Battle of the Standalones: Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ Vs Denon DJ Prime 4 

Price point was a major issue you left out from the video. $1699 vs $2299 Another win for the Prime 4

Purchasing the Prime 4 is the best decision I made. Having moved from one pioneer controller to the other (sx, Sr, sx2) the prime 4 was a whole new experience, I had to get used to the engine prime software and also button placements on the unit. Serato has been compatible for a while now but I'm yet to try it cos I'm now so comfortable with the flexibility of the prime4, the Mic is the best I've used on a dj system and the sound quality is amazing. I recommend the Prime4 to anyone who wants a new experience. Forget all the online reviews about how the software doesn't compare to serato dj pro and rekordbox the engine software is flawless on the Prime4 never experienced any lags

Every reviewer is tying hard not to offend the legion of pioneer's cultish followers. The debate ended long time ago: Denon is top.

Wow. I been trying to decide on this for months. You just did it for me. Prime 4 is it in 2020.

I hope the prime software adds full color spectrum waveforms in the next firmware update. Rekordbox has done an outstanding job with displaying where phase transitions happen.

This proves my point on the review video... Pioneer has released a more expensive unit with alot of compromised features compared with the prime 4. At this point it looks like Pioneer is playing catch up with Denon

Still using my XDJ-RX, always loved pioneer's build quality & familiarity. Definitely will get the XZ in the near future

You left out price, tidal, WiFi, vertical/horizontal waveforms, firmware updates frequency

Prime 4 seems like the way to go since it has the better interface and the whole point of the product is to have a stand-alone unit

denon all day! pioneer dropped the ball on this one and continues its downward decline. pioneer can take their plastic garbage and gtfo in my book and ive only been playing records for 25 years and have seen it all .. i rock the denon sc5000 and denon mixer and have never been happier. looking to add the prime 4 to my arsenal soon. this new xdj is a HUGE FAILURE

Good unbiased review Thank You

did you dig into the cross-faders? that's VERY important to me...

It is now possible to switch decks using the SHIFT button when operating DJ software on XDJ XZ (firmware update 1.12)

I'll go ahead & wait to see what pioneer has to offer for next year. If Pioneer does come out with 1 that ACTUALLY does have a 4 deck stand alone with the same type of jog wheels as the Nexus 2, I might consider it. Will have to wait n see 4 now.

Definitely grabbing the prime 4

I love how this dude looks like a young Victor Wong from 3 Ninjas and Gremlins. I LOVE YOU FOREST WHITAKER!

Both are great controllers but are aimed at different dj markets, prime 4 is aimed more at the mobile dj with its streaming services and separate output channel, where as the xz is aimed at the club/bar dj to practice there sets at home. It all comes down to what type of dj you are, and what your comfortable on.

Good video , thanks

I was one of the first ones to order the Prime 4 it has never let me down yet!!! My customer's are so amaze when they see it.. The 1st question they ask) "Where's the Laptop"? (My reply: Home!) The Prime 4 honestly sounds like it has a built-in Driverack inside, it's a huge difference in sound quality over my Ddj1000.

Hi, One really important question for me. Is there any possibility to connect Pioneer RMX 1000 station to XDJ-XZ in same way like for example to DJM 900NXS2 ?? I would like to take full advantage of its possibilities. If yes for me will be perfect.

Damn good video, TY!

I'm pretty much a Pioneer fan boy, I have the RX2 and was considering buying the XZ but after watching multiple review, the Denon is so much better with that ssd hard drive in the back and that screen.

So basically apart from the lager jog wheels and use of 4 channels but only support 4 channels with external hardware which to me is a bit of a downfall that's what the xdj has to offer...don't get me wrong the bigger jog wheels are the selling point for me but the prime 4 is in a league of its own.

For me two of the controllers have good and bad but the most important thing is the price

can someone help me by awnsering what would be the better unit for incorporating two technic turntables with while also using usbs?

Extremely newbie here but I like the external sata drive on the back. Totally stand alone unit.

My prime 4 runs a 4tb drive

I don’t know if it’s on here but the prime 4 does have feedback control in the Utility section

Good information with a neutral opinnion, well done.

Denon - Crazy amount of useful features and modern tech, 4 full channels Pioneer - Way better looking, better FX, Transition to the club easier

the screen on the Denon Prime 4 is the same screen found in the Akai MPC X ! so I won't say is a new screen..

