Denon SC3900 Digital Turntable/MIDI Controller Press Release

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Denon SC3900 Digital Turntable/MIDI Controller Press Release
Posted on: 23.02.2012 by Terresa Ranganathan
Product Info here:
http://bit.ly/zdMmE5

Mike's Video Walkthrough here:
http://bit.ly/Ah1M5j

Skrtachworx first look here:
http://skratchworx.com/reviews/sc3900.php

Any questions?
Shantae Faile
09.03.2012		First, i want to recap (my experience of) the release of the DN-S3900
I woke up to a number of emails, first one being about the unit finally being released on skratchworx. Got on their site and read the article, however, there was no media attached other then the pics that were in the article. Nonetheless, the article didn't seem to provide sufficient information to satisfy me. After reading the skratchworx article i googled for about 2 hours trying to find more info or a video or anything else i could get. NOTING! after that time i gave up, went on with my day and forgot about the unit even being released until about 2 days after when a video finally surfaced.

To put it it nicely (as someone who works for a dj gear retailer in marketing), if i were in charge of the release of this unit i would have probably resigned, because really (in my most honest opinion) it flopped! Absolute failure. there were many mistakes i feel that were made on the release, mostly due to Denon needing to remember that it isn't pioneer, their hype machine isn't anywhere near as strong, and in this situation they would of been better off flooding us with media and information, then providing exclusives to one blog that is aimed at a (rather small) portion of the market Denon is trying to capture (Turntablist).

Im not sure (nor will i probably ever be) why the unit wasn't released at NAMM, but i believe a NAMM (or even musikmesse/WMC) release would have done you much better (Considering every major industry related blog would have covered the release for free and also would of provided some "hands-on" feedback).

Now to the quote:
Originally Posted by deevey
You really NEED to start winning some marketing titles unless you intend always playing second violin, you guys really sound wayyyyyy too relaxed about selling gear.


Start the marketing engines guys!
  • Give out free stuff to the biggest (not only best)DJ's in the world.
  • Get said DJ's to ALWAYS request Denon Equipment on their Ryder.
  • Get some decent product video's together


Anyhoo, dont want to hijack you anymore, we should create a "how to market denon" thread instead :p
This will help, but, it would of helped a lot more if it were done before the release. I can tell you, i personally used a pair of CDJ-2000's before they were released, and i know that a very popular club here had a pair almost a week before release.

I don't want to come across too harsh, but i really feel disappointed that Denon still hasn't stepped up their marketing game, as someone who sells this stuff on a daily basis i personally like the brand and their products, but a have a really hard time selling it because people don't know the advantages, and quite frankly don't care to be educated. I'm not saying i will always try to sell a DN-S unit before a CDJ, but there are situations where it would benefit the customer more, but they are either unwilling to get what they see as an inferior product.


****
anyways, its 3:15 am here, i will probably re-read this at work tomorrow and make any edits if needed
Terresa Ranganathan
09.03.2012
Originally Posted by skratchworx
Engine is a music manager, where you can organise your music, and importantly feed it directly to your 3900s via the link feature. The features are on the 3900s themselves. And effects are probably best handled on the mixer of your choice anyway.
Agreed.
Neoma Senff
01.03.2012
Originally Posted by Michielygil
You've got some great credible names supporting you, like Dave Clarke
Dave Clarke ditched the 3700's due to reliability issues.
He now uses CDJ 2000's.
Nancey Inderlied
29.02.2012
Originally Posted by skratchworx
Not sure I agree with the DVS comparison. That includes the need for a full software suite and an audio interface, as well as paying for a lot of extra bells and whistles.

Engine is a music manager, where you can organise your music, and importantly feed it directly to your 3900s via the link feature. The features are on the 3900s themselves. And effects are probably best handled on the mixer of your choice anyway.
See that's kind of why I'm not seeing the point of it, it seems like a really basic DVS. I'm equating it with a DVS because the music isn't actually sent to the player, it's streamed with a 15 second buffer from the laptop, essentially taking the function that a laptop has in a DVS, rather than as a giant flash drive ala Rekordbox. The laptop crashes, and you've got 15 seconds of "load USB and transition" time before it goes dead. It just seems like it could have been better implemented so that the laptop isn't a fail point, but an idle browser.
Renaldo Chansky
29.02.2012
Originally Posted by Shishdisma
I have a question about Engine. If this seems a bit abrasive, I apologize, I'm simply not very impressed with what I've seen so far and what I understand.

