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DJ signal path

graph TB
    START[CDJ-3000X: WAV File<br/>96kHz/32-bit Digital]

    subgraph ANALOG ["🔴 ANALOG RCA CONNECTION (Both Mixers)"]
        A1[CDJ DSP<br/>96kHz/32-bit]
        A2[ESS Technology DAC<br/>D→A Conversion ①<br/>115dB S/N]
        A3[Analog RCA Cable<br/>Unbalanced]

        subgraph A_750["DJM-750MK2<br/>(ANALOG ONLY)"]
            A4[32-bit ADC<br/>A→D Conversion ②<br/>Downsamples to 48kHz]
            A5[64-bit DSP<br/>48kHz Processing]
            A6[32-bit DAC<br/>D→A Conversion ③]
        end

        subgraph A_V10["DJM-V10"]
            A7[AK5578EN/AK5574EN ADC<br/>32-bit VELVET SOUND<br/>A→D Conversion ②<br/>Maintains 96kHz!]
            A8[64-bit DSP<br/>96kHz Processing]
            A9[ES9016S SABRE DAC<br/>32-bit 8-ch Parallel<br/>D→A Conversion ③]
        end

        A_OUT[3 Total Conversions<br/>Quality: Excellent]
    end

    subgraph DIGITAL ["🟢 DIGITAL COAXIAL CONNECTION (V10 Only!)"]
        D1[CDJ DSP<br/>96kHz/32-bit]
        D2[S/PDIF Output<br/>Stays Digital - No Conversion]
        D3[Coaxial Cable<br/>Digital Data]

        subgraph D_V10["DJM-V10"]
            D7[Digital Input<br/>Maintains 96kHz!<br/>Still Digital]
            D8[64-bit DSP<br/>96kHz Processing]
            D9[ES9016S SABRE DAC<br/>32-bit 8-ch Parallel<br/>D→A Conversion ①]
        end

        D_OUT["⭐ BEST PATH ⭐<br/>Only 1 Conversion<br/>96kHz End-to-End<br/>Quality: Maximum"]

        NO_750["❌ DJM-750MK2<br/>NO Digital Inputs<br/>Analog Only"]
    end

    START --> A1
    START --> D1

    A1 --> A2
    A2 --> A3
    A3 --> A4
    A3 --> A7
    A4 --> A5 --> A6
    A7 --> A8 --> A9
    A6 --> A_OUT
    A9 --> A_OUT

    D1 --> D2
    D2 --> D3
    D3 --> D7
    D3 -.->|Not Supported| NO_750
    D7 --> D8 --> D9
    D9 --> D_OUT

    style START fill:#e1f5ff,stroke:#1864ab,stroke-width:3px

    style A1 fill:#e1f5ff
    style A2 fill:#ffcccc
    style A3 fill:#ffeeee
    style A4 fill:#ffcccc
    style A5 fill:#fff3cd
    style A6 fill:#ffcccc
    style A7 fill:#ffcccc
    style A8 fill:#fff3cd
    style A9 fill:#ffcccc
    style A_OUT fill:#ffe8e8,stroke:#ff6b6b,stroke-width:2px

    style D1 fill:#e1f5ff
    style D2 fill:#ccffcc
    style D3 fill:#eeffee
    style D7 fill:#ccffcc
    style D8 fill:#fff3cd
    style D9 fill:#ccffcc
    style D_OUT fill:#d4edda,stroke:#51cf66,stroke-width:3px
    style NO_750 fill:#ffcccc,stroke:#ff0000,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray: 5 5

    style ANALOG fill:#fff5f5,stroke:#ff6b6b,stroke-width:3px
    style DIGITAL fill:#f0fff4,stroke:#51cf66,stroke-width:3px
    style A_750 fill:#fff9db,stroke:#fab005,stroke-width:2px
    style A_V10 fill:#fff9db,stroke:#fab005,stroke-width:2px
    style D_V10 fill:#d4edda,stroke:#51cf66,stroke-width:3px

Detailed Signal Chain: CDJ-3000X → DJM-750MK2 (RCA) → PA

Signal Chain: CDJ-3000X → DJM-750MK2 (RCA) → PA.

