OVERVIEW
The upgrade to Pioneer's industry leading cd turntable. Pioneer has always led the way when it comes to cd turntables, introducing the first cd player that could truly emulate vinyl control with the CDJ-1000 and keeping it up to date with many improvements over the years. This latest model builds on the successful platform by tweaking the features and improving the layout and functions.
FEATURES
There are a few major differences between the CDJ-1000MK3 and the older MK2 (which has now been discontinued). These include:
- mp3 support
- adjustable resistance on the jog wheel
- improved jog wheel display
- improved main display to accommodate WAVE data
- "resume play" function
- new hot loop function
- capable of using both SD and MMC memory cards
The most important improvement is the ability to play mp3's. While the CDJ-1000MK3 doesn't offer a USB connection or any other way to hook up to your computer, it is now capable of playing all mp3 files burned onto CDs. The jog wheel itself is now adjustable, letting you change the resistance all the way from the loose feel of a CDJ-800 up to the stiffer feel of a first generation CDJ-1000. Another major improvement is with the unit's display features. On the jog wheel, the cue and angle markers have been enlarged for easier use, and they have doubled the resolution of the main display area. This allows you to see all the track info, as well as accommodate WAVE data and easily search through folders on mp3 discs. The "resume play" function starts the disc at the exact time the cd is ejected, which is especially useful for mistakenly ejected cds. The hot loop function stores up to three loops per track, working the same way as the "hot cue" function. MMC memory card capability allows you to store up to 10 cue points on 10,000 cds with an MMC card.
Aside from the improvements mentioned above, the CDJ-1000MK3 remains relatively unchanged from the successful CDJ-1000MK2. It features all the details that you need to successfully dj with cds, including perfect scratch performance, an excellent cue point system, auto beat loop functions and more. For further details on the intricate functions of the CDJ-1000MK3 and comparison to the CDJ-800MK2, please see the
forums at Pioneer.
OUR OPIONION
Pioneer has been the go-to cd turntable manufacturer since they first introduced the CDJ-1000 in 2002 and it has remained on top by constantly improving their gear and listening to the requests of their customers. Their players are extremely easy to use, function more or less perfectly, and have great display functions (extremely important when dj'ing on cd players). While they haven't made any drastic improvements with the CDJ-1000MK3, this remains the most reliable cd turntable on the market. The new features have optimized the 1000's performance, made it even more user friendly and prepared it for the switch from djs using actual cds to djs using mp3s compiled on cd. Pioneer CDJ's are the most widely used cd turntables from clubs to studios to bedrooms, and since the memory cards will be recognized by any CDJ-1000, you can just bring your discs and your memory card to any club and you will be ready to play. The CDJ-1000MK3 remains the top of the line when it comes to cd turntables.
