Denon DJ Prime 4 Review & Demo - Is this the end of laptop DJing?

On paper, the Denon DJ Prime 4 is the most powerful standalone DJ system ever made - no laptop required! DJing from USB, SD or SATA hard drive, you get four full channels of digital audio, a big touchscreen that’s smooth and responsive, and pretty much all the performance features you find on the best DJ software.
Hardware, it seems, is finally catching up with the “software plus controller” method of DJing that has been the most fun way to do this for a decade now. And it’s Denon DJ, not the current stalwart of the DJ booth Pioneer DJ, currently leading the way.
We check out the Prime 4 in this review. We've also listed the sections below so you can skip to the parts you want to check out.
00:24 - Introduction
02:12 - Overview Of The Unit
03:33 - The 10" Touchscreen
10:47 - Playing & Performing
11:11 - Library Management
14:53 - The Decks
21:22 - The Performance Pads
26:32 - Editing Beatgrids
27:32 - The Effects
35:13 - Mixer & Sweep FX
36:48 - Under The Hood
40:46 - Engine Prime Software
43:18 - Conclusion
[Want more DJ tutorials and free guides for beginners? Sign up here: www.digitaldjtips.com/join]
Read the review: www.digitaldjtips.com/reviews...
SUBSCRIBE for more how to DJ videos from the world's biggest DJ school.
Want more DJ content?
Like us on Facebook: / digitaldjtips
Follow us on Twitter: / digitaldjtips
Follow us on Instagram: / digitaldjtips
Subscribe to the site: www.digitaldjtips.com/join serato dj
#denondj #prime4 #djgear

[@corneromme8735]

It’s actually really sad how Denon DESTROYS Pioneer gear in every single way, but people still choose outdated, overpriced gear like the XDJ RX2 simply because Pioneer is “club standard”. CMON people we have to break this monopoly position of Pioneer so that they are forced to innovate and lower their ridiculous prices. Well done Denon, I’m leaving Pioneer behind and gonna buy the Prime 4 tomorrow. R.I.P. Pioneer

[@digitaldjtips]

They certainly both have their diehard fans :)

[@MonstaMunch101]

@@digitaldjtips I'm not a diehard fan of either. Denon has more features but lower quality. To me it's that simple.

[@hollywoodthedj1673]

I totally agree with you on that!

[@jesperweiss9029]

@@hollywoodthedj1673 the dealbreaker for me is the tiny jogwheels. I really think denon dropped the ball completely. Way too easy for pioneer to just slab on a pair of 7" jogwheels and then outpeform the denon system.

[@MentalBlue]

Yes youre right. This Prime 4 gear has everything I ever wanted to have on my DJ controller / standalone all-in-one gear. No doubt. I would buy it tomorrow. Yet I am still hesitating. Why? ... well I simply would like to have the same logic and workflow in my hands and habit of my workflow routine when I am not using my controller on stage but using the Pioneer players in a club or stage. Otherwise, I could not find one thing that's bad on PRIME 4 since it has more of features than I would probably ever need. Except that, Denon has a bad policy and conditions for local distributors in Europe for example. For example, in my country, they even do not exist as a distributor and after talking with some Pioneer distributors they explained that the volume of sales in units per year, makes Denon standing so small in comparison with high volume orders of Pioneer equipment. So when distributors who live from sales f music gear, are choosing a brand that makes money ... then it is clearly Pioneer. I am ecen not able to try this PRIME 4 device to get a feeling under my hands and make the decision to buy. Denon has to make better channel management and distributor deals to make this great gear stand out and make any difference on the market. Otherwise, Pioneer will stay the leader. No doubt.

[@GBGOLC]

I started DJing in1987 with my first Technics SL1210s. I’m now looking on KZbin researching equipment for my son, I’ve been out of the game since 1992, and my god, how things have moved on. No limits, really excellent video review.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes things have changed a lot :) Glad you liked it!

[@rajchoudhury5130]

Im making the dive and going to purchase this. Im a 1210 all day though

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Same here 🙂

[@djjimhorn]

Hands down...the BEST review of the Prime 4!!!! Well done sir

[@batstarmuaz4904]

Agreed

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Jim.

