Pioneer DJM-400  2 Channel Beat Loop Mixer with Effects

Submitted by Lead   on 19-01-2006 17:01

Also in the Gearbase: Pioneer DJ - Mixer Overview

Gearbase product details : Pioneer DJ DJM-400

The Pioneer DJM-400 offers a host of beat effects and an in-loop sampler that offers a new level of flair for creative remixing. Built around the same digital processing technology and high quality components used in Pioneer’s DJM-1000, the new unit is a reliable and robust performer with exceptional audio quality.


Although the smallest mixer in Pioneer’s range, the Pioneer DJM400 packs a wide variety of effects for creative mixing. The effects, that automatically detect the BPM of the music and sync to the beats include some familiar sounds which are processed at 24bits for the highest quality sound. In addition, by using the newly-adopted Beat Select Button, the Pioneer DJM400 automatically sets the effect time linked to the BPM for more intuitive play and responsive remixing.

The intelligent 96kHz/24bit sampler automatically detects the tempo of a track during playback, sampling it for four beats, then loops the sample. 


As the sampled audio is in sync with the beat of the track being played (no matter the tempo) the DJ is given more time to be creative. Samples are automatically beat matched and up to five samples can be stored in memory.


The DJM-400 has been designed with as a perfect partner for the MP3 compatible CDJ-200 both in terms of style and function.  When combined, these units create a small, portable yet powerful and robust DJ setup that offers exceptional versatility and performance.

Sound Quality
The DJM400 is designed for high sound quality. Analog sounds are sampled at 96kHz. 24-bit which is the same as a lot of studio equipment nowadays. The actual mixing is performed using the same DSP as that is used for the DJM-1000 and the DJM-800. This ensures that the mixer delivers a clear and powerful sound.

As the DJM400 processes the signals fully digital, please also use it that way. Meaning that you should not see the RED OVER Led's burning full time. Just keep them flashing as maximum (not constant) level. Use the first yellow LED as a good reference to what you put your gains to.


Input Selector
Use this to change from CD input to Phone/Line 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).

The EQ function of the DJM-400 gives you the power of the Isolator of the DJM-1000. Providing you with the possibility to totally kill the frequency area of your choice (Low, Mid or High) in a range of +9dB ~ infinity kill. The frequencies of the EQ are the same as that from it's big brothers, the DJM-1000 and the DJM-800.

This is something that is already integrated to the EQ rotaries in Pioneer's DJM-600/ DJM-707/ DJM-800/ DJM-909 and DJM-1000 but has now been adjusted so it cuts down like an Isolator :

In horizontal position to the left, the EQ is cut down to about -18dB.

Fader Channels
The faders have lots of clean space.

Fader Curve Adjust
With a lowered selector switch the Cross Fader can be switched off (THRU) and can have a gentle and a steep slope, according to the shown figure.

Fader Start
When Fader Curve Adjust is THRU : This will trigger an output pulse over the Fader Signal output terminal on the back of the mixer. When a connected to a CD player you can remotely start/Cue the player.

When a fader curve is selected and the Cross Fader is activated the Fader Start will only work on the Cross Fader, it sends out a pulse to the channel depending on the side of the Fader.




Extra 3rd Input
When you insert 2 mono Jack connectors in both Microphone Inputs, you can use the 2 mic inputs (Jack connectors) combined as an extra AUX input, giving you an actual 3rd channel. This 3rd channel has limited EQ possibilities.

Microphone Level
You can set the level of both microphones in the range from infinite (not hearable/muted) to 0dB. Both microphones (MIC1 and MIC 2) can be used at the same time and on a different level by changing the rotary knob individually.

This is more for gentle sound coloring than a real Equalizer. When set at center position there is no change. When rotated left (anti-clockwise) you cut of the high frequencies up to -12db when in approaching LOW marking. If you rotate the knob the other way around (clockwise) you decrease the low frequencies up to -12dB when in position near HI marking.

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 any of the Mic Levels 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.

Headphones Pre-Listening
By pressing 1 of these buttons you select a channel to be routed to the headphones.

When Master is pressed you can also press CH-1 or CH-2 to split the Headphones so you hear the Master signal on the Right and CH-1 or CH-2 (or both) on the Left side. This make pre- listening of a mix very easy.

Master
Obviously this controls the Master Output level of the DJM-400. You should keep the reading of the VU meters out of the RED to prevent distorting the output signal !

