After 10 years of working under the former head honchos of LeisureWorks, Ardan Peddell and Heather Seow, recently I left to explore and conquer my own pastures. Together with me, I brought the experience and knowledge that I gained during my stint with them.

Recently, I had an opportunity to be part of a research team which consists of audio engineers from all over Asia, acoustic engineers, club installers, DJs and magazine critics, comparing, researching some DJ audio products. Actually, there were few other products that we were testing on but one particular product really stood out and attracted the attention of the panel of researchers. Since it was an independant research team, we had the freedom to talk and write about the truth without having any obligation to suck on anyone's balls. At least that was what I was told as the law in that country says so!!

So, here it is....... the comparison between Denon DJ's DNX1700 and Pioneer's DJM800 – internationally-acclaimed club mixer, and the choice of DJs (at least 50%) all over the world. The other 50% are shared by Allen & Heath, Rane, Denon DJ, Ecler, Vestax and many other brands.

I've summarize the findings to make it 'idiot-proof' and easy-to-understand for the masses.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (apart from being a standard DJ mixer)

• The DNX1700 is without a doubt the most versatile and best-sounding 4-channel, fully digital DJ mixer on the planet today.

• World's first professional DJ mixer with Audiophile 32-Bit DAC output. (DAC – Digital-Analog-convertor)

• USB Midi Interface :Controls any DJ software with mapping capabilities on a PC/MAC.

• 24Bit 94kHz USB 2.0 Audio Interface (Soundcard) 4 in/out (Stereo)

• 2 independant Effectors with 12 FX available for each sending channel (EFX Send 1 and 2) EFX includes Echo Loop, Phaser, Beatbreaker

• 3.5 inch TFT colour display with animated easy navigation

• Tradiotional High performance Denon rugged construction with Studio quality components and specifications (Made In Japan)

Other notable points.....

• Matrix input assignments for Line/Phono and selectable USB Audio, Digital Input

• Discrete FET Phono Preamp, discrete Mic circuit, discrete headphone amp

• Independant 3-Band isolator EQ with kills (High-Mid-Low)

• 2-way EFX parameter filter (LPF/HPF)

• 60mm CP studio quality Alps K-Type channel faders and 45mm tension adjustable cross fader, FLEX FADER.

• Dual layer control (Midi and Normal Audio)

• 2 Mic Input with Ducking level control

• Dual Power transformer construction for best possible audio specifications (Digital/Analog sections)

• Extensive Utility menu to customize user settings

• Preset Import/Export function my USB memory device (transport ur user setting to another X1700 mixer)

• Limiter ON/OFF function with adjustable threshold (this fucntion is a favourite for club installers)

FAQ/ Frequently Ask Questions .........

• Is the internal firmware upgradable? Yes, from a thumb drive. Enhacements will be made based on user feedbacks, and release on the web.

• What platforms does it support for USB audio? Windows XP SP2/Vista (ASIO driver provided), Mac OSX 10.5.7

• Will there be an optional rotary knob kit available? There no plans for rotary knob at this time.

• Can I use MIDI capable software? Yes, standard MIDI mapable applications.

COMPETITOR Model (explained) – PIONEER DJM800

• No internal Soundcard

• No USB Midi for DJ software control

• Only 1 FX bank

• No colour display

• No Limiter function

• No Matrix source switching

• No Audio/Midi layer function

• 3-positioned channel contour (Denon DJ has a very detailed VR)

• 45mm channel faders (Denon's 60mm Alps K-series faders and FLEX FADER)

• No channel reverse

• No A/B crossfader cut-adjustment

• No 44.1kHZ Digital Output

• 24 Bit output DAC (Denon – 32 Bit output DAC)

• No EQ kill, No EQ ring illumination

• No headphone EQ

• No dual CUE mode (Solo/Mixed)

• No USB preset data saving

• No Utility Mode

In Summary

With all the advantages and disadvantages between the 2 DJ mixers, it is not in any way that the Pioneer DJM800 is a bad mixer, nor the Denon DJ DNX1700 is an over-the-top mixer. Personally, I don't think that the DNX1700 will take over the club-mixer market. It all depends on each individual club's set-up, concept, genre of music and most importantly, the DJ's preference or knowledge of his or her trade. Just look at the Denon DJ's DNS3700 media player. It has already proven to be the better product than the Pioneer CDJ1000 series and equivalent to the over-priced CDJ2000. Yet, it has remain an outcast for most club DJs. Why?? How about going back to basics. The basics of marketing, product introduction and training to the end-users.