[@mr.grenade8604]

Digital DJ Tips your reviews are amazing

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Mr Grenade!

[@Aesop101]

@@digitaldjtips you're a legend

[@johnexpotech]

What an excellent review probably the only one I’ve ever completely watched start to finish. Topped only by a wicked track selection, hats off to you sir!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome John!

[@damelos4039]

Extremely well done overview. One of the best I've ever seen. Thank you! When and if I decide to get a DJ unit, it will be this one.

[@digitaldjtips]

It would be a great choice! Thanks for watching

[@alphatecmusic8016]

Denon take my money! This is absolutely incredible...

[@digitaldjtips]

Lol :)

[@superlazy3355]

They didn't need to take my money, I willingly parted with it.. And I suggest if you can you do. ITSSOFUCKINGAMAZINGIMAYJIZZ

[@skipsadler8137]

Thank you. I just purchased this on new years eve and i been looking at reviews and tutorials and you are the only one that has covered everything and then some

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching Skip, are you enjoying it? :)

[@bryantmoss6409]

Phil i happened upon this amazing equipment by accident. Thank you alot for the tutorial. I was basically doing a trial by error thing then my friend sent me your link. One word bro, awesome. Love ya in Chicago!!!

[@castielvargastv7931]

prime has everything i love from traktor. beat jumping the loop rotary.. everything is there i love the whole denon system

[@gm1668]

Phil Morse, you are the best Dj reviewer EVER, thank you for this indepth review, I have mine coming in on Monday

[@digitaldjtips]

No problem!

[@fabz1509]

Got me so pumped after no gigs.for such a long time. Excellent review.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks!

[@martynaslukosius6996]

Thank’s a lot for this review, i was in long way to choose from pioneer rx2 or denon dj prime 4, and now i can say this piece of hardware is amazing, and you helped me to decide, just ordered prime 4 and can’t wait to get my hands on it, thank’u

[@digitaldjtips]

Awesome, glad the review helped.

[@InsertFX]

Thanks Sr! Powerful and complete review of this amazing product!!! Thanks to the video I just took the decision of buying it!

[@digitaldjtips]

I am sure Denon DJ will be happy to read that! ;)

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Hey Phil! You've probably seen my comments here'n' there by now, and by heart I'm a digital Hardware DJ. Being a full time Dj at 50, 35 years in the mirror, seen and used pretty much every common player that's ever entered a DJ booth. More important, I've used and owned at least one model of every generation from Pioneer since 1994 till now, and probably will until the very end. BUT, very big BUT, this week I finally decided to let one of my younger DJ fellows buy my two CDJ-2000 Nexus, switching those for the Prime 4. Since I got the NXS2 setup, the Nexus's have been my gear to bring when needed. Still working perfect after 6 years of use, but as they are modular, when a mixer is coming along, three heavy cases to carry is not fun when there's a bit of a walk to the venue from where I can park my car. I've been looking at the Pioneer all-in-one units, but nah, after playing on them they just don't feel right for me, nor does the price. But, the Prime 4 has everything I will ever need, and I don't even think it's gonna be too nerdy. Stuff like the pads will not be my thing, or maybe a couple of hot cues at most. The loop knob will do. My head can't remember what a blank pad does in heat of a gig. I need numbers written on them so I know what will happen. I prefer the search instead of beat jump, and that can be the preferred setting if i want to in the settings. The option to have a built in SSD is great, and to be able to update the music directly from my computer is just cream on top of everything else. I'm using folders on my computer which I just import as playlists. All changes and updates are done in my folders, which I then just re-import to rekordbox. This also means that everything I need to do is to import the same folders to Engine Prime and the job is done. I've tested my SSD's with 14 000 RB analyzed tracks on the SC5000 and it works, but not as good as when the music is analyzed properly in Engine Prime. Very little extra work on a proper workstation. Drag'n'drop and play a game... Using SSD's makes exporting even a big library of music a question of minutes. The one really bad thing, in my opinion, is the vertical wave forms. I just can't get my head around it, but for a while, the locked smaller wave forms will do and I'll just cover that part of the screen where things move in the wrong direction. Denon NEED to adress that quickly. One little thing that I'd really like, is if they added the choice to use RGB wave forms. I've kinda gotten used to that. The one thing that they did change to make me not think twice, is the fact that they skipped the mirrored layout which they use on all previous controllers, including the mcx8000. Many of us old dogs just can't adapt to too many changes that is not just optional. Now, I'm off to play on a 11 day cruise, and soon I hope there's a package waiting for me. Maybe I'll write something from a genuin Pioneer gear heads point of view after a few weeks with the Prime 4.

