Pioneer EFX-500  Digital DJ-Effects Processor

Color Variations

From early 2005 the traditional EFX-500 will also be available as special edition in a firing red dark metalic finish as EFX-500-R. A very few units (200pc) are made with a translusent casing EFX-500-SW, those models are very rare and you might not see one your entire life.

All color variations have identical features and specifications

5 BPM Effects

There are 5 BPM linked effects you can use and minipulate. Controls work best from top to bottom, start with selecting the effect you want to use, then set the Low, Mid, Hi buttons to apply the effect to the selected frequency band.

With the Depth knob you control the amount or strength of effect, with the other knob Original/Effect you control the balance between the original sound and the effected sound, like a Dry/Wet control.

Delay

You can set the DELAY at any tempo. A delay is a single rehearsel of the original signal at a lower volume.

Depending on the DEPTH knob the fade-away goes fast or last for a long time.

There is always a difference in volume between the original signal and the rehearsed sound. This is internaly mixed to the original sound after the effects module so there is no feedback of the repeated sound.

Echo

You can set the ECHO at any tempo. ECHO is in many ways identical to DELAY, but differs in the way it is internally mixed. ECHO is mixed to the signal before the effects module.

When opening the DEPTH knob to the max, there is a continious loop of sounds even when the EFFECT LEVER is in the OFF position. The only way to exit this loop is to close the DEPTH know. Then the sound will rehearse one more time and then dies out.

Auto Pan

You can automatically swing sounds to the right and left in any tempo.

Auto Flanger

This produces a sound effect like when a jet plane ascends and descends periodically.

The DEPTH knob can be used to change the strength of the waves. The wave behaves depedant the value in wich the TEMPO is set.

Auto Tranform

This cuts sounds periodically like the transform switch on most mixers, but then so fast you can never turn that switch. Also you can quickly change from a tranform on the beat, or setting it twice that speed.

Auto BPM Counter

This counter automatically measures the BPM (Beats Per Minute) of music and turns it into digital indication. You can digitally confirm the BPM of input music sources.

TAP Button

You can set BPM instantly by tapping the button with your finger. Press the button twice to input the tempo as desired.

Depth Knob

Can be used to freely set the strength and depth of effects as well as the balance of the original sounds and effect sounds. You can enjoy a variety of DJ performances with an instrument-feel.

5 Jog Effect Filters

There are also 5 Jog Effect, these can be used like manual filters. Select one of the Jog Effects and rotate the Jog to change the filter parameter. With the Depth you controll the amount of filter is applied.

JOG BREAK Meter

This optically indicates the motion of the JOG DIAL and the change of sounds, allowing you to visually confirm the motion.

JET

This is a function to add SHORT DELAY. Turn of the JOG DIAL creates wave sounds, with the FLANGER effect made by using 2 analogue turntables or a delay at 1-12ms.

ZIP

The Jog Dial can be used to change the pitch of reproduced sounds without changing the tempo. Lowering of the pitch produces sounds resembling those made by slowing an analogue turntable. With the DEPTH knob you can control the mix between the original signal and the ZIP-ed signal.

WAH

This is a function to change cut-off frequency. Turn of the JOG DIAL makes the sound of a certain instrument strong or weak. It feels like the sound is moving.

RING Modulation

Modulation of sounds produces a tone like the ring of a bell, providing effects such as a cosmic sound or a robot voice. Be careful because this effect is very noticible in the music, turn the DEPTH knob half as high open as you would do with a DELAYor ECHO.

FUZZ

This is a distortion effect on sounds. The JOG DIAL changes the distorted band. With this effect you even have to be more careful than the ring. Because of the very distorted sound wich is much louder than any other effect in the EFX-500 you might consider to open the DEPTH knob only for 10% for the best use with this effect.

JOG DIAL Memory Function

This is a new function to memorize and reproduce the motion of the JOG DIAL. When you turn the JOG DIAL and simultaneously press the MEMORY button, the motion of the JOG DIAL is memorized for as long as 8 seconds. While pressing the PLAY button, you can replay the memorized action in all the 5 effects as many times as you want.

HOLD Function

With the function on, the present state can be maintained if you stop turning the JOG DIAL. With the function off, it returns gradually to the state of the original sounds. I basicly always put this function ON because it takes to long for the EFX-500 to return to the official position, I prefer to control this manualy.

Gearbase

Pioneer DJ EFX-500-R

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