AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 Review + Groove Circuit & Stems FX Demo

[@cosmicpuma]

As a long time Dj, whenever new gear comes out, I first want to diss it but then you start thinking about all the creative things you can do with each advancement in the technology. The drum capture and loop alone is pretty awesome… Not for me but I can say this is a TikTok’ers dream… mashup remix world is going to get even more crazy 🙌 Thanks Phil 🙌

[@wearekinetik]

I came to comment, but this one summarizes it. if you laptop dj, this one is it. chucks on the no XLR. bedroom and chill hang outs for sure. its omnis duo for me. or opus quad.

[@atypical_blk_guy]

Roland Dj really dropped the ball in the dj controller market. They really could have done something special with the implementation of stems.

[@NerdReport]

Am I the only one that thinks AlphaTheta is a dumb name?

[@MULTIMAN-MUSIC]

Is spanish Theta is read “teta” which means “tit”… already tons of jokes around it…

[@spaceiswater6539]

I agree the name is awful

[@simonheat3891]

It's greek letters ΑΘ basically. I'm greek and to me it sounds classy 🤷‍♂️

[@Rave-agent]

Sounds like a dumb boys fraternity.

[@alidonis4053]

​@@simonheat3891Αθ doesn't mean anything, shame on them.

[@meganoid_9001]

No phone/line input? Pads lined up on the the top, together with several other buttons. And a useless drum emphasizer. Great product! Like Omnis Duo, which here is already sold at a discount because they don't know how to sell it. No limit to ridiculousness of Alphatheta.

[@digitaldjtips]

Pads are same as pro gear. Groove circuit is fun, but won’t be for everyone

[@grizeldiSLO]

​@@digitaldjtipsFor a lot of us that just means that pads are in a very weird spot on pro gear as well.

[@ruk2023--]

What if I want to use Rekordbox stems though? I love the design but I can't get on with touchpads above the jogs.

[@djeighty8421]

Looks like they taken from inspiration from the Roland 707m with the drum tracks and the Numark N4 in regards to the stickers as the N4 had a plastic layover for using it with Serato.

[@digitaldjtips]

I forgot about that!

[@carlgetem1192]

I’m chillin. I’m satisfied with my Rev5.

[@Rugerman205]

Absolutely! DDJ-REV5 is such an amazing unit

[@DillioSmithers]

@@carlgetem1192 sold mine the layout is 🌈

[@bofadeez7553]

I’ve been thinking about getting the rev5. I currently have the numark platinum fx and i just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

[@eyeamtim]

How you getting on with the AZ 😉

[@Gamer4-life]

😅 can't wait to get a,notification about that AZ ,I don't care about nothing more

[@hvxcolors396]

Maybe next month? The XZ was released 12th of November 2019.

[@sebrosamusic]

@@hvxcolors396it’s coming out this Thursday

[@Aken-y3u]

The groove thingy seems like a direct answer to traktor's pattern player and I think techno and house dj's will love it. I'd map those functions to a tiny controller, plug my laptop into a pro system, and have lots of fun with it.

[@djestrela2]

this seems far simpler with dedicated buttons

[@djmattkv6745]

the stems effects section is a real step forward. it would be nice if a stanalone unit were released that could add this function to any existing DJ setup

[@mrbishi634]

Agreed, but unfortunately based on their track record they probably won't.

[@leaveempty5320]

Thanks for the excellent review! The drum replacement in Groove Circuit is really cool. I've done this with stems filtering out the main track and playing another drum loop, so love this. Then you demo’ed the Serato stems roll and I want Stem FX too! I get why there aren't buttons or a knob for colour effect selection, but it seems a bit fiddly. I'd like longer faders too and I didn't see any jog feel adjustment. There is something reassuring about having a controller work as a stand-alone mixer with inputs, but truth is I've never needed it unplanned. Rekordbox is becoming a real challenger to Serato especially track selection helpers. C'mon Serato!

[@johnwatkins8102]

Thanks Phil, another great, detailed review. I miss your Balcony Beats!

[@grahammurphy5516]

I'm looking forward to the GRV 4

[@thetipsyhussle2767]

This stuff too much for my mind to handle. Wow 🤩

[@m-stat9]

are you on drugs or what?

