AlphaTheta Corporation has released the Pioneer DJ DJM-A9 professional mixer. With clear sound quality, enhanced playability and connectivity, and a host of new features, the DJM-A9 is poised to take club performances to the next level.
Offering multiple advancements over its predecessor, the Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2, the new DJM-A9 mixer produces a higher level of natural-sounding audio. By including an ESS Technology 32-bit high-quality analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) converters into the channel input section and the master and booth output sections, the DJM-A9 disperses clear sound to the booth and dance floor.
The DJM-A9’s new layout design makes it more instinctive and comfortable to play. Spacing was added around the EQ knobs. The channel faders and the MAGVEL FADER crossfader are slicker than those on the DJM-900NXS2, to enable performers to mix and scratch more efficiently. And the Sound Color FX include the world’s first Center Lock feature, to ensure artists don’t accidentally cross over between the hi/low parameters.
Beat FX are more instinctive to use on the DJM-A9 thanks to the new color display and revamped X-Pad, which is now arranged horizontally for simple, sideways finger sliding. The Beat FX channel selector is now a dedicated button, enabling quicker effect routing, and the Multi I/O section has been upgraded to offer true send capabilities. In total, there are 14 Beat FX to play with, including three new ones.
Through fine-tuning and improved construction with carefully selected components, the microphone section of the DJM-A9 brings new possibilities when streaming or MCing. Artists can connect a condenser mic directly to the DJM-A9 for the best possible vocal sound quality thanks to the phantom power supply to the mic input, which is an industry-first feature on a DJ mixer. To dynamically change the sound of the artists voice, there are three different mic effects plus a dedicated reverb to play with.
Changing DJs or playing back-to-back has never been easier than on the DJM-A9, due in part to the dual sets of USB Type-B and Type-C ports, which enable artists to connect two PCs/Macs running either rekordbox or Serato DJ Pro. The mixer’s expanded connectivity opens up new possibilities for artists performances. If an artist wants to play tracks from a mobile device, Bluetooth®/MD input makes it easy on the DJM-A9. The audio can be routed to any channel, and an artist can use all the mixer’s effects to change the sound.
The DJM-A9 is compatible with the upcoming version of rekordbox, which will be available in March 2023. To use the mixer with Serato DJ Pro, artists will need to buy a license or subscription for the software and download the latest version here. The mixer supports DVS control via either application. Also delivering industry-first features, the DJM-A9 includes a Center Lock feature when using Sound Color FX, which prevents accidental crossing between the high/low parameters, no matter the knob turn speed. With Wi-Fi connectivity built into the DJM-A9, front-of-house teams can monitor the mixer through the new Stagehand iPad app, which will be released soon.
Photos courtesy of Pioneer DJ