Denon prime 4 all the way......Love it Thank you Denon.

thanks dude for 4K :)

When i started Djing i bought Denons DN 2000 MKII and later upgraded to their 2500 model so my lovestory with Dj-gear started with Denon. Nowadays i rock on a Pioneer Xdj - RX 1. I´m not after talking shit of any of the brands, but more leaving my 2 cents. Like everything else, in the end it´s your personel opinion on what you like your gear to do for you and what you´re willing to pay for it that´s gonna decide what you buy. I love my RX1 and i would like to upgrade to the XZ, but unfortunatly i don´t have the economi for it. And even do i love Pioneergear i feel that the they (like many other leading brands) sometimes overprice their merchandise or take advantage of their name to raise their prices for similar gear you can buy from other brands at a lower cost. At the same time, i got my moneys worth when i bought my RX, so go figure. But than again as i say, that´s a personel preference. I looked at the Prime and it looks like an awesome machine with some features i feel that the XZ lacks, like the touchscreen. So...to not rant on forever here´s my 2 cents: What ever gear you prefer, don´t talk shit about the other brand/s. If you really like Denon, tell me whats so amazing about it and don´t trash Pioneer or what ever brand you prefer, or vice versa. If you want me to convert, praise your gear, hallelujah! But for now, i´m a slave to Pioneer. But one never know if i have a change of heart in the future. But whatever gear you rock on, keep the fat beats coming and give the masses amazing music and a freaking wicked dance time! Love 2 U all and have an amazing weekend! // C

I'm interested in this because most of the places I play are pioneer shops. Getting this setup would have you be the readiest I believe if you don't want to lug equipment around and are ok with using whatever the house uses. If you need full control and like carrying all the things then maybe you pick another way. I don't see any reason to hate on pioneer for doing an upgrade like this.

im in the process of trying to sell my ddj rz as im seriously wanting to buy the prime

First of all nice review. Answer on your question: For me personal library features are more important then two decks. I have also some questions for you: What about the Master Level EQ's, SoundQuality of the Microphones and build in Soundcard comparisation? That is for me really important and I'm curious about your opinion :)

Yeah and even the cloud firmware update. Denon is geared for streaming as well. Pioneer not really. After watching this, the Denon Prime 4 sounds friggin awesome to buy soon!

any dj will adapt quickly with a different jog wheel than they used to!don't forget what denon prime 4 is offering here: lighter weight than pioneer 4 channels standalone u can use an sd card/usb and an integrated 2.5 inch ssd hard drive up to 1 terra capability of software updates and new functions all the way wifi integration for unlimited access of music thru platforms now you can use the full serato pro software with it multifunctional touch screen more effects on one channel than pioneer u can easily convert rekordbox playlists or even use them on denon (i am using it) and there is a significant function they didn,t talk about here:db out limit:when u set the volume limiter to a zero db no matter how much you raise the volume u will not here or feel the overload! it stays clean and clear ! so if u have amateur djs playing on the unit ur speakers will still be safe! finally quality: the denon has better sound quality then pioneer! u can test it urself if you have the 2 controllers plugged on the same line of speakers!

Wow! I’m super impressed with the Dennon for sure a 10” display $1699.00 or so compared to 3000? I’ve started with vinyl in the early 90s then a short time with pioneer CDJ 400s and CDJs in the 2000s, and the past 7 ish years with an SX2 1 of the first units in Canada with Sflip, video, extra fx, DVS and then, I bought pitch n time… wow! I’ll only change if it’s a complete standalone on all channels and current technology! The prime seems to be ahead at this point maybe pioneer will reinvent itself with new screens and the ability to adjust the screens it’s amazing on the Prime!

I own both right now and I feel the XZ has better jog wheels, the denon is way too touchy but after a few days of mixing with it you get used to the feel of the nudge and scratching. I think the main selling point on the Prime 4 is 4 actual decks without need for a computer , Sata compatibility, and the large 10.1 inch multi touch display.

I have had the SZ since day 1. I’ve preferred it over anything ever since I got it. 2 things I MUST have, Bigger Jog Wheels, and Dual USB control. Prime 4 looks amazing but I do a lot of vs/b2b sessions with DJs and having the SZ makes that possible.

Grown breaking technology on the prime I am pioneer user but that prime is looking nice

Love the Prime 4, this channels review sold me in on it. The only huge downside i seem to be having its the Engine Prime Software. I get it new, but its so buggy. Makes it REALLY infuriating to try and set up tracks on the PC. It freezes often, sometimes the sound doesnt match the waveform at all. More detailed, I hope they work on importing track information from other softwares more easier. Cues dont go through, nor the grid. Can't even edit track information, or add an album cover. Visual cues are helpful and Engine doesn't help with that.

At this rate, Pioneer might catch up to Denon in another four years. 😂😂

They're still a bit expensive if you just like mixing every now and then when you actually have found (or produced) good tracks to put the effort in, but at least the price for a 4 channel mixing setup isn't as obscene as the stuff meant for clubs!

