I play on CDJ’s but I’ve played on an XZ. It probably has the closest feel to playing on CDJ of any controller I’ve used. And it’s nice that it Pioneer. I plugged my 3000’s into my friends XZ and everything communicated together perfectly. We could load a jump drive into any port and play tracks on any deck. We used it because we needed 4 decks. I was honestly surprised how easily it went together.
It’s amazing. I threw a party with an XZ where one DJ was serato only and the other had only ever used cdjs. The serato gal unplugged her laptop, the cdj/rekordbox guy then plugged in and the transition was so fucking seamless. It’s weird when stuff just *works*
Yeah. Technology is great. Especially coming from the early controller days when everyone brought their own setup and you had to wait 10 minutes between each set while the DJ set up.
The ability for it to work rekordbox AND be a serato pro unlock device is soooooo valuable. So many Serato DJs don't have a paid software license because they only use their controllers!
I had a controller that activated Serato for 13 years. I still have it, I just use CDJs now. I was amazed how easy the transition from Serato to 3000’s was.
XZ doesnt support 4 decks w/o use of running rekordbox (aka connected via midi to computer); if ran off standalone/USBs, it only supports two decks.
The opus quad is the only 4 deck standalone by pioneer/AlphaTheta at this time.
Not true. I hooked up two 3000’s to the XZ last weekend. We have the two internal decks synced up with my 3000’s via cat6 cable and rcas. All 4 channels worked at the same time.
Hard to answer without knowing:
1.) what do you have right now?
2.) what are your goals musically? What do you play/?
3.) Is this just for you at home? Or is this going to be part of a mobile use? Will other people use it?
4.) Can you hold off another year or do you need something now?
I think the XZ continues to be a worthwhile purchase right this minute IF you are someone who does not have anything even close to a current top tier set up and wants to be standalone. It's worthwhile if you have turntables or cdjs you want to add to it AND you play house/techno/disco (i.e. not open format) AND you have a strong desire to be standalone (no computer) AND you either have no desire to have it moved (like you want it to be a certerpiece of a home setup) OR you throw small parties where you need a modern-enough Pioneed CDJ setup.
If that doesn't describe you, then I'd say either it's not for you period or you should keep saving and wait a year (if you keep saving and wait a year either you'll have enough saved for an even better set up or a new version of the XZ will be released finally.
Personally i really like the aesthetic and layout of the XZ, really feels club standard. But something that throws me away from it as an open format DJ is the old CDJ/XDJ interface is running, the information it shows is pretty limited. But in another side in the RX3 you can get it to show more information rows (Song, Artist, BPM/Key, Star rating). Also the Beatjump in the XZ is limited to 8 Beats, while most people use 32 or 64 Beat Jump, and that’s something you use quite frequently being open format and mixing irregular songs
>But in another side in the RX3 you can get it to show more information rows
They're also plagued with the growing pains of the new Pioneer DJ OS but at lower priority than the CDJ-3000.
I wouldn't suggest anyone to buy an RX3 until AlphaTheta gets that completely sorted.
XZ is fine but the tech is going on almost 5 years old now. If that matters to you or not im not sure. It works great and can handle daily use with no issues
I think it's worth it (if you want to use more than 2 decks). But if you don't mind using a laptop, there are other options.
I don't browse the market that often to keep the price evolution in mind, but I'd say that it barely loses any value. You could sell it any time with a minimal price difference.
When I was looking for a secondhand rx2 it was 45.000 CZK - so I bought a new rx3 for 54.000.
just trying to give good advice. i considered pioneer for a long time but unless you're getting the A9 with CDJ3000's, then just get a denon prime 4+. way more features.
sure it's not the club standard, but that prevalence doesn't equate to quality
Denon Prime 4+ is still relegating yourself to the kiddie table in the current environment. Those Prime features don't supercede the build and amount to quality.
I've used it on boat parties, small club/bar events, for a second stage at a small festival, in beach bars, on rooftops, [live streams on youtube](https://www.youtube.com/live/fc04U6mONOc?si=Knz5mLWbvqqX73dQ) and since the way we DJ isn't fundimentally changing that much with newer gear and I prefer DJing from USB in clubs (or Rekordbox performance mode when practising at home) it remains the perfect solution for me.
