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DJ equipment Review:
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I am a DJ from Nottingham, England. I play USA House and Garage and Tribal House.
The Concept
The concept of the Pioneer EFX-500 DJ Effector is simple. The unit enables the DJ to manipulate sounds and add effects to the mix. Pioneer have developed a piece of equipment that can send even the dullest of crowds into a frenzy and, if operated correctly, can seriously improve the overall mix.
The Unit
Although the unit appears complicated at first glancemastering the controls is relatively simple.
The main unit is separated into three main sections:
1. Isolator Unit
The isolator enables the DJ to completely cut the signal of either the bass, mid or treble. When reading reviews, I couldn't actually believe that the sound could be entirely cut. However if the all three are se to 00db, the result is silence.
2. Beat Effects
There are many effects within this section.
Delay and Echo
These effects can sound very effective if used correctly. Basically, the principle is that the signal can be delayed by up to 4 beats and played back in sync with the original sound source.
Pan
This feature simply cuts the signal from one speaker to the other in the time with the selected beats. For example selecting ¼ means that the sound is cut every quarter-beat.
Flanger
The flanger effect is similar to that of using double copies of the same record to create the 'whooshing' effect.
Trans
This effect simply cuts the signal in and out, in time with the selected beats.
The beats can either be counted manually or by using the auto function. Using the auto function is surprisingly accurate and guarantees better quality.
The two main dials included in this section are the depth dial, which minimizes and maximizes the effect and the original / effect dial, which allows the DJ to choose mix the effect with the actual record.
A separate bas mid and treble cut for this section enables the user to create effects on the chosen frequency. For example using the flanger on the mid and treble sound very effective.
This section of the unit also includes a very accurate beat counter and effect time counter.
3. Sound effects
The sound effects section is very comprehensive. The main benefit of this, is that it is simple to use, but creates excellent effects.
There are five sound effects, which can be tweaked or manipulated using the jog dial. The jog dial determines the depth of the effects and allows the DJ to manipulate the sound further.
Jet
The jet feature transforms the signal to sound like a plane is taking off.
Zip
The wah changes the key of the signal. If the jog dial is rotated far enough, the signal is almost cut off.
Wah
The Wah effect is my favorite. If the jog dial is rotated clockwise, the bass and mid signals are eliminated and if rotated anti-clockwise, the treble and mid are eliminated. Turning the wheel also creates an eerie whispery effect.
Ring
The ring effect simply creates a ringing noise to the signal. Personally, I did not find this useful at all.
Fuzz
The fuzz effect simply creates a distorted sound. This would sound particularly effective on Drum and Bass Records.
A comprehensive headphone monitor enables the DJ to listen to the effect in the headphones.
The On/Off switch enables the DJ to cut the both beat and sound effects in to the mix. The switch also includes a 'lock' function, which means that the effects are present until the lock is taken off or until the depth is set to minimum.
Is the unit MIDI compatible? Yes, the unit is MIDI compatible
The setup
The EFX unit can be connected to the Effects and Return port on the back of some mixers. However my mixer does not have this. Therefore I simply run the signal from the mixer, via the master output, through the EFX unit and into the auxiliary on the amplifier.
Turntable/CD Player-----Mixer-----EFX Unit-- Amplifier
Master/Booth Output----EFX In----EFX out----Auxiliary in
Hopefully this makes some sense!
Who uses it?
The Pioneer EFX 500 is a widely recognized and well-established piece of equipment. In the UK, the Pioneer EFX 500 is the industry standard EFX unit and is installed in many major clubs. The unit is used by many well-known DJ's such as Roger Sanchez, King Unique, MYNC Project, X-Press 2 and Lottie to name but a few.
Is it worth the money?
I purchased the effects unit from an established dealer in London for £250 (UK). An average price is £285 (UK). The Pioneer EFX 500 was well worth the money. The vast amount of features ensures that the buyer gets value for money and is never bored!
There are other EFX units available, such as the Korg Kaos Pad, however numerous reviews determined that it is worth spending the extra cash for the extra effects!
Personal Experience
I can highly recommend the unit for bedroom DJ's and club DJ's. The EFX unit adds an extra dimension to the mix and certainly brightens up mixtapes!
I have had the EFX unit for three months, and now am able to use it correctly and can definitely liven up the mix!
The Pioneer EFX 500 Unit Review Conclusion
The Pioneer EFX 500 Unit is value for money and enables the DJ to manipulate sounds and beats effectively without needing to buy double copies of each track!
The vast amount of features ensures endless possibilities in the mix and can make any crowd go absolutely mental!
I would definitely recommend the Pioneer EFX 500 Unit and would be happy to receive Emails from DJ's with similar experiences.
To get in contact with me please email:
karim_jasani@yahoo.co.uk