[@digitaldjtips]

Hi Peter! Thanks for the thoughtful comment. "I need numbers written on them so I know what will happen." - One thing you can do is colour code them (hot cues) - Laidback Luke, for instance, uses different colours on his Denon set-up for different types of cue. I'd love you to work with us on a "Prime 4 from a Pioneer user's perspective" piece - drop us an email FAO me if you're interested in doing that (info AT digitaldjtips.com). Cheers - and enjoy your cruise!

[@DaDudeClub]

the parallel waveforms are integrated now with the update, I understand

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, they are!

[@faraichisvo5230]

You put a lot of work into this. Hugely appreciated, have now subbed, keep up the great work!

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad it helped you!

[@DJDynablend]

That controller looks amazing, mmmm Denon

[@lebronsinclair8012]

I had a chance to play with the unit last week. It is simply amazing. Only gripe is instant doubles were laggy and jog wheels not having tension adjust was a mistake.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Lebron :)

[@DJFITME]

Wish it had bar counter like on nxs2. It is so good feature for live shows if you have to play tracks that you dont remember well.

[@JoeJuts19]

Does anyone know if this has been added yet?

[@keokithedj]

@@JoeJuts19 it has it on the prime go

[@gevikmanuchahri3955]

i watched this review after almost 3 years,I think this is still the best.if not change my mind

[@Keifer-D]

What a great review!! I didn’t think I would watch the whole thing, but coming from the DDJ SX controller, I feel this mimics that controller and makes things so much the same. The transition from the DDJ SX to this would be so easy! I will be looking into this all in one stand alone at my local music shop soon!! Thanks again for the in depth review and walk through of this great product!!

[@Keifer-D]

Just wondering about platter size compared to the DDJ SX. Smaller, larger or the same?

[@digitaldjtips]

At a guess, about the same.

[@yerahmlee730]

damn pioneer needs to step up their game x1000 rn denon is killing it

[@intelcom4964]

441.00 I don't like the pioneer prices at all

[@churchillcoins8519]

Pioneer better take note because Denon is truly innovating and listening to DJ needs. I will definitely be picking one up once the Serato version is released.

[@digitaldjtips]

It will be interesting to see what happens next.

[@djcvmusic1]

@@digitaldjtips Spoiler: big chance Pioneer will release ''the 4 Decks standalone controller'' their customers ask years before. ;)

[@chrisbleezy2988]

This one won’t eventually be serato compatible? Im legitimately not sure

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, pretty soon apparently.

[@CastroBlues]

This is spectacular! Thank you for this in depth and thorough review Phil!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're more than welcome Luis. So what excited you the most about the Prime 4?

[@CastroBlues]

Digital DJ Tips the fact that Denon is another contender and pushing the stand alone player territory is exiting! Having 4 decks and awesome looking interface are probably my favorite features.

[@nigelcollins9793]

Wow Phil that was a massive review well done I notice that you didn't even really touch on the sound switch and stage linq Denon is about to be a real force to reckon with if people can get past there brand loyalty

[@digitaldjtips]

Agreed!

[@paweldun]

at least and standalone controller. Actually there was one before: a super oem machine , the amreican audio versadeck. Nowadays the only company who still made this amazing machine is SYNQ

[@SteveAldous]

A really good solid review guys well done! I think it's going to be a nightmare for all the technophobes out there, but still a pretty decent piece of hardware. Let's hope the Investment from Denon will improve the software significantly enough to compete in the market

[@digitaldjtips]

There is definitely an element of that, but it is also 1. Universal (they're trying to make it work with anything) and 2. surprisingly easy to get the hang of considering.

[@SteveAldous]

@@digitaldjtips yes I've used the sc5000 and it opens up lots of possibilities, and with the prime 4 even more 👏👌

[@digitaldjtips]

Indeed!

