NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Denon DJ showed two new DJ mixer models. The two new offerings, the DN-X500 Matrix Mixer and DN-X900 Digital/Analog Matrix Mixer, are designed to provide the best possible combination of audio quality and features for DJs in both the analog and digital domains.

The DN-X500 is a professional 4U 19" rack-mountable analog matrix mixer that has eight line and two phono inputs which can be freely assigned to any of four channels. Four smooth 60 mm VCA channel faders provide level control, and a responsive 45 mm VCA crossfader offers contour adjustment. Independent PFL channel meters help DJs to optimize and match levels for each source, ensuring a smooth transition between sources when crossfading.

Each channel has a 3-band equalizer with independent EQ kill switch (high-mid-low), and there's also an independent EQ off switch. Any channel, including the Master, can be pre-monitored through the Booth Output in the same manner as with headphones, including volume control. A powerful, clean headphone output is also provided.

The channel faders and crossfader can supply 5V pulse triggers for starting playback with any compatible Denon DJ CD/MP3 player. Independent 3-band Main and Aux Mic EQ is supplied, as well as independent Cue for all channels. There is also a Mic Talkover Function with Sensitivity Adjustment.

Outputs include Master Out, Booth Out, Record Out and Subwoofer/Lighting output with frequency adjust, which is ideal for driving powered (or un-powered with amplifier) subwoofer cabinets or as a signal feed for lighting systems.

An Effects Send/Return Control is multi-channel assignable, and has a wet/dry control knob for setting the balance between processed and unprocessed signals. Effect On/Off switching is included, as is pre and post Effect Cueing.

The DN-X900 has the same feature set as the analog DN-X500, but adds numerous digital enhancements. In addition to eight analog line inputs and three phono switchable, the DN-X900 offers four digital inputs on coaxial connections. Two digital outputs are also provided in S/PDIF coaxial and TOSLINK formats.

A Track Mark feature (Track ID) allows DJs to make a new track on a CD burner without ever removing hands from the mixer. A Zone Output with volume adjust is also provided.

Both the DN-X500 and DN-X900 are compatible with the optional ACD-46 Rotary Knob Kit, enabling a rotary control to be substituted for any channel fader. Any or all four of the channel faders may be replaced with rotary controls, making the DN-X500 and DN-X900 perfect choices for either fader or knob-style DJs.

The Denon DJ DN-X500 is available with a U.S. MSRP of $499.99, and the DN-X900 is available at a U.S. MSRP of $699.99.

More information is available at the Denon site.