Pioneer DJ VM-50 Review

There is no denying Pioneer DJ’s dominance in the professional DJ gear market. Still, its range of studio monitors has never quite lived up to the rest of its offerings, until now.

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 is an excellent studio monitor and the smallest in the VM series. It offers punchy sound quality and is a good choice for more serious studio work.

We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of studio monitors, from beginner-friendly choices to premium studio-grade gear. In that time, we’ve developed an acute understanding of what we expect at different price points.

But internal testing is just one part of our detailed reviews. Studio monitors are notoriously difficult to assess as every studio space is different. Luckily, we have an excellent network of industry professionals to tap into for deeper insight. With that said, let’s dive into how the VM-50 performed in our assessments.

Pioneer DJ VM-50

Pioneer VM-50 Studio Monitor.

Overall Rating (8/10)

How Do We Rate?

Lows
Mids
Highs
Neutrality
Build
Design
Inputs
Tuning
Value
Lows
Mids
Highs
Neutrality
Build
Design
Inputs
Tuning
Value

What We Liked

Balanced Sound Profile
Excellent Bass Extension
Loud & Distortion Free
Attractive Design

What Could Be Better

Rear Facing Port Can Be Problematic

Features

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 has a lot going for it. Its bold and eye-catching design is just the beginning. Supporting this is a well-rounded sound profile with a few extra bells and whistles to help it adapt to different applications.

Sound Quality

In the past, most Pioneer DJ studio monitors offered a hyped sound profile that was great for DJing but fell short in a studio setting. The new VM series looks to address this issue with a more refined and balanced sound without losing its signature punch.

The VM-50’s low-end response is by far its most impressive aspect. For a 5.25-inch cone, it offers a sizable and satisfying level of punch. It’s tight and controlled, with enough oomph to give justice to bass-heavy music.

The new VM series is a big step forward in quality.

It might not dig into sub-bass regions, but you can’t expect that from a monitor this size. If you need a deeper bass extension, you’ll need to jump to larger monitors or, even better, add a subwoofer to your setup to really dig deep and feel some rumble.

While the bass response is impressive, the mids also delivered tight results. Internally, we tested various music genres, and in each instance, the mids were lush, vibrant, and relatively accurate.

The top-end was equally controlled and not overly bright, something that many ultra-flat studio monitors can exhibit. Once again, this range was relatively neutral and did not resort to excessive coloring. Working in tandem with the rest of the range, the sound was balanced and engaging.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Vortex Bass Accelerator.

The Vortex Bass Accelerator helps deliver tight low-end performance.

Overall, the profile is a big step forward for Pioneer DJ. For the first time, I’m far more comfortable using these in both a DJ and studio setting. I admit that some dedicated professionals seek further definition and accuracy. Still, as a jack of all trades, the VM-50 does an excellent job.

The dispersion and sweet spot are also generous. These are near-field monitors, but I tested the sound at longer distances, and they still offered excellent sound at 12 feet (3 meters).

Build Quality

Pioneer DJ is an excellent brand with which I have rarely had any issues, so I was already quite confident that the VM-50 would live up to my expectations.

My initial thoughts proved true once I got the unit into my hands. The rugged MDF enclosure with vinyl wrap is excellent and delivers a high level of heft and reliability.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Details.

Excellent quality at this price point.

The front baffle features 4mm-thick rigid aluminum, which further enhances the monitor’s feel and durability. The superb aramid fiber woofer and supporting tweeter are equally impressive and feature a protective guard for the tweeter.

The rear of the unit features excellent connection points and a range of switches and knobs, which are all high quality. Combining all these elements results in a surprisingly robust and dependable monitor while offering an exceptionally reasonable price point.

Specifications

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 features a bi-amp design, with 30 Watts for the 5.25-inch aramid woofer cone and 30 Watts for the 1-inch silk dome tweeter. Pioneer DJ opts for an ultra-efficient Class D amplifier, which is ideal for a studio monitor like this.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Specifications.

Loud and free from distortion.

