- : £. The PLX-CRSS12 from industry leaders Pioneer DJ is a ground-breaking hybrid DJ turntable with one foot in the past and one foot in future. And by that, I mean it’s a DJ deck that Let's you play actual vinyl records as well as digital files (from your laptop/PC using Rekordbox or Serato DJ timecode technology). 72 It’s fair to say that there is a lot going on here, so let’s unpack it… Traditional vinyl Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a vinyl junkie and always have been.

I’m of a certain age that means I was carting around tonnes of the stuff when I first started as a mobile DJ. I’ve just never lost the joy of using the format, even if it’s rare for me to take it out of the studio these days (in my opinion, vinyl is too precious and expensive, not to mention too heavy). Nothing pleases me more than two slabs of vinyl on decks and getting them beat-matched and mixed – it’s just a nice place to be. So, how do the PLX-CRSS12 turntables fair in the mix?

No issues here. I was initially concerned about the MAGVEL CLAMP, which I will come to later, but ultimately I had no problem with it. In fact, I think I will learn to love it. The pitch is exactly what I’ve come to expect from high-end turntables: this one works perfectly and feels super-smooth with no centre click.

Sound quality is always a factor with turntables and anyone who has mixed or played vinyl will know this is important. I always say your sound quality is only ever as good as your weakest link. If you have top of the range decks but with a cheap stylus that’s not set up right, it isn’t going to sound good. I use a decent stylus from Ortofon, so everything was tip-top using the PLX-CRSS12 deck combined with my DJM-S11.

One area I felt there was improvement was isolation from vibration feedback. This is something all decks – and I mean all – suffer from. You can’t put a tiny stylus in a tiny groove and place it near vibration and not have an issue. Over the years, we’ve seen this improve with new designs – and yes, there has definitely been some work done to improve vibration issues with the PLX-CRSS12.

I don’t think there ever will be a cure, but I will happily take any form of improvement (there’s no cure for the common cold but we all reach for the cough mixture to help when we have one!). As a vinyl record player, everything is as I expected. Would I buy it to just play records? Possibly not at this price point.

To use the PLX-CRSS12 just for vinyl would be criminal not to mention expensive. PIONEER DJ PLX-CRSS12 The deck doesn’t come supplied playing digital with cartridge or stylus but it does moved to one come with a Pioneer DJ head shell. me sad) and “No stylus,” I hear you scream, “at and USB sticks. that price!” If I’m being honest, does make my I totally get the decision not to I’ve always include a stylus. Vinyl junkies are combines both very particular about them and we have our own preferences, so With the flick it would be impossible for Pioneer press of a DJ to get something in the box to Rekordbox that everyone would like. digital files, skipping, no Overall, I’m very happy on the noise (which analogue side. a stylus on no remembering Digital files needle back. using a controller For me, this is where the magic platters – what’s of the PLX-CRSS12 really lies.

I’ve never liked using timecode When I set up vinyl with stylus. I just never got for the first away with it. So when it comes to easy it would STAYING MICKER PIONEER PRO MOBILE DJ PLX-CRSS12 UVS pioneer dj plx-crss12 files, my decks get And honestly, I was up and running side (which makes with Rekordbox in minutes. For a out come the CDJs first go, I was nothing short of Switching between amazed.

These things usually test setup really big, so my willingness to read a manual wanted a solution that – there wasn’t one sent with this – and this is it. demo product, but in truth I really didn’t need it anyway. of a switch and the button, I’m hooked up As you can imagine, having a or Serato playing traditional deck with all the with no stylus, no trimmings of a digital setup was horrible high-pitched brilliant for me. Knowing that I you often get with could use streaming services like timecode vinyl), and Beatsource or Beatport via the to move the software on a traditional deck… In fact, this is like mind blown! with motorised not to like?

You’ll also find performance pads for hotcues – a brilliant addition the PLX-CRSS12 that further convinced me the time I wondered how PLX-CRSS12 is the solution to all be. my DJing needs. pioneer dj plx-crss12 MAGVEL CLAMP Well, this little plastic clamp is genius. Who would have thought a small magnetic clamp would play such a key part in this deck’s success? When playing digital, you can place any piece of vinyl you choose on the deck, so you could use your favourite picture disc or coloured vinyl.

Then you place the MAGVEL CLAMP on top of the vinyl and it locks in place with a magnet. Now for the clever bit. The clamp has an adjustment dial; by turning it clockwise you can make the vinyl on the platter feel heavier, or by turning it anti-clockwise you make it lighter. Think of it like tension adjustment – similar to I’ve never really used what you get on a CDJ jog wheel. weight before, but It’s brilliant for scratching and works.