CDJ-3000X: AlphaTheta flagship DJ media player - ESS Technology DAC, 115 dB S/N ratio - 96 kHz/32-bit internal processing - Cloud connectivity and Wi-Fi capable

DJM-750MK2: Pioneer DJ 4-channel performance mixer - 32-bit ADC/DAC with 64-bit DSP - 11 Beat FX + 4 Sound Color FX - Send/Return loop capability - rekordbox dj and dvs license included

1. CDJ-3000X Playback & Processing

  • Source: WAV file stored on USB/SD card or streamed via cloud
  • Format Support: Up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • Internal Processing: 96 kHz/32-bit floating-point
  • Digital Processing:
  • Pitch control
  • Key shift
  • Loops
  • Hot cues
  • Beat sync
  • All performance features

2. CDJ-3000X DAC (Digital-to-Analog Conversion)

Hardware

  • DAC Chip: ESS Technology (high-performance model)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115 dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0018%
  • Frequency Response: 4 Hz – 40 kHz

Power Supply

  • Newly designed power supply unit
  • Reduces unwanted noise
  • Enhances low-frequency power for punchy bass and warm tone

Output

  • Connection Type: Unbalanced RCA analog outputs (rear panel)
  • Output Level: 2.0 Vrms (1 kHz, 0 dB)
  • Signal Type: Analog stereo audio

3. Cable Connection

  • Cable Type: RCA stereo cable
  • Signal: Unbalanced analog audio
  • Destination: DJM-750MK2 line inputs (channel 1-4)

4. DJM-750MK2 Input Stage

Analog-to-Digital Conversion

  • ADC Chip: 32-bit A/D converter
  • Purpose: Converts incoming analog signal back to digital domain
  • Sample Rate: 48 kHz (standard operating mode)
  • Resolution: 32-bit

Note: Signal undergoes second conversion here (D→A at CDJ, then A→D at mixer)

5. DJM-750MK2 DSP Processing

Digital Signal Processor

  • DSP Type: 64-bit digital signal processor
  • Dithering: Applied for optimal bit-depth conversion
  • Processing Power: Handles all mixing and effects in real-time

Signal Path Through Mixer

  1. Channel Strip Processing:
  2. TRIM control (input gain)
  3. 3-band EQ (HIGH/MID/LOW)
    • Standard mode: +6dB to -26dB
    • Isolator mode: Total kill capability
  4. Sound Color FX (if applied to channel)

  5. Channel fader

  6. Master Bus Processing:

  7. Crossfader blending
  8. Master level control
  9. Beat FX on Master (when effects are applied to master output):
    • 11 Beat FX available (Delay, Echo, Ping Pong, Spiral, Reverb, Transform, Flanger, Pitch, Roll, Vinyl Brake, Helix)
    • FX Frequency control (isolate which frequencies are affected)
    • Beat multiplier/division
    • Level/depth control

6. DJM-750MK2 Output Stage

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

  • DAC Chip: 32-bit D/A converter
  • Sample Rate: 48 kHz
  • Resolution: 32-bit
  • Processing: Dithering applied for optimal conversion

Master Output

  • Connection Type: Unbalanced RCA outputs (Master 2)
  • Alternative: Balanced XLR outputs (Master 1) - but you specified RCA
  • Signal Type: Analog stereo audio
  • Master Attenuator: -12/-6/0 dB switch (factory default: 0 dB)

7. PA Connection

  • Cable Type: RCA stereo cable
  • Destination: PA system/powered speakers/amplifier inputs
  • Signal: Final analog audio output with all processing applied

Technical Summary (DJM-750MK2)

Conversion Count

  • Total conversions in chain: 3
  • D→A: CDJ-3000X ESS DAC
  • A→D: DJM-750MK2 32-bit ADC
  • D→A: DJM-750MK2 32-bit DAC

Signal Quality Specifications

Stage Bit Depth Sample Rate S/N Ratio THD
CDJ-3000X Processing 32-bit float 96 kHz - -
CDJ-3000X DAC Output - - 115 dB 0.0018%
DJM-750MK2 ADC 32-bit 48 kHz - -
DJM-750MK2 DSP 64-bit 48 kHz - -
DJM-750MK2 DAC 32-bit 48 kHz - -
DJM-750MK2 Master Out - - 105 dB -

Key Points About DJM-750MK2 Setup

  1. Using RCA Analog Connections: The signal goes through additional D/A and A/D conversions compared to using digital coaxial connections between CDJ and mixer. This adds minimal latency but maintains compatibility with all input types.

  2. Master Effects Processing: Your effects are applied in the 64-bit DSP after all channel mixing, meaning they affect the entire stereo mix before final D/A conversion.

  3. ESS DAC Advantage: The CDJ-3000X's upgraded ESS DAC provides improved clarity in highs and punchier bass compared to the CDJ-3000, though differences are most noticeable on high-quality sound systems.

  4. Sample Rate Change: Audio is processed at 96 kHz in the CDJ but reduced to 48 kHz in the mixer's DSP. This is standard for DJ mixers and maintains excellent audio quality.

  5. Unbalanced vs Balanced: Your RCA connections are unbalanced, which can be more susceptible to noise over long cable runs compared to balanced XLR connections.

