The Pioneer Pro-DJ History Pioneer DJ Products on a Historical Timeline
Submitted by Lead
on 25-02-2009 21:23This content is © 2009-2025 The DJResource
Historical Timeline
In this article I wanted to create a timeline of Pioneer DJs products as an historical overview. It contains all products launched in Europe up to 2009. Each product is mentioned with some unique or new features and it's introduction and discontinuation dates here in Europe.
There are some region specific products launched in this period, they can all be found in the Pioneer DJ Full History in the Gearbase, see link on the right.
Pioneer ProDJ
Pioneer has quit some history with their DJ products. In the following overview you'll see the time-table in which new Pioneer ProDJ products are released. Many of the features that Pioneer DJ included in their DJ products are copied by or imitated by other brands.
For many of these features it was Pioneer that was the first to set the industry standard (marked with ).
Reliable Data
The information used to write this article is gathered by me, Lead. I work for Pioneer DJ since 1999 and am responsible for the Dutch market, I've introduced all products in the Netherlands launched after 1999 so I'm pretty sure about the dates.
Besides that, products where added to this article shortly after launch (in the beginning). I've stopped maintaining this topic around 2009, but kept keeping track of launch dates of all the products in the Gearbase.
Where are all other models
Products not mentioned in this article and products launched after 2009 can be found in an historical timeline that is build for every brand in the Gearbase.
I've added all dates now in one place and also am pretty sure that these are ALL the dj products ever made by Pioneer DJ (and I can talk about
)
See Pioneer DJ Full History
Products Listed here
All these products are discontinued and no longer available, ordered by introduction year
Pioneer MA-62 Mixer
Not really a DJ product but I when I dove into the archives and found out that this is probably the very first mixer product of Pioneer ever. When introduced the ProDJ name for this business was still not invented.
6 Channel portable audio mixer with brand new features for those days like Pan-pot's, mute switch and more.
about Pioneer MA-62
Pioneer SE-450 Headphones
This model was not originally designed to be used by DJ's and was only sold in Consumer Electronic stores.
The SE-450 became exceptionally famous amongst DJs as nearly all DJs (in Netherlands for sure) used this model as it was cheap and reliable.
about Pioneer SE-450
Pioneer CDJ-500 CD Player
First DJ product from Pioneer
This was the world first DJ CD Player with Master Temp and a Jog Dial to control the pitch bend.
There are rumours about the CDJ-300 being released before the CDJ-500 but the true story is that it was released roughly a year after the CDJ-500 and was only released in the USA. The CDJ-300 was available in Japan as the CDJ-30. Both models did not have the Loop button and was in fact a lower cost version of the CDJ-500 due to the missing Loop.
Jogdial
Is the Pioneer Concept of the best possible control over your player. That lots of other manufacturers copied Pioneer's design is a prove of the originality of the design.
Master Tempo
Is a digital correction that holds the key of the music to the key that is was originally meant (at 0% pitch). This means that you can use the tempo (pitch) control without you hearing that the key of the music changes qualitative to the pitch correction you make. Also when you use the Pitch Bend function you'll hear no noticeable change in the music accept the change of speed (not the change of the music).
Realtime Loop Function
This was limited to 7 minutes, but never before DJ's could use an Seamless Loop with so much ease. The CUE also sets the Loop In point, with a separate button the Loop Out point could be set.
Pioneer DJM-500 Mixer
BPM Tempo Synced Effects
This 4 channel mixer brought the DJ a new instrument to use during his performances : EFFECTS that are linked to the BPM of the track that he is playing at that moment.
Includes 7 effects: Auto BPM counter, Delay, Echo, Reverb, Pitch Shifter, Flanger and Send/Return (This enables the use of your own effect-toy-box.)
about Pioneer DJM-500
Pioneer CDJ-500II CD Player
After feedback from the market the CDJ-500 was adjusted to some small points : Longer Loop (now 14 minutes) and better Master Tempo are the mean features that got improved.