The VM-50 from Pioneer DJ also delivers in the loudness department with a Max SPL of 107dB. Of course, this is a momentary peak reading, so it does not indicate its general performance. However, I could comfortably push this into the 80-90dB range without experiencing distortion or notable sound quality degradation.

The frequency range of 40Hz-36kHz is also nice and wide, with enough depth to deliver a satisfying punch and enough reach in the top end to portray higher frequencies accurately. Consistency is much better than previous Pioneer DJ monitors, and it is among the best for this price point. But if you have more to spend and want greater accuracy, better options exist.

Tuning Options

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 also features some DSP controls that allow you to sculpt the sound to your preference or address any sonic issues depending on your space.

The speaker’s rear features a Low and High knob, with both offering four selectable levels. A handy frequency chart also helps indicate the results of the various options.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Tuning Options/

Easy to use controls to help sculpt the sound profile.

The Low control offers a Room 1, Flat, Room 2, and Club Bass option. Room 1 offers a steep drop-off, Flat retains the core sound profile, and Room 2 offers a boost. The final Club Bass option ramps up the lows aggressively. At first, I was a little skeptical of this “Bass Boost” style option, but in practice, it was fantastic when DJing.

The High control likewise offers Room 1, Flat, Room 2, and Bright Treble choices. The Room 1 choice provides a smooth cut to the top end of about 2dB. The Flat retains neutrality, while the Room 3 options give the highs a gentle boost. The Bright Treble option is far more aggressive and, for my tastes, a little excessive.

Some of the competition at this price point offers deeper controls. Notably, the KRK range features a highly granular set of DSP controls for maximum flexibility. But when it comes to simplicity and ease of use, I like Pioneer DJ’s approach.

Design

When I first saw the Pioneer DJ VM-50, the first thing that caught my eye was its unique shape. I’ve tested dozens of studio monitors, and after a while, you feel like you’ve seen it all, so it was refreshing to see the striking hexagonal front baffle.

The aluminum finish melds perfectly with the vinyl coating and gives this studio monitor ample character and presence in a room. However, I’ll admit that the aluminum baffle is a bit of a fingerprint magnet. It’s not as bad as glossy plastic, but it’s still noticeable—nothing that a microfiber cloth can’t tackle.

White Pioneer DJ VM-50 monitors next to a Pioneer DJ controller.

The VM-50 is also available in white.

Beyond its eye-catching appearance, several technical design decisions are worth highlighting. First is the baffle, which not only looks great but also helps suppress resonance and vibrations.

Next is the switch to lighter aramid fiber woofer cones that help deliver the deeper bass response. Supporting this is a Vortex Bass Accelerator, a fancy name for a rear-facing port with a ribbed design to assist with airflow.

A rear-facing port can be an issue for smaller spaces. Ideally, you’ll want to keep this monitor away from walls to prevent bass buildup. The DSP controls can help, but I prefer forward-facing ports for smaller rooms.

Finally, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 features an Auto Standby Mode. I’ll be honest: I hate auto standby. Every time I’ve used it across all studio monitors I’ve tested, I have found it too sensitive, especially if you play at lower volume levels. Thankfully, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 features a switch to turn this feature off if it frustrates you as much as it does me.

Dimensions

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 is within the expected size of a studio monitor with a 5.25-inch cone. It’s manageable, making it a good choice for most spaces.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Dimensions.

A great size for small to medium sized studio spaces.

Stability is also good, thanks to just the right amount of heft. At 12.13 lbs. (5.5 kg), it won’t easily move about, and the monitor comes with cushioned foot pads for added stability.

Inputs

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 covers all the essential bases for connection options. At the rear, you’ll have access to a balanced combo jack with support for TRS and XLR cables. You’ll also have access to an unbalanced RCA input option.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Connection Options.

Balanced and unbalanced connection options.

These two connections ensure you’ll have little trouble connecting this monitor to most devices. But if you are looking for more consumer-centric inclusions like a headphone jack, Aux-In, or Bluetooth, you’ll need to look at alternatives.

