NAMM 2005: Denon used the Winter NAMM show to introduce the DN-S1000 Compact CD/MP3 Player and the DN-X100 Compact Performance DJ Mixer, two portable devices designed to complement each other, as well as the DN-X300 Performance Mixer, a scratch mixer.

DN-S1000

Denon DJ’s new DN-S1000 Compact CD/MP3 player is designed to offer many of the same features and benefits of the company’s tabletop DN-S3000 in a compact, easily portable package. The DN-S1000 features a pressure sensitive platter that can be used to mix, scratch, backspin, brake, search and otherwise manipulate as if it were an analog turntable.

The feature-rich CD/MP3 player fits all the requirements of today’s working DJs, from mobile DJs, to club and international DJs and novices. In addition to advanced MP3 functionality, the DN-S1000 includes essential onboard effects such as Scratch, Reverse, Brake, Filter, Flanger and the world’s first Echo Loop, which can loop a 1/4 beat up to a 8/1 beat indefinitely, allowing a DJ to overlay another track or even a new disc for a seamless crossfade mix. Other useful features include: 2 seamless loops, B-point loop trim, user-definable paper slipmats and a 3-way BPM counter (Automatic, Tapping, Manual). Additionally, with features such as Fast Search/Manual Search and Quick Jump, the DN-S1000 makes searching fast and easy, enabling DJs to literally “jump” around within a CD or MP3 track using precise adjustable increment time steps.

For the ultimate in control and “feel” during live performance, a special Platter Hold function allows Pitch Bend by the scratch disc of up to 100%. Additionally, ID3 tags are supported for MP3 files, which allow the user to view the Artist, Album and Title of a particular file. A real-time Instant Start (0.02 seconds) playback mechanism and 20-second Shock Proof Memory ensure instant audio playback and uninterrupted performance. A 100 mm long stroke pitch slider with center click for playback speed control adds even more performance flexibility and creative control. In addition, the DN-S1000 includes a Fader Start Control terminal that’s compatible with all Denon DJ mixers, and 14 customizable preset functions allow DJs to tailor functionality to their individual needs.

The DN-S1000 also features another world’s first from Denon, Next Track Reserve with Crossfade. With the capability to store hundreds of MP3 files on one CD, Next Track Reserve now makes it easy for DJs to crossfade to another song within the same disc for a smooth non-stop mix. The crossfade time is user adjustable.

The Denon DN-S1000 is currently available with an MSRP of $499.00.

DN-X100 and DX-X300 Performance Mixers

Denon also introduced two new 2-channel Performance DJ Mixers. The portable DN-X100, the smallest professional-quality DJ mixer available today, is designed as the ideal “traveling companion” for Denon’s new compact DN-S1000 CD/MP3 player.

Both units offer a wealth of input and output terminals for maximum flexibility and utility. For the ultimate in performance and creative control capabilities, both new Denon DJ mixers include features such as Crossfader & Channel Fader Contour Adjustment, Crossfader & Channel Fader Reverse function (hamster), Program Channel Reverse function and 3-band Knob EQ (with a 3-way Kill switch on the DN-X300).

A Crossfader and Channel Fader Start Trigger is also provided, offering compatibility with Denon’s DN-S5000, DN-S3000 and DN-S1000 CD/MP3 tabletop players.

Using the Gain Control on both new mixers, all input channel levels can be readjusted to match the output level meter, ensuring a smooth transition between fades. To enhance performance, the DN-X300 features a 45 mm Penny & Giles crossfader. Both units provide flexible functions such as 8-position toggle transformer switching. Stereo Send/Return terminals are included on the DN-X300 for external effects processing, and both units include microphone inputs with level control, EQ and Talkover switch. The headphone output selector (Split Cue) on the DN-X300 allows users to pre-monitor any channel through its powerful headphone amp. The Denon DJ DN-X100 and DN-X300 Performance Mixers carry suggested retail prices of $299 and $499, respectively.

Software Plug-Ins Add Features and Functionality

Denon DJ listens closely to feedback from its end users and continuously works to improve the real-world functionality of its products through software plug-in upgrades. To this end, the company’s new software upgrades, offered free of charge to all customers, add significant enhancements to its DN-S5000 tabletop single-disc CD player, DN-D4000 dual CD/MP3 player, DN-S3000 tabletop CD/MP3 player and DN-X1500 Matrix Mixer.

The latest improvements to the DN-S5000 and DN-S3000 include faster Brake/to Hot Starts reaction time, as well as brand new features such as the ability to pre-set Quick Jump search values by 10-, 20-, 30- or 60-second intervals, a Pitch Mode preset for Pitch/Key ON/OFF default and more. Seamless Looping accuracy has also been improved for the DN-D4000. In addition, the DN-X1500 Mixer has been enhanced with 11 significant user-friendly upgrades such as improved Crossfader response time, a sharper Channel Fader “Sharp” contour preset, the ability to monitor Master CUE via pre master volume and more.

Free Videos Available

Denon DJ has created two informational videos that profile the products, both available via the Denon website.

For more information, visit the Denon site.