Hands-On Review: Denon DJ SC6000, SC6000M & X1850 Prime Media Players & Mixer 

uh-oh the video editor screwed up the color correction lol. aside that, great job with the review Phil!

Nice outline/overview - thank you! Looking forward to seeing the full review. I like the less glitzy look, the screens and the job wheels (but still not the greatest neon fan tbh). For me, the most important part of this is the 2nd Generation commitment because hopefully it means this model series is here to stay. Have a great weekend, all.

It’s so interesting that a few years ago, another company changed the way we look at players by eliminating the CD Drive. The XDJ’s were targeted at the bedroom DJ who wanted to practice on a deck similar to what he found in the booth. Now, no one questions at all the fact that these don’t have a mechanical drive! Our tastes and sense of “Normalcy” really evolves over time! Great review :). One omission: The SC6000M has a 8.5 inch wheel vs. the 7 inch on the 5000. DJ’s had really requested that. Glad Denon DJ listened.

Great overview. They're taking it to another level think I need to get saving!

Aside from FOMO, I appreciate that it's more of an incremental update than an overall upgrade. I've always thought that the screens on my SC5000s are zoomed in too much, so the view changes on the 6000s is a great implementation - but it's not a deal breaker. I personally don't have a need for a hard drive bay - I update my library regularly, and the system with thumb drives in the older models is fine. Functionality aside, I am a BIG fan of the aesthetic choices. I was interested to hear Phil say the jogs aren't actually larger on the player body, but it makes sense as they're shallower wheels compared to the 5000s. I like the more minimal design approach with the buttons etc, too.

These are looking really good. As a long term pioneer user, I really hope that denon become a genuine force to be reckoned with in the industry, as they seem to be making a far greater effort to push the industry forward. Even pioneer fanboys should recognise that competition is beneficial to the consumer. I really wish they'd allow for full RGB waveforms though, and more importantly a standard green/yellow/red vu meter setup, denon's almost monochromatic meters look nice, but I don't think they do as good a job of quickly relaying information at a glance.

I'm getting a rotary mixer for a second setup at some point and will likely get a pair of these as well - I love my SC5000s!

I've always been inclined to go for the alternative when everyone else just sheepishly follows the herd. When everyone played on SL1200's I got myself a pair of solid Vestax turntables there have been turning unscathed ever since. When everyone got an iPhone I got a Sony Ericsson. Soon I'll be getting en EV Kia instead of a Tesla, so these Denon's really the type of Manufacturer I'd buy from. Not that I have a need for them and I will spend my money on other stuff than DJ gear, but these are typically items I'd buy.

Digital DJ Tips is awesome. I bought the V10 on your rec and it has been worth it. Gonna sell my Model 1 mixer. Thanks for the very accurate reviews. Looking into these as well to replace the XDJ1000 players I have.

What a great overview this guy does, looking forward to getting these. Having been a dedicated Pioneer CDJ user from the very early days, I changed to Denon 2 years ago and have never regretted it. Loving everything about these decks, and I know nothing is perfect but at least Denon are pushing forward with DJ tech unlike (sadly) Pioneer DJ who seemed to have stalled development over the last few years.

I have used controllers and never used media player or cdjs having looked at all the options i decided to get the sc6000 bundle cant wait to get it and buss out some tunes

Great review

They look like so much much fun

i like them! specially the split-cue, denon listens!

Well done my friend! Super sweet gear :-)

great stuff!!

Good review that phil. Hope denon do a 2 channel prime controller tho. Am not a 4 channel type of guy

Great analogy about the car door.

Can I watch Netflix on it

Amazing! Nice review! Both the mixer and the players have digital inputs / outputs, I'm curious why do you keep using the classical analog RCA cables? Digital should be (slightly) better quality, and cheaper cabling.

I decided to switch to this setup. Getting the mixer today and one SC6000 tomorrow. I’ve used the “Industry Standard” forever now, I want to try the “forward thinking” for a little while.

