audio outputs of the DJM can be used and assigned in the majority of computer mixing software. With the included setup tool you can use your computer to fine tune all the settings and routings so you can also records a mix with a computer. The sample rates can be changed between 96kHz, 48kHz and 44.1kHz.

DVS supported
There are some mixing software that use a Digital Vinyl System feature that let's you use a timecode disc to control playback of the software. The DJM-850 is compatible with systems that have this feature so this makes you connect less equipment in the Booth as there is no need for a converter box that is mandatory for such systems. Traktor Scratch (Pro) (2) is a good example of software that has a DVS feature.

Full MIDI Control
The DJM-850 is equipped with full Midi output of nearly all of the faders and knobs. In total 62 Midi channels can be controlled by the DJM-850.

To give you maximum possibilities when you hook up the DJM-850 in a Midi chain you can assign almost all knobs to a certain Midi function in computer based setups with for example: Ableton Live.

Together with Abletons sequencer you control it all. Just setup the software the receive Midi through a certain channel and assign it to a function.

Also a lot of DJ Mix software like DJS, Traktor, Serato etc can also handle inputs via MIDI from a mixer to control the internal mixer. MIDI is the language, you decide who you're talking to.

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Improved Beat Effects
The DJM-850 offers a lot of the favourite effects that you might ecspect, it incoorperates the high quality and improved Reverb from the DJM-900 and also the Spiral effect. The Spiral is a wicked tape-echo inspired effect that has been introduced on the DJM-900.

The quality of the effects is 96kHz/24-bit, which is the same technology as used in the DJM-900nexus. There are 13 different build in effects onboard, each linked to the beat by a accurate BPM counter. This makes it possible for you to focus on other things. Just use the arrow keys just under the display to get the parameters calculated automatically.

When you doubt that the BPM counter is wrong you can easily Tap along with the beat and the Effects are linked to the tempo you've just set. My experience is that the BPM counter can be trusted, it is seldom off.

New Effect: Echo Up

Exlusive to the DJM=850 is the new Echo Up Beat Effect. The Level Depth now work from close untill 12 0'clock like a dry/Wet controll, but when opened up over this position the Echo Up will be pitched up as long as the Level/Depth is opened. This is a nice way to get some more energy buildup for ie. a break.

FX Boost, new Level/Depth functionality

When using the Reverb you'll notice a different way the Level/Depth knob works.

The Level/Depth all the way to counter-clockwise will give you the dry signal (without effect), at center position you'll get the full wet effect.

When rotating further clockwise the Reverb will be combined with a HPF (High Pass Filter). The Revers opened full will get you a Noise like reverb that holds on. When combined with the Noise Color FX you can get a wicked build up of energy, waiting to be unleashed at your command.

13 Beat Effects

The quality of the effects is 96kHz/32-bit, which is the same technology as used in the DJM-900nexus. There are 13 different build in effects onboard, each linked to the beat by a accurate BPM counter. Just use the arrow keys just under the display to get the parameters calculated automatically and adjusted to the tempo of the track of the selected channel.

Always make sure that 1 square is illuminated in the display, this indicates that the effect is synced with the audio. When a square is blinking it's still calculating the tempo, when 2 squares blink you definitly out of sync: do not activate the effect!

When you doubt that the BPM counter is wrong you can easily Tap along with the beat and the Effects are linked to the tempo you've just set. My experience is that the BPM counter can be trusted, it is seldom off.

1. Delay
2. Echo
3. Pitch Echo
4. Spiral
5. Reverb (renewed!)
6. Trans
7. Filter
8. Flanger
9. Phaser
10. Robot (Pitch/Vocoder)
11. Slip Roll
12. Roll (simple sampler)
13. Reverse Roll (reverse sampler)
14. Off course it is possible to set the effect section on Send/Return so you can use any external effects unit you would like.

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P-Lock Fader Caps

This is a technique of Pioneer that keeps the fader caps at it's place during rigid use. DO NOT try to pull of the cap without removing the safety, it is locked and you will break one or more parts.


To remove a fader cap you need to gently remove the lock, the white stripe on the cap is actual a small white plastic part that keeps the fader locked to the mixer.

The LEFT side is the side you want to lift with a small thin item. Be careful as the part is spring loaded and ejects when you lift it so you do not loose or break this part.

Once the lock is removed you can remove the cap like you use to. On the fader is still a small grey part attached, this can be removed by sliding it to the right. If you would replace a fader and need to remove the fader faceplate, you need to repeat this for all 4 Channel Faders and the Cross Fader.

Solid Build

Pioneer is increasing the mechanical strength of the hardware as the housing of the DJM-850 is build out of solid steel parts. You'll feel it when you want to lift one of these mixers, it is only slightly lighter than the DJM-900.

The faders are mountied in a solid way, giving a very direct feel to the mixer. All faders are mounted inside a frame and can be replaced easily, they are screwed with 2 tiny screws and a multi connector is used to connect the circuitboard.