Engine seems to compete with software like SSL, but over a Rekordbox Link style connection. Given that Engine is essentially a DVS with absolutely no performance features or playback options. Other than cost and the iPad connectivity (which ironically negates the cost), why would a DJ want to use Engine over SSL, it's apparent competitor. I'm just not seeing what it offers, it seems to be a DVS without the features, rather than a crate manager like Rekordbox. I'm hoping I'm just missing something.
Not sure I agree with the DVS comparison. That includes the need for a full software suite and an audio interface, as well as paying for a lot of extra bells and whistles.

Engine is a music manager, where you can organise your music, and importantly feed it directly to your 3900s via the link feature. The features are on the 3900s themselves. And effects are probably best handled on the mixer of your choice anyway.
Rolanda Clodfelder
28.02.2012
Denon is not really looking to win marketing titles.
Our goal and position has always been the same, create intuitive, innovative and reliable products at a fair market price with world class support for our valued customers.
You really NEED to start winning some marketing titles unless you intend always playing second violin, you guys really sound wayyyyyy too relaxed about selling gear.

At this point in time:

Pioneer = Windows, everyone knows how it works and everything they already own works on it.
Denon = Linux (not even a Mac) People need to be taught how much better (and easy) it is, or it will only be system admins (tech heads) who actually buy and use it.

Start the marketing engines guys!
  • Give out free stuff to the biggest (not only best)DJ's in the world.
  • Get said DJ's to ALWAYS request Denon Equipment on their Ryder.
  • Get some decent product video's together.


Make Denon once again the first name when you believe of CD + DJ

From 1994~2001 Pioneer was coasting along, with the exception of their small CDJ700's, and Mixer, DJM500, those did well.
Pioneer were building up one hell of a name I believe moreso in europe prolly than the USA, being involved in about 20+ NEW Installs at the time of the 500s (CDJ700 for stateside folks), we completely ditched Denon CD decks completely having not been updated in an age, and the 2500f just was too little too late.

Vinyl people were still certainly against CDJ's (me included) BUT we would always have installed 2xCDJ500s' alongside turntables regardless, prompting alot of residents to start experimenting with the possibilities.

Denon did offer a tabletop solution, <DN-S5000> 1-year after the CDJ1000 was released in 2002.
Well aware of it and its a superb design, but Pioneer had already captured the flag with early adopters, and were a proven tabletop club solution much like Denon who were trusted at building rackmount units.

I dont believe there was the slightest chance at that point of getting the 5000 into clubs 8 years had passed pretty successfully for pioneer in the big boy superclub circut, the 1000 just re-enforced their hold.

Denon decided to enter the tabletop market after Pioneer decided to enter our booming rackmount market. Even when the CDJ1000 first came out, Denon rackmount
Emely Metz
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
I believe Denon makes great products, real solid quality, but you need to get your face out there a bit more, finding reliable opinions on your products, or even in-depth information about them is difficult as it is now.
If only Denon has an authorized distributor in Malaysia. I've visited the Asia Pacific website, too bad there's no Malaysia & Philippines listed!
Really interested in Denon product since the release of DNS-3700.
Terresa Ranganathan
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
To be fair there was a lot less "reliable" competition on the dual deck DJ circuit back then,
True, but when it did come years later, Denon still held its own as #1.

as I mentioned in other posts I feel Denon really dropped the ball when CDJ's came out, there was just no product to compete in a market that longed for what pioneer provided, a CD player with the action of a turntable (well a big friggin wheel on top).

