Head to head
DJM-900NXS2 vs. DJM-S5
Both are Mixers in the same price bracket (over €600) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.
Pioneer DJ
DJM-900NXS2
over €600
Four channels, Sound Color FX, Beat FX and a sound card for DVS — no longer available new.
For
- Layout and labelling like the larger DJM models
- Four channels, sound card for DVS
- Sound Color FX and Beat FX
Against
- Very expensive for a practice unit
- Big, overkill for two decks
- No longer available new — Pioneer names the DJM-A9 as its successor
Pioneer DJ
DJM-S5
over €600
The scratch mixer for Serato DJ Pro: Magvel Fader Pro, pads, crossfader curve right on the unit.
For
- Magvel Fader Pro, built for scratching
- Runs with Serato DJ Pro, DVS-ready
- Crossfader curve right on the unit
Against
- Only makes sense with Serato
- Little point without turntables — a pure scratch mixer
Where it says “Ad” we earn a commission if you buy through the link — on the other routes we earn nothing. Either way you pay the same price, and it changes nothing about our recommendation. How we handle this
The key facts side by side
| Feature | DJM-900NXS2 | DJM-S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pioneer DJ | Pioneer DJ |
| Price bracket | over €600 | over €600 |
| Our classification | Step up | Step up |
| Meant for | Vinyl setup | Vinyl setup |
Technical specifications from the manuals
Every value taken word for word from that device’s manufacturer manual, with the PDF page. A dash means there is no clear value in the manual — not that the device lacks it.
| Feature | DJM-900NXS2 | DJM-S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | PHONO (MM), LINE, DIGITAL IN (coaxial)p. 6 | 2× LINE/PHONO (RCA), MIC (XLR/TRS), AUX (RCA)p. 82 |
| Outputs | MASTER1 (balanced), MASTER2, BOOTH, REC OUT, DIGITAL MASTER OUTp. 6 | MASTER1 (XLR), BOOTH/MASTER2 (RCA)p. 82 |
| Headphone output | 1/4” stereo phone plug and 3.5 mm stereo mini plugp. 7 | 1/4” stereo jack and 3.5 mm stereo mini jackp. 82 |
| Microphone input | MIC1, MIC2p. 6 | no clear value in the manual |
| USB | Two internal sound cards (USB)p. 3 | 2× USB Type-Cp. 82 |
| Frequency response | no clear value in the manual | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (USB, LINE, MIC, AUX)p. 81 |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | no clear value in the manual | USB 108 / LINE 94 / PHONO 82 / MIC 75 / AUX 94 dB (A-weighted)p. 81 |
| Audio resolution | 96 kHz/24-bit (USB and SPD I/F)p. 3 | 24 bit / 48 kHz (A/D and D/A)p. 81 |
| Power supply | Power cord (AC IN)p. 6 | Via USB: PC/Mac or USB power adapter (5 V / 500 mA or higher)p. 22 |
| Dimensions | no clear value in the manual | 245 × 363.5 × 107.9 mm (W × D × H)p. 81 |
| Weight | no clear value in the manual | 3.4 kgp. 81 |
Sources: DJM-900NXS2: DJM-900NXS2 — Operating Instructions (AlphaTheta Corporation) · DJM-S5: DJM-S5 — Bedienungsanleitung (AlphaTheta Corporation)
Where they differ
- They are built for different ways of playing: at home, in a club, or for scratching. That is the difference that matters most day to day.
We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.
More comparisons: Mixers
You picked your gear — now what?
The learning path takes you from the first cable to your first set: 12 phases, step by step, free. It works with any device — including the one you already own.