Fader System

The fader itself is build of 4 main parts: a black casing with the sledge and a metal plate with the actual fader component attached to it. This is a solid system that can be serviced easily if it might be needed. And let's be fair, as the mixer is the workhorse of the DJ Booth each mixer needs it's service once in a while…

The Pioneer DJM-900nexus is equipped with new faders that has 2 steel bars that guide a small sledge. That on it's turn moves the actual fader.


The fader is placed under a 90 degrees angle in a container that would catch dust, liquids etc that might enter through the fader opening. Off course it should always be avoided that liquid enters electronically equipment, and this only acts as a safeguard to protect the other electronics inside the mixer.

The Fader Curve can be adjusted with a switch (lower right corner) in 3 modes: straight, logarithmical and halfway in between.

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General Features

Display
A bright Display showing you all necessary information:

Effect Name: The name of the selected effect, which channel the effect is active on and the time parameter that's calculated with the BPM.

Selected Channel: surrounded by a red square you get a very clear indication which channel is routed through the Effect Section.

BPM Parameter: The top number is the current tempo of the current tracks. When calculating the BP, the BPM speed is flashing. If the BPM indication is fully lit and an accurate BPM is measured.

Below the BPM reading you see the calculated time parameter that is related to the current BPM.

Midi Start/Stop
Sends out a Midi start of stop pulse to the Midi Output.

Beat < and >
The time (BPM related) parameter Effect Section can be changed instantly by pressing any of the Beat < or > button. After a press, the time parameter is divided or multiplied by 2.

Auto / Tap
When Auto is pressed the automatic BPM counter of the DJM800 is activated. When you start tapping the TAP button and sequentially hit it a few times, the DJM-800's effect section gets linked to the tempo you've just tapped.

Effects Selector
By rotating this knob you can choose the desired Effect you want to use.

Effects Routing
You can assign the effect section to any audio channel there is : Channels 1~4, Microphone, Cross Fader A or B or Master.

Time
Changes the time parameter of the effect manually for even more creativity.

Level/Depth
Although the exact functionality varies a little bit, this is the amount of effect you add to the original signal.

Toggle Effect On/Off
With an illuminated button the Effects section can instantly be toggled on and off. Use this on the beat for lots of cool combinations.

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Input Selector
Switch between Line, digital and Phono input

Gain Trim
The Gain Trim has a range from infinite (silent) to +9db. The most optimal setting of the Trim is around 12 O'clock (0dB).

Channel EQ Range



This is something that is already integrated to the EQ rotaries in the DJM-600:

In horizontal position to the left, the EQ is cut down to about -12dB.
When you rotate further down than horizontal to the left, the frequency of the EQ 'killed' to

If you want to gently fade in a track you might want to start with the EQ not all the way down, but around horizontal to the left. The kill is in most case to much for gentle mixing...



Use to route a channel to the designated site of the Cross Fader. When THRU is selected, the Cross Fader is bypassed.

Master Rotary
Instead of a fader, the DJM800 has a rotary control for the master level. This will prevent you from making accidental mistakes due to your sleeves or other miss-grabbing.

Balance
Sets the positions of the sound from left to right, when centered you feel a click.

VU Meters & Master Level
Do yourselves (and all sound engineers) a favor and keep the master VU-meter reading out of the red. This is the way to gain maximum benefits out of the sound quality of a mixer ( Maximizes Signal-to-Noise level).

This is not only for Pioneer mixers, but is is valid to all DJ mixers.

Booth Monitor
Control the Monitor Output for your monitor speakers. You can use this to connect to a monitor speaker system. This will enable you to use different levels for both outputs. Now you can turn down your booth volume without changing the master output, not noticeable for the the audience.

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Mic
The Primary Microphone Input features a combi connector that makes it possible to insert a microphone with a Jack or and XLR type connector. Most professional microphones have an XLR type connector, that give a more reliable connection than with a Jack Phone type connector. Phantom power is not supplied so you can only use dynamic microphones, but that is main type of microphone that is available.

There is also a second Microphone Input with a Jack type connector, this channel has a separate Input Trim but uses the same EQ setting as the Combi input.

Microphone Level
You can set the level of both microphones in the range from infinite (not hearable/muted) to 0dB. Both microphones can be used at the same time and on a different level but the EQ setting for both is the same.

Microphone EQ



Microphone Selector
With this switch in the most left position (OFF) the microphone signal is muted and not hearable on the master. The same effect as if the Mic Level is set to infinite.

When set to the center position (ON) that microphone signal is mixed with the Master, the level is set by the Mic Level rotary.

The most right position (TALK OVER) activates an input controlled mute, also called Talk Over. When a sound is detected on the Microphone Input higher than -15dB all channels will be attenuated with -20dB.

This indicates the new and improved features of the DJM800 when compared to the DJM-800 mixer.

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