Ever since the technology wars began, Pioneer have been right on the front-line, dodging shell after shell from vinyl purists and competitors alike to knock them off their pedestal as the market leaders in DJ technology.

Their latest gadget however, is set to strike fear into the hearts of their analogue arch-enemies with its heavy emphasis on simplicity, quick mixing and automated use. This new weapon in the Pioneer arsenal is the MEP-7000 Multi-entertainment player, which contains a battery of nifty effects and tools designed to make complex sounding mixes as quick and painless as possible.

I can just imagine the shivers running down the spines of the puritanical champions of the old school when they run through the tech specs, but before they break out the pitchforks and descend upon Pioneer HQ what needs to be remembered is that it is designed for the mobile and bar DJ market, whose needs are vastly different to the more creative and credible club DJ… And remember, they need love too.

As a purely functional piece of kit, for knocking out quick, perfect mixes, it really does seem like the bees knees… providing you can get past the daunting interface. Compatibility with USB sticks and the like is nothing amazing in this day and age, but when combined with the swanky jog wheel with its built in scratch (scratch, bubble and trans) and break (jet, roll and wah) patterns, as well as its multitude of effects and its various mix modes (Echo, Zip, Cut In and Fade) doing decent mixes has never taken less concentration.

However, my favourite feature is without doubt the LCD screen which displays the video when a Karaoke disc is inserted; wedding and bar-mitzvah-tastic!

(Words: Gavin Leversuch)