The Yamaha DJXII a DJX Mutant

The Yamaha DJXII a DJX Mutant

            

The creative team at Yamaha must have been working overtime when they thought up this keyboard.  The Yamaha DJII is the consequent of the Yamaha DJX keyboard. It has the same basic configuration as the DJX but with more bells and whistles.  This portable 61 key digital keyboard has MIDI and sequencer functions.  What makes this DJII keyboard stand out from the rest is the cosmetic treatment Yamaha gave it.  

            With black, silver and red trim the design is distinctive.  Even more unusual are the grey, black and white keys.  The grey and white keys help to identify various function sets for the keyboard such as accompanying style or voice parts can be toggled off and on by pressing one of these keys.  Underneath a smoked plastic cover along the back of the keys are red LED lights to indicate the on/off toggle status.  The dashboard of the keyboard is packed with black, white, red and grey buttons and knobs used to control the functions of the keyboard.  Rounding off the collection of knobs and buttons is a Ribbon Modulator Strip.  This strip can be used to produce DJ type scratch sounds or to modulate the voice sounds included with the keyboard.  There are cool red LED lights around the perimeter of the control panel that light up along with the function toggle lights to indicate the power-up memory scan when you turn the keyboard on.  The lights have a psychedelic affect when you watch them during the memory scan.

            Released in 2000 the keyboard has the same features as the original DJX but enhanced.  There is more memory available than on the DJX. You can store more custom samples, sequences and styles.  The samples that come with the DJXII continue the sample types included with the DJX.  If you already have a DJX the DJXII will make a great addition to the first draft DJX.  A new effect applicator toggle switch sticks up off the front control panel and allows you to quickly apply special audio effects by flipping the switch up or down. The DJXII has two built in 8 inch speakers the allow you to instantly hear the keyboard in action.

            With an advanced sound chip, MIDI capabilities, microphone input and standard main audio outputs the DJXII is a well rounded digital keyboard with advanced DJ style functions.