Pioneer unveil next-generation CDJ-3000

The new top-of-the-range model supersedes the CDJ-2000NXS2.

Pioneer have unveiled their eagerly anticipated new flagship CDJ media player. The CDJ-3000 supersedes the CDJ-2000NXS2 as the top-of-the-range model.

There are some obvious visual changes from the CDJ-2000, notably in the form of the larger HD touchscreen to the new on-jog display (borrowed from the DDJ-1000), and the row of eight Hot Cue buttons below the screen.

Above all else though, Pioneer are keen to stress how the CDJ-3000 represents a complete redesign of the CDJ formula. For the first time ever on a CDJ, there isn’t actually a CD slot, marking the widespread shift to playback from SD cards, USB sticks, computers and phones.

It’s only a few millimetres bigger in each direction than the CDJ-2000, but the unit is basically designed from the ground up as a new generation of CDJ, with more durable play/cue buttons, smoother jog wheels and all-round tougher build quality.

Notable new performance features include Key Shift with Key Sync to match the key of incoming tracks while mixing, stacked waveforms with a new Touch Cue feature to listen ahead to the currently playing track, and a new Beat Jump option to jump backward and forward in the track while keeping perfect time.

The Pioneer CDJ-3000 is due very soon with an RRP of £2,169. We’ll be bringing you a full review as soon as we can.