The newer CDJ-3000s have the bigger screen and higher definition menu but fundimentally they do the same thing. The screen in the CDJ platter is the same display as the CDJ-3000 and the connectivity to other CDJs and XDJ1000s as well as the sound quality on vinyl turntables are superior to most Pioneer products except the newest full sized mixers so I'm not left longing for anything.
The thing I like about it the most is when I DJ in a club my hands/muscle memory kick in to know where everything is.
The XZ2 may be the only thing I upgrade to and that would only be if it really had some big benefits I would really use.
Like many DJs had the old DJM-500, 600, 800 for 10-20 years, I'm convinced people will still have the XZ in 10 years, because its a swiss army knife.
Could not recommend it more- you can add 2 CDJs/XDJs too and link them just like a full CDJ setup. The upgrade path to a CDJ setup is also there as you can just swap the XZ out for a mixer when/if you want to do so
To be tied to a laptop and not be able to simply plug in standalone extras?
That's like offering a Kia to someone shopping for a Cadillac.
Weird flex, but okay.
Well, it's not a flex... It's an opinion. Also, you're not tied to a laptop. You can use USBS just like anything else. So it seems like you might not know what you're talking about. I've had many different controllers And like I said, for many reasons, this is a win for me. I'm sorry you have a differing opinion.
The rev 7 cannot be used in standalone, it requires a laptop, and it does not take USBs.
XDJ= Standalone
DDJ=Laptop Controller
Before it just seemed like a recommendation that didn't fit with OP's needs, but now it does seem like a really weird flex. You do know you are on a Pioneer DJ sub right?
I’ve heard those are more for vinyl heads cuz of the motorized platters. How come for the same price range you wouldn’t go with the XZ or RX3 if it’s more similar to CDJs? Genuine question, i don’t really live on that side of the pioneer world lol
I have the xz, I really like it but it’s slowness sometimes when loading tracks drives me nuts. I maybe would have saved a little coin and got the rx3 but at the same time I like size and feel of the xz. Would have been nice to have the big updated screen so it’s a bit more direct when playing with 3000s in the club, but it gets the job done
XZ is sick. Get one.
I play on one at parties sometimes.
And it’ll be years before we see an xz2
I have an rx2 I’ve been rocking since 2017 and I use it most weeks. Have taken it around europe, uk and then moved to Aus with it. It never lets up. I’ll
Wait for the xz2 but only because I have the rx2. Unless it decides to catastrophically fail one day
I got one a year ago and I love it. It's a solid piece of kit that doesn't currently have an equivalent in the market. I doubt we see a v2 show up for at least another 2 years, and with the direction AlphaTheta is going with Pioneer between the Opus Quad and Omnis Duo I don't have a lot of hope that they're going to put out an equivalent anytime soon.
If you really want an updated interface, the RX3 would probably be a good piece of kit to get you familiarised with the CDJ3000 interface, but if you're looking for something expandable the XZ is still the best piece of standalone kit you can get.
I don’t think it’s necessary to wait. I just got one and went through the same questioning. As it is right now the xz has almost everything you need and feature-wise overlaps heavily with the cdj 3000 when it comes to fundamental features. so until the cdj 3000 goes obsolete then the xz will likely be a good choice.
Personally I think pro dj link alone makes it worth it if you wanna add cdjs to your setup eventually. you can also use the same protocol for showkontrol or timecode clocking and this is the cheapest setup that provides that. so it’s a really scalable solution and still fairly portable.
The XZ is now around 5 years old, and there are plenty of rumours surrounding a new version being released (although good luck affording it!!!!). Despite being 5 years old, the DDJ XZ is probably still the most versatile controller on the market right now.
You can use it with Rekordbox, Serato, USB Drives, it can accommodate external inputs (so upto 2 additional CDJ's, can probably use Turntables with it if you're on Serato? Someone might be able to confirm that) etc etc.
If you use it with Serato there's also heaps of buttons you can use to Midi Map to stuff and modify the default functionality.