[@andyjamison2831]

I'm a bit of a technophobe but this sounds incredible. I'm making the transition from vinyl and watching many reviews. If I put the graft in and learn is it easy enough to get the hang of once I've Put the practice in like you would with anything new?

[@djmayzon]

Hats off to you Denon! This unit is killer. So many great features and easily the best mobile dj unit available. I've always used Pioneer but this makes me want to make the switch!

[@digitaldjtips]

Let us know how you get on if you do...

[@CasperScheringa]

Awesome video! Thank you Phill. Hard to choose between this one and the Pioneer DDJ-RXZ, but I think I'm convinced now

[@oneiltomlinson]

Only one con. The top of the screen should be flushed in with the rest of the unit. Otherwise this is a forever unit. A unit that doesn’t need replacing for years to come.

[@superlazy3355]

You can flush the screen....

[@superlazy3355]

Ohhhh I see what u mean, did u mean the lil bit at the back that sticks out when laying flat? My bad

[@dukeneukem4747]

Super Lazy hey is it capable of travelingp with on plane as a carry on? (In the case of course)

[@digitaldjtips]

No, it's too big for that.

[@superlazy3355]

@@dukeneukem4747 definitely not!

[@DJFITME]

Is the fxs quantize ?

[@arnodg1]

yes (just got mine)

[@TR3NDSETR]

Fantastic review. U covered alot and ill prob watch it again. That said, i just bought a prime 4. Went back and forth between prime 4 , Rx2 and XZ.

[@techsavvyhero]

Excellent detailed review! Really cool to see all the ins and outs of this unit. Cheers!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome! What excited you the most about it?

[@techsavvyhero]

@@digitaldjtips The effects, ultrapitch and 4 decks to mix from simultaneously. Also the external hard drive pocket and multiple USB flash drive inputs

[@digitaldjtips]

Agreed! The pitch is really, really good - we loved that.

[@18Dummy18ISaid]

I’m still waiting for any of the makers of high level controllers to go back to mirrored decks. I like my pitch sliders on the outside edge of their respective sides. This remains to be the reason I’m sticking with a mid-level controller. I have yet to find a high-level controller that have mirrored decks with long pitch sliders.

[@nicklandovich]

Denon last top controller mcx8000 has a mirrored design. Loved it. Though all the pioneer fan boys cry about it for some reason if they see it.

[@chrischiangmai]

The word you tried to find was symmetrical the current systems are asymmetric

[@djjimhorn]

Request: could we test mic sound quality with the preference settings?

[@digitaldjtips]

Next time we get the chance we'll add it to our list Jim.

[@geoffgrove565]

Really great review!! Well explained, clear and concise. What a terrific bit of gear and good enough for me to jump and buy I think. Thanks, keep up the good work!

[@digitaldjtips]

No problem!

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Great review as always, thank you.

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome, Alan. So what did you like the look of the most about the unit?

[@djnoitalever9048]

Being in the business for as long as I have been, software releases and intent to “better the software” is exactly what it is until it’s released......vaporware

[@superlazy3355]

Except denon have come thru with all their updates. The even 'Primed' the mcx8000 (which made me cum in my pants.... My software made my hardware even better so.....) I believe they will stay on top of this!

[@victorpadilla9444]

Hopefully they can make one with motorized platter.

[@digitaldjtips]

I wouldn't put it past them.

[@charleswrigley9488]

Or scale them down to a two channel affordable controller and a four channel without the centre screen or revamp the mcx8000 make them serato friendly lol

[@digitaldjtips]

Probably versions of all of this stuff are coming...

[@druthedj]

Technically Denon has the SC5000M which has Motorized Platters - www.denondj.com/sc5000m-prime-sc5000mprimexus

[@digitaldjtips]

That's true, although I think he's referring to an all-in-one.

[@RustyOnTECH]

Fantastic, detailed and passionate review. I'm sold. Roll on pay day!

[@digitaldjtips]

Awesome!

[@marklewis5943]

Digital DJ Tips I’m thinking about trading In My Ddj 1000 and getting 1 of these . I want to come away from the laptop . Is this a wise move or stick with the pioneer ?

