Today, Pioneer DJ announced a killer new standalone DJ system leaving little daylight between it and their flagship NXS2 setup used by pros worldwide.

Introducing the Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ, a four-channel, standalone DJ system and controller that combines Pioneer DJ’s best professional features with flexible media and software options. 

Update: 3/12/20 Serato DJ announces full support for Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ. Updates regarding production delays below.

At a glance,  XDJ-XZ is astonishingly reminiscent of the CDJ-2000NXS2 + DJM-900NXS2 setup. Full-sized jog wheels and intuitive displays are familiar from the CDJ-200NXS2. Meanwhile, 14 Beat FX and 6 Sound Color FX come straight from the iconic DJM-900NXS2 mixer. Beyond that, consolidating three units into one with grab-handles eliminates wires and drastically reduces the price compared to the NXS2 rig. And it’s fully integrated with Serato DJ out of the box.

Base price is $2,299 USD (below-advertised pricing available via livechat here).

We explore its most interesting features and discuss potential limitations below.

2020 Production Delays

The biggest issue with the XDJ-XZ has been getting one.

The unit, first schedule for full release in November 2019, experienced production delays which were later compounded by supply chain disruption by the corona virus outbreak. As of March 2020, few units have been released to the market with most DJs having to preorder 1-8 weeks in advance to secure a unit from the few dealers receiving them.

If you’d like to secure a unit with 5% down, with the balance due when the item comes in stock, follow the instructions here.

4 Channels of Rekordbox + Serato Matrimony

Furthering Pioneer’s effort to let DJs play how they want, the XDJ-XZ supports numerous ways to mix, including the following:

• Play tracks off Rekordbox-prepared USB devices, like a CDJ or XDJ in standalone mode.
• Connect to Rekordbox DJ or Serato DJ  on your laptop and use as a DJ controller.
• Use Link Export mode to import tracks directly off your laptop’s Rekordbox library while mixing exclusively with the hardware.
• Connect external sources (such as turntables or CDJs) to channels 3 and 4.

 

Three USB inputs, external RCA connections and robust software support make DJ changeovers and B2B mixing a breeze (more on this below).

On top of this, the XDJ-XZ is the first standalone unit to feature Pro DJ Link support. This protocol allows Pioneer DJ hardware to share music, track data, and sync information over a standard network cable. This means that you can link any Pro DJ Link device (e.g. CDJ-2000NXS2, XDJ-1000 MK2, Toraiz SP-16, etc.) and browse track data from those players, sync BPM across all linked devices and more from the XDJ-XZ. Existing Pro DJ Link users will also appreciate that the XZ acts as a LAN hub, eliminating the need for a separate one to link your devices together.  

If you’re a turntable devotee, you can still connect to inputs 3 and 4 for your analog fix. For timecode users, XDJ-XZ supports Rekordbox DVS and will support Serato DVS (licenses sold separately)

XDJ-XZ – Not Really a 4 Channel Standalone?

XDJ-XZ has a 4-channel mixer. It is also a standalone DJ system. It cannot, however, play 4 channels from USB. Like 2 CDJ-2000s + 1 DJM-900, it allows 2 channels of standalone mixing with 2 more for other sources. Full 4-channel standalone functionality would require either 4 platters or dual-layer functionality. The prior would result in a refrigerator-sized unit. The latter doesn’t yet exist in the Pioneer DJ ecosystem.

Many on social media have called this a fail, but we believe that for the vast majority of DJs, it simply won’t make a difference. If you don’t currently play on 3-4 CDJ/XDJs simultaneously like Jeff Mills or Richie Hawtin, nothing will change for you. If you are currently happy playing on standard 2x CDJ setups, you’ll be happy getting the same abilities + more for <1/2 the price. Additionally, used as a controller for Rekordbox DJ or Serato DJ on your computer, all four channels are available for digital mixing.

A related concern is that XDJ-XZ doesn’t have 2 interfaces for simultaneous control of DJ software on 2 computers. The implications are that transitioning between DJs or playing B2B sets may be impaired. While this feature is now standard amongst high-end DJ controllers, it is not amongst standalone systems.  The difference between those controllers and this standalone unit is that there are only 2 ways to transition between DJs on a controller. One is to connect an additional computer and control it simultaneously. This requires a second interface. The other is to switch to an external audio source, like a turntable or CDJ, while the next DJ plugs into the single interface (aka “how we used to do it”).