[@DJLyncho]

I love the colours and the looks. Very nice looking controller. Pioneer fans are gonna love or hate whenever alpha replaces the cdjs 😳

[@DJStanSteel]

I’m super impressed, that’s quite something with all the drum effects. I presume that this will be included now with future pieces of kit that will be released. It’s a shame no way to plug in externals, that’s a must for me. But it looks like a very nice piece of kit. Love all the effects.

[@digitaldjtips]

Looking forward to seeing how people use it

[@MegicShiba]

Getting back at it after 8 years and this is perfect for what i want to do 😍 tine to get back to four channels and be creative with this thing

[@djeighty8421]

This honestly looks really interesting and I’m really interested in seeing what people can do with it.

[@digitaldjtips]

Us too

[@manny_f]

Looking forward to the four-channel XDJ, and the DDJ-GRV10...

[@NexuJin]

I really like this controller layout and the functions included, like the CFX stuff from the pro gear. It's only a shame they didn't increase the tempo fader size. Good to see it has balanced out for the price you pay for it. Somewhat a pity they didn't included the bluetooth capability with this unit tho. I do hope the knobs and faders on this unit are still compatible with the aftermarket replacement caps for Pioneer controllers. Only worrying part is that Pioneer decided not have top-row buttons for stems in RekordBox as well, only using them for Serato. It's almost like they don't have faith in their stems separation engine in RekordBox..

[@vegandadbod7157]

I see the Reloop Mixtour Pro behind your head 😅. Will there still be a full review some time soon?

[@allentastic]

I have the Mixon 8 and do similar drum tricks with instant doubles/stems/pad fx, but that dedicated section is super cool. Would stop the need for a whole extra deck being used up

[@deeniewhoo]

Thank you for a detailed review. My questions are has Rekordbox solved their stems issues, and is this compatible with Virtual DJ? I'm not a fan of Rekordbox and never really got on board with Serato either, but I've been using Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta gear for decades, so this new controller does intrigue me a bit.

[@danielcraig9666]

That Groove circuit is actually really convenient if you want a track with a grest melody but the drums are sort of weak or not driving enough to suit the rest of your set. It gives you the option to slot the same track into different types of sets at different points without having to wait for somebody to remix it.

[@1plus1je5]

Can it be used with Rekordbox 6? Or just 7?

[@thedoc5350]

This is amazing! Do you think it is possible to map the drum swap feature on a ddj-1000? Not keen to change my controller yet!

[@Mybrothafromanothamotha]

Dj21 will love this mixer

[@snkrsandbeats]

Stickers giving me Vestax vci vibes with the add on VFX unit. Great review though. Wondering what else is dropping though for other manufacturers

[@karakedi666999]

Denon Dj rules🎉

[@aaronb9630]

If only you could assume you'd be playing on it when you played out. Your still required to run everything in recordbox if your doing any playing out. They just can't pull any real market away from AlphaTheta, even though their hardware is wonderful.

[@karakedi666999]

@aaronb9630 totally agree with you. Market dominated by pioneer, but I still can't believe how denon underrated with amazing devices

[@ruk2023--]

Is there / will there be a viable replacement for the DDJ-800?

[@atypical_blk_guy]

Short answer no. AT is not interested in making 2 channel controllers anymore outside of the Rev series. Phil has talked about it multiple times. The market wants 4 channels. I wanted a serato version of the 800 when I got into djing.

[@mrbishi634]

I wish this had been that: new features + Serato on a smaller higher quality unit. Unless RB can separate stems to channels 3 & 4, not sure why you need 4 ch at this level.

[@djerikfox]

best and honest review!!! respect

[@kennethmalafy8012]

Cool looking unit, very sleek. The groove feature reminds of those Roland units. Alpha Theta loves pushing out new hardware. How old is the FLX-6 that this is "replacing?" They figured out that people will buy the hardware even if they don't need it (or won't use all the new features) just because it's new. They really need to work on their software though. Rekordbox seems a bit behind the others. They claim the stems have been improved for this (they would have to be), I'm sure we will get some comparison videos to see. Software is the future, that's were the functionality is. The controller is just a piece of plastic that allows you to access the software's functions.