BPM Counter
The BPM counter uses the same technology as the Pioneer EFX-1000 and equals it's speed and accuracy. When flashing it is calculating the BPM, when it stops you have an accurate reading.

Auto/Tap
When Auto is pressed the button will be lit and Auto BPM Sync is activated. The effects will be synced to the tempo of the current track automatically.

When Tap is pressed it switches automatically. to Manual input and follows the tempo you tap on the button. Give about 4-8 hits for best result.

Beat/Pitch + /-
When you are holding the TAP button when you press the +/- button you can manually change the BPM in steps of 1 BPM. It's range is from 40-999 BPM.

When you are using these buttons during Loop Play they react as a pitch control, changing the playback speed of the sampler.

Beat/Bank Button (1/2~4/1)
The exact function of these buttons depend on weather you are using a normal Effect or if you are using the In-Loop Sample :

7 Effects and In-Loop Selector
Use to select any of the effects or activate the In-Loop Sampler. The functionality of the Bank/Beat buttons will be different with this section activated.

Channel Select
Select where you want to apply effect: on the Channels 1, 2, the microphone or the master.

Level/Depth
The exact functionality of this button depend on the selected effect:

Delay : Balance between original sound and delayed sound.
Echo: Balance between original sound and echo's.
Filter : Amount of effect
Flanger : Amount of effect (fully counterclockwise = original sound
Phaser : Amount of effect (fully counterclockwise = original sound
Robot : Amount of effect
Roll : Balance between original and Roll sound. No effect when fully clockwise.

Effect On/Off
Toggles the Effects Section on and off.


Effects Explained
The time/BPM linked parameter can be set with the Beat/Bank buttons and can be fine-adjusted with the +/- buttons.

	In-Loop Sampler After you've recorded a loop at any tempo (BPM) you can start it, automatically. beat synced with the current sound, or the tempo that is manually tapped. Just make sure you hit the Beat/Bank button at the right moment. If it goes offbeat for some reason you can adjust the speed of the Loop with the +/- Buttons.
	Roll The Roll Effect loops the first x beat after the effect is activated. The length of the loop can be set with the Beat/Bank Buttons. The role has a range from 10 ms ~ 8 sec.
	Delay It produces a rehearsals of the sound, delayed in time. The delay-time is selected with the Beat/Bank Button. The Delay has a range from 1ms ~ 8 sec.
	Echo Produces a repeating of the sound, decreased in volume and delayed in time. The step are selected with the Beat/Bank button. Shown is an example when 1/1 Button would be pressed. The Echo has a range from 1ms ~ 8 sec.
	Filter The Filter Frequency is moved in units as set with the Beat/Bank Buttons. By switching between very short (1/4) and a longer length (2/1) you can highlight certain sound in the original sound. The filter has a range from 1 ms ~ 32 sec.
	Flanger A flanger is actually a delay, but it varies in time in a wave. The length of the wave is set with the Beat/Bank Buttons. The flanger has a range from 1 ms ~ 32 sec.
	Phaser This effect rotates the phase of the original sound, the length of the wave is set with the Beat/Bank Buttons. The phaser has a range from 1 ms ~ 32 sec.
	Robot Generates a sound as if it was produced by a robot. The robot has 7 fixed values: -100%, -66%, -50%, 0%, +26%, +50% and +100%

Gearbase

Pioneer DJ DJM-400

Related Blog Posts

The Pioneer Pro-DJ History

Pioneer DJM-800

Pioneer CDJ-200

 Product User Manual

 High Resolution Images

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There are 26 Comments

  dion wrote on 18-02-2006 @ 18:12

het lijkt mij een hele fijne mixer kan niet wachten hem een keer te horen in het egt dan he haha

  barthawk wrote on 27-02-2006 @ 19:33

idd deze gaat het voor mij ook worden

  LeonD wrote on 01-03-2006 @ 21:39

Deze gaat het ook zeker voor mij worden!!!

  MrPecho wrote on 06-05-2006 @ 13:32

Ik zou dan voor Urei DJ1601E gaan

  Day-One wrote on 30-07-2006 @ 22:18

het is een top bakkie!!!

