Pioneer's new WiFi-enabled XDJ-AERO controller says goodbye wires, hello dancefloor (video)
The advent of digital DJing removed the jumps and skips of vinyl, while introducing a bad case of cable spaghetti, as spinners bring their own kit to the party. Pioneer saw that, and has finally cut them free with the new XDJ-AERO. The WiFi-enabled DJ controller lets you load up the next Moombahcore banger direct from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC -- with support for four connected devices at once. This also means that the audience can get involved in the track selection -- a la Nexus Q -- but you might want to keep that fact quiet. The XDJ-AERO is designed to work with Pioneer's own rekordbox application, but can also be use as a MIDI controller for other popular software. On the actual hardware-side of things, there's a built-in 24-bit audio interface, two-channel mixer (which can be used standalone) plus the usual array of cue-point triggers, FX and filters we've come to expect. What price does the cutting of cables command? £869 (about $1,399), and the beat can begin some time later this month. Can't wait 'til then? Drop past the break for the ridiculously cool video (and slightly less cool press release).
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Pioneer presents the XDJ-AERO, the first-ever wireless all-in-one DJ system, and the first native player for rekordbox™ music management software
To view the XDJ-AERO video click HERE
XDJ-AERO
Pioneer has broken the mould yet again with the XDJ-AERO, the industry's first1 Wi-Fi enabled all-in-one DJ system and native rekordbox™ player.
The groundbreaking DJ system is set to change the way DJs play by liberating them from endless cables and connections. In an industry first, the XDJ-AERO allows DJs to load music wirelessly from smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs2, instantly taking the hassle out of set up. A multipurpose unit, the XDJ-AERO also works with Pioneer's new mobile application, functions as a standalone mixer and can be used as a MIDI and HID controller.
The XDJ-AERO creates its own private Wi-Fi network, allowing DJs to connect to up to four wireless devices at once. The audience can even get involved by sending tracks from their own smartphones or tablets to the XDJ-AERO for a more interactive experience.
And, as the first native player for Pioneer's rekordbox music management software, the XDJ-AERO puts all of the software's features and functions right at DJs' fingertips. rekordbox allows DJs to create and edit playlists on the fly; view beat grids; analyse BPM; and load wave forms during their sets.
Compatible with Pioneer's new mobile application3 for smartphones and tablets, the XDJ-AERO makes DJing truly mobile. DJs can use the mobile application to manage their music on the road and then wirelessly load their tracks and playlists to the XDJ-AERO.
DJs can switch between the XDJ-AERO's mobile and USB inputs at the touch of a button. And the DJ system boasts all of their favourite features, including sample banks, Sound Colour Filters and rekordbox quantized beat sync.
The XDJ-AERO also functions as a 24-bit audio interface, MIDI controller for Traktor and HID controller for Virtual DJ software. And it can be used as a stand-alone mixer when connected to CDJs and turntables.
A premium piece of kit both inside and out, the XDJ-AERO has the look and feel of a pro-DJ product with its classic black finish and sleek aluminium faceplate. And, at just 45 mm thick, the portable, lightweight XDJ-AERO is the world's thinnest combined player and mixer.
The XDJ-AERO: the world's first wireless all-in-one DJ player, mixer and MIDI controller.
The XDJ-AERO will be available from August 2012 at an SRP of 869 GBP/999 EUR, including VAT.
Key features of the XDJ-AERO
1. INDUSTRY FIRST: Wirelessly connect up to four devices
By creating an ad hoc network, the XDJ-AERO can sync with up to four Wi-Fi enabled devices at once, without the need for any extra equipment. For the first time, DJs can use smartphones, tablets and computers to wirelessly load rekordbox music to their decks.
DJs can use the XDJ-AERO to control wireless devices remotely so they can browse tracks and load them directly to their decks even if the device is not in their hands.
And the new mobile application allows DJs to use their smartphones and tablets as remote controls for the XDJ-AERO. With USB source selected, DJs can browse music and load tracks on the XDJ-AERO using the devices' bigger, touch-sensitive screens.
The audience can send music from their wireless devices to the XDJ-AERO, though tracks will not load until the DJ accepts them. If a device goes out of range while a track is being played an emergency loop is created so there is no break in the music. And if a call is made on a smartphone mid-track, the music will continue to play as long as the device supports multitasking.
Plus, by switching the XDJ-AERO's music source from wireless to USB, DJs can play tracks on both decks from a single rekordbox-ready storage device.