From a distance you can notice the difference in layout because the CDJ-500II has a second light colored button near the center of the top face of the player.
about Pioneer CDJ-500II
Pioneer SE-DJ5000 Headphones
This was the very first Headphones that Pioneer has designed for DJ-purposes. Although the SE-450 had became a standard in the industry that solid model was not designed for it.
The SE-DJ5000 features a removable shoulderpad, mono/stereo switch, curl cord with a length of 3 meters. And at the end of it is a dual-connector so this headphones can also be used on your personal audio (ie. walkman or iPod).
about Pioneer SE-DJ5000
Pioneer CDJ-500s/CDJ-700s CD Player
Oil-dampened floating Drive Assy
These 'shock absorbers' became a standard for ALL future CD player that Pioneer introduced afterwards.
The CDJ-500s had a small Footprint for easy installation (width=1/2 19').
The maximum Loop time is 10 minutes.
In America the modelnumber is : Pioneer CDJ-700s and has identical specifications.
about Pioneer CDJ-500s
Pioneer CDJ-500II LTD CD Player
The CDJ500II Limited has 2 extra features when compared to the CDJ-500II:
Loop Out point can now be adjusted and the total Loop length is now endless (max length of CD).
about Pioneer CDJ-500II LTD
Pioneer DJM-300(s) Mixer
Two channel basic dj mixer with replaceable crossfader, 3 band Equalizers and BPM counter per channel.
In Europe since introduction available in two colors : black and silver, The US only has the black version.
about Pioneer DJM-300(s)
Pioneer CDJ-100s CD Player
This player has become a legend: Reliable, Strong and Compact. Although it was never designed for, lots of people used the CDJ-100s for drive-in and (semi) professional jobs. I was probably the first real shock-proof CD player around.
Longest available CDJ player, it was available for just over 14 years.
Slot In Loading System, no disc tray sticking out
3 build-in effects: Jet, Zip and Wah, parameter controlled by jog.
Pioneer EFX-500 Effector
First Digital Effect processor
Designed by and for DJ's. Featuring Midi sync possibility, a combination of effect from DJM-500/CDJ-100s with a friendly user interface.
After the introduction some DJ's embraced this products, others rejected it. I think it's DJ dependent if this is a product that you are willing to use. The ones that are using it don't want to perform without it, because you get so used to using the effects, that your set doesn't feel complete without it.
about Pioneer EFX-500
Pioneer DJM-600 Mixer
This was the result of re-developing the DJM-500 and adding lots of features and effects. Using the effect section on the crossfader gives you real control over the situation.
Among the new features of the DJM-600 are : -26db EQ (almost kill), record output, crossfader curve adjustment, crossfader assign for each channel, Headphones Split and 8 seconds Sampler and 9 Effects (also linked to the BPM).
In USA the DJM-600 is introduced in silver and they have never had the possibility to order this model in black. In Europe the black version came first as DJM-600 and much later the silver DJM-600-s was made available in Europe as well.
Longest available DJM Mixer : 11 years.
about Pioneer DJM-600
Pioneer CMX-5000 Twin CD Player
The first twin CD player from Pioneer with lot's of features you're used to from previous products.
CMX-5000 has Pitch Bend, Master Tempo, Loop, Jog Dial. But also the new Auto Beat Mix which gives you a way to play tracks from 2 different CD's in a programmable order with automated crossings between 2 tracks.
about Pioneer CMX-5000
Pioneer CDJ-1000 CD Player
This was definitely a breakthrough product for Pioneer Pro-DJ. Never before came the control of a CD player this close to the controls of the regular vinyl AND offers you so much extra's.
Vinyl Emulation
Waveform Display (audio curves stored on MMC)
3 Hot-CUE's (stored on MMC)
Jog Display
And also Reverse Play, Slot-In Loading System (also reads CD-RW), Shock Resist Memory and Endless Loop.
To be able to merge multiple MMC's a MMC reader and independent software (like MMC Merger) is needed.
about Pioneer CDJ-1000
Pioneer CMX-3000 Twin CD Player
After the CMX-5000 lots of feedback from the market was retrieved and in combination with new technology the CMX-3000 was born. The Jog Dial is 110mm in diameter with separate glass (non-rotating). Buttons are from rubber instead of the usual hard-surface that Pioneer is used to use.