Denon did offer a tabletop solution, <DN-S5000> 1-year after the CDJ1000 was released in 2002. It was then and still is now, the most advanced CD player ever made. Worlds First Spinning Platter control, Played 2 tracks off the same CD at the same time (Alpha Track), 4 Hot Cues, 4 Seamless Loops, 4 Samplers, removable IDE drives...etc

If Denon at that point had released something before the MK2's and 500's arrived I firmly believe they would be the standard, the 2000F's were still installed in the majority of clubs.
[inside scoop]
Denon decided to enter the tabletop market after Pioneer decided to enter our booming rackmount market, however they never succeeded with their CMX5000/3000 models. Even when the CDJ1000 first came out, Denon rackmount
Terresa Ranganathan
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by roshanbhoj
Does this give two deck support? By this I mean does one of the SC3900 control two decks along with a mixer(like the SC2000). I'm looking to use it in with a digital software like Virtual DJ. It would be amazing if the answer was yes.
Hi roshanbhoj, great question.
Each SC3900 acts as a single MIDI Deck, but it could be made Dual or more Layers if you wish, RPM and Virtual DJ does this already for our S3700.

P.S. I'm really liking the direct feedback you're giving here on DJTT. One of the great things about Denon!

My pleasure, I'm here to listen, learn and contribute.
Shantae Faile
09.03.2012		First, i want to recap (my experience of) the release of the DN-S3900
I woke up to a number of emails, first one being about the unit finally being released on skratchworx. Got on their site and read the article, however, there was no media attached other then the pics that were in the article. Nonetheless, the article didn't seem to provide sufficient information to satisfy me. After reading the skratchworx article i googled for about 2 hours trying to find more info or a video or anything else i could get. NOTING! after that time i gave up, went on with my day and forgot about the unit even being released until about 2 days after when a video finally surfaced.

To put it it nicely (as someone who works for a dj gear retailer in marketing), if i were in charge of the release of this unit i would have probably resigned, because really (in my most honest opinion) it flopped! Absolute failure. there were many mistakes i feel that were made on the release, mostly due to Denon needing to remember that it isn't pioneer, their hype machine isn't anywhere near as strong, and in this situation they would of been better off flooding us with media and information, then providing exclusives to one blog that is aimed at a (rather small) portion of the market Denon is trying to capture (Turntablist).

Im not sure (nor will i probably ever be) why the unit wasn't released at NAMM, but i believe a NAMM (or even musikmesse/WMC) release would have done you much better (Considering every major industry related blog would have covered the release for free and also would of provided some "hands-on" feedback).

Now to the quote:
Originally Posted by deevey
You really NEED to start winning some marketing titles unless you intend always playing second violin, you guys really sound wayyyyyy too relaxed about selling gear.


Start the marketing engines guys!
  • Give out free stuff to the biggest (not only best)DJ's in the world.
  • Get said DJ's to ALWAYS request Denon Equipment on their Ryder.
  • Get some decent product video's together


Anyhoo, dont want to hijack you anymore, we should create a "how to market denon" thread instead :p
This will help, but, it would of helped a lot more if it were done before the release. I can tell you, i personally used a pair of CDJ-2000's before they were released, and i know that a very popular club here had a pair almost a week before release.

I don't want to come across too harsh, but i really feel disappointed that Denon still hasn't stepped up their marketing game, as someone who sells this stuff on a daily basis i personally like the brand and their products, but a have a really hard time selling it because people don't know the advantages, and quite frankly don't care to be educated. I'm not saying i will always try to sell a DN-S unit before a CDJ, but there are situations where it would benefit the customer more, but they are either unwilling to get what they see as an inferior product.


****
anyways, its 3:15 am here, i will probably re-read this at work tomorrow and make any edits if needed
Terresa Ranganathan
09.03.2012		Check out this fresh SC3900 Video & online review from dj mad flip.

http://www.uniquesquared.com/blog/71...sc3900-review/
Terresa Ranganathan
09.03.2012
Originally Posted by skratchworx
Engine is a music manager, where you can organise your music, and importantly feed it directly to your 3900s via the link feature. The features are on the 3900s themselves. And effects are probably best handled on the mixer of your choice anyway.
Agreed.
Terresa Ranganathan
09.03.2012		Dave Clarke ditched the CDJ 2000's and will now use the SC3900 with complete confidence.
Neoma Senff
01.03.2012
Originally Posted by Michielygil
You've got some great credible names supporting you, like Dave Clarke
Dave Clarke ditched the 3700's due to reliability issues.
He now uses CDJ 2000's.
Renaldo Chansky
29.02.2012		But the same can be said of a DVS system. If that crashes, you're dead - instantly. At least with 3900s, you have the immediate backup of USB or CD. You'd have to use the 3900 to get the simplicity of it, as well as the benefits of using Engine.