As a Technic and rotary DJ, I've played with Serato + computer aside from vinyl but still used my turntables as the controller. I have to say Denon finally caught my eye unlike Pioneer.

Thanks Phil

Denon is killing pioneer atm with the technology

Yes!

Can you record straight on to USB like the all in one prime units ? And can you see 2 waveforms together on one deck ?

I like .

Thanky DJ Tips..:)

Looks great ..Any news on when they will be ready to buy in the UK?

Dj controllers from a discolored distopian future xD

Mate , How can I use the x1850 on serato DJ pro along with my pair of vl12 prime as DVS or Phase DVS?

I'll keep hoping & dreaming on owning those... lolz

It's great to have software driven hardware to build improvements over time. This said, I'm hearing reports about build quality issues, which would negate your ability to keep this equipment useful for a while.

Thanks for this, Phil! I love my CDJ 2000NXS2s but I was curious so I ordered a SC5000 just before the new gear was announced. I really like it so far and I guess I'm the only person who likes all the extra lights. I think I'm going to go in on the first generation and ride that out until the 3rd or 4th gen players drop. Still, the second generation shows a lot of promise and I'm glad to see that Denon is still supporting the 1st gen prime players and mixer.

I think it's funny that biggest complaints about dj gear was it was to big and bulk. So they did away with turntables and vinyl. Now here we are with a kit that's just 4 inches shy of being a turntable. Granted it's very nice looking kit. But so long as there is support for the sc5000 kit. I'll stay there. Everything is getting bigger and heavier again. And motorized platters? Again very nice but if I want to feel a turntable I'll pull out my 1200's cause there is no replacement for them. But I'm happy to see Denon pulling out the stops improve engine prime and let's get this party started.

There should be ONE format for all DJ software for cue point's etc. We need standardization!

Great overview. First mention of the jog wheels difference in glide, weightiness that I've seen mentioned. I am curious about compatibility bw the SC5000s and newer mixer? First nature says duh, but more to the point of software wise. Any word on this from Denon? My concern would be that there is some random updated circuitry preventing seemless operation between the older players and new mixer. I'd prefer to purchase the new mixer.

I wanna see Phil dj

Hello, good review thanks !! Just a question ..can i use 2x denon SC6000M with pioneer V10 mixer?

I Love this new Denon gear but would SC6000M and SC6000 partner well mixers lioke Alan & Heath Xone DB4 or Pioneer DJM900 NX2..??

Thanks for the video! I noticed something interesting at 12:25 you started playing around with the cue points a bit and I noticed that the bar count nest to the clock seemed like it was counting the bars remaining to the next cue point. Is that true? Thanks in advance. AKSO

Question on the X1850 mixer When attenuating the EQ, does it cut out the signal in the headphones or do you still hear full cue signal? Basically, is the EQ pre or post cue? I like to hear the original signal in my headphones while attenuating the EQ when mixing so I can come in on the low, mid, or high

Great review... I want one of these to compliment my Hybrid Vinyl Turntable... a bit too pricey though. Will need to keep checking ebay for the next year or two...lol Most people living on covid cash at the moment.

Question concerning running Rekordbox tracks on the prime players: I imported some Rekordbox-Tracks for testing in Engine Prime. Hot Cue Points were set correctly, Loops were just "transformed" to normal Hot Cue points (they definitely should consider adding loops also as Loops on the same position in the Prime "loop" section additionally to the cue point) BUT: The beatgrid was not taken over from Rekordbox. The tracks where I spent effort in Rekordbox to correct the grid were just analysed by Prime resulting in same (wrong) beatgrid like in Rekordbox analysis ==> Is there no option to tell Engine Prime (or the SC... players) to just take the Rekordbox beatgrid?

Hi Phil, I have the sc5000m's and it is impossable to performe a longish spinback! I've even tryed ajusting the screw on the center pin but if you do this it makes the whole platter unuseable. Is the 6000m better at spinbacks? cheers.

What's up with the lighting Phil? And the 10 inch screen now allows you to see 10 tracks at once instead of 6..... You can plug these into serato and they will just work......but not at launch Can you use rekordbox ongoing or is it just a onetime import still?

