Pioneer DJ CDJ-900 vs CDJ-2000 Comparison from agiprodj.com

[@Salkinmusic]

Been playing on cdj-2000’s (incl nxs and nxs2) for years and just picked up a pair of 2000’s for the home studio. Still love them even tho they’re older!

[@WillyWonkstaOfficial]

the CDJ 2000 Nexus has the slip feature as well but its not under a button theres a certain way of doing it

[@RetliF4Real]

I was looking at switching out of controllers. I have used 2000s, 1000s, 800s, and 850s, at clubs, was going to get the 2000s, but there are other things I could use that extra money for. The 900s look just right for me. This was very helpful. Thanks

[@fka.z3ro]

i just bought the cdj900s to replace my 400s - they are bloody AWESOME! The build quality is pretty good - below the 1000mk3 but well above the 800mk2, nice glossy black finish, nice big jogwheels (once you use them the 400 jogwheel seems pale in comparison)

[@agiprodj]

@vixapphire Both the CDJ-900 & CDJ-2000 will play directly from a laptop using Rekordbox. You need to have the laptop, and CDJs connected all to a regular network hub with CAT5, OR the DJM-2000 provides the entire network on the mixer. You can also connect the DJM-900nexus to the hub now and Rekordbox will push quantized data to the mixer for beat/BPM locked effects.

[@kniffa]

I am going to buy the CDJ-900. My reason : they are really great for DJing, they have the ability to do everything you want in a live set. Atleast for me. They will be standing in my bedroom. I think the CDJ-2000 is to much money for in the bedroom. Im still practising and if i can master the CDJ-900. I can also master the CDJ-2000. The needle search is unnecessary. And lets be honest. The vinyl speed adjust on the 2000 aswell. The hotcue's are the only thing for me that make big difference!

[@666xGuitarplayerx666]

What you SHOULD buy is Club standard (CDJ1000MK3 + DJM800) Question is, how much money do you have?

[@carnerotron]

best review I've seen on this two beautiful units. thanks a lot, I have it more clear now, I'll go for the 900's as soon as I sell a lung :D

[@doctorshabs]

Since they both have audio cards in them, lets say I get either pair and and I have a regular mixer, will I still need to invest on Audio interfaces or I could just hook them up to a monitor?

[@brueni91]

Hi agiprodj! really good video. I am looking to upgrade my decks at the moment. In the club i play at they just bought 2000 nexus's but i cant afford them being a student. so i was wondering does the cdj 900 have the quantizing of songs with rekordbox like the 2000's? Also what mixer do you adivse to get with the cdj 900's? thanks hope to get a reply :)

[@agiprodj]

@SuperWProductions Good eye Super. We had not run my drive through rekordbox yet. After you process everything through the software, the overview waveforms are enabled.

[@kniffa]

Thinking about what to buy.... CDJ 900 or 2000? 900 is abit cheaper. Little less functions. But im still learning and they are for in my bedroom.. but maby if i buy the 900 i will feel sorry not spending a little more..

[@vixapphire]

@agiprodj Thanks for the quick response but you missed my point. Notwithstanding whether the beat cutter quantized or not, the omission of mention of the beat cutter button's functionality gives the impression that the feature is, like "slip", exclusive to the 900. Given the 2009 video of Roger Sanchez I just watched at the Pioneer DJ channel's dwelling on that feature (however kludged it sounded, not being quantized), that wasn't the case before the 2011 update.

[@DarFlynn_]

Is the 900 worth spending money on if you want to scratch?it's between this or the numark v7. Which is better/more reliable?

[@ramzevans]

It was a good comparative review that covered most of the aesthetic and technical features of both devices clearly and concisely and delivered a fair verdict that even though the cdj 2000 is obviously worth every penny, the 900 is a good value substitute, and I liked the Honda vs Acura analogy. You are whinging over something you couldn't even be bothered researching yourself, and that's saying something. Thumbs up to the response from agiprodj to your complacent comment and this useful review.

[@truesouljs]

RE: The break & start adjust. Yes the 2000 has separate dials but surely it's not that much better than the 900?. Couldn't you just start a song on the 900 fast or slow & then just turn the dial again to however you want it? I'm sure it would have the same effect as setting the 2 separate dials on the 2000. Anyway they're both amazing. I'm going for the 900's though. Not sure if the 2000's are really worth the extra €495 each. Especially since the features seem so similar.

