Intro

The Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD is a professional all-in-one DJ system that gives access to 4-deck playback from a USB device or the cloud, provides inputs for turntables or CDJs, includes Bluetooth (which is great for taking the odd request), and will act as a fully-featured DJ controller using Rekordbox or Serato software.

The unit includes full-size jog wheels with a new grippy design, outlined with RGB illumination which is assignable per-deck. By default, it’s lit in a sort of amber color which matches the aesthetics of the controller. I must say it’s one of Pioneer DJ’s most handsome-looking pieces of gear to date.

It includes a class-leading main screen with an electrostatic touch module, and it supports all the main Rekordbox things you’d expect, such as RGB or tri-color waveforms (in addition to the classic blue). The bottom part of the screen is the mixer information display, and it’s where you configure your mics, and channel settings, and assign BEAT FX. The screen also includes an X-Y pad for controlling FX parameters with the slide of a finger.

Important knobs are trimmed in a shiny copper color, such as the large multifunction browse knob (which Pioneer DJ calls the Smart Rotary Selector). It’s kinda like a knob and a joystick in one. And, here’s a new Smart Cue feature that lets you overwrite the current cue position with a recalled hot cue. Mobile and bar DJs will appreciate the zone output, which lets you send a completely separate signal to a different room. In case you need some fancy dinner music in one place, and a pumpin’ dance floor in another. The OPUS-QUAD continues Pioneer DJ’s recent focus on sound quality, with a high-quality 32-bit digital analog converter from ESS Technology, which everyone in the room agreed sounded really nice.

First Impressions

I was surprised at how large and imposing the OPUS-QUAD was when actually taking it out of the box, but was also taken by how sharp and classy the design is. It looks like proper audio gear (maybe even hinting towards the wood-grain hi-fi cabinets of the 70s). All the inputs have a bit of weight to them, which inspires confidence. The whole device seems well built and sturdy and is finished in a satin/matte black which helps resist fingerprints.

The OPUS-QUAD was a pleasure to mix on. Of course, when coming from CDJs, there are a few things to get used to (stacked waveforms vs. waveforms on separate screens), but it didn’t take but a moment for us to start mixing and enjoying it. We tried mixing standalone, as a DJ controller (with software), and with external sources. The ‘Quad provided a pleasant experience, with everything well-spaced and logically located. And, absolutely zero complaints about sound quality.

Specs

● Dimensions: 36.44 x 19.67 x 5.59 inch
● Screen size: 10.1 inch
● Jog wheel size: 8.1 inch
● Weight: 29.1 lbs
● Software: rekordbox for Mac/Windows/iOS/Android, Serato DJ Pro
● Player deck: 4
● Bluetooth input: yes
● USB for storage: USB 3.2 x 1 (Rear), USB 2.0 x 2 (Top)
● Wi-Fi: Yes
● CloudDirectPlay: Yes

Using FX

There are several ways to access FX on the OPUS-QUAD. Like a typical Pioneer DJ hardware mixer, there’s a knob at the bottom-right of the mixer to select FX When you turn the knob, your FX options pop up on the screen automatically. Use the orange button at the bottom to engage FX, and the level/depth knob to decide how much FX to apply. You use the screen to select which channel to apply the FX to.

Of course, there are also Sound Color FX, which are effects engaged with the turn of a single knob. This is also how you access your filters (which can be adjusted for resonance). On the screen, you can also access an X-Y touch pad This allows you to control multiple parameters simply by swiping your fingers around, making for some fun FX. See the video above for examples. Finally, there is also the Smooth Echo function (previously released on the DJM-S11 and the DDJ-REV7). This allows you to do the ever-popular “echo out” effect, but it doesn’t start echoing until you cut the sound, making for a very clean sound.

The Rub

The Opus Quad is a joy to mix on. Ergonomically speaking, it’s one of the best I’ve used. Aesthetically, it looks like proper audio gear. The sound quality is on point. So, what’s the downside?
Well, my biggest complaint is that, at least at the time of recording my review, the Opus Quad doesn’t support music streaming services. This absolutely flabbergasted me. This is a bit embarrassing, but we tried for a solid 10 minutes to find the settings for the streaming services on this thing, only to realize it didn’t support it.

In order to connect to TIDAL and Beatport LINK, we had to connect it to our laptops and use this as a controller. This works great, but this sure makes for an expensive controller if that’s how you’re gonna use it. Also, for something so appealing as a multi-DJ device, the inclusion of a dual headphones cueing system would have been the icing on the cake. If you compare this to other standalone on the market, the price is going to shock you. But if you’re looking for it as an alternative to CDJs and a mixer, this might not be a bad choice. However, if you want to use streaming services or have access to stems, I’d recommend going for a straight-up DJ controller and keep your laptop around

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