The hd2500 released in 2006 was the first unit to have a built in hard drive bay. Also the jobs look like numark platters from the tax line. The jobs on the 37/3900 were heavy and smooth just like a 1200 which is what DJs wanted. Having a screen as big as an iPad also means that if it fails it’ll be costly to replace. The old Denon gear was able to linked up with a real iPad for future proofing. It seems like the old Denon tech was not sold to in music if they aren’t using it.

Does it work for djay for the iPad? Or Mac? Also does it have accessibility for visually impaired DJs? I never hear you talk about people who DJ that are blind? Do they have the settings and functionalities implemented in the software?

How do these compare to a laptop and controller, can you get the same pro feel and feature set with a controller like the pioneer ddj 800 or the denon mc7000 running software on a laptop.

I pre-ordered my Prime 4 at release, & I will do the same for these 6000M's🗣 Are you listening American Musical?💳👈🏽

from the video the styling looks like the N.I. Machine and S4mk3. does it look like that up close?

The older X1800 mixer has a limiter, so that’s not new. Is it improved? Also regarding effects and their quantization- when linked via network cable - for Engine Prime and library sharing - wasn’t it quantized at that point? Or did it simply read the BPM from that network connection and adjust the effects to the BPM number, not specifically quantization? It has the effect of quantization if beat grid was set correctly. And since the BPM is totally dependent on the grid - what’s the difference? I think the platter is also a tad larger. Can you confirm? Thanks.

Question is there an improvement on the line faders of the x1850 mixer? Personally did not like them on x1800 felt a bit plactic and loose.

I like the look of the new gear. Seems like it is "grown up" now. SC5000 has a great quality but I wouldn't have bought it because it looked too much like a toy to me. SC6000 looks very professional now.

I can buy 2 sc5000 for the price of 1 sc6000 an they mostly do the same things just bigger screens! They look beautiful but im not sure if its worth the money right now .

Nice review, can the sc6000 harddrive feature be used with a x1800?

Dam, feels like just yesterday I got my 5000s lol. Hope denon do some kind of trade in deal from the 5000s to 6000s as it seems cost wise their more or less exactly the same, at least for now. For new customers buying denon prime gear they'll of course buy the 6000s over the 5000s, I'm pretty much certain of this. Resale value for those of us wanting to upgrade and sell the 5000s 2nd hand however has definitely been shot down so I hope Denon can do something like this, especially given we've been waiting for software upgrades in stages and now we are being told that if we want better we will need to buy new. Same goes for the mixer, although looks more of an aesthetic upgrade, but same cost wise to the x1800.

Whats the track ? Please

📝

I really love how he was struggling to differentiate the 5000 over the 6000 and why you should buy it. Outside of a bigger screen and ssd’s seems Ike a marketing ploy. If you REALLY wanted to make me buy the new prime, you should have included a DAW, touch pad, and VST’s.

So can u use virtual dj too with it because it's a software too that lots of dj use.

A design I don’t understand is why have the hard drive under the player ? Means having to pick up the player just to get your hard drive back out. Not the best for swapping over

What about music analyzed by virtual DJ?

Can I just put a usb in the new Denon sx6000 and off I go... or do I download music on these any help

i want to get 2 of the denon dj sc6000 for my prime 4

when is the release date for the X1850 mixer?

Does this only need 1 port to macbook pro? Believe the mixer has cat5 ports

Great video but why so grey?

Hello good afternoon! I wanted you to solve a couple of doubts about the denon sc 6000 m, I have a pioneer nexus 2 computer and I would like to try the denon but I do not want to change the software, do the denons recognize rekordbox files? And the other question can be synchronized with a Red cable the cdj and the denon so that they are synchronized as two cdjs. Thanks and best regards

Wooww!