[@Khelekwen]

@GvMann1 "MK" stands for "Mark" which basically notes its placement in a series. Example: Mk I (or mark one) is the first in a series of two or more. Mk II (or mark two) is the second version in the series.

[@nifela]

@Simon0Day as far as I know, both the 900 and 2000 can be linked to a PC/Laptop (or even two PCs) with Rekordbox and the link can be with up to four CDJs (900/2000).

[@agiprodj]

We thought so too uptown. Really if you look at the features on the CDJ-2000, it's a no brainer!

[@videfooot]

@darrenrodriguez it's called "take on me" by Aha

[@biflason]

Just ordered 2 cdj-900 and a djm-700K... cant wait for them to arrive at my door! Otherwise I have the same opinion as "kniffa", the 900 player have all those things that makes a great live set. I also think that i get for for the money with the 900 than the 2000. Great comparison agiprodj... as always :)

[@nifela]

@MrKianz I'd say the 900 for all the new features: better display, being able to link to your PC, easier navigation/browsing. They both cost pretty much the same so unless you really need hot cue buttons, there is no reason to pick up a 1000 mk3 :)

[@harrym2457]

i like the slip feature on the 900, but i like the needle search on the 2000, and i like the auto beat loop on the 900, but also like all the lights on the 2000... there is only one way to find out........

[@jalcantara2008]

Pressing the SYNC Button the only thing it does is to beatmatch your mix but still lots to do for you like EQ levels, filters passes, loops, you name it and even the selection songs you are mixing. Beatmatch is just an element of mixing skills. SYNC button allows you to have more time in calculating and make you performance even better. Now you can actually mix an almost play live on the same time. When before you spent most of time beatmatching(boring). Let's don't demonize this cool technology

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

That's just wrong. When you actually know how to beat match, it's a matter of seconds on CDJ's. Once set and started, you can leave it because it will not go out of beat. That's why you have the experienced DJ's dissing the sync. When you're there, you don't want to use sync, because that means letting go of the control you're suppose to have over the music. A bit like self steering car. The technique is there, but we really just don't trust it will be safe because if the electronics fail... Using sync without properly analyzed music files will put you in that situation where you can't adjust the speed because it's locked to the beat grid. Yes, I know you can fix that on the fly, but only if you know beforehand that the problem is there. Knowing your trade without using sync makes you a better DJ and that's what it's all about. You don't see the likes of Roger Sanchez using sync, even when he is on 4 players, do you? I do workshops and mentor new DJ's, and they serious ones all master the beat matching within a couple of months to a level where sync is not an option any more. If you're not a performing DJ, but a turntablist or favor controllerism, that's a whole other ballpark. Don't ever confuse that with being a performing DJ. If you by ''live'' mean create new music on the fly, that's also another trade. That's what songwriters/producers/musicians do, not DJ's. A DJ may manipulate a track to add elements or use effects to create energy and smooth transitions, but it's still a track for the audience to recognize. There is a number of other elements that define a DJ and the work we do and if anyone don't know what that is, please don't argue when something's good or bad from a DJ's perspective.

[@Dollarhyde1]

tbh i still in the days of skill using vinyl but i will purchase some of these soon.

[@TehObLiVioUs]

now do a CDJ-900 vs CDJ-900NXS

[@agiprodj]

@jeppoZ Not Hot Cues/Loops on the 900 - but it does have that beat chopper which is unique to the CDJ-900

[@Pezzaaay]

@PunkFreak331 you could read it on the CDJ-2000 LED screen if you looked closely

[@ski2707]

Does the CDJ 900 have hot cues too?

[@simonm.647]

Which player loads a mp3 file faster off of USB.. I was testing with xdj-1000mk2.. it sometimes takes 6 to 7 sec. to load a file from usb.. I feel old school display loads files faster than multi color displays..

[@LookeyPL]

@kev44442 You do have, but you must turn info about song on (there is a button called INFO on top of the CDJ screen). And your track must be analyzed in recordbox.

[@TheBostonshaker]

i believe the tracks are Deadmau5 - Ghosts n Stuff & Take On Me - AHA

[@agiprodj]

@DjHamraaz As an Authorized U.S. dealer, Pioneer does not allow us to ship outside the United States. You would need a U.S. address.

[@Simon0202]

Does anyone know if you can link the 900's to a laptop without using the DJM-2000 to drop tracks from Rekordbox? I’m guessing you would use an Ethernet Hub/Switch to basically just create a simple LAN between the devices or can that not be done with only the CDJ’s? I’m thinking about making the move from Traktor Pro, Midi Controller & Sound Card to a pair of these as I have little faith in even the very most reliable computer, even though its never actually ever let me down during a gig.

[@sainifabulous]

i hope they make one soon. but trust me you'll get a better price then pssl!

[@danny5766]

will the pionner cdj 1000 & CDJ 800 DROP IN PRICE ANYWHERE LIKE IF YOU BUY THEM SECOND HAND?

[@agiprodj]

Man, that's a tough one. There are pros and cons to both. Well, mainly pros to both. But if I had to get one system or the other, I'd go with the 2000's with a DJM-800 :) Feel free to hop on the chat tool on our website for more info.

[@HDiGITTY]

@agiprodj he also referred to the 900's bigger brother as the "100"...

[@vixapphire]

These boxes are so similar it's very confusing to make a decision between them. The value proposition for the extra $500 is tough to discern. Does anyone know whether the players will play from the laptop directly via rekordbox (or whatever), or do they require the content be loaded to USB first? I'm talking, can I play from computer without buying Traktor or another 3d party software with these things?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Old thread, but my answer could clear some question for someone else new to this :) . Only the looks are similar. Like comparing VW Beatle to a Porche. Both do the basics the same and well, but when it's competition... The 2000's are on another level when it comes to build quality and performance features. If you need them to reliably perform 2-3 nights a week for years to come, on a pro level, the choice is easy. These are stand alone units made to perform without a computer. Everything is based on the internal software/hardware. To get all the functionality, you need to prepare your music in Rekordbox, and export the music to a USB storage device.... unless you need all your music. Then you connect your players and your computer to a switch, creating a local network, and then you can drop your tracks to the players from inside Rekordbox. Then, of course, you can use them as software controllers. They are certified with Rekordbox DJ, Serato, Traktor and probably a few more, but then why? There are better, and a lot cheaper, solutions for that. Now with the XDJ-series having most of the 2000's features at half or less the price, this is still the case when compared to the NXS2's. If I would step down to 2-4 gigs a month, I'd be very satisfied with a couple of XDJ-1000 or even the 700's and the new DJM-450. More features than I use anyway and a good enough build quality to bring the gear with me now and then. I used to have the CDJ-800's and they lasted for 5 years and still had good used value when I upgraded to the CDJ-900's in 2009. The quality of the 2000's is proven today. Still a lot of 2000's first edition out there on their 7th year now. Even with a couple of services and replacing the cue/play buttons, that is good value. My own 2000 Nexus's is soon to be 4 years old and doing 8-10 gigs a month, they still perform as new. I'm only using them on half of my gigs, but they still get packed down/up and are moved around as they are always with me, just in case. As I just upgraded to the NXS2, they will continue to my be travel kit, for a few more years, I really hope :) . It will take me another 5 years to save up for a new kit, If I ever do :) .

[@Rober84m]

Even after watching all these comparison videos I still cannot decide which one to go with. CDJ 900 is more affordable and slip function is kind cool not to mention the loop effects but on the other hand CDJ 2000 has all the bells and whistles such as the nice screen needle search platter tension setting a better sound card etc...I am planning to get the brand new djm 900 along with the cdj 900s but I cannot stop thinking about the CDJ 2000 otherwise although it could be a waste of money

[@agiprodj]

@Djxtrodinaire At the moment, they are almost the same functionality wise. We are hoping for HID support towards the end of Q2 which will give functionality with the hot cues/loops.

[@ItalionStallion1x]

I only bought a DJM-400 mixer but im gonna uppgrade it soon! Spent about 2800 Euros...

[@choquetrenard]

Really of the good materiel .

[@Airvtz]

are these cdjs compatible with the transcend sata storejet 2.5 external hard drives?

[@MrMaster767]

would be great if there was a slip feature on some other players too

[@GABESIMARD]

i use slipmat quite often it kinda sucks the 2000 doesnt have that....

[@agiprodj]

@garotinho1108 He called it a CDJ-1000 once. Yep, that's pretty silly.

[@Sabumnimgeh]

Hey Trying to add some info for you all. How I see it if you have the CDJ 900 & Traktor Pro 2 that kinda adds anything that's not missing beat loop/Snyc is all in Traktor.

[@DAMUSICMAN334]

New to the DJing...I have CDJ 900's is there any way to see a video on how to hook up external hard...and use with reckordbox and CDJ900's...Thanks

[@ThaFonz19]

My exact thought when he mentionned it.

[@DejotaNesH4L]

Muy Bueno, tio me han convencido los CDJS 900, por su precio y por sus prestaciones, que al parecer son las mísmas que lleva la CDJ 2000, excepto alguna característica que otra. En un principio decidí ala ligera comprarme los CDJS 1000, pero al ver este video todo me a cambiado, me comprare los 900, la única pega que tengo de ellos es la de el jog adjust, para la dureza del jog, pero por lo demás son formidables. Gracias un SaLU2 dJ nEs

[@count916]

@kniffa You sound like I was 7 years ago. I too didn't want to go to high end in case I didn't end up keeping with it. 7 years later, I wish I would have got the highest end setup I could have afforded at the time. As for these, either one I think you will be happy with. But if you have the cash, go for the 2k's.

[@HarrisonHope]

yeah the cdj900 has quantization! if you're playing in clubs, a DJM800 would be a good choice!

[@MrBAbYGS]

@DJPWNSTAR what you buy???

[@MrBAbYGS]

kann man den cdj 900 mit dem 2000verbinden ???

[@DJakeRestless]

they took out the hot cues on the cdj900? why would they ever do that?

[@Dollarhyde1]

with the power of the SYNC BUTTON, I can mix without even having to think about it

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

With the power of knowledge and skills, I don't either.

[@03108qwe]

THE CDJ 900 IS LIKE AN "UPGRADE" OF THE CDJ 800 MK2 (more beat loop options and slip mode so u can beat loop without ruining your beatmatch) THE CDJ 2000 IS LIKE THE "UPGRADE" OF THE CDJ 1000 MK3 (no loops options but the a,b,and c hot cues,, jog adjust,,more little details..)

[@gurjith]

How much does it cost for 2 CDJ 900 players ?

[@DjHamraaz]

Do U ship (Free Shipping!?) to Canada as well?

[@Jaacckko0]

@elixer6x6x6 Are you sick of burning Cd's? This would be the number 1 question IMO

[@TechFromTheTropics]

what was the mixer u used

[@grim7727]

tiene hot cue la cdj 900 ?

[@ItalionStallion1x]

Thanks alot! I bought the cdj-900 :)

[@djdelite]

good job...thats why i like you guys an buy becasue the reviews help me go forward...thanks

[@ItalionStallion1x]

Hmmmm CDJ-900 or CDJ-850 what is the best choice if you want as much as possible of the money :/

[@djdarrell805]

do u guys have a catalog???

[@WreckemRye]

argh i was going to get the 900 but now im thinking 2000's????? what to do :(

[@deltablues24]

1:50 lol lots of people tried that for days to form like that line but on this u can do it in 2 seconds lol

[@grahamsadventures]

Great review, answered all my questions, thanks

[@bocajrthug106]

if you can please respond to my question I would greatly appreciate it. How did you disable the BPM decimal point on the cdj-2000?

[@agiprodj]

@TheDjNvidia Thanks DjNvidia!

[@Screwbob1711]

@kniffa there are certain features that the needle search makes easy, for example if you were to create a loop BEFORE you play the track through the master speakers, you could exit that loop using the needle drop, then when the song gets to that point in the track, it loops on until u exit the loop, great for making a live drop by looping on key words of the song, dividing until there is a bit of anticipation, then jumping to a real drop using hot-cues, there are alot more features than u think.

[@crogmaeb24109]

@agiprodj whats the names of the songs the cdj's are playing ??

[@LessDebateMoreCreate]

Yes, but when using cdj's you focus on the pitch when trying to beatmatch.

[@chokooloko]

Excellent review , very professional !

[@shredtilyurdead]

Damn good review. Seems I'm goin with the 900s thx bro.

[@Reticuli]

Still all have the jog bend dead zone.

[@MrKianz]

im torn between cdj900 and cdj 1000 mk3 which one is better?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

To use with CD's, the cdj-1000Mk3 all the way. If you wanna go with USB... The older models are not a choice. Now 6 years later, I still have my CDJ-1000Mk3's for practice at home. I sold my 900's. The wave info is better on the 1000's and tracks/wave form loads a lot faster. The build quality is Pro, the 900 is more like semi Pro. To me, build quality, reliability and a good waveform is some of the features I need the most. Loops and hot cues can be prepared and saved on the memory card on the 1000's, which in a small way compensates for the missing quantize, as you can make them perfect and recall them when needed. You lose the ''perfect-on-the-fly'' feature, but that's something only you can add as + or -.

[@stewartjdrummond]

Sync is only on the 2000 nexus not the normal 2000

[@djtorchmusic]

If you were going to use DJ Software, I would say the CDJ 2000 is a huge waste of money. But, If you were not going to use a laptop, then it becomes almost mandatory to get the 2000 for just the screen alone.

[@HDiGITTY]

@ketastyles what did you pay for them?

[@Sabumnimgeh]

@Screwbob1711 U could do all that in Traktor Pro 2 and save money, for the price I would only get the 2000 if you own a bar or club!

[@MultiTylertv]

@DjHamraaz well i have the same problem as you im a canadia looking for dj gear and i found this store in montreal called moog audio and they deliver to canada well there in canada lol and they have these playeers

[@agiprodj]

@vixapphire Thanks for the comment. We happily take constructive criticism if it's warranted. In this case, it's not. This video was produced on Feb 20 2010. The CDJ-2000 Firmware at the time was 2.03. Version 4.0 was not introduced until almost 1 year to the day later - on Feb 17, 2011. The quantized beat loop was not even a feature on the CDJ-2000 to 'compare' to the CDJ-900 at the time this video was shot. The CDJ-900 was the only player with that feature at the time.

[@Tinto2]

@corfox011 you can use a PC, just a PC takes up more space in your house thats all! Cannot wait to buy my cdj 900's :D

[@agiprodj]

@Persianbmw94 One of my favorite tracks right now.

[@SphexGamingInc]

Is the 2000 the only one of them, who is showing the current BPM?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

No, they both do that. The 2000 with a decimal. You can see it on the 900 on the right side at 2.23. When using Rekordbox analyzed files it's instant.

[@corfox011]

plz help me do u have to have a lap top for the these or can u use a pc in home because i dont have a lap top only pc

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Long time ago, but still, someone can use the info :) . You only need a computer to analyze your files and/or to transfer your music to a USB storage device. If you play CD's, you don't need a computer at all, but then you could just as well buy a couple of CDJ-1000Mk3's. To be able to use all the functions of the new players, you have to analyze your music in Rekordbox, and then export your music your USB-stick, which is all you need to play. You can also connect your computer (Laptop, stationary comp, Mac), and your CDJ-900/2000 to a switch/router (Creates a local network between the units when using more than 2), and drag your music directly from Rekordbox to the players. Keep in mind, everything is still happening in the players. The computer only works as an active storage unit. You can benefit from the larger screen to find and load your tracks within Rekordbox, especially with the 900's. It's nice to have this setup at home when preparing and practicing, and to your gig, you only bring the music you need on your usb stick. The computer stays at home :) . This info goes for all the newer models as well, the Nexus, Nxs2 and the XDJ-series.

[@damefortuna]

did anyone else notice at 4:45 where he stopped the 900 on 1:33:70?

[@Jaacckko0]

@elixer6x6x6 fair enough man. well if you aren't going to utilize the USB/rekordbox capabilities and quantized loop there is no reason at all for you to upgrade. My 2 cents worth

[@GVMann1]

I hear Deadmau5 - Ghosts n Stuff on this video xD Btw what does MK stand for? i've always wondered

[@ellijackson6023]

Is there an option to switch decks on these line you can on some controllers.

[@agiprodj]

There is not - these are a 'single layer' CD Player

[@TravelWithGuii]

cdj900 all day with the djm2000 it makes it just as good as cdj2000 with a djm800

[@18mex01]

@djzilchdotcom how much did you pay? pce

[@darrenrodriguez]

whtas the song that starts at 2:08 ?? pleaseee!

[@adelghbech6409]

thank you very much 1

[@djkenstone]

good vid

[@eugene728]

whys it matter what it looks like its all about performance

[@ECn4ii]

"i have NO idea why you'd do this live..." LOL