The Denon DN-S1000.
UK - At last, start-up DJ's can enjoy the luxury of Denon design and build pedigree with a nifty little tabletop device that will meet all their MP3 (as well as CD) requirements. Denon knew an entry-level product was feasible for the first time after adapting the template of the hugely-popular DN-S5000 into the feature-rich (and keenly-priced) DN-S3000. With the DN-S1000 they have achieved their objective, reducing the footprint of this portable beauty to a mere 226mm x 92mm (inc feet) x 215mm, while still retaining advanced MP3 functionality.

In addition to its starter appeal, the DN-S1000 is sufficiently well-specified to be considered as an add-on by seasoned turntable DJs, who feel they are ready to straddle the different formats. It all adds up to a package with an astonishing performance to weight/price ratio - and when paired with Denon's brand new 2-channel DN-X100 battle mixer it forms an irresistible combination.

The MP3 Playback element supports Seamless Looping, Scratching, Hot Starts and Effects,with CBR and VBR encoding up to 320 kbps; ID3 tags and displays and an MP3 File Search system. Storing hundreds of MP3's on one disc is fine - but with the world's first Next Track Reserve function, Denon allow the DJ to search for a song and crossfade seamlessly to that file for a non-stop running mix. This feature is also available for CD audio discs, while the crossfade time itself is user-adjustable.

In addition the DN-S1000 offers a 3-Way BPM Counter; four Built-In Effects; three Platter Effects; a Fader Start Control terminal (which is compatible with all Denon DJ mixers); Constant Digital Outputs; a 100mm-long stroke Slider with centre click for Playback Speed Control; CD/MP3 Seamless Loops(the B point for the seamless loop can be adjusted on the fly using the Scratch Disc); two Hot Starts (which can be used as stutter points); CD Text Support (with scrolling display for the longer names); Power On Play (offering immediate unattended playback upon power-up); CD Memo Function; Instant Start; CD-R/RW Disc Playback ‹ and, of course generously-ranged Pitch Control and Pitch Bend features.

Finally, Denon have made searching fast and easy, allowing the operator to jump around within a track with user-adjustable incremental time steps. Fully software-upgradeable (via CD-R) the DN-S1000 makes its debut at September's PLASA Show in London.

D&M Professional can be found on stand G90.

(Lee Baldock)


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