Waveform Display
Emergency Loop to press once to start a 4-beat loop
Data Memory holds 20 CUE's/LOOPS per CD for 1000 CD's.
Smart Overwrite overwrites your least used CUE point
Pioneer DJM-3000 Mixer
The DJM-3000 is not so much of a brand new mixer, but more a re-designed DJM-600 with a few changes in design and features.
Optional : Rotary Panel
Rhythmical Effect Mix
This list will mention the differences with a DJM-600.
- 19'' width (48cm) to fit for rackmount
- 4 Phono Inputs
- 4 Fader Start connectors
- NO Sampler !
Pioneer DMP-555 Media Player
Multi Media Player, the first Pioneer DJ-product that plays MP3 music and includes some neat features. Connect the DMP-555 to your computer and play music from your MP3 collection on your hard disk or copy this on the SD card.
Use the included software DJ-Booth software to control the DMP-555 or manage your music files. You can also use the DJS software, release in 2005.
Second shortest available product with 1 year and 8 month. Pioneer was to far ahead of it's time, DJs where not ready for portable media (yet).
SD card to store play MP3 music
about Pioneer DMP-555
Pioneer DJM-600-S Mixer
In the USA the silver model is the only one available (since 1998), although it has a slightly darker, more titanium than the European model.
In Europe we had to do it with the black version only until now. All color variations have identical features and specifications.
about Pioneer DJM-600-S
Pioneer HDJ-1000 Headphones
Trendy looking, great Sound and a loud volume are features that belong to this set of headphones.
Mono/Stereo switch, 3 meters cord with curl (user replaceable), with optional HDJ-egg to transport the headphones safely.
about Pioneer HDJ-1000
Pioneer CDJ-800 CD Player
The little brother of the CDJ-1000. It misses some of this top-models features, but includes new features as well. Because of a lower price than the CDJ-1000(MK2) this is a player that is achievable to more people.
Quick Return to use the jog as some sort of drum-pad
Auto Loop Cutter for easy cut'n divide loops
Wide Pitch gives you 100% control
Digital Out with all DJ functions
Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK2 CD Player
After 2 year the CDJ-1000 is ready for it's successor with this MK2. Small things are improved and some features from the CDJ-800 are mixed with the existing features of the CDJ-1000 and assembled together the CDJ-1000 MK2. It is basically the next step in development after the MK1.
Improvements in comparison to the CDJ-1000 are : 100% pitch, Digital Out with all DJ functions, Brighter illumination, More accurate pitch (16%), Faster reaction after track-search or CUE.
about Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK2
Pioneer Pioneer DJM-909 Mixer
After a long period of time the DJM-909 is the first mixer of Pioneer's Next Generation 2 Channel Mixers. Improved quality and durability, neat design, effects ON/OFF switch, easy replaceable faders, rotatable transform switches.
Foot Switch to set effect ON/OFF
Touch Sensitive Screen to control Effects and Curves
Fader Curve Adjustments for channel faders AND crossfader
Crossfader 'Feel' is adjustable
Optical Crossfader so distortion is hardly possible, contactless
Session IN/OUT to link multiple mixers in a battle setup
Pioneer DJM-707 Mixer
Has all the basic features of the DJM-909 WITHOUT the touch-screen effects section, but includes :
Fader Curve Adjustments for channel faders AND crossfader
Crossfader 'Feel' is adjustable
Optical Crossfader so distortion is hardly possible
Session IN/OUT to link multiple mixers in a battle setup
Shortest product ever available, only 1 year and 4 months.
about Pioneer DJM-707
Pioneer DVJ-X1 DVD Player
Combine a DJ with the VJ and the result is the DVJ. The artist can perform with audio and video at the same time, with the DVJ-X1.