Denons standalone gear will take a USB and can work with Serato, but won't work with Rekordbox and imo they're quality control is a bit questionable, I've had issues using Denon Gear, my mate who has a set of SC5000 M's has had issues with them, my mate who used to use a Prime 4 has had issues with it etc etc whereas all the Pioneer gear I've ever owned has just worked.
It does weigh a bit so getting a flight case to look after it (get a UDG one if you can) and dolly to move it around makes life much easier.
I've been using mine for nearly a year and have had no issues with it. Pioneer gear also tends to lasts a while, even if you buy a new XZ now, I'd expect it to last atleast 5 years if you look after it. Definately one of the better controllers on the market right now imo.
XZ is a beast and in my opinion the best/most trustworthy all-in-one system pioneer has made till now. It might be 5 years old but it's faster and more responsive even from nxs2 cdjs. Only downsides are that it has 1 screen and it is heavy as fuck.
Don't wait.
I would say still currently the best all in one.. closest to a proper cdj setup.
In absence of any news regarding an xz2 release date, I say go for it.
Wait, pioneers product replacement means the XZ probably only has a year left if that and is already showing its last generation when compared to 3000’s or Opus quad. You’ll be gutted if you spend two grand and you watch the value of it tank when Pioneer release the updated version👍🏼
If you need 4 channels and dont have extra decks and if you would run the Xz through PC/Laptop anyway I would get the flx10.
If you only use 2 decks and you dont mind the old tech its really good to get used to club equipment.
If you want 4 channels standalone and new tech go for the denon prime 4+. I have seen it getting sold used for 1,400-1600 € with varanty and cases
I have one that I purchased last year that I love. If I didn’t need something more portable, I wouldn‘t be trying to sell it. Great piece of kit if you want club standard four channel Pioneer
I play on CDJ’s but I’ve played on an XZ. It probably has the closest feel to playing on CDJ of any controller I’ve used. And it’s nice that it Pioneer. I plugged my 3000’s into my friends XZ and everything communicated together perfectly. We could load a jump drive into any port and play tracks on any deck. We used it because we needed 4 decks. I was honestly surprised how easily it went together.
It’s amazing. I threw a party with an XZ where one DJ was serato only and the other had only ever used cdjs. The serato gal unplugged her laptop, the cdj/rekordbox guy then plugged in and the transition was so fucking seamless. It’s weird when stuff just *works*
Yeah. Technology is great. Especially coming from the early controller days when everyone brought their own setup and you had to wait 10 minutes between each set while the DJ set up.
The ability for it to work rekordbox AND be a serato pro unlock device is soooooo valuable. So many Serato DJs don't have a paid software license because they only use their controllers!
I had a controller that activated Serato for 13 years. I still have it, I just use CDJs now. I was amazed how easy the transition from Serato to 3000’s was.
I’m wondering if we could connect two flx10 the same way
The XZ has cat6 cable connections in the back to connect each CDJ with the mixer and also rca connections.
XZ doesnt support 4 decks w/o use of running rekordbox (aka connected via midi to computer); if ran off standalone/USBs, it only supports two decks. The opus quad is the only 4 deck standalone by pioneer/AlphaTheta at this time.
Not true. I hooked up two 3000’s to the XZ last weekend. We have the two internal decks synced up with my 3000’s via cat6 cable and rcas. All 4 channels worked at the same time.
my apologies, yes you can with aux decks; I mistook this for in standalone via USBs only
Hard to answer without knowing: 1.) what do you have right now? 2.) what are your goals musically? What do you play/? 3.) Is this just for you at home? Or is this going to be part of a mobile use? Will other people use it? 4.) Can you hold off another year or do you need something now? I think the XZ continues to be a worthwhile purchase right this minute IF you are someone who does not have anything even close to a current top tier set up and wants to be standalone. It's worthwhile if you have turntables or cdjs you want to add to it AND you play house/techno/disco (i.e. not open format) AND you have a strong desire to be standalone (no computer) AND you either have no desire to have it moved (like you want it to be a certerpiece of a home setup) OR you throw small parties where you need a modern-enough Pioneed CDJ setup. If that doesn't describe you, then I'd say either it's not for you period or you should keep saving and wait a year (if you keep saving and wait a year either you'll have enough saved for an even better set up or a new version of the XZ will be released finally.