Detailed Signal Chain: CDJ-3000X → DJM-V10 (RCA) → PA

Signal Chain: CDJ-3000X → DJM-V10 (RCA) → PA

CDJ-3000X: AlphaTheta flagship DJ media player - ESS Technology DAC, 115 dB S/N ratio - 96 kHz/32-bit internal processing - Cloud connectivity and Wi-Fi capable

DJM-V10: Pioneer DJ 6-channel creative mixer - 32-bit Asahi Kasei ADC with VELVET SOUND (AK5578EN/AK5574EN) - 32-bit ESS SABRE 8-channel DAC (ES9016S) in parallel configuration - 64-bit DSP at 96 kHz - 4-band EQ per channel with custom curves - 3-band master isolator - Per-channel compression - Extensive send/return section (4 built-in + 2 external) - EA2 mechanical relays for pristine signal switching - rekordbox dj and dvs compatible

1. CDJ-3000X Playback & Processing

  • Source: WAV file stored on USB/SD card or streamed via cloud
  • Format Support: Up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • Internal Processing: 96 kHz/32-bit floating-point
  • Digital Processing:
  • Pitch control
  • Key shift
  • Loops
  • Hot cues
  • Beat sync
  • All performance features

2. CDJ-3000X DAC (Digital-to-Analog Conversion)

Hardware

  • DAC Chip: ESS Technology (high-performance model)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115 dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0018%
  • Frequency Response: 4 Hz – 40 kHz

Power Supply

  • Newly designed power supply unit
  • Reduces unwanted noise
  • Enhances low-frequency power for punchy bass and warm tone

Output

  • Connection Type: Unbalanced RCA analog outputs (rear panel)
  • Output Level: 2.0 Vrms (1 kHz, 0 dB)
  • Signal Type: Analog stereo audio

3. Cable Connection

  • Cable Type: RCA stereo cable
  • Signal: Unbalanced analog audio
  • Destination: DJM-V10 line inputs (channel 1-6)

4. DJM-V10 Input Stage

Analog-to-Digital Conversion

  • ADC Chips:
  • Channels 1-4: Asahi Kasei AK5578EN (32-bit premium ADC with VELVET SOUND technology)
  • Channels 5-6: Asahi Kasei AK5574EN (32-bit premium ADC with VELVET SOUND technology)
  • Sample Rate: 96 kHz
  • Resolution: 32-bit
  • Input Circuit: Redesigned input differential conversion circuit with optimized audio parts for rich, high-definition, low-distortion sound

Input Switching

  • Line/phono input switching uses high-performance EA2 mechanical relays from EM Devices Co.
  • Eliminates signal distortion from non-linear electrical components
  • Completely cancels unpleasant noise in switching circuits

Note: Signal undergoes second conversion here (D→A at CDJ, then A→D at mixer)

5. DJM-V10 DSP Processing

Digital Signal Processor

  • DSP Type: 64-bit digital signal processor
  • Sample Rate: 96 kHz (studio-quality processing)
  • Dithering: Applied for optimal bit-depth conversion
  • Clock Circuit: Low-jitter clock circuit for precise timing
  • Processing Power: Handles all mixing and effects in real-time

Signal Path Through Mixer

  1. Channel Strip Processing:
  2. TRIM control (input gain)
  3. COMPRESSOR knob (per-channel dynamic control)
    • Adjustable ratio and threshold
    • Designed to balance vintage vinyl tracks with modern mastered music
  4. 4-band EQ (HIGH/MID-HIGH/MID-LOW/LOW)
    • Custom curves tailored to electronic music
    • HIGH and LOW bands can act as kills (total isolation)
    • Two MID-RANGE bands with custom curves
  5. FILTER (dedicated knob with resonance control)
    • Separate High Pass and Low Pass modes
    • Full knob range dedicated to selected mode (2x resolution vs DJM-900NXS2)

  6. Channel fader

  7. Master Bus Processing:

  8. Crossfader blending (if using standard DJM-V10)
  9. 3-Band MASTER ISOLATOR (HIGH/MID/LOW)
    • New boost/cut curves
    • Adjusted crossover frequencies
    • Large knobs for dramatic tone control
  10. Master level control
  11. Effects on Master (when applied to master output):
    • Beat FX: Delay, Echo, Ping Pong, Spiral, Helix, Reverb, Shimmer, Flanger, Phaser, Filter, Trans, Roll, Pitch, Vinyl Brake
    • Send/Return FX: Short Delay, Long Delay, Dub Echo, Reverb (4 built-in)
    • Size/Feedback control
    • Time control
    • Tone control
    • Master Mix Level control
    • External effects via 2x TRS send/return jacks

6. DJM-V10 Output Stage

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

  • DAC Chip: ESS Technology ES9016S (32-bit SABRE 8-channel DAC)
  • Configuration: Used for both master and booth outputs
  • Parallel Operation: DAC output driven in parallel to further improve S/N ratio
  • Sample Rate: Selectable (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz)
  • Resolution: 32-bit