[@soundscapes6914]

The only drawback of this unit is that you can't use more than one effect at the same time. that said, this is the best piece of DJ equipment made in recent times. Thumbs up to Denon and of course to you, Phil for this comprehensive review.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks! So you could use the sweep effects plus the "normal" effects to give you a bit more flexibility.

[@bboymac84]

I hope this gets WiFi for getting tracks on the fly. As a working DJ we get requests or we may want to get a song that we may not have. That is extremely useful!!

[@digitaldjtips]

How cool would that be?

[@ldanzamariastile3536]

i can see them adding wifi on to controllers in the near future

[@imusiccollection]

A wifi usb dongle could do it

[@digitaldjtips]

Agreed, only a matter of time.

[@FUNKYGUY2000]

also bluetooth, wifi and bluetooth would make this unit even more powerful

[@theyhateddavid1062]

it's not the end of laptop djing, because this standalone unit is $1700 aahha

[@alfkylfalt9184]

Thx Phil! Good review! I’m going with the SC5000M and X1800 but for the future this is a interesting kit!

[@digitaldjtips]

So what swayed you in the direction of the separates?

[@druthedj]

Nice review! For the first time in a long while, I have my beady eye on Denon. The ability to have an internal hard drive is a game-changer!

[@digitaldjtips]

So what appealed to you the most about it, Dru TheDJ?

[@druthedj]

@@digitaldjtips 1. Definitely the ability to have an internal hard drive, the screen is impressive, gives the XDJ a run for its money. The in-jog display with extensive info is quite good, I reckon everyone should go that route, reduces the need to constantly look at a laptop, nice long pitch faders, the mixer section is quite comprehensive, pads etc. I think they really put in some work into this controller and much respect to Denon for this. I think they will force others to up their game. Just wish the jogs were bigger.

[@digitaldjtips]

I think you could get used to the jogs.

[@carlcouture1023]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!!

[@kusacubari1867]

great comment ;0)

[@VoyageOne1]

Had to rinse my eyes after seeing Pioneer's overpriced abomination

[@djjammindave]

Damn right, Voyage...is the only thing that makes me look at the other side of the fence.... the Pioneer S9 mixer, for example, over price. Two fucking channel mixer, unbelievable. I'm looking at the Denon 1850 mixer to complement my 1200's. I think that because of price, a lot of people buy the cheap Numark Scratch that does the same tricks, except the back spin...

[@TAALIIN]

Great review, Good Work Denon!!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks very much Alejandro :)

[@chrisscott-mckenzie548]

Big Up Phil, Digital Dj Tips and Denon Dj, Can't wait to blast this player already!!!!!!!!!!

[@digitaldjtips]

:)

[@dsdlinvestmentltd674]

Brilliant to see the judge on KZbin 😉 brilliant review

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@DruMUSIC06]

GREAT REVIEW sir! Got the info that I wanted. Subscribed. :)

[@digitaldjtips]

Welcome to our community, Dru!

[@argslash]

This was a great review!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks, Argslash. So what are you DJing with at the moment? Will you be saving up for one of these?

[@PeteMcGrath1]

Awesome very dense and detailed review. Covered everything.. I want it, but may get the 2 as doubt would need 4 decks :) thanks mate

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Pete, glad we could help!

[@djblingindustrys6429]

awesome review Phil very in depth looking at maybe getting prime for myself!!!!!

[@digitaldjtips]

so what appeals to you the most about it?

[@stevenbudd5290]

Awesome Review.. I had already bought this before watching the review....awesome bit of kit..

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching :)

[@totes32]

Gentleman absolute convinced now to invest in the Prime 4, thank you.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad we could help :)

[@asmkawsar]

Wow such detailed review 😮 🔥💜

[@keepthinkingmusic]

Excellent review. 18 months later and with the teething issues seemingly addressed, I've just bought one to replace CDJs and Allen & Heath mixer.... Looking forward to getting used to the new changes!

[@digitaldjtips]

Awesome, enjoy!

[@1eyeI]

you had quickly mentioned the key lock Key sync part hope you will include it in another video, in deeper context. Great review even learn more about this controller as I've watch the namm videos.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the feedback

[@EthanLeo]

Great review Phil!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Ethan. Hope you're well!