By contrast, the XDJ-XZ supports multiple simultaneous USB memory sources, importing libraries via Pro DJ Link and external audio sources. This gives you drastically more flexibility when transitioning between/collaborating with other DJs. The only affected use case is if 2 DJs want to use the unit as a DJ controller, contrary to its standalone design. While this may be problematic for clubs and promoters that require maximum flexibility for all types of DJs and lineups, we’re pretty sure it’ll be a minor limitation for individual owners. Even then, it’s resolvable with the tiniest bit of creativity.

Pro Features (and Mobile-Friendliness)

True to form, XDJ-XZ is equipped with a professional audio interface for high-quality output from its Main Outs:

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• S/N Ratio: 114 dB (USB), 103 dB (LINE), 90 dB (PHONO)
• Harmonic Distortion: 0.003% (USB), 0.005% (LINE), 0.017% (PHONO)

 

Moreover, XDJ-XZ gives you more control than most DJ controllers when it comes to shaping your final mix. Not only do you have typical 3-band EQ for each channel, you also get 3-band Master EQ and 3-band Mic EQ for 2 microphones. This is ideal for mobile DJs who set up sound in venues of varied size and acoustic quality.

Additionally, each mic input produces a clear signal, even at high input levels. Feedback Reducer on each mic solves one of the most annoying live-event problems.

Visual Feedback for Focused Performance

The 7-inch LCD touchscreen, accompanied by in-jog displays allow you to keep you eyes off your laptop, whether you’re using one or not.

The round, in-jog displays (as seen on the DDJ-1000) shows track position, BPM, hot cues, and other track specific information. This frees up the LCD touch screen for track browsing and waveform display. And all of this visual feedback plays nicely with Serato DJ.

Of course, the high-quality performance pads (8 under each deck) allow you to set cues, loops, and other software-specific features and provide RGB multi-colored feedback.

XDJ-XZ vs XDJ-RX2 vs Prime 4 – How Does it Stack Up?

You’ll immediately be tempted to compare the XDJ-XZ with two other standalone DJ systems, Pioneer DJ’s XDJ-RX2 and Denon DJ’s Prime 4.

The XDJ-RX2 is a great choice if you want a Rekordbox standalone experience foregoing the NXS2 feel and feature set. XDJ-RX2 is missing 2 channels, full-sized jog wheels and Pro DJ Link amongst other features.

As for the Denon DJ’s Prime 4,  feature-for-feature, it’s hard to argue against its extreme value. Most notably, it is able to play 4 decks standalone from USB with dual-layer functionality. Also, Prime 4 is a Serato DJ enabled device so you don’t have to buy an additional license. On the other hand, you’ll be making some sacrifices in platter quality and you’ll be outside of the Rekordbox ecosystem.

But, let’s face it, Pioneer DJ’s NXS2 is still the industry standard and people want to mix on pro gear. XDJ-XZ looks every bit as good as this setup at a price accessible to more individuals and small venues.

And with added value for Serato users, it’s easy to see where Pioneer’s head is at. It’s nearly everything people are asking for.

Buy or Pass?

While $2K+ is a substantial investment, it doesn’t take long to see the value here. This is the closest replica of a Pioneer NXS2 setup and that costs over $6,000.

When you take what people already like, simplify it, charge half, then double your market by partnering with the next-biggest DJ platform, it looks like a winning recipe. 

Mobile DJs will be especially happy with sensible features that make weddings and corporate gigs sound great at every venue. The ability to set several layers of EQ before and on the final mix is a nice professional touch.

Club and Resident DJs will appreciate the robust NXS2 feature set including the exact FX of the DJM-900NXS2. With XDJ-XZ, you’ll only need the CDJ/DJM setup if you’re a promoter that has to fulfill riders – or you still play CDs.

And if you are one of the few that needs true 4-channel standalone play with 2 platters, it’s simply not right for you.

What About You?

What do you think? Will the XDJ-XZ find a home in your setup? Why or why not? Any outstanding doubts or personal experiences? Let us know if the comments below.