[@hachipigeon4463]

really like the layout, wouldve been an instant buy if it had phono/line in

[@Aken-y3u]

It seems as though Alpha Theta is going to replace every Pioneer branded controller with an Alpha Theta version that's slightly different/improved

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

the drum section looks like fun

[@djuicedvbladerrep264]

A-T should have stickers of ALL SERATO FX. I am thinking of that controller, because I am for buying mid sized controller. I am following future of this.

[@stanleygoulding9631]

I love the instrumental track used for the demo, I've seen the name but many seem to find it. Any suggestions on where to look.?

[@DjangoFlaherty]

I actually like the look of this. The Serato implementation makes more sense to me as I'm more likely to want FX on any stem, than to replace the drums with a static loop. I'd rather have cue points at the bottom, a smaller jog and a bigger pitch slider, but I'm sure I'd get used to this. Glad to see a balanced output of some kind. RCA booth is lame though!

[@hardcore_mxthafxcka]

Pathetic tempo faders indeed and why de heck no color LED's in the hot cues?

[@DocFUNKist]

It’s always interesting with Pioneer DJ (I’ll continue to refer to the brand as such, as the new name is, as Phil rightly pointed out, rather ridiculous). If I understand correctly, this new sub-bar controller now offers more and better features than the supposedly ‘mighty’ CDJ-3000. Quite amusing!

[@DJMetiMajor]

This is a cool ass controller but we gotta stop taking everything away from DJs for a button…

[@wetmonkeydiapers7069]

Agreed.

[@MadelnMachines]

I think this is petty interesting. The pitch faders look disappointing but I doubt many people use them these days.

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Hardware getting wild 😝 I think I’ll stick with my 2 deck mixing and focus on music;). Then again I do have a mess of hardware 😂🖤☠️

[@dopelyrics6223]

Agreed!

[@kuyaChrischan]

It's an interesting kit. I wonder if AT is shipping this out to use with Groove Circuit, if they've improved stems on rekordbox that this feature is usable. Im not the target demographic for this controller but it seems interesting. I'm still waiting on the XDJ-AZ so I could upgrade from my XZ.

[@digitaldjtips]

It sounds ok in this use case

[@djsubculture2786]

It would be great if Alpha Theta would release an updated DDJ-XP2 with the "Drum Swap" features built in.

[@gaviscon4304]

When I saw this i was almost sick lol and comes with free stickers 😂

[@commitdubs]

Looks pro and impressive, until I saw the vertical size of the tempo sliders. That is a deal breaker for me 😢

[@Kavoriken]

Stickers are a nice thought considering it's terrible to spend so much money on controllers only to find out that the mapping doesn't work the same way in your favorite software. I wish there was a more elegant solution though, like swappable thin plastic magnetic panels.

[@mikelo303]

Well, I can do all that stem gimmicky (without sound banks) and more (vocals etc) with Mixtour Pro and Djay Pro, however only at one deck at the time (with controller,). Overall I like this Alfa whatever the name is, approach. It's something new. Now we just need 4x4 matrix of buttons per each deck. :D

[@mathijsvann]

I wished they just took off the groove section and made the controller a bit cheaper. So glad I got a DDJ-1000 before all the gimmicks started setting in

[@fumes1541]

Gimmicks to some, innovations to others...

[@george_eldenstin]

Is it even possible to hook the usb to a computer while using a wall charger simultaneously on that console? What are those 9v, 5v inputs/outputs?

[@MsLGmobilos-sb3hb]

In the groove section, can you do the same on RMX 1000, or another unit?

[@allandenola5968]

Great video - so Phil you can’t use the drum features in serato dj ? Thank You Allan

[@7rrivera7]

I just bought a FLX10...Did I make a mistake? 🤔

[@QRS365]

AlphaTetha: "Look at me now. I just release a little bit of my futuristic gear. You can't touch me now". Denon DJ: "Just wait and see. I will come with something more futuristic than you. Just wait, you'll see".

[@lms5608]

The products theyre releasing and the names are so random, they are doing a flx6 replacement not even 2 years after it released, but theres no flx 8 or flx 2

[@digitaldjtips]

Flx6 was not a good controller in our view so maybe they realised that too

[@MULTIMAN-MUSIC]

Yeah I’m not a big fun of this sales model where you bring new models every 2 years… as someone who has been making music for over 20 years, that Matt finish will age badly, and probably get sticky and gooie with time… also the price, Bluetooth, wifi, battery powered stuff is prone to age quickly…

[@DjangoFlaherty]

FLX6 came out in 2020, but I agree with the sentiment. They change their naming scheme so frequently it's confusing if you don't live and breathe controllers.