Imagine all the things that you can do on the CDJ-1000mk2... and that with a DVD keeping audio and video in sync
Cue, Scratch, Loop, Re-Loop, Hot Cue's, Pitch (-100% ~ +70%) and all with audio/video synced
DVD Video Manipulation with the ease, speed and accuracy of CD.
Actually everything on this machine is a Industry First !
Pioneer VSW-1 Video Switcher
A Video Switcher that changes output on your demand. With the 2 big metal buttons that are blue illuminated when the channel is active you can easily make your moves.
The real power comes in when the VSW is connected to any Pioneer DJM mixer via the Fader Start cable. The VSW-1 now follows the moves of the faders. Opening a fader directly switches the video output.
Fader Start Controlled video Switcher
about Pioneer VSW-1
Pioneer CDJ-200 CD MP3 Player
The CDJ-200 was introduced to replace the CDJ-500s models by supplying full MP3 Playback, a small footprint, high quality CD player with Beat Loop, Hot Loop and the improved effects from the CDJ-100s.
Full MP3 playback (first time for Pioneer)
about Pioneer CDJ-200
Pioneer DJM-1000 Installation Mixer
Pioneers reply to the demand of Top Quality Audio mixers. Designed to bring the best possible audio quality into the club. Doing no concessions to any feature the leading Top DJs or Installation companies would want to have on this mixer.
Internal processing 24-bit / 96 kHz
6 Digital Inputs
Digital Output switchable 48kHz or 96 kHz.
105dB S/R on line input @ full scale
Midi output on the Cross Fader
Digital Link Pioneer new connection standard
2 EQ's on the Booth Monitor Output
Pioneer EFX-1000 Effector
This is Pioneers answer to all the people that doubted if a EFX will ever be used in a studio, now the quality is here to prove this.
24 bit / 96 kHz D-A and A-D converters
Internal processing 32-bit / 96 kHz
Send/Receive MIDI, BPM info
Possibility to control effect parameters by Mixer (if supplied with the right connections)
Pioneer DJM-800 Mixer
Excellent sound quality with the same digital technologies as the DJM-1000. Introducing Sound Color FX: 4 filters, assignable to each channel. Each Channel has it's own adjustable parameter that has 2 different function for each filter.
4 Digtal Inputs and a Digital Output
24 bit / 96 kHz D-A and A-D converters
Bright Dot-Matrix Display
Sound Color FX
61 Midi Channels
13 Beat Synchronizable Effects
Fader Curve Adjust
Pioneer EFX-500-R Effector
The EFX-500-r has the same technical specifications as the regular EFX-500-R and was brought to the market when the EFX-1000 was launched and is intended to put some extra attention to the EFX-500 when the EFX-1000 is introduced.
about Pioneer EFX-500
Pioneer DJM-400 Mixer
A small mixer with good sound quality because it features the digital DNA of the DJM-1000 by using practically the same digital circuitry. Combining some familiar effects with some new ones and adding 5 In-Loop banks.
24 bit / 96 kHz D-A and A-D converters
5 Auto Beatloop Sample Banks
7 Beat Synchronizable Effects
Pioneer CDJ-800MK2 CD Player
Successor of the CDJ-800, meant to be the ultimate deck for the home and semi-pro DJ.
Auto Short Beat
Quick Return
- Full MP3 Compatible (CBR & VBR)
- Larger and brighter displays
- Same Jog feeling as CDJ-1000MK2
Pioneer CDJ-1000MK3 CD Player
The all famous CDJ-1000mk2 has been modernized with lots of features :
100 dots Waveform (instead of 50 on MK2)
Jog feeling (resistance) adjustable
- Full MP3 Compatible (CBR & VBR)
- Larger and brighter displays
- 3 Hot Loop / Hot Cues
- Faster Response
Pioneer DVJ-1000 DVD Player
This is the next generation DVJ DVD player after the DVJ-X1.