Similarly, cutting, as you can dial in your on the record before own setting. completely new to found myself Some of you may know I’ve habit and I’m sure been dabbling with scratching second nature very during the last couple of years. little clamp really I’m no scratch wizard, that’s part of this deck for sure, but I do have a good versatility. Don’t understanding of the craft and You can still use what equipment works well and weights if you prefer, what does not.

The adjustment adaptor for those capabilities of this system are box records – so key to its success – and it’s all there either. down to that little clamp. Layout However, it does not end there for this piece of design genius. The PLX-CRSS12 When playing analogue vinyl, the for battle-style use. clamp comes into play again. You is how I would may have seen DJs or vinyl audio and matches how hi-fi buffs using big weights decks set up.

Since on their records; this flattens learn the dark art the vinyl if it’s slightly warped this layout is or dished as well as reducing become accustomed vibrations and improving sound my decks in that quality. Well, placing the MAGVEL when I’m only CL AMP on a standard record feels natural to me works in much the same way, as use the CRSS12 in it clamps down and has the same configuration if you effect as those big weights. the writing and 74 that type of deck will be the wrong way round!

I do know it That could mess with your head a placing a clamp bit. In my opinion this deck is best playing was used battle-style. me, but I soon getting into the Display it will become quickly. That The small display screen is a very does play a big useful feature and really comes and is key to its into its own when you’re using panic, though. the deck in digital mode. At first your traditional glance, it seems to be in the wrong or use a 45s orientation, as it’s just below the dinked ex-duke tone arm, but in use this is exactly no problems as it should be.

The screen displays key and BPM. It’s also used to access the utility menu. I did not mess around with the is designed settings too much, but I could see Everything that the torque adjustment and expect it to be firmware info were as I expected. I have my I started to Build quality of the scratch, something I’ve This thing is built like a tank.

But to; I leave heavy and sturdy is something position even vinyl DJs look for in a deck – and mixing, so it just this is just that. The build and finish now. You can of the PLX-CRSS12 is high quality a traditional and what I would expect from a want, but all premium product and brand. I love labelling of the the matt black look too.

PIONEER DJ PLX-CRSS12 MOVE THE AIR, MOVE YOUR PORTABLE PA SYSTEM – STAGEPAS Please welcome the newest addition to Yamaha’s line-up of portable PA’s! It offers exceptional high-quality sound, that extremely compact size. This feature-packed, little magic cube allows you to take your mance literally anywhere. Alongside its portability and sound it offers ample functionality and mixing capacity, intuitive and support for Bluetooth audio streaming and remote control.

Available with an optional battery pack, STAGEPAS 200 is for a wide range of applications, from street performances parties and speeches. AUDIENCE 200 professional, belies its perforquality, operation suitable to events, pioneer dj plx-crss12 The deck is the same size as I find it hard to many other popular decks, so it mobile DJs embracing fits inside my coffin flight-case CRSS12, unless (which usually houses Technics their USP. I mean, 1210s) alongside my DJM-S11. heavy, you will need No need for new cases – a real and how many bonus! to cart around Why would you Final thoughts so many brilliant there that will make This thing is ground breaking and life so much easier? no doubt the PLX-CRSS12 will go down in the DJ gear history book That said, I have and hall of fame.

Every now and at then something comes along mobile DJs and that just makes you sit up and to do things a little take notice. to the Brits. They showboat-style Is this deck for everyone? No, things like Rane because it’s aimed at a certain with timecode. sector of the industry. However, their skills and put within that sector I believe it will on display, rather rule the roost. behind the booth.

76 imagine many Don’t get me wrong, this style the PLX- isn’t for everyone. But the mobile vinyl is part of DJ market has really smartened it’s big and up in the past 15 years and there two of them, are some DJs putting amazing mobile DJs want setups out there. One American loads of vinyl? DJ I think you should check out on when there are YouTube is Nick Spinelli.

Love him controllers out or hate him, the guy has enviable your mobile showboat DJ skills and he puts them on show. For that kind of mobile DJ, the PLX-CRSS12 from been paying Pioneer DJ will be perfect. they do seem So, what else can I say… Does differently this thing make me happy? Yes. embrace the Is it for everyone one? No.

Is it DJing by using revolutionary? Yes. Is it game 12s and decks changing? For some, possibly.

They show off their decks than hiding PIONEER DJ PLX-CRSS12