I'm a beginning DJ and for me it's all about the emotions that the music brings so scratching in't really my thing yet. However, if I'm going to be performing one day (a really big if) I want garishness! I want gaudy! I love tacky! I want the players and the mixers covered with gold and blue glitter, enormous led's, flashy jog wheels, strobing led's under the player, light-up knobs on the mixer and ridiculous amounts of pointless flashiness!!

I have the denon mc 4000. I keep getting a ASIO message. I have no sound. Does anyone know the steps to correct this problem?

I can't seem to make out if the Cue and Play buttons are rubber or plastic?

Heloo, is it possible to link boath denon sc6000 and record the set?

Hi Brilliant review. One question on the new mixer. Are the 4 channels tighter to move up and down compared to the older mixer? The 1800 they are very loose and if the 1850 are a lot tighter in feel with more resistance it would sway onto buying this newer version thanks

Is there a full review?

And Virtual DJ...

Definately more polished looked. Better improvement.

Please update your camera also

From serato to to controller face.

Denon please go back with Denon 3900 Platter, i wish an updete maybe SC6000 Mk2 bring us that 9" platter with the old style like SL1200, like SC3900 did and make all of us, fell in love. A SC6000 with that platter it really would be great and make a better product. I watch i video that one Pioneer lover made with a the cdj3000 version he would like he made the CDJ with SC3900 platter but thta company do not dare to do it You know how to, I know what you said with the new style of platter , but i have always had SL1200 and SC 3900 and never i ´ve had that problem you say and Never i´ve heard somebody saying that for sure, I was thinking in buying SC6000M and replace the platter for the ones i have SC 3900 , but maybe no fit SC 3900 is 9" and SC6000M 8.5" , So better you realese a new version of your M deck Dj´s that come from old school and many of new dj would love it. Give us that christmas gift or next Namm Show surprise !

They look neat but that price for one?! Damn!!!!!

Why this strange Colors in the video?

Very not too expensive 5k not I’m my budget

They have to build the computer in to the player, cuz they can’t make useable software for computers xd But, seriously it’s not a big change, just a different approach of the workflow, digital players. Let’s be honest, we don’t need an ipad on top of the player. We don’t want to watch M. Night Shyamalan movies on them. I prefer the old workflow, you collect music, sort them on your computer, set cue points, save loops, make playlists, and so on. This way you really can take your time with the music, plan the transitions, and when you play live, you can concentrate on the effects, the crowd, enjoy the music, cuz it’s not that interesting to watch somebody staring at a big screen, and trying to find that cue point or the right length loop. And i think we want the freedom to “play” and enjoy the music, dance, look at the crowd, not the players all the time. Let’s be honest, you have roughly 3 min when a track is playing, in that 3 mins, you won’t change the world 🤷‍♂️, or just won’t make the best choices, so take your time at home, and have fun in the club 🙌

I've never closed an expensive car door lol

damn thats sexy!

Hello . I am start. I have 2 sc6000 and one x-1850 i try conect cables but only sond in one deck i look the manual but not work. Can you make a video for conect 2 sc600 in one x1850 ? I dont know how can i put sound in another sc 6000.

It’s almost like this and the DJCITY video are following the same script

Switched to Denon SC Series after long using the CDJ's. Afraid at first. Never looked back though. These are truly next gen. players. The only argument Pio boys use is "it's the club standard". Well guys, once, a Lenco L75s turntable was the club standard. Things change. Move forward or backward. Your choice. Pio is done. Obsolete and overpriced.

Devaluation of purchase items , once these broken everything is broken. Unlike your monitor is separate from the controller.

Love the players, still not a fan of the mixer

Ah pre Covid a world where everything was black and white. Simple times..

The new players will find it hard t o fit in a coffin. The SC5000 that I have only just fitted in an odysee coffin used for Pioneer CDJ's.

they made them too big they look like boats i.ll stick with the sc5000s

Denon has a way of kicking it's customer in the balls. They just came out with the SC5000M last year and now all those people who bought those are probably pissed off. I see no real improvement worth spending $4500. By December they'll be $999 each.

Pioneer are getting left behind here.

Pioneer is doomed......

Good concept for a review but horribly delivered!!!