Believe me, it's nothing like a DVS and doesn't try to be. It's very much like rekordbox, but cut down a little, and works really well.
Nancey Inderlied
29.02.2012
Originally Posted by skratchworx
Not sure I agree with the DVS comparison. That includes the need for a full software suite and an audio interface, as well as paying for a lot of extra bells and whistles.

Engine is a music manager, where you can organise your music, and importantly feed it directly to your 3900s via the link feature. The features are on the 3900s themselves. And effects are probably best handled on the mixer of your choice anyway.
See that's kind of why I'm not seeing the point of it, it seems like a really basic DVS. I'm equating it with a DVS because the music isn't actually sent to the player, it's streamed with a 15 second buffer from the laptop, essentially taking the function that a laptop has in a DVS, rather than as a giant flash drive ala Rekordbox. The laptop crashes, and you've got 15 seconds of "load USB and transition" time before it goes dead. It just seems like it could have been better implemented so that the laptop isn't a fail point, but an idle browser.
Renaldo Chansky
29.02.2012
Originally Posted by Shishdisma
I have a question about Engine. If this seems a bit abrasive, I apologize, I'm simply not very impressed with what I've seen so far and what I understand.

Engine seems to compete with software like SSL, but over a Rekordbox Link style connection. Given that Engine is essentially a DVS with absolutely no performance features or playback options. Other than cost and the iPad connectivity (which ironically negates the cost), why would a DJ want to use Engine over SSL, it's apparent competitor. I'm just not seeing what it offers, it seems to be a DVS without the features, rather than a crate manager like Rekordbox. I'm hoping I'm just missing something.
Not sure I agree with the DVS comparison. That includes the need for a full software suite and an audio interface, as well as paying for a lot of extra bells and whistles.

Engine is a music manager, where you can organise your music, and importantly feed it directly to your 3900s via the link feature. The features are on the 3900s themselves. And effects are probably best handled on the mixer of your choice anyway.
Corey Tronchin
29.02.2012		DJ Switch, 3 times DMC world champ... Not the guy who works with Diplo a lot
Rolanda Clodfelder
29.02.2012
some great credible names supporting you, like Dave Clarke and Switch
My fear would be the younger generation may need more instantly recognizable names than that, anyone I've takes to in recent times under the age of 30 wouldn't have a clue who Dave Clarke is (I don't know who switch is either, guessing this guy?) ....
But its the Skrillex's Guetta's, Burrens, Pauly D's, PVD and Tiesto's that "Could" make Denon a club standard again, sad but true, yeah there was a time when DC was a household name, but times have changed, even sasha / digweed are only recognized in clubbing sub cultures these days.

why would a DJ want to use Engine over SSL,
Proper Rotating platter Vinyl style CD players rather than turntables and no expensive SSL box needed if the players are installed already, and no control vinyl or CD's 1201's, needles etc required, thats pretty damn awesome isn't it ?

And ALOT of people already have an iPad
Corey Tronchin
29.02.2012		You've got some great credible names supporting you, like Dave Clarke and Switch, better make some serious use of this. The products you're putting out are top notch productwise (your software support however could be a LOT better).
Nancey Inderlied
28.02.2012		I have a question about Engine. If this seems a bit abrasive, I apologize, I'm simply not very impressed with what I've seen so far and what I understand.

