Pioneer has had a long history of making equipment tailored for DJs in particular, although recent years have begun to show a steady decline in the company’s influence.
Anyway, they’ve come out with the DM-50D active monitor speakers, so let’s see what they have to offer.
Final verdict
Overall, the Pioneer DJ DM-50D monitors are a fine budget choice for beginner producers looking for a decent-quality and portable audio solution. They offer a decent enough performance, solid build quality and convenient features, making them good for small home studios.
What I like
- Compact size and sleek design.
- Reasonably detailed for what they are.
- Bluetooth connectivity (BT model).
- Affordable.
What I don’t like
- Limited frequency response range.
Why you should trust this review
As a producer and audio engineer for over 15 years, I’ve laid fingerprints on a wide range of gear in all sorts of setups.
I’ve learned how to stretch a budget, working with everything from second-hand monitors from a buddy to cheap pawn shop desktop speakers.
I’ve mixed on consumer-grade models, repurposed radio speakers, high-end studio monitors, and everything in between.
This hands-on experience, along with years of problem-solving in different recording environments, has taught me what monitors are worth investing in – and which aren’t.
Power and frequency response 3.0
In terms of performance, these speakers are definitely louder than one would suspect with their 5-inch woofers and 1-inch soft dome tweeters.
However, it’s worth noting that Pioneer has made it difficult to find the exact specs for the power and frequency response of these speakers, which is a bit suspicious. From what I can tell, the speakers have a peak power of 25 watts and a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz.
The roll-off at 60 Hz is not great, especially for hip-hop producers, which these monitors seem to be marketed for. It might be worth looking into a studio subwoofer. On the other hand, these could be fine for a live monitor solution for working DJs.
The sound quality is otherwise decent, with decently clear and accurate reproduction of both highs and mid-range frequencies. The speakers are also equipped with a bass boost function for an added bass boost – not that it will do all that much.
I/O and controls 4.0
All controls are located on the rear panel of the left speaker. It offers balanced TRS, unbalanced RCA, as well as an 1/8-inch stereo mini jack.
On the top left corner, you’ll notice a switch that allows you to go from DJ to Production mode. Pioneer hasn’t left a lot of info for this particular feature, other than saying that the Production mode ensures a flat response.
Lastly, the right speaker is connected via copper Class 2 wiring.
Build quality 4.0
The build quality of the DM-50D monitor speakers is solid and they have a sleek, modern look. The volume knob and Bluetooth controls (DM-50D-BT model) are conveniently located on the front of the speaker for easy access.
Compared to other studio monitors
While the DM-50D might be a decent choice for those of you looking for a pair of studio monitors under $200, here are some alternative options to consider.
Pioneer DJ DM-50D vs DM-40D
The DM-50D is similar to the DM-40D, but the DM-50D has a slightly larger 5-inch speaker driver, while the DM-40D has a 4-inch driver. Both monitors have Bluetooth connectivity (BT models) and are designed for desktop use, but the DM-50D will have a slightly fuller sound due to its larger driver.
See the Pioneer DJ DM-40D’s current price
Pioneer DJ DM-50D vs Mackie CR5BT
The Mackies have Bluetooth connectivity like the DM-50D-BT, but they have a different aesthetic and are geared towards a broader range of multimedia applications such as music production, gaming and video editing. I would go with the Mackies if you’re more serious about production.
See the Mackie CR5BT’s current price
Who are the Pioneer DJ DM-50D speakers best suited for?
The Pioneer DJ DM-50D monitor speakers are best suited for hobbyist and novice music producers, as well as DJs and other performers who are looking for a compact and portable monitoring solution.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