[@TheWaita]

Perfect piece of art 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@makstaz79]

Best darm reviewer of DJ Gear,straight to the point no BS

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks a lot!

[@ramonveenbaas7201]

Great review phil💪🏻

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Ramon!

[@joshuanolan546]

Fantastic review! 🙏🏻

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks, Joshua. What is it about the unit that excites you the most?

[@djhertz1992]

Thanks for the review so complete bro!! Greetings

[@digitaldjtips]

No problem, thanks for watching :)

[@cameronpatrickscott]

Well that's new innit! I guess with enough time spent, some folks will really groove with it, spoilt for choice these days, still like having the lap top nearby, personally love the traktor software, thanks for the demo.

[@digitaldjtips]

Hope you found it useful Cam, it was stupidly long in the end, but hey, it's an important unit!

[@dwaynekrause4511]

Great review! I am (was) a Pioneer only DJ. This changes the game. I am ordering one today. Can't wait! Seems to be better than the XZ and a lower price.

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice one, enjoy the new kit :)

[@joaquinbenabentos]

I love to see your videos man, kind like an adict to see them in 2x jajajaja. Cheers from argentina.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks a lot Joaquin!

[@Ps-sg7um]

Great video. Looks great. Well done.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Paul

[@MrDjaremko1982]

good to hear that Denon is investing on more software and firmware team

[@digitaldjtips]

Making improvements all the time :)

[@mr_b_hhc]

Thanks, made my mind up :-) Killer Review

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you found it useful.

[@djrford7861]

I'm on backordeer, can't wait!

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool :)

[@DJLink2U]

Very great review. I would like to see its performance when it's stressed somewhat more: multiple decks playing (>2), some fx on top of it, ...

[@digitaldjtips]

We'll be doing some session mixes with it soon enough...

[@juzzonmorris]

Superb review. Great job as always Phil!

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you enjoyed it, Morris Makes Movies. What do you like the best about this unit?

[@juzzonmorris]

I like the touch screen library & track management feature along with the swipe- to-deck load feature. This seems as though it will really reduce the time to find and load a track while gigging. Track location and load time is a big deal to me!

[@digitaldjtips]

...and don't forget the Qwerty keyboard for those full searches, too.

[@juzzonmorris]

@@digitaldjtips Yes, there are many great features. It was very hard to pick just one. I can honestly say that Dennon offers more bang for the buck than its competition. They however, must get the library folder section right.

[@juzzonmorris]

Wait😮 Did I hear correctly??? No Sampler Section?!?!? Oh, that's right it has 4 channels. No sampler section needed😌

[@AndreJHoward]

I have an XDJ RX2. If Pioneer wasn't the club standard I would trade in and get one of these. Great review man.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Aneladj]

Well done! :)

[@hot4futureyears2come]

thanks for the review, this is a very nice kit. for the price it is well worth it. cant wait to try it at the Expo

[@digitaldjtips]

Which expo are you going to, Jose?

[@hot4futureyears2come]

To the djexpo in Atlantic City. .

[@digitaldjtips]

Ah, awesome! We may well be there again this year.

[@hot4futureyears2come]

@@digitaldjtips cool

[@frenkydigital3649]

Great review

[@digitaldjtips]

Thank you.

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Hello Mr. Phil. 🎧 Great Review.

[@digitaldjtips]

Well thank you ClectaSkiMusic - always appreciated! - Phil

[@partydjjamie8380]