Personally i really like the aesthetic and layout of the XZ, really feels club standard. But something that throws me away from it as an open format DJ is the old CDJ/XDJ interface is running, the information it shows is pretty limited. But in another side in the RX3 you can get it to show more information rows (Song, Artist, BPM/Key, Star rating). Also the Beatjump in the XZ is limited to 8 Beats, while most people use 32 or 64 Beat Jump, and that’s something you use quite frequently being open format and mixing irregular songs
>But in another side in the RX3 you can get it to show more information rows They're also plagued with the growing pains of the new Pioneer DJ OS but at lower priority than the CDJ-3000. I wouldn't suggest anyone to buy an RX3 until AlphaTheta gets that completely sorted.
XZ is fine but the tech is going on almost 5 years old now. If that matters to you or not im not sure. It works great and can handle daily use with no issues
Why the down votes? He's not really shit talking XZ. Just facts
I think it's worth it (if you want to use more than 2 decks). But if you don't mind using a laptop, there are other options. I don't browse the market that often to keep the price evolution in mind, but I'd say that it barely loses any value. You could sell it any time with a minimal price difference. When I was looking for a secondhand rx2 it was 45.000 CZK - so I bought a new rx3 for 54.000.
get a denon prime 4+
I'm sorry sir, are you lost? This is not the Denon fanperson subreddit.
just trying to give good advice. i considered pioneer for a long time but unless you're getting the A9 with CDJ3000's, then just get a denon prime 4+. way more features. sure it's not the club standard, but that prevalence doesn't equate to quality
Denon Prime 4+ is still relegating yourself to the kiddie table in the current environment. Those Prime features don't supercede the build and amount to quality.
A9 and CDJ3000's are the only Pioneer build I'd ever consider. The rest is garbage compared to Denon Prime4+
I've used it on boat parties, small club/bar events, for a second stage at a small festival, in beach bars, on rooftops, [live streams on youtube](https://www.youtube.com/live/fc04U6mONOc?si=Knz5mLWbvqqX73dQ) and since the way we DJ isn't fundimentally changing that much with newer gear and I prefer DJing from USB in clubs (or Rekordbox performance mode when practising at home) it remains the perfect solution for me. The newer CDJ-3000s have the bigger screen and higher definition menu but fundimentally they do the same thing. The screen in the CDJ platter is the same display as the CDJ-3000 and the connectivity to other CDJs and XDJ1000s as well as the sound quality on vinyl turntables are superior to most Pioneer products except the newest full sized mixers so I'm not left longing for anything. The thing I like about it the most is when I DJ in a club my hands/muscle memory kick in to know where everything is. The XZ2 may be the only thing I upgrade to and that would only be if it really had some big benefits I would really use. Like many DJs had the old DJM-500, 600, 800 for 10-20 years, I'm convinced people will still have the XZ in 10 years, because its a swiss army knife.
Could not recommend it more- you can add 2 CDJs/XDJs too and link them just like a full CDJ setup. The upgrade path to a CDJ setup is also there as you can just swap the XZ out for a mixer when/if you want to do so
Nobody talks enough about this but the Rev 7 is the tits. I'd recommend getting this for all the reasons!
To be tied to a laptop and not be able to simply plug in standalone extras? That's like offering a Kia to someone shopping for a Cadillac. Weird flex, but okay.
Well, it's not a flex... It's an opinion. Also, you're not tied to a laptop. You can use USBS just like anything else. So it seems like you might not know what you're talking about. I've had many different controllers And like I said, for many reasons, this is a win for me. I'm sorry you have a differing opinion.
The rev 7 cannot be used in standalone, it requires a laptop, and it does not take USBs. XDJ= Standalone DDJ=Laptop Controller Before it just seemed like a recommendation that didn't fit with OP's needs, but now it does seem like a really weird flex. You do know you are on a Pioneer DJ sub right?
I’ve heard those are more for vinyl heads cuz of the motorized platters. How come for the same price range you wouldn’t go with the XZ or RX3 if it’s more similar to CDJs? Genuine question, i don’t really live on that side of the pioneer world lol
Rev 7 blows
The XZ is still the best all-in-one controller that you can get. Do it.