Engine seems to compete with software like SSL, but over a Rekordbox Link style connection. Given that Engine is essentially a DVS with absolutely no performance features or playback options. Other than cost and the iPad connectivity (which ironically negates the cost), why would a DJ want to use Engine over SSL, it's apparent competitor. I'm just not seeing what it offers, it seems to be a DVS without the features, rather than a crate manager like Rekordbox. I'm hoping I'm just missing something.
Rolanda Clodfelder
28.02.2012
Denon is not really looking to win marketing titles.
Our goal and position has always been the same, create intuitive, innovative and reliable products at a fair market price with world class support for our valued customers.
You really NEED to start winning some marketing titles unless you intend always playing second violin, you guys really sound wayyyyyy too relaxed about selling gear.

At this point in time:

Pioneer = Windows, everyone knows how it works and everything they already own works on it.
Denon = Linux (not even a Mac) People need to be taught how much better (and easy) it is, or it will only be system admins (tech heads) who actually buy and use it.

Start the marketing engines guys!
  • Give out free stuff to the biggest (not only best)DJ's in the world.
  • Get said DJ's to ALWAYS request Denon Equipment on their Ryder.
  • Get some decent product video's together.


Make Denon once again the first name when you believe of CD + DJ

From 1994~2001 Pioneer was coasting along, with the exception of their small CDJ700's, and Mixer, DJM500, those did well.
Pioneer were building up one hell of a name I believe moreso in europe prolly than the USA, being involved in about 20+ NEW Installs at the time of the 500s (CDJ700 for stateside folks), we completely ditched Denon CD decks completely having not been updated in an age, and the 2500f just was too little too late.

Vinyl people were still certainly against CDJ's (me included) BUT we would always have installed 2xCDJ500s' alongside turntables regardless, prompting alot of residents to start experimenting with the possibilities.

Denon did offer a tabletop solution, <DN-S5000> 1-year after the CDJ1000 was released in 2002.
Well aware of it and its a superb design, but Pioneer had already captured the flag with early adopters, and were a proven tabletop club solution much like Denon who were trusted at building rackmount units.

I dont believe there was the slightest chance at that point of getting the 5000 into clubs 8 years had passed pretty successfully for pioneer in the big boy superclub circut, the 1000 just re-enforced their hold.

Denon decided to enter the tabletop market after Pioneer decided to enter our booming rackmount market. Even when the CDJ1000 first came out, Denon rackmount
Emely Metz
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
I believe Denon makes great products, real solid quality, but you need to get your face out there a bit more, finding reliable opinions on your products, or even in-depth information about them is difficult as it is now.
If only Denon has an authorized distributor in Malaysia. I've visited the Asia Pacific website, too bad there's no Malaysia & Philippines listed!
Really interested in Denon product since the release of DNS-3700.
Terresa Ranganathan
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
To be fair there was a lot less "reliable" competition on the dual deck DJ circuit back then,
True, but when it did come years later, Denon still held its own as #1.

as I mentioned in other posts I feel Denon really dropped the ball when CDJ's came out, there was just no product to compete in a market that longed for what pioneer provided, a CD player with the action of a turntable (well a big friggin wheel on top).

Denon did offer a tabletop solution, <DN-S5000> 1-year after the CDJ1000 was released in 2002. It was then and still is now, the most advanced CD player ever made. Worlds First Spinning Platter control, Played 2 tracks off the same CD at the same time (Alpha Track), 4 Hot Cues, 4 Seamless Loops, 4 Samplers, removable IDE drives...etc

If Denon at that point had released something before the MK2's and 500's arrived I firmly believe they would be the standard, the 2000F's were still installed in the majority of clubs.
[inside scoop]
Denon decided to enter the tabletop market after Pioneer decided to enter our booming rackmount market, however they never succeeded with their CMX5000/3000 models. Even when the CDJ1000 first came out, Denon rackmount
Terresa Ranganathan
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by roshanbhoj
Does this give two deck support? By this I mean does one of the SC3900 control two decks along with a mixer(like the SC2000). I'm looking to use it in with a digital software like Virtual DJ. It would be amazing if the answer was yes.
Hi roshanbhoj, great question.
Each SC3900 acts as a single MIDI Deck, but it could be made Dual or more Layers if you wish, RPM and Virtual DJ does this already for our S3700.

