Pioneer DJM-400  2 Channel Beat Loop Mixer with Effects

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

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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).

Channel EQ Range
Treble	-infinite ~ +9 dB (@ 13 kHz)
Mid	-infinite ~ +9 dB (@ 1 kHz)
Bass	-infinite ~ +9 dB (@ 70 Hz)

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.

Microphone EQ
Bass	-12 ~ +0 dB (100 Hz)
Treble	-12 ~ +0 dB (10 kHz)

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 :

	In Loop Sampler	Other Effects
+	Increase the speed while the button is pressed	Doubles the calculated BPM
-	Decrease the speed while the button is pressed	Halves the calculated BPM
1/2 . . : any Beat or Bank Button : . . 4/1	Select In-Loop Sample bank. You can record 5 loops of 4 beats. The measured or tapped BPM is used to calculate the length of the loop. Recording a Loop When a BPM is measures (lit constantly) you can press any of the non-lit Bank buttons. Recording will start instantly and stops when it has a length of 4 beats, calculated by the measured (or tapped) BPM. When Lit A loop is stored and ready for playback. You cannot re-record a Loop, Erase it first. Erase a Loop Hold the Beat/Pitch - button while pressing any lit bank button to erase that particular bank. The light will go out.	Used to set the tempo parameter according the beat it represents (1/2, 3/4, 1/1, 2/1 or 4/1), like on EFX-1000. You can change this parameter as fast as you can press the buttons, it will instantly recalculate it's values. Using the +/- buttons actually follows the same course as this row, but leaving the 3/4 measure out of it. Each press divides or multiplies the BPM by 2.

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%

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