Pioneer CDJ-3000 Review

The Pioneer CDJ 3000 is finally available to buy!

Though it is called a CDJ, it doesn’t actually have a CD drive. This may sound like a strange decision, but with modern technology, it makes perfect sense. If you are looking for a true CDJ there are plenty of other options available.

Overview

Model: Pioneer CDJ-3000

Manufacturer: Pioneer DJ

Description: Professional DJ multi-player

Price: USD $2299 / GBP £2169 / EUR 2399

Availability: In Stock

New Multi-Processor and Sound Quality

Pioneer DJ boasts the CDJ-3000 has the most powerful processor on the market. The internal computer consists of two ARM Cortex MPUs, a 1.5GHz dual-core A57 and a 1.2GHz quad-core A53. This enhances the new features of the player, in addition to the advanced audio processing.

The new processor is now capable of features being upgraded over time.

The sound quality is also improved as Pioneer DJ has completely redesigned the audio engine, meaning that any track played will be upsampled to 96kHz/32-bit floating.

9-inch Touch Screen

The CDJ-3000 has a beautiful, large 9-inch, colorful touchscreen. It is a 1280 x 720 display, and 150% brighter.  This allows you to use the CDJ without having to stare at a laptop screen. There are useful features such as shortcuts and buttons to navigate through the Playlist and Search functions.

The Touch Preview feature allows you to simply touch the waveform to preview that section of the track.

Key Sync

When you press the Key Sync button, the next track will automatically synchronise the key with that of the original deck. Using the Key Shift button on the touch screen, you are able to manually adjust the track’s key up or down.

Jog Wheel

The Jog Wheel on the CDJ-3000 have been improved, giving it a much slicker feel. It also features a bright LCD screen in the centre of the jog wheel with track details and even a visual display of the track artwork.

Compatibility

Plug in your USB drive loaded with your Rekordbox music playlist for better functionality.

Use your laptop with the CDJs, or your iPhone and Rekordbox for iOS, with a USB cable and Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter.

According to the Pioneer DJ website, the CDJ-3000 is only compatible with Rekordbox. Serato DJ support will be added at a later date.

Improved Build Quality

The top plate is now full aluminium, and the Play/Pause and Cue buttons have been redesigned for improved durability, according to Pioneer DJ.

The IEC, or “Kettle” cable now locks into the back of the player, preventing any accidental removals during DJing.

In The Box

• CDJ-3000
• Power Cord (V-lock*)
• Digital audio cable
• Analog audio cable
• LAN cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Precautions for Use

*Excluding some regions

Specifications

• Width: 329 mm
• Height: 118 mm
• Depth: 453 mm
• Weight: 5.5 kg
• Main Display: 9-inch, full color HD LCD touch screen
• On Jog Display: Color LCD
• Jog Dial Size: 206 mm

Performance Controls

• Hot Cue
• Auto Beat Loop
• Beat Jump/Loop Move
• Beat Sync
• Key Sync/Key Shift
• Slip Mode
• Reverse
• Vinyl Speed Adjust

Playable Media

• USB Storage Devices
• SD Card
• Mac/Windows PC
• IPhone

USB

• 1 USB A Port
• 1 USB B Port

Outputs

• 1 Analogue (RCA)
• 1 Digital (Coaxial)

Conclusion

The CDJ-3000 is a much anticipated multi-media player, offering compatibility with USB drives, SD cards, laptop, and iPhone with Rekordbox for iOS.

The new design, inside and out, bring Pioneer DJ’s ahead of the game, from its 9-inch high-resolution touch screen, full aluminium top plate, improved MPU and audio engine and better functionality.