2. Includes all the popular features from Pioneer's pro-range
The XDJ-AERO brings together all of the most exciting features from Pioneer's most popular multi-format players and mixers, including:
Beat effects4: the XDJ-AERO boasts the most user-friendly and popular effects from Pioneer's DJM range – Trans, Flanger, Roll and Echo.
Post-fader: the effects are applied to the sound after the fader, allowing the sound to fade out naturally rather than stopping suddenly when the DJ cuts the source audio with the faders.
Sound color effects: borrowed from the DJM series, the Sound Color Filters add high- and low-pass filters to the beat effects for even more creativity
Sample banks: pre-loaded with four samples.
Auto Loop: tracks can be automatically looped at specified positions.
Quantize: DJs will never miss a beat again as the quantize function automatically synchronises the beat of rekordbox-ready tracks and effects.
3. Automatic features that make perfect mixes a breeze
Beat Sync5: automatically syncs all tracks to the beat to the master deck using rekordbox beat grid information.
Auto Mix: automatically mixes each track within a playlist if DJs need to step away from the deck during long sets.
4. Performance features and sample playback
INDUSTRY FIRST Jog Drum: a more DJ-friendly way of engaging samples. DJs simply load a sample onto the deck and press Jog Drum; they can then trigger and scratch the samples by drumming directly on the jog wheel for more control and creativity.
Sample Launch: with four samples pre-loaded onto each deck, DJs simply push Sample Launch once to perform with the currently engaged sample. By holding down Sample Launch, they can select another sample to perform with. Samples can also be launched using the XDJ-AERO's effects, loops and pitch controls.
5. One-touch recording of popular mixes
Inherited from Pioneer's DJM-350 mixer, the XDJ-AERO allows DJs to record their creations directly to USB as uncompressed CD-quality WAV files.
6. MIDI and HID control for ultimate flexibility
The XDJ-AERO can be used as a MIDI controller for Traktor and HID controller for Virtual DJ software.
7. Connect external hardware to use as a stand-alone mixer
For maximum flexibility, the unified player and mixer unit also has inputs to connect external hardware, such as CDJs or turntables, so DJs can use it as an independent mixer.
8. Premium design and build looks the part every time
With its classic black finish, sleek aluminium faceplate, blue LED lights and Pioneer's industry-standard interface, the XDJ-AERO looks professional in any venue.
9. High-end components for superb sound in any environment
The XDJ-AERO's audio circuits are the same as those used in Pioneer's pro-DJ equipment to guarantee pristine sound reproduction. And full digital processing has been used to minimise distortion and noise from A/D-D/A conversion.
10. Other features
Onboard 44.1kHz/24bit high resolution soundcard
Independent three-band equalizer
Dual headphone output –minijack for inner-ear headphones and standard jack for full-size headphones
Four-colour LCD displaying 18 languages
Mic input and balanced TRS output
Main specifications – XDJ AERO
Playable media Smartphones, tablets, USB storage devices (Flash memory/HDD, etc.), computers (Mac/Windows PC)
Playable file formats USB connection:MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF up to 24 Bit/44.1kHz
Wi-Fi connection:MP3, AAC
USB storage formats supported FAT, FAT32, HFS+ (read-only, when journaling)
Recording file WAV, 16bit/44.1kHz
Number of channels 2
Wireless communications format IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz band)
Sampling rate 44.1 kHz
A/D, D/A converter 24 bit
Frequency response 20 Hz~20 kHz
S/N ratio 105 dB or above
Total harmonic distortion Max. 0.003 %
Head room 19dB
USB ports A port x1, B port x1
Inputs Phono/Line ×2(RCA)
Mic ×1(1/4-inch phone)
Outputs Master out ×2 (1/4-inch phone ×1, RCA×1)
Headphone monitor out ×2 (front 1/4-inch phone, minipin)
Enclosed AC adapter Power: AC100 V(50 Hz/60 Hz) Rated output: DC12 V
Maximumexternaldimensions
(W×H×D) 623 ×289.5 ×65 mm
Unit mass 3.7 kg
rekordbox™ music management software (included):
Supported OS Mac OS®X (10.5.8 or above)
Windows®7 Home Premium/Professional/Ultimate
Windows Vista® Home Basic/Home Premium/ Ultimate/Business (SP2 or above)
Windows® XP Home Edition/Professional (from SP3)
(Windows® XP Professional x64 edition is not supported)
Playable file formats MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF