Each VM-50 monitor includes a standard three-prong AC power cable. For connecting audio sources, you have a balanced combo input for either XLR or TRS (¼-inch) cables and an unbalanced input for RCA cables. Having inputs for all three of those cable types should be a standard monitor feature, yet a surprising number of studio monitors leave out either the RCA or the TRS connectivity, so that’s a plus for the VM-50.

On that point, you may reasonably ask yourself why DJs and producers need slightly different types of sound from their speakers. It might seem like the ideal sound for both would be similar, especially if you plan to mix and produce similar types of music, but consider for a moment the difference in sound between a club system and a pro studio. A club system should be loud, punchy, engaging and vibey; perfect accuracy isn’t necessarily the point. On the other hand, pro studio monitors don’t necessarily sound fun to listen to, but they’re analytical, precise and revealing when making music. Inside the cabinet is a new Class D amplifier with a 96kHz sampling DSP that Pioneer DJ says helps to produce a pure and balanced bass sound. The two-way speaker setup features a 5-inch fibre-glass woofer and 0.75-inch soft dome tweeter, the two aligned for clarity across the frequency range.

If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered The performance you get from the Pioneer DM-50D differs depending on the mode they’re in. DJ mode offers a bigger-sized sound, as well as a more energetic tone with a warmer mid-range and bass response. Production favours clarity, insight and crispness, which you’d expect given its tailored for more critical listening. Most studio monitors have some sort of tube for air flow that assists in reproducing the low bass frequencies. Some popular monitor lines, like the KRK Rokit and the Kali Audio LP, have front-facing ports. In contrast, many others, including the VM-50, have rear-facing ports (in this case, located above the connection and control panels). Pioneer DJ calls its variation of this port the Vortex Bass Accelerator and claims that its free-flowing air keeps the bass punchy and free from unwanted vibrations and distortion. It’s important to remember when you’ve got a speaker with a rear port, you don’t want to place the speakers too close to a wall, or you’ll experience boominess. Pioneer DJ’s VM series is a pro-focused range that includes both the VM-50 studio monitors and the studio-grade RM-05 5-inch monitor, as well as the prosumer-leaning DM-40 and DM-40BT (a Bluetooth-enabled model) 4-inch desktop speakers. The VM Series features powered speakers, meaning they do not need an external amplifier, just a clean power source for the integrated Class D amplifier, which promises to deliver a 40Hz to 36kHz frequency response. The Pioneer DJ DM-50D are powerful 5-inch 2-way bass reflex, active desktop monitor speakers. The speakers contain elements of the prevalent DM-40 units in addition to new features and components. As a result, the DM50Ds are robust and produce crystal clear quality sound. The speaker units are easy to use, tune and set up, are available in two colours, and sold as a pair. Innovative Features

It perhaps shows that in terms of recognition, the Pioneer name still carries some weight, and the DJ slice of the brand focuses on music production and professional sound systems such as DJ controllers and sound mixers.

That said, over the three weeks I auditioned these, I used them a lot. I can report that they are punchy and full sounding, have great bass, have a decent “sweet spot” where audio is optimum, and frankly they go far too loud for what I needed. Each of the DM-50D-BT speakers contains a 5-inch fibreglass cone woofer, a ¾-inch soft dome tweeter, a new Class D amplifier and redesigned DECO convex diffusers. The woofer can provide an extra increase in power when the volume is turned up. Precise frequencies are produced thanks to the expertly positioned tweeters—the Class D amplifier assists with producing balanced natural bass sound. Additionally, the diffusers provide a broader sweet spot and 3D stereo sound, all thanks to their inbuilt structure and ability to produce super-clear high frequencies in all directions. 2-way Sound Mode Those differences in power come with corresponding differences in physical size, so the VM-50 is significantly smaller and lighter than the other VM series monitors. The VM-50 weighs just over 12 pounds, measuring approximately 12H x 8W x 10D inches. Meanwhile, the VM-70 weighs about 17 pounds with approximate dimensions of 13H x 9W x 12D inches, and the VM-80 weighs over 22 pounds with approximate dimensions of 16H x 11W x 13D inches. The Pioneer DJ VM-50’s design Updated from the older DM-40 model are the DECO Convex diffusers seated around the tweeter. These are effectively a waveguide to help spread high-frequency sounds from the tweeter in every direction for a wider sweet spot.