AlphaTheta has introduced the CDJ-1500X, a new DJ multi player aimed at bars, small clubs and any setup where space is limited. The unit carries over a number of features from the flagship CDJ-3000X but is built with a smaller footprint, making it easier to fit into tighter booths or transport for mobile setups. It can also be paired with turntables or other equipment, keeping the flexibility of a separates-based rig.
The screen is the same 10.1 inch capacitive touchscreen found on the CDJ-3000X. The browse screen shows up to fifteen tracks at once, with waveform previews included to help DJs read a track’s structure before dropping it in. The main waveform display now adds indicators for vocal positions, BPM change points and phrase structure, aimed at making mixing decisions easier to judge at a glance. A Playlist Edit function lets playlists be rearranged directly on the unit, removing the need to go back to a laptop or re-export from USB. Dark and light display modes are both available, covering everything from dim booths to daytime outdoor stages.
Built-in Wi-Fi brings cloud connectivity through rekordbox CloudDirectPlay, along with StreamingDirectPlay support for Apple Music, Beatport Streaming and Tidal, each requiring its own subscription. NFC touch login is also included. Tapping a phone running rekordbox for iOS or Android against the unit loads a DJ’s personal settings and playlists, meaning a set can, in theory, be played from just a smartphone and a cloud library.
The CDJ-1500X is the first AlphaTheta multi player built to work with CoBeat, a new service designed around audience interaction. A QR code, set up in advance by the DJ or venue, gives the crowd access to a pre-selected catalogue of tracks. Requests and votes are gathered and shown on the CDJ’s browse screen for the DJ to bring into the set as they see fit, and emoji reactions from the crowd appear as pop-ups on the DJ’s phone. CoBeat can be switched on or off depending on whether requests are wanted during a set. Worth noting: CoBeat and the rekordbox for Mac/Windows update required to support it are scheduled for 9 July, a week after the CDJ-1500X itself goes on sale.
Elsewhere, the unit includes eight hot cue buttons, a Beat Loop knob for instant loop playback, Beat Sync and Beat Jump, and a mid-size jog wheel with a non-slip surface and rotation indicator. The front panel has an illuminated bay housing two USB ports, one Type-C and one Type-A, designed to keep drives secure during a set. LED lighting can be set to one of twelve colours, and screw holes on the sides allow for optional customisation panels. AlphaTheta Care, the brand’s extended warranty scheme, is available in Japan and North America only.
On software, the CDJ-1500X works with rekordbox for Mac/Windows via hardware unlock with no licence required, though full support depends on the update due 9 July. It is also compatible with djay Pro and Serato DJ Pro, both subscription based.
Specifications list a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, a signal to noise ratio of 105dB and total harmonic distortion of 0.003%. The unit measures 252.1 x 374.7 x 116.5mm and weighs 3.6kg.
The CDJ-1500X is priced at €1,699 including VAT, £1,469 including VAT, and $1,599 excluding tax ($1,699 in the US, excluding sales tax). It is available now, from 2 July.
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