AlphaTheta has launched its next-generation flagship DJ player, the CDJ-3000X.

An evolution of the CDJ-3000 – which landed in 2020 under Pioneer DJ (Pioneer is, of course, part of the AlphaTheta Corporation) – The CDJ-3000X brings a host of new features and quality-of-life improvements, including improved online music access, updated connectivity and numerous hardware upgrades.

• READ MORE: AlphaTheta CDJ-3000X review: Bigger, sharper, smoother, and cloud-ready — but you’ll need very deep pockets

Heading up the selection of new features on the CDJ-3000X is its expanded media support, including built-in Wi-Fi – which removes the previous need for a LAN cable – an NFC touchpoint allowing easier-than-ever access to online media, and, via the Wi-Fi, access to online music via cloud storage or streaming services like TIDAL and Beatport.

Worth noting, though, that you’ll need a subscription to rekordbox Creative or Professional to use CloudDirectPlay.

Hardware improvements include a larger 10.1” touchscreen – up from the CDJ-3000’s 9” screen – enabling DJs to see up to 16 tracks onscreen at once, a more precise jog wheel, and more robust play and cue buttons, with AlphaTheta promising “over 500,000 additional presses compared to the previous model”.

There’s also a new USB-C port, which expands compatibility with USB storage devices.

AlphaTheta also promises enhanced audio quality via high-performance DAC (digital-to-analogue conversion), as well as a redeveloped power supply, and improved channel separation and frequency response.

The CDJ-3000X also brings the ability to edit playlists directly on the unit, and supports Universal DJ Library – an evolution of rekordbox’s DJ Library Plus – meaning you can play music exported via USB from rekordbox, djay Pro and Traktor Pro 4.

Since its launch, DJs, content creators and producers have been weighing in with their thoughts on the CDJ-3000X, and whether it’s a significant step forward for DJ gear.

In our own review, we commended the addition of Cloud-based functionality as well as improved hardware, particularly the larger, crisper touchscreen.

Meanwhile, Mojaxx of DJcityTV implores DJs to “temper your expectations” and see the CDJ-3000X as more of an “incremental upgrade” than a fully-fledged evolution of the CDJ blueprint.

Elsewhere, YouTube channel Digital DJ Tips called the CDJ-3000X the “future of DJing”, but noted, as did we, a persisting lack of stems functionality.

Price-wise, the CDJ-3000X clocks in at €2,799/£2,399/$2,999. For more information, head to AlphaTheta.

The post AlphaTheta launches new “flagship” DJ player, the CDJ-3000X – here’s what’s new appeared first on MusicTech.