Value

There is little doubt regarding the target market that Pioneer DJ is chasing with the VM-50. Its price point sits squarely between some of the other popular 5-inch options on the market.

It is a spicy new option in this highly competitive space, and its sound quality and style will undoubtedly make it enticing.

After testing it extensively and gathering feedback from our network, the consensus is that the Pioneer DJ VM-50 offers excellent value and a robust price-to-performance ratio.

Why DJs Use Studio Monitors

One of the common questions that new DJs have is why DJs opt to use studio monitors when mixing at home as opposed to standard speakers, which feature a more colored response that makes music “sound good.” Below, I touch on some of the primary reasons.

DJs are music lovers, and as such, they often want to hear the songs they love in their purest form. The best way to do that is to use monitors with a flat response.

Pioneer DJ VM-50 DJ Monitoring.

Studio monitors are an excellent choice for practicing your sets at home.

Many DJs also produce music or make edits, so having a set of studio monitors for DJing and studio work is more cost-effective than having separate speakers.

If you record mixes or Livestream, your mixing decision might not translate well if you have colored speakers. It might sound good in your home but might not on other systems. Using monitors gives you a greater chance of your mix sounding good on all systems.

As you can see, there are several reasons that DJs opt for studio monitors when practicing at home, and there are some more I haven’t touched on. Are studio monitors a mandatory choice? No, but if you have the money to invest in a good set, you won’t regret it.

Alternatives

Many of the primary alternatives to the Pioneer DJ VM-50, like the KRK ROKIT 5 and the JBL 305PmkII, are well-known and worthy options. But I want to highlight some starkly different choices that might suit your needs more closely than a standard 5-inch studio monitor.

KRK GOAUX 3

The KRK GOAUX is a compact set of studio monitors ideally suited to small spaces. It is also a perfect choice for a traveling DJ or producer who wants a set of monitors for the road.

  • Excellent sound quality for a set of small monitors.
  • Includes a travel case and stands.
  • Nowhere near the bass output capacity of the VM-50.
KRK GOAUX3 Studio Monitors.

KRK GOAUX 3

Yamaha HS4

If you are not a DJ and would prefer something more closely aligned with production work or multimedia editing, the Yamaha HS4 is an excellent alternative.

  • Refined and neutral sound for more clinical studio applications.
  • Affordable price point and bonus connection options.
  • It has less punch and oomph than the VM-50.
Yamaha HS4 Studio Monitors.

Yamaha HS4

Mackie CR8-XBT

The last choice I want to showcase is Mackie’s large CR8-XBT monitor pair. These big monitors are very affordable and deliver loud and dynamic sound.

  • Punchy 8-inch woofers offer impressive bass performance.
  • Bluetooth connectivity adds flexibility.
  • Not very balanced and doesn’t offer any tuning options.
Mackie CR8-XBT Studio Monitors.

Mackie CR8-XBT

Our Verdict

The Pioneer DJ VM-50 is an impressive monitor that is leaps and bounds better than previous Pioneer DJ offerings. The excellent sound and punchy sound profile perfectly suit DJing at home while retaining enough accuracy to make it a reasonable choice for more serious studio work.

Another highlight is the bold design and futuristic aesthetic, which make it one of the most attractive studio monitors I’ve tested. The price point is also perfect for this type of studio monitor. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution that can tackle DJing and studio work, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 is an excellent choice.

Pioneer DJ VM-50

Pioneer VM-50 Studio Monitor.

Overall Rating (8/10)

How Do We Rate?

Lows
Mids
Highs
Neutrality
Build
Design
Inputs
Tuning
Value
Lows
Mids
Highs
Neutrality
Build
Design
Inputs
Tuning
Value

Why You Can Trust Our Advice

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Picture of Article by Patryk Biernacki
Article by Patryk Biernacki

Patryk has been immersed in the world of music since the early 90s. This coupled with his creative talents, drove his passion to become an expert writer in the music industry. He constantly researches and tests new products, and enjoys playing with all types of gear in his spare time. Electronic music runs through his veins and he absolutely loves DJing in his home studio.

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