Today, we are delving deep into the features of the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2, and its rival, the Denon DJ Prime 4. We will look at its visual features along with what compatibilities it offers, and so forth.
Anyway, let us get started.
When taking a first glance at the units you can tell by the layout the XDJ-RX2 is true to its Pioneer brand. It has the sleek Pioneer feel, quality build and the ever-familiar layout, and many of its features and traits are taken from the flagship NSX2 series. With the Prime 4, you can’t really help but notice the size of the touchscreen. It is a whopping 10-inch multi-touch, with full Qwerty keyboard, display. Its opponent has the touchscreen capability, complete with the Qwerty keyboard however comes in slightly smaller at 7-inches. Whilst we are on the subject of the in-built screens, both of the DJ Systems display the waveforms from all decks, and include Wave Zoom for a more in-depth look.
Another visual feature is, the Denon Prime 4 is 4-channel whilst the Pioneer RX2 is 2-channel. They both feature 8 multifunction, back-lit, performance pads on each deck, and include two decent sized jog wheels. The Denon DJ system has the ability to put the jog-wheels in vinyl mode, but it also has the added feature of on-jog display located in the centre of the wheel where track artwork, DJ/Club logo, deck info or loop settings can be displayed. The RX2 caters for smooth and accurate mixes, through the use of EQs and channel faders, which are inherited from the DJM-900NXS2 professional club mixer. Additionally, enhance your creativity through the use of the Sound Colour FX and Beat FX, also taken from the leading Pioneer series.
Both units have USB ports; the XDJRX2 features two on the top right of the unit, and the Prime 4 features the same two, along with an additional two at the rear of the unit. They both have the capability of recording sets to USB or an external connected source. In addition to the USB ports, the Prime 4 also has an SD card slot and a SATA drive bay located under the console.
Okay, so let’s talk software. Unsurprisingly the Pioneer RX2 comes with the renowned rekordbox DJ. It isn’t just software based, it can also be found in the form of an app. Rekordbox DJ is used to prepare and manage music files ready for a DJ set.
The Denon Prime 4 comes with its own Engine Prime software. Okay, so what, well the Prime 4 also allows for synchronisation with an iTunes collection including playlists and subfolders, Serato DJ collection including all hot cues and loops, full Traktor Pro collections also including loops and hot cues, and massively rekordbox playlists including songs, hot cues and loops. If that wasn’t enough it can also internally analyse a tracks BPM, key, metadata and beat grid info.
Now don’t get us wrong, that sounds great, but there is also a lot that could go wrong, the one advantage to Pioneer and rekordbox DJ is that it is very well established, is reliable and used by thousands!
There is no question about how high quality the audio is with regards to the XDJ-RX2. Coming from a long line of superior set-ups it has exceptional digital sound processing, accurate sound reproduction and a reduced distortion rate. Whilst on the subject of sound, one other feature the Prime 4 has that is worth a mention is the Zone Output. This is where a separate playlist can be played to a different room.
Aside from all of the above, there are all the usual input/output connections contained within both of the DJ Systems.
These are in the forms of XLR Master Out, Booth outs, various RCA ins/outs including line and phono inputs, AUX inputs and mic inputs although the quantity of each may vary between the systems.
Conclusion
Wow, that was quite a lot to take in. Overall, the quality and specs for both are supreme. They are both standalone units which do not require the need for a laptop. With Pioneer you get the already accustomed brand quality, build and trust. Yet, Denon DJ are certainly rocking the boat with their design, technology and features.
It is clear the Prime 4 has a lot to offer the consumer; however, remember that Pioneer DJ equipment is the industry club standard. What does this mean? Well, if you are looking at going into professional DJing, then the RX2 would make for a more seamless transition. On the other hand, if you are a mobile DJ or looking to go down that route then, the Denon Prime 4 has all you need and more.
We await and look forward to seeing if Pioneer DJ have anything in the pipeline to top Denon DJs Prime 4.
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