  Illusion wrote on 27-08-2006 @ 19:59

ik heb hem... ULTIEM!!:d

  robvanmeer wrote on 12-11-2006 @ 20:21

zie ik het goed of kan je bij deze mixer je cue en master niet door elkaar draaien
(Op je koptelefoon)

  Dav3 wrote on 25-01-2007 @ 11:09

Goede vraag, dit vraag ik me dus ook af.
of kan je (als ik het goed lees) ch1 en ch2 door elkaar via je HP VOORbeluisteren ?

  Jorrit wrote on 25-01-2007 @ 12:40

Je kan de cue buttons beide indrukken om 2 signalen door elkaar te horen, maar vloeiend door elkaar mixen zoals je zou doen met een master/cue mixing knopje kan hier dus niet.

  Jori wrote on 17-04-2007 @ 17:36

Lijkt me perfect aleen heb ik toch wat liever 3 of meer kanalen

  NielsR wrote on 29-05-2007 @ 13:41

Toen ik hem voor het eerst in het echt zag vond ik hem zoooo klein als je hem op de fotos ziet stel je hem toch een beetje groter voor ik heb hem ook maar ik ga nu overschakelen (ergens in de zomer) naar de djm 800 omdat die veeeeeeeel meer functies en aansluitingsmogelijkheden maar deze mixer heeft de beste prijs kwaliteit in zijn prijsklasse

  Dav3 wrote on 03-07-2007 @ 12:14

Heerlijke mixer, zeker voor thuis gebruik echt super !

  NickName wrote on 11-09-2007 @ 18:16

als mid hich en low op nul zeg hoor je dan niets meer?

  CH13L wrote on 17-09-2007 @ 16:36

Ik heb hem nu ongeveer een week en het is echt een top mixer. Het geluid is super. De zogenaamde split functie is ff wennen maar wel errug handig.

  Didier82 wrote on 20-09-2007 @ 14:04

Hoe zit het met de geluidskwaliteit van dit mixertje?

Ik kan me herinneren dat de geluidskwaliteit van de DJM-300 bagger was tov DJM600, met name doordat deze snel overstuurde.

  mpxx wrote on 24-09-2007 @ 12:37

kely fa dadany!

  Foxxer wrote on 10-11-2007 @ 13:02

leuk ding is wel wat voor thuiz denk ik zo maar

  MissSalem wrote on 11-01-2008 @ 11:49

Ik denk dat deze mixer ook buitenshuis kan gebruikt worden. Er zijn misschien "maar" 2 kanalen, maar ja... Uiteindelijk heb je niet veel meer nodig, tenzij je zowel met platen als met cd's tegelijkertijd wilt werken. Hoe dan ook, deze schaf ik binnenkort aan.

  SanderH wrote on 19-01-2008 @ 12:40

Geweldige mixer, heb ik ook thuis staan en hij doet het geweldig.

  snaetn wrote on 01-04-2008 @ 14:23

vnd gaa ik men cdj-400's en djm-400 hebben... hmm !

  OrsonWelsh wrote on 14-04-2008 @ 13:50

geweldig apparaat, ideaal voor de beginnende- als gevorderde dj die niet veel ruimte heeft of een basic set up. Klinkt als een klok!

  Ilja wrote on 08-04-2009 @ 23:05

Heerlijke mixer, gaat zeer goed samen met mijn Technics SL-DZ1200 Decks. 

  stefankwetters wrote on 26-05-2009 @ 20:10

heeft er iemand evaring met het benutten van je 3de ingangs signaal via ( een enkele mic ingang )

wil de laptop eraan hangen maar heb alleen maar sterio jack pluggen en wil weten of ik hem er niet mee beschadig.

greetz stefan (D_fik)

  lightsoul wrote on 08-03-2012 @ 20:02

Ik heb denon 3500 met deze mixer djm 400. Is het mogelijk om met deze mixer gebruik te maken van de digitale output van de denon. Dus kan ik met een coax cable naar RCA aansluiten op deze djm400. Er zit nergens echter een digital IN op de djm, kan deze in de analoge rood en wit?

  Lead wrote on 08-03-2012 @ 22:38

Hi Lightsoul, ja je moet die DN-S aansluiten met de analoge (rood/witte) kabels.
De DJM-400 heeft geen digitale ingang.

  Lau_Rel wrote on 14-05-2013 @ 20:37

sinds 2 jaar in mn bezit! en nog geen dag spijt van mn aankoop, its my baby!!1