Fantastic review Phil. Really detailed and explained everything very well. It is an absolutely phenomenal controller to be fair but I simply can't justify paying nearly 2k for a controller. I know a lot of DJs have already purchased this piece of kit and many more will but I cannot get my head around how people are affording to shell out near two grand for this unit. You would have to do nearly ten gigs to make the money to pay for this unit. I know you will come back and say get better-paid gigs but I don't know how that will happen as there are lots of lads at it here and a lot of undercutting going on. Not much happening at the moment with gigs but hoping to be back gigging by end of the year or early 2021. Another point I would like to make is I never have a designated playlist for gigs. I have an idea of what I will play depending on the party, be it a 21st, a 40th birthday or a wedding but I always go by the crowd. It could be a young crowd at a wedding or an old crowd and if you program a load of old music on your USB for the controller and then go into a wedding and they want all young music, what do you do then? I like to have the selection to chop and change and mix it up with new and old but with your songs already pre-loaded on to the USB, then you can't do that. If someone requests a song you don't have preloaded, you have to go to the laptop and find it and load it on then to play it which adds to the stress of the night. Just a few points. I don't usually look at my music before a gig. I will usually download a few new up to date tracks if I am playing in a bar or at a 21st or an 18th or might download one or two songs that are new for a wedding but most of my gigs are last-minute calls to do parties so I only find out an hour or two beforehand what gig I am doing. This is just the nature of the job where I am as people cancel or bars ring up the guy I am working for late to get a DJ so hard to prepare a setlist for that. Keep up the great videos.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thank you for watching and sharing with us :)

[@Aneladj]

Sounds good!

[@itscakeofficial]

I've been rocking a Numark Mixtrack 3 since I first started DJing two years ago. I've thought about getting a new controller for the past month or so, but then I saw this system, and started thinking about standalone systems. The Pioneer XDJ - RX2 looked nice, but this one is just so much better. I'm definitely want to get this for my hardware upgrade.

[@digitaldjtips]

Would definitely be a step up, and it sounds like you've earned it! What is it about this that swayed you, Cake?

[@itscakeofficial]

Ever since I started DJing I was always a Bedroom DJ, using a PC and monitor. I knew if I wanted to start doing gigs, I would need to buy a laptop. But, if I bought a laptop, I would literally only be using it for DJing, so it would be pretty much wasted. That got me thinking about standalone systems. But, I couldn't find a four channel one except for the Denon MCX8000. Then I saw your guys video of the Prime 4 at NAMM. It looked very interesting, but I wanted to wait until reviews came out before thinking about it. So, when this video came out, I saw what the system had to offer, and it's just everything. 4-channel 4 deck controller, all the FXs I could want, the on board hard drive space, the mic mixer, and the stunning touchscreen. It's just perfect. Plus the added feature for deck colors, and artwork in the middle of the platter is such a nice touch. Overall, it's definitely the best piece of DJ I've seen this year.

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool! It's the best piece of DJ hardware we've seen so far this year, too..

[@harmlesip1]

I think this is going to be my next big buy! 👍

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool, bet you're excited!

[@LLoyoc]

Great review!! Thanks

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome, Lloyoc. So what did you like the most about the Prime 4?

[@LLoyoc]

@@digitaldjtips There are so many features that I like very much. I think the fact that you can store a internal sata drive is a game changer! This is a complete self contained piece of kit. So many connection options. The duel zone feature. Awesome!

[@digitaldjtips]

I agree - I actually want one in my living room as a home hifi system for that very reason!

[@tombyrnerocks]

Great video. Really in depth. I'd be keen to find out more about it's integration with Traktor. For instance, how easy would it be to export your entire track collection and bring all your transients, beatgrids, cues, loops and track info across to make it literally a plug and play swap from one platform to another?

[@digitaldjtips]

We have yet to dive into do ing this so in all honesty, can't tell you right now Tom.

[@mr.grenade8604]

This thing looks amazing

[@digitaldjtips]

What appeals to you the most about it?

[@mr.grenade8604]

Digital DJ Tips the hard drive & creating playlists on the fly

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, they're great points!

[@DJGlashammer]

Wow. Es wurde echt längst Zeit. Das scheint mal endlich Anständig zu sein. :)

[@tonyrigg9182]

Top Video Thank you I'm now going to get one :-)

[@digitaldjtips]

Awesome, enjoy 🙌

[@wchapman1756]

Quick tip for analyzing on Denon Prime 4. Most of us only use decks 1 and 2 for mixing, leaving decks 3 and 4 for other purposes and housekeeping (Analyzing). Use decks 3 and 4 to pre-load songs that haven't been analyzed. It seems because of the powerful CPU in the Prime 4, it can analyze songs simultaneously. This lets you analyze a crate full of songs by pre-loading them while your main songs are playing, edit beat grids, and other chores. Now they just need a BPM tap to correct songs that have been analyzed by Denon Engine prime incorrectly.