Full MP3 Compatible (CBR & VBR), playable from DVD-R
MP3 navigator on preview screen
Build-in PAL/NTSC converter
Pioneer DJM-700(s) Mixer
The ultimate Home DJ mixer, lacks professional stuff but offers nearly the same sound quality as if you would connect a DJM-800 analogue
Manual Low Pass/High Pass Filter, assignable to each channel
Frequency Filter work also WITH Beat Effects
13 BPM synced Beat Effects
49 MIDI channels
Dot Matrix Display
Pioneer CDJ-400 CD Player
Pioneer enters the Digital DJ Area with this deck that offers full USB playback possibilities.
Touch Sensitive Scratch Jog Wheel
3 Scratch Effects
Rhythmical Loop Devide
MP3 navigator Dial
Full MIDI Support
- Larger and brighter displays
- Full MP3 Compatible (CBR & VBR)
- 3 Jog Effects
- Hot Loop
Pioneer SVM-1000 Audio Video Mixer
Welcome to the Future, this is the worlds first 4 Channel Audio Video mixer.
Mixes Audio and Video at the same time, Stack max 4 Layers on top of each other
Touch Screen Effect control
12 BPM Synced Beat Effects (Audio & Video)
48 Touch Effects (12 Effects with 4 variations Audio & Video)
Crossfader also used as T-Bar video Fader with 5 effects
Pioneer MEP-7000 Twin Media Player
Twin CD Deck with USB inputs and computer connectivity. Controller is sold separately as SEP-C1, full version of Pioneer DJS DJ mix software is included.
4.3 inch full color LCD
USB MIDI / HID control
Sratch friendly jog wheel
Auto mix from playlists
Works as a software controller with DJS
- Plays CD discs (including CD-R/-RW)
- Digital media playback via USB
- MP3, AAC files on CD & DVD
Pioneer HDJ-2000 Headphones
Lightweight magnesium design
Protein leather surface earpads with memory foam padding
Removable Mini XLR connector
'i-hinge' design with 90° auto return
Models release in or after 2009
Products not mentioned in this article and products launched after 2009 can be found in an historical timeline that is build for every brand in the Gearbase.
I've added all dates for the Pioneer DJ products now in one place and also am pretty sure that these are ALL the dj products ever made by Pioneer DJ :
See Pioneer DJ Full History
What do you think about The Pioneer Pro-DJ History ??
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There are 28 Comments
Whatcha wrote on 31-03-2005 @ 11:14I just love this site. When I need some information and techniques or guide as well, this is the right place. Keep up the good work. I'm a novice DJ...DJ wanna be during my free time.
Thanks
Whatcha
sebastiaan wrote on 12-06-2005 @ 20:23 Lead wrote on 13-06-2005 @ 00:53 Lead wrote on 21-01-2006 @ 21:55But I've added them today... Also reorganised the header, it became a long listing
NedelcuConstantin wrote on 08-03-2006 @ 01:04 Lead wrote on 05-03-2022 @ 15:54True, it took a little while but info in regards to these products is now also added. CDJ-300 is a USA only model, the CDJ-500II LTD is in there now.
djtexx wrote on 20-04-2006 @ 19:33I not found the device of MDJ.....
Pioneer MDJ-
remixer wrote on 10-11-2006 @ 15:57
it is a sony mds-dre1 md recorder (watch in my gallery) with the looks like a cdj
stevew wrote on 29-05-2007 @ 03:23Great Job Resource and keep up the good work!!!
lead, volgens mij moet de djm700 nog even toegevoegd worden?
keep going!
Bouncy wrote on 10-11-2007 @ 12:23After feedback from the market the CDJ-500 was adjusted to some small point : Longer Loop, better Master Tempo are the mean features that we're improved.
Moet dat mean niet main zijn?
Lead wrote on 26-12-2007 @ 23:09
mosthighsoundz wrote on 27-08-2008 @ 08:49 Ricardinho_Almeida wrote on 25-09-2008 @ 13:39Congratulations!!!
=P
maar verder egt leuk Estacy wrote on 31-12-2009 @ 14:02 Funkx wrote on 23-03-2010 @ 20:26Ooo de Pioneer CDJ/DJM 2000 etc er bij.
Lead wrote on 10-03-2011 @ 00:48Please consider making this website possible by disabling your Ad Blocker.
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