P.S. I'm really liking the direct feedback you're giving here on DJTT. One of the great things about Denon!

My pleasure, I'm here to listen, learn and contribute.
Evelyn Navarijo
28.02.2012
Originally Posted by DENON
Cybertrash, what drives demand in Clubs are DJs and marketing. Top DJs and inspiring DJs can be easily influenced by free gear or heavy marketing, Pioneer won the club scene by doing both. We know this for a fact because the man who built Pioneer DJ in the USA now works for Denon DJ / D&M Pro.
And that's what I'm getting at. Compared to Pio, Denon does not have near the same amount of effort put into marketing. Take your youtube channels for example, Denondjtv has a total of 22 videos uploaded, and whilst you have some pretty cool stuff, like the routines by JFB, a lot of them are just fairly vauge overviews of different products. Pio on the other hand has 82 videos, and a lot more varied content, there's in-depth look at products, interviews, routines etc.

Not to mention that it's difficult to find reviews of your products, if I google the X-600, I get some press releases, a review from Juno (which is all and good) and a bunch of shaky Youtube videos.

I believe Denon makes great products, real solid quality, but you need to get your face out there a bit more, finding reliable opinions on your products, or even in-depth information about them is difficult as it is now.
Cristi Sucha
27.02.2012		Does this give two deck support? By this I mean does one of the SC3900 control two decks along with a mixer(like the SC2000). I'm looking to use it in with a digital software like Virtual DJ. It would be amazing if the answer was yes.

P.S. I'm really liking the direct feedback you're giving here on DJTT. One of the great things about Denon!
Rolanda Clodfelder
27.02.2012
Prior to Pioneer
Terresa Ranganathan
27.02.2012
Originally Posted by JesC
can i get a 3900 to do a review?
After they come out, sure!
Cristian Carmona
27.02.2012		can i get a 3900 to do a review?
Terresa Ranganathan
27.02.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
1. Beautiful CD player and I would pick one up in an instant if I knew that all the clubs were using them and i had the ability to go to any venue and plug in my laptop, fire up the software and do it.
Thanks, see my comments above about clubs.

2. And because it was mentioned elsewhere, does tapping or dragging on the platter (not vinyl) allow you to pitch bend back or forwards like a normal turntable.
Yes, same as a real TT

3. Is there transpose function with increments in cents ?
Sorry I dont understand this one.
Terresa Ranganathan
27.02.2012
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
Seriously though, do you guys have any plan on contending with the "club standard" that Pioneer has become? Like, plans for hitting up big clubs, big DJs and "getting your foot in" so to speak? A lot of the features on the SC3900 seem absolutely awesome, but they're not going to be worth much if you'll still only find Pioneer units in the clubs.
Cybertrash, what drives demand in Clubs are DJs and marketing. Top DJs and inspiring DJs can be easily influenced by free gear or heavy marketing, Pioneer won the club scene by doing both. We know this for a fact because the man who built Pioneer DJ in the USA now works for Denon DJ / D&M Pro.

Prior to Pioneer
Rolanda Clodfelder
22.02.2012
Seriously though, do you guys have any plan on contending with the "club standard" that Pioneer has become?
THIS! ...

1. Beautiful CD player and I would pick one up in an instant if I knew that all the clubs were using them and i had the ability to go to any venue and plug in my laptop, fire up the software and do it.

2. And because it was mentioned elsewhere, does tapping or dragging on the platter (not vinyl) allow you to pitch bend back or forwards like a normal turntable.

3. Is there transpose function with increments in cents ?

Price seems fantastic BTW
Evelyn Navarijo
22.02.2012		Yes, can I have one?

Seriously though, do you guys have any plan on contending with the "club standard" that Pioneer has become? Like, plans for hitting up big clubs, big DJs and "getting your foot in" so to speak? A lot of the features on the SC3900 seem absolutely awesome, but they're not going to be worth much if you'll still only find Pioneer units in the clubs.

Also, will we be seeing a sucessor to the DN-S 1200 anytime soon?

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