[@digitaldjtips]

That's a great tip, thanks! we agree, a BPM tap would be good.

[@beatriceheinze2294]

Indeed, that is what I'm also always doing: using deck 3 and 4 for analyzing while I'm mixing. Works great! I really love the Prime 4.

[@scottnye3831]

Great tip thanks

[@e.f.records1073]

Good Job!!!

[@user-un4js4it6n]

This controller has all the amazing features. It's only missing a few features 1 is the Tap function 2 is the access to a streaming service. I still use the Numark NS7 III with Serato DJ Pro. I've got really use to DJing with the streaming service Tidal and Sound Cloud. It's so convenient to have any song on the fly. If Denon add this main feature I would definitely jump on board

[@manosz12]

Another fantastic review by Phil, thank you Phil -you deserve all our support. One thing that annoys me with my Pioneer RX2 is that I cannot pre-listen tracks, that's why I'm thinking to switch. Can you do so with The Prime 4?

[@digitaldjtips]

No, it's not possible to do that unfortunately.

[@ARago216]

Great review & overview! 3 questions: 1. When you import a Serato library, do hot cue colors import as well? 2. Can you change colors of the 8 cues on the tracks and do the buttons sync? 3. Does the filter knob have a click mark at the 12:00 position to indicate that you’re back to 0% / default level?

[@digitaldjtips]

1 & 2 not sure without checking, sorry, 3 yes.

[@polromeu]

10/10 review. Thx!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome! What do you like the most about the unit?

[@polromeu]

@@digitaldjtips laptopless and SATA!

[@digitaldjtips]

I agree, SATA is pretty exciting!

[@polromeu]

@@digitaldjtips I wasn't aware of the SATA and have been one of the biggest surprises. This and the zone output. Is there any way to put the waveforms horizontal?

[@digitaldjtips]

There will be soon - horizontal waveforms has been promised by Denon DJ.

[@tjbishop1400]

Love it wish I had it

[@digitaldjtips]

It's awesome :)

[@TruthSeekerAi]

i got this and i want the prime 2 as well

[@digitaldjtips]

What about the Prime Go?

[@JimLigon]

Fantastic review! I was already leaning heavily towards this unit. I have been using the Numark NVII with Serato for almost 3 years now. I would love to get this unit if only for the fact that I can DJ without a laptop. But the features are very nice. The only thing I would miss from Serato would be the sampler but that is a minor inconvenience. Thank you.

[@digitaldjtips]

I think though that as this unit will shortly be Serato compatible, you would be able to also DJ using Serato and your laptop if you wished, in order to keep the sampler.

[@JimLigon]

@@digitaldjtips I'd have to think about that. To be honest, I only use the sampler to trigger drops at this point. I DJ for the radio so I submit an hour long mix every week. I could just drop the mix into FL Studio & add drops that way. It's not that big of a deal. But thanks so much for your feedback.

[@digitaldjtips]

Or you could load the drops onto one of the decks (deck 4...) as one file, and have cue points set to trigger them.

[@JimLigon]

@@digitaldjtips See? That's why we communicate with one another. Good ideas everywhere. I never even thought of that shit. LOL! Thanks, yo!

[@digitaldjtips]

:)

[@vivienhongliu]

This is the revolution! I want it for my christmas gift! Denon, shut up just take my money!!

[@digitaldjtips]

🙌

[@mikesimpson7375]

Hey Phil great review. This review was done April 2019...has Denon updated at all as we start approaching 2022 with some of those pieces you were speaking of? I currently run the 1850X Prime as a DVS deck...i was thinking of trading it in for the controller and finally saying goodbye to vinyl. Use serato currently. Have they made many of the advances? I know you can do DVS with this thing by the looks of it...I think.

[@christophersaundersoshea8546]

Phil . Well done mate as this is a full hands how too. I received mine 21 June 2019. The Prime Engine software is so limited its embarrassing compared to pioneer. I look forward to Atomix Virtual DJ mapping which they inform us they will be . Phil thank you .

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you enjoyed the review.

[@jparppimenta1020]

thank you sir