Now its time to review the undisputed nightclub workhorse! This is without a doubt the CDJ 800mkII! Taking over the position from the Denon DN2000F Mk2 that was the original standard for a good number of years. However it lacked the finesse, the control and the tactile ability of the godfather of all dj equipment the vinyl turntable. The CDJ800mkII is the evolution that brought Pioneer to the frontline and brought it to the nightclub standard. 

 

The CDJ 800 MK2 is a revised upgraded version of Pioneer’s older models cd players, but it packs some pretty heavy upgrades, so much that it’s actually one of the most reliable in the cd DJ product line. 

 

One of the main key features that the CDJ 800mkII brings is MP3 support, which supports all available nitrates from any CD-R/CD-RW thats a definite must for the working DJ in this digital era. The overall layout and design of the CDJ 800mkII is Style, Form and Function, you have to admit, even tho its silver, this thing looks amazing! It has a stylish modern look, and with built in enhanced metallic metallic components for enhanced reliability and feel.

 

Now, lets talk about the job wheel. The CDJ 800mkII jog wheel feels GREAT! Its been modified with this textured metallic non slip finish for exceptional scratch performance as well as the textured outer ring allows for perfect pitch bending. Other controls on the CDJ 800mkII include the necessary auto beat loop with 4 timing and control buttons. The display on the CDJ 800mkII has been upgraded to a slightly better higher resolution model that will display your timing information as well as show CD text and ID3 data for quick track recognition.

 

Another upgrade on the CDJ 800mkII is an expanded internal memory that will hold your cue point as well as giving a better skip protection buffer, so now when that drunk guy is banging away to the beat you don't have to worry about it skipping your track like what sometimes happened with the first incarnation of the CDJ 800. I could go in and start wasting your time by explaining how the pitch control work or how to set cue points but lets be serious here. This is a gear review not a tutorial. 

 

Overall I owned a set of these for 6 months, had zero issues with them. To this day when I walk into a club or even and I see a set of 800's sitting there that nice warm feeling of comfort and familiarity comes back and I know its going to be a good night. I have seen rental companies not even get cases for these and literally stack them on top of each other and they just keep kicking. They might not have ever had the reputation or been elevated to the level that the CDJ 1000mkII and MKIII reached but they will definitely not disappoint.

 

 

Keep the volume up and the bass kicking!

Cheers!

 

James G

djTR

DanceRadio.ca