Gemini SDJ-2000 Standalone DJ Controller
The Gemini SDJ-2000 has been announced at NAMM 2016 and this comes hot on the heels of the other big DJ controller the other day – the Denon DJ MCX8000.
The similarities between the two, and indeed the Pioneer XDJ-RX as well, is that the new Gemini SDJ-2000 is also able to be used without a laptop and also sports an onboard 7-inch screen display.
Using just a USB flash drive you are able to DJ without any laptop attached as one would with media players, but of course the added bonus is that as an all-in-one controller you have dual decks and a mixer in one unit.
Notable features on the Gemini SDJ-2000 include being able to connect two Gemini MDJ-1000 media players via Ethernet, professional XLR master outs as well as RCA, as well as six analogue inputs to connect CDJs, media players, turntables etc.
But you cannot have a standalone unit without some sort of music management software and the Gemini SDJ-2000 includes their proprietary VCase for MAC and PC. Vcase will pre-analyse your music and allow you to prep playlists before committing to USB.
Retail price for the Gemini SDJ-2000 is said to be $ 799 – our estimate in SA Rand (factoring in import duties etc) is around R 15,000.
While Gemini may no longer have quite the pedigree of Denon DJ, the Gemini SDJ-2000 does offer an alternative feature-packed controller with standalone capabilities for around R 10K less. It’s all about choices.
The main features on the Gemini SDJ-2000 are:
- Two decks with large, flat jogwheels
- Loop control, effect knobs and pads 4-channel mixer
- 7 inch screen for onboard software (track data, etc)
- 4 deck control, onboard or by plugging in two Gemini MDJ-1000s
- 6 analog stereo inputs
- 2 master outputs (XLR & RCA) + Booth output
Gemini DJ South Africa