[@Mikee2022]

It’s a groovy controller 👍🎧🎶😀

[@DSR24298]

no news on a new version of the xdj700 or xdj1000mk2 ? I want to get rid of my xz to move to individual players + mixer. I don't have the budget for cdj3000 but i feel like the 700 & 1000 are just getting too old. any advice you guys could give me ?

[@hvxcolors396]

Only Denon has a meaningfull offering with their SC6000 / LC6000 if you cant afford the Pioneer CDJ3000. People that bought XDJ1000 in the past all moved to the RX3 or similar controller for a reason. You pay much less and you get much more.

[@RobertKgma]

Does this mean that us flx10 users can midi map the groove circuit features to a midi controller?

[@wearekinetik]

yes. should be able to.

[@Kavonwolfe]

I be nice if the artwork was displayed on the jog wheels . I hate that it’s not a feature.

[@HiFiInsider]

I love it! #want

[@kudamah]

Was the retail price mentioned?

[@tebogosuping7007]

Does it work with algoriddim Djay Pro?

[@leighinibiza]

Not yet, but I’m sure it will in time. I would guess that VDJ will map it first.

[@hardkore360]

​@@leighinibizaDon't hold your breath on that one, Alpha Theta wants you to invest in the Rekordbox ecosystem, not someone else's.

[@gortys3929]

It's definetly better than FLX6, but the bar on that one was quite low. I think it is good controller overall for someone who treats DJ as a lesiure.

[@rnoir70]

this is more innovative than Traktor stems! Sucks to keep buying near gear! UGH! The Dilemma

[@djestrela2]

as usual, Traktor invents stuff that nobody uses. Other companies make useful products.

[@cheriontempo]

Is this the leak that people said it was replacing the XDJ-XD?

[@hvxcolors396]

No, this is their usual Christmas release, replacing the FLX6.

[@cheriontempo]

@@hvxcolors396 ok thanks

[@fred_de_gamer5778]

Did I miss the price, talked about price point, but don’t think I heard the price

[@digitaldjtips]

Check the written review for the up-to-date pricing

[@heatoverhype1738]

​@@digitaldjtipswhere do I find the price?

[@osbert]

$830 €850 £720

[@JAKLOOPZ]

if i didn’t just buy my dad a numark ns4fx just last week then i would’ve definitely gotten this one instead 😅

[@helomidnight8551]

I think that these Flx6/Grv6 controllers are very disappointing, unlike FLX10, despite the price difference. However, the arrival of the GRV6 predicts the possibility of AlphaTetha anouncing a GRV10 controller in the future. I am looking forward for it, anyone else?

[@leighinibiza]

Being a recent flx10 owner, I hope it’s not too close in the future. But yes, I will be interested to see what happens with the GRV10 when it releases.

[@DJPeopleSkills]

jungle and drum & bass DJs can now throw in the amen break at any point

[@ezedjay]

That'll change everything for us 😂

[@PooFace2030]

This controller is another L from alphatheta. The ddj 1000 was peak pioneer controllers.

[@leighinibiza]

FLX10 would have been peak if pioneer stems were any good, but as you say, 1000 appears to be peak and I agree.

[@djrydak]

What does the Crossfader feel like? Is that a Magvel crossfader?

[@XBASS247]

Looks cheap ill keep riding with the ddj 1000 which has gone up in price on the secound hand market ,you cant really beat the ddj 1000 ,it just puts you at home for a club set up

[@digitaldjtips]

It was a classic

[@djbenjiuk]

that's true I had one and they are great. The price is just wishful thinkers on eBay. However the FLX 10 has better looping on the yellow buttons on the top left... as in you don't have to hold shift to cut a loop in half or double it, which can be a pain. so i am hopeful they may do a GRV 10 version with the displays on the platters etc like the FLX model maybe in 6 months or so 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ianf3274]

2 more days for the AZ review :)

[@zeroChannelJJ]

at this point i Lowkey Believe the DDJ-FLX6 was the first Alpha Theta product, coz it resembles so much to the Opus quad and these two...

