The DJM-A9 is Pioneer DJ's official successor to the club-standard Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 and raises the bar for 4-channel club mixers. With new, high-quality 32-bit AD/DA converters in the channel input section and master/booth outputs, DJ performances with the Pioneer DJ - DJM-A9 sound more outstanding than ever before, taking club sound to an unprecedented level. The microphone section has been given more effects and customization options than the DJM-900NXS2, in addition to the option to use +48V phantom-powered condenser or dynamic microphones. The beat FX can be operated even more intuitively thanks to the revised and horizontally positioned X-pad. For the assignment of the effects, a separate button has been integrated for each channel, which enables fast and targeted effect routing. Thanks to the dual audio interface built into the DJM-A9, the transfer to the next DJ can take place seamlessly or two DJs, each with their own computer running rekordbox or Serato DJ Pro, can simultaneously "Back2Back" with each other via the Pioneer DJ - DJM-A9. The Mixer connects to devices such as smartphones or tablets via a built-in Bluetooth™ interface, and the signal can be routed to each channel, processed with the equalizer, or effects can be applied. The DJM-A9's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity serves the purpose of controlling the DJM-A9 remotely via an iPad, using the new Stagehand app, once all devices in the setup are on the same Wi-Fi network. This makes it possible to adjust PA settings or troubleshoot without having to go to the DJ booth. According to Pioneer DJ, Stagehand is currently only compatible with the DJM-A9 and CDJ-3000 players.
Thanks to the new, high-quality 32-bit A/D converters from ESS-Technology, in the channel input section and the master/booth outputs, DJ performances with the Pioneer DJ - DJM-A9 sound more outstanding than ever before, presenting the sound (depending on the quality of the sound sources) in clubs at an unprecedented level.
In a direct comparison between the DJM-A9 and the DJM-900NXS2, a larger distance between the equalizer controls in the individual channel sections ensures a simpler and therefore better feel. The frequency responses of the equalization have been optimized, and the more intensive colouring of the LEDs provides an overall better overview.
The Beat FX can now be operated even more intuitively thanks to the redesigned and horizontally positioned X-pad. A separate button has been integrated for each channel to assign the effects, enabling fast and targeted effect routing. The DJM-A9 has been given 14 Beat FX, including three new effects: Triplet Roll, Triplet Filter and Mobius. The new colour display keeps the user up to date on quantization and speed.
The Sound Color FX section includes 6 effects such as Space, Dub Echo, Crush, Sweep, Noise and the proven LP/HP Filter. The new Center-Lock option prevents over-rotation of a Color FX and stops the rotation of the knob in the middle position.
The DJM-A9 provides two separate outputs for headphones, for example, so that two people can DJ and only listen to their own equipment. Each headphone output has its own volume control and can proportionally mix the activated channel or optionally the master signal.
In addition to the option of using +48V phantom-powered condenser or dynamic microphones, the DJM-A9's microphone section has been given more effects and a 2-band equalizer. This allows the sound to be adjusted for moderation or vocal artists and to be garnished with an echo, pitch, megaphone or an official reverb effect.
With dual USB Type-B and USB Type-C ports built into the DJM-A9, both older and newer computers can be connected to the DJ mixer via USB. In addition, using the Bluetooth™ option, devices such as smartphones or tablets can be paired with the DJM-A9 and integrated into the mix via one of the line faders.
The DJM-A9's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity is designed to allow the DJM-A9 to be controlled remotely via an iPad using the soon-to-be-released Stagehand app, once all connected units are on the same Wi-Fi network. This makes it possible to adjust PA settings or troubleshoot without having to go to the DJ booth. According to Pioneer DJ, Stagehand is currently only compatible with the DJM-A9 and CDJ-3000 players.
Even though it's not that innovative from its ancestor DJM900nxs2, it has a few upgrades that really make the difference. Pioneer could risk their game a little more and introduce us to a new flagship model of the clubmixers, but they rather play it safe and insist on the formula they know really well.