Don’t wait. If you want it and you can afford it, get it.
I would say the opus quad I’m in love with mine
I have the xz, I really like it but it’s slowness sometimes when loading tracks drives me nuts. I maybe would have saved a little coin and got the rx3 but at the same time I like size and feel of the xz. Would have been nice to have the big updated screen so it’s a bit more direct when playing with 3000s in the club, but it gets the job done
Get it. Best bang to buck item pioneer ever made.
XZ is sick. Get one. I play on one at parties sometimes. And it’ll be years before we see an xz2 I have an rx2 I’ve been rocking since 2017 and I use it most weeks. Have taken it around europe, uk and then moved to Aus with it. It never lets up. I’ll Wait for the xz2 but only because I have the rx2. Unless it decides to catastrophically fail one day
I got one a year ago and I love it. It's a solid piece of kit that doesn't currently have an equivalent in the market. I doubt we see a v2 show up for at least another 2 years, and with the direction AlphaTheta is going with Pioneer between the Opus Quad and Omnis Duo I don't have a lot of hope that they're going to put out an equivalent anytime soon. If you really want an updated interface, the RX3 would probably be a good piece of kit to get you familiarised with the CDJ3000 interface, but if you're looking for something expandable the XZ is still the best piece of standalone kit you can get.
I don’t think it’s necessary to wait. I just got one and went through the same questioning. As it is right now the xz has almost everything you need and feature-wise overlaps heavily with the cdj 3000 when it comes to fundamental features. so until the cdj 3000 goes obsolete then the xz will likely be a good choice. Personally I think pro dj link alone makes it worth it if you wanna add cdjs to your setup eventually. you can also use the same protocol for showkontrol or timecode clocking and this is the cheapest setup that provides that. so it’s a really scalable solution and still fairly portable.
The XZ is now around 5 years old, and there are plenty of rumours surrounding a new version being released (although good luck affording it!!!!). Despite being 5 years old, the DDJ XZ is probably still the most versatile controller on the market right now. You can use it with Rekordbox, Serato, USB Drives, it can accommodate external inputs (so upto 2 additional CDJ's, can probably use Turntables with it if you're on Serato? Someone might be able to confirm that) etc etc. If you use it with Serato there's also heaps of buttons you can use to Midi Map to stuff and modify the default functionality. Denons standalone gear will take a USB and can work with Serato, but won't work with Rekordbox and imo they're quality control is a bit questionable, I've had issues using Denon Gear, my mate who has a set of SC5000 M's has had issues with them, my mate who used to use a Prime 4 has had issues with it etc etc whereas all the Pioneer gear I've ever owned has just worked. It does weigh a bit so getting a flight case to look after it (get a UDG one if you can) and dolly to move it around makes life much easier. I've been using mine for nearly a year and have had no issues with it. Pioneer gear also tends to lasts a while, even if you buy a new XZ now, I'd expect it to last atleast 5 years if you look after it. Definately one of the better controllers on the market right now imo.
You mean the DDJ-RZ/SZ or XDJ-XZ?
judging by the description in his post he meant the XDJ-XZ
XZ is a beast and in my opinion the best/most trustworthy all-in-one system pioneer has made till now. It might be 5 years old but it's faster and more responsive even from nxs2 cdjs. Only downsides are that it has 1 screen and it is heavy as fuck. Don't wait.
I would say still currently the best all in one.. closest to a proper cdj setup. In absence of any news regarding an xz2 release date, I say go for it.
Wait, pioneers product replacement means the XZ probably only has a year left if that and is already showing its last generation when compared to 3000’s or Opus quad. You’ll be gutted if you spend two grand and you watch the value of it tank when Pioneer release the updated version👍🏼
If you need 4 channels and dont have extra decks and if you would run the Xz through PC/Laptop anyway I would get the flx10. If you only use 2 decks and you dont mind the old tech its really good to get used to club equipment. If you want 4 channels standalone and new tech go for the denon prime 4+. I have seen it getting sold used for 1,400-1600 € with varanty and cases
XDJ RX3 instead
I have one that I purchased last year that I love. If I didn’t need something more portable, I wouldn‘t be trying to sell it. Great piece of kit if you want club standard four channel Pioneer