[@Gamer4-life]

I sometimez wonder how do these company come up with such names 🤔

[@digitaldjtips]

GRV as in “groove”

[@Gamer4-life]

@@digitaldjtips thanks

[@IamMarkSmith]

This controller is silent proof that within the next decade the brand name "Pioneer DJ" is done. The signs all point to this. It's ok, and I understand why they don't outright say that. If the two brands will coexist, Alpha Theta should properly differentiate them by pointing out what makes each unique, like comparing Toyota and Lexus, for example. I don't think we'll ever see that happen. They'll slowly continue to release new products and updated products without the Pioneer DJ branding until none remain. I have been hoping for a proper replacement for the DDJ-800 that has two soundcards for easy DJ changeover, but I couldn';t wait any longer and bought a REV5. So far, so good.

[@bartacus4872]

I don’t like the sound level meters, only 5 sections, not precise enough for me. I guess it’s all about that groove circuit though.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah it is also not aimed at pros

[@WebWay2000]

Alpha Theta Give us FLX 8 More compact built well with good I/O 👍

[@markstephenson9280]

Gimmicky nonsense, horrible pitch sliders, outputs for bedroom speakers. The kind of person this is aimed at which presumably is kids who have outgrown their FLX4 could do way better then drop £820 on this.

[@efraosunahernandez3118]

Mattel & Fisher Price

[@gaviscon4304]

I know it's horrible.

[@indigosnow_]

Neat but think id rather save for the Duo

[@CypiXmusic]

*AlphaBeta*

[@djshelin]

No XLR again, huh.

[@digitaldjtips]

Consumer controller

[@djshelin]

@digitaldjtips Sir its price?? Still, numark ns4fx is better in mid range budget controllers, i suppose.

[@louprimo6062]

It's a beautiful controller and like every new controller aways upsets me. The tempo faders are to small.

[@CypiXmusic]

*The layout is comical.* Stuffing all buttons on top, right above the platters, while keeping the safe bottom empty. And also these tempo faders are simply kept small to upsell you a more expensive option.

[@atomicrus]

What a stupid idea with stickers, they could've done 4 micro magnets and magnet plates. Pioneer as apple do stupid cuts of options to separate the hardware line

[@osbert]

100%

[@LuisMontes]

does it have smart fade like the flx4 ?

[@Geo-Media]

Unfortunately no, that's only on the FLX4 at this time...

[@LuisMontes]

@@Geo-Media that's a shame. I can sort of understand the mentality of not having it on the pro gear, but it's such a tiny, but useful button on consumer gear.

[@Geo-Media]

@LuisMontes yea, I hear you. I think it would be cool on some other controllers, especially of your switching genres alot

[@DirtyJokesFan]

Visually the controller is much more balanced and less Frankenstein looking compared to its garish predecessor. AlphaTheta are clearly employing a design language that is easily recognised whether you like it or not.

[@tonigeol291]

AlphaThetaT is loosing the Pioneer DJ trade mark or the intellectual property right over it ?

[@ggrocketleague9098]

Meh, feels niche. No line input as a backup is a terrible miss, as is no XLR outputs (much cheaoer controllers have had both of these for years). Feels too expensive too. Not convinced by Pioneer/AlphaTheta so far. Thank god we have Denon DJ challenging them with better value for money.

[@2Cfilmz]

guarantee theres gonna be a more expensive version coming

[@jamiebancroft706]

A missed opportunity to not include their wireless transmitter technology.

[@fumes1541]

Make that section of the body metal....then that overlay could've been magnetic.

[@fumes1541]

Im tired of using SHIFT to change pad modes. Give me dedicated pads. I dont care if that means my controller has 80 pads and is 3 feet long!

[@m-stat9]

lacks many things, overpriced, no thanks

[@daveworzel]

However much controllers (cdjs) look cool. Can imagine It’s like playing choons on dinner plates and using the salt and pepper pots as your eq’s

[@darrell4328]

This one would not be for me I'm a button bottom guy due to dexterity and reach issues due to disability Currently flx4 id jump flx10 next

[@artyserio]

I don't understand the whole platter, it's not vinyl takes up so much space for no added benefit, on the traktor d2 a small strip does the whole job

[@EraserMocanuRobert]

Those tempo pitchers are tiny, 100% they are taken from Flx6 and they are useless and completely cr@p! 849 quid, I'm alright, ddj 800 all the way up for a proper sound and less money