The pioneer/denon situation reminds me of apple/android. Pioneer fan boys will pay a premium for their equipment on technology that was released way before on competitor's devices.

😎😎 The prime four should come out with the (M) model for motorized platters. Just like the SC 5000s. I don’t know why companies don’t have controllers with them. I’m pretty sure people prefer them rather than jog wheels.

Am a pioneer dj since the release of ddj sx but i might change my mind to denon prime as i feel its worth the money u pay plus its a real standalone unit with usb and flash drive and internal hdd .

I like the fact that mobile users also have a 2 two channel little brother with the denon prime 2. Denon for the win when checking off boxes.

Can I use Recordbox or Serato software with prime 4 ?

If the denon had a sampler, larger jog wheels, and soft pads I would buy one today, guess I'll wait.

It looks like you've messed up with the effects on prime 4. I don't have the unit so I can't be sure, but as I've seen in the reviews, it's not possible to link both sections to one channel at the same time. I've also never seen any info that these fx sections can be switched to 3-fx section rather than 1 effect - 2 parameters. So I believe you can only apply 2 effects at a track rather than 7. The only advantage of prime 4 over xdj-xz is that you can apply 2 beat fx to several decks simultaneously rather than one. It's also important to note that mojaxx said it's not possible to apply beat fx to external sources on prime 4 and I believe it's not the case with xdj-xz.

My only take on this is that I'll will have a better performance with the XDJ-XZ in stand alone mode, because of the CDJ jog wheels, and using Rekordbox. But I'll be more prepared for the future with the Prime 4, because of the built in WIFI, multiple ways to load songs, "iPad like" screen...

The Denon definitely set the new standard so well see what the upcoming XZ2 will have in store.

Adding Spotify to the Prime 4 would be savage.

pioneer is wonderful, i love it

So when I own a prime 4 and get to play clubs will you not struggle if lack confidence

On the outskirts looking in I went to Guitar Center I played around with the Denon Prime 4 I am undecided between the prime for in the Prime 2 I have a laptop but it is like 10 years old

Pioneer looks so outdated compared to Prime 4. Also, you have not mention price.. SSD is for me huge step in DJ industry.

you always look proper stoned in these videos, lol

waiting for a mk2 of the xdj xz that can be on par with the prime 4...

It's basically windows vs mac: do you want unparalleled technology that's cutting edge with features you can't get anywhere else (at least for the price) with a constantly improving ecosystem, or do you really just like rekordbox that much (can you tell where my bias lies?) I will say this however, the jog wheels on the xj are much cooler

As a working DJ I can honestly say having used pioneer exclusively before switching to denon that I always had a lot more issues with pioneer DJ equipment as compared to Denon. So reading comments about Pioneer so called holding up and being more reliable just seems like complete nonsense to me, and for sure it clearly shows there will always be people out there who will never accept anything being better than their pioneer setups. Yes the software still has a bit of a way to go but in terms of creativity and reliability with the players themselves ( cdj 2000 nxs 2 vs denon sc5000 prime ) the denons win all day long. With regards to the Prime 4 I've managed to have a few mixes on it and I must admit I really enjoyed it. One negative would be the jog wheels but it seemed very good to use otherwise. I can imagine the pioneer xdj xz would feel much smoother to mix with considering the jog wheels are taken from the 2000nxs2's, which personally slightly edge out even the sc5000 prime jogs, but, essentially, the fact you can only mix with 2 channels on the player itself with zero innovation as compared to denon makes it not worth it when comparing to the prime 4. A bonus for pioneer including the jogs however is the FX/color FX selection, pioneer have always excelled with this and I do prefer the FX on pioneer when comparing to denon. Having said that, Denon do listen to their customers and I'm sure soon will have an even broader selection of FX/Sweep FX to rival what pioneer has to offer. Personally, I'd love to see the sweep fx go from 4 to 8, perhaps a choice on utility to swap dub echo for crush etc etc. So taking everything into consideration I'd say besides the jogs on the prime 4s and the engine prime not being up to scratch just yet, but very usable and ever evolving, then it truly isn't even a contest. Sorry Pioneer / stubborn pioneer fan boys, the truth hurts but it is what it is.

this isnt a battle its a murder scene where the pioneer controller got chopped up and scattered in trash bags all over the forest

If DDJ-1000 & Denon MCX8000 had a child.. that would tick all my boxes. 2 screens for the club feels, good jogs, standalone, 4 channel, compatibility with rekordbox, serato, whatever denon does & virtual dj one can dream

Both controllers are great but xz caries an aura of professionalism despite lacking shiny ornaments found on p4

I just can’t get use to the denon jog wheels. Got use to the CDJ 1000 and 2000 weight

Hey guys! I need your opinion on something, i really like the denon dj prime 4 but if i want to play in clubs in the future , the pioneer is ofcourse club standard. Do you have any suggestions for me ?