Output Circuit Optimization

  • Honed output circuit with improved operational amplifiers
  • Optimized capacitors for maximum DAC capability
  • Optimal tuning for low-noise, high-resolution sound
  • Easy to listen to even at high volume

Output Switching

  • Master output circuit uses high-performance EA2 mechanical relays from EM Devices Co.
  • Eliminates signal distortion from non-linear components
  • Cancels unpleasant noise in mute circuits

Master Output

  • Connection Type: Unbalanced RCA outputs (Master 2)
  • Alternative: Balanced XLR outputs (Master 1) - but you specified RCA
  • Digital Output: AES/EBU XLR (optional)
  • Signal Type: Analog stereo audio
  • Reference Level: Adjustable in utility settings

7. PA Connection

  • Cable Type: RCA stereo cable
  • Destination: PA system/powered speakers/amplifier inputs
  • Signal: Final analog audio output with all processing applied

Technical Summary (DJM-V10)

Conversion Count

  • Total conversions in chain: 3
  • D→A: CDJ-3000X ESS DAC
  • A→D: DJM-V10 32-bit Asahi Kasei ADC (AK5578EN/AK5574EN)
  • D→A: DJM-V10 32-bit ESS SABRE DAC (ES9016S)

Signal Quality Specifications

Stage Bit Depth Sample Rate S/N Ratio THD
CDJ-3000X Processing 32-bit float 96 kHz - -
CDJ-3000X DAC Output - - 115 dB 0.0018%
DJM-V10 ADC (AK5578EN/AK5574EN) 32-bit 96 kHz - -
DJM-V10 DSP 64-bit 96 kHz - -
DJM-V10 DAC (ES9016S) 32-bit 44.1-96 kHz - -
DJM-V10 Master Out - - 105 dB 0.005%
DJM-V10 Frequency Response - - 20 Hz - 40 kHz -

Key Points About DJM-V10 Setup

  1. Premium Audio Path: The DJM-V10 uses top-tier converters from both ESS Technology (DAC) and Asahi Kasei (ADC), maintaining 96 kHz sample rate throughout the entire digital signal path—matching the CDJ-3000X's processing rate.

  2. Using RCA Analog Connections: The signal goes through D/A and A/D conversions, but both devices use premium converters optimized for DJ use. The V10's redesigned input differential conversion circuit minimizes any quality loss.

  3. Master Effects Processing: Your effects are applied in the 64-bit DSP at 96 kHz before final D/A conversion. The V10's extensive effects section includes master isolators, send/return FX, and Beat FX that all affect the master output.

  4. VELVET SOUND Technology: The Asahi Kasei ADCs use proprietary VELVET SOUND technology designed to reduce distortion and improve clarity during the analog-to-digital conversion stage.

  5. Parallel DAC Operation: The ES9016S is an 8-channel DAC run in parallel configuration, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio beyond what a single DAC channel could achieve.

  6. Mechanical Relays: The V10 uses high-performance EA2 mechanical relays for input/output switching instead of electronic components, eliminating non-linear distortion and switching noise.

  7. No Sample Rate Downconversion: Unlike the DJM-750MK2 (which operates at 48 kHz), the V10 maintains 96 kHz throughout its signal path, preserving the full resolution from the CDJ-3000X.

  8. 4-Band EQ vs 3-Band: The V10's 4-band EQ (vs standard 3-band) gives you separate control over two mid-range frequencies, with curves specifically designed for electronic music.

  9. Per-Channel Compression: The V10's compressor on each channel helps balance tracks with different mastering levels—especially useful when mixing vintage vinyl rips with modern compressed productions.

  10. Master Isolator: The 3-band master isolator with large knobs allows for dramatic tonal changes to your entire mix, perfect for transitions and creative mixing techniques.

Comparison: DJM-V10 vs DJM-750MK2

Feature DJM-V10 DJM-750MK2
Channels 6 4
ADC 32-bit AK5578EN/AK5574EN (VELVET SOUND) 32-bit (standard)
DAC 32-bit ESS ES9016S (8-ch parallel) 32-bit (standard)
DSP Sample Rate 96 kHz 48 kHz
DSP Bit Depth 64-bit 64-bit
S/N Ratio 105 dB 105 dB
THD 0.005% -
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 40 kHz -
EQ Type 4-band (custom curves) 3-band
Master Isolator Yes (3-band) No
Per-Channel Compression Yes No
Filter Type Dedicated knob, separate HP/LP Sound Color FX
Send/Return 4 built-in + 2 external 1 external
Input Switching EA2 mechanical relays Electronic
Output Switching EA2 mechanical relays Electronic