My whole music collection is in FLAC-Format and according to the Pioneer website, the XDJ-XZ does not support FLAC nor OGG files, which the Prime 4 does. Well, this was just another reason to order the Prime 4, besides the better bang for the money.

im going to give it next year to see whats what at this point

What is more important as a dj ? Hmmmm . Price is one of the most important , but also the functionality , size , display , built quality , effects , connectivity ............. Etc .... . So that being said Denon is the winner . Pioneer still cannot compare to that . Looking forward to see the upgrade of the cdjs , but i kinda don't see that they can beat Denon in that too . Denon did an amazing improvement on the dj scene with these models .

Is the SSD as standard internally or external? Great review btw

Pioneer is the choice of all the best clubs in the world, there must be a reason if there are 600 € of difference. For me Danon is a good standalone system but playing both there's no comparison in many things, freezing for first and look not at last

When denon make a bigger jog wheel one.. then its 90% CHECK MATE.. also i wonder if small size all in ones will ever come out

Well you can import all software libarys and playlists including recordbox via the deon Prime software. However this I think has come after this video. So the Denon Prime wins for me!

I have a question? I'm interested in this controller. But also in the Pioneer. xdj-xz. But I would like to have the option to add things. Such as a Akai MPC or a Machine. Perhaps something else. Are these 2 controllers. The right choice? if you want to do that? Is there one better for that then the other? Or let say I purchase the pioneer. Can i plug in a N.I. Machine and will it run in sync with Rekordbox? Or do i need like a pioneer sampler? Now normally whenever I see dj's play like that. adding sequencers and samplers. They use traktor. With a standalone mixer with send and return. But then the alternative would be either the S8. What I find a bit out-dated. And expect a follow-up to it in the future. Or the S4. What is a nice controller. But it kind of feels like a toy compared to those Denon and Pioneer beast. I don't travel. So the fact that they are huge is only a plus to me. PLease help?

Nice break up thank for the video

Pioneer controllers will Always be the best you don’t need gadgets and gizmos to be a great dj you just need skills to work with what you got 😎😎

Do either of these connect directly with Beatport Link?

how is pioneer jog wheels really mechanical when they dont rotate any at all?

Denon dj is the future, just make the commitment and convert! Totaly worth it! 😍

Well, if the Denon actually had been a 4 deck stand alone controller - and maybe had added an a bit bigger touch screen - it would have been a bit more of a competition Right now the Pioneer looks like a controller you skip and wait for the real one that must be coming

Between the 10 inch screen compared to the 7 inch screen! The metal frame and The usb and internal hard drive plug ins and the cheaper price! Maybe Pioneer will wake up and see we are sick and tired of paying high costs for a name! Step aside Pioneer I am going with the the Prime 4 as soon as they come back into stock in September 2022!

Pioneer really needs to work on their pricing. You are basically paying for a name at this point instead of them being in the competitive marketplace. When they get this RX down under $1800 I may consider it.

Prime 4 is Compatible whit Rekorbox in the Future???

It's disappointing for I use Pioneer. I am looking to upgrade and would love to hope they would make a 4 channel standalone. The XZ is oversize, overprice version of the DDJ 400.

Prime 4 is the beast

Prime 4 👌

Another victory for Prime 4

The Prime 4 is really a no brainer imo.

Prime 4-Life

Honestly I’m keeping my DDJ 1000

Nobody realizes that the Pioneer XDJ-XZ is the answer to it’s own line of Pioneer DJ digital players, mixers and standalone systems within its own line of products. The XDJ-XZ was not an answer to Denon’s Stand-alone player; in fact it doesn’t need to nor should anybody be mad at Pioneer for making the wise choice to improve it’s own product. The cost of *2 CDJ-2000NXS and *1 DJM-900NXS2 is around $6,600 which is essentially what the XZ is emulating.

But there is only one 4 channel stand alone in this video😅

The only thing I’ve heard is that the sound effects are much realistic on the pioneer. Regardless, Prime is the best way to go.

I imagine it was difficult to stay neutral in this comparison when one unit so thoroughly outclasses the other.

Prime 4 all the way. I bet Denon will come out with a Prime 4M in the near future (motorized jog wheels)

U sad that you have to convert your software to use the Denon DJ Prime 4, but it also reads your Rekordbox software so you don't have to convert anything

I would love to buy the XDJ-XZ.....but I need a real 4 Standalone Chanel and a bigger screen.....so Pioneer come on !!!! We are tired with waiting !!