Denon DJ SC Live 4 - Is it any good? Honest, in depth feature review

Rumours and leaks are confirmed, the new Denon DJ SC Live controllers have dropped, but are they any good? Ratzi talks you through the SC Live 4 with an in depth, honest feature review!
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[@PaulBrownclk-me]

Always fancied a prime 4 , but it's expensive and had lots of stuff I'd never use, so this is perfect for people like me👍

[@djkit]

Sounds ideal! You still get all the benefits of Engine OS as well!

[@maxlaroch81]

purchased one 2 week ago, funny console. i'm back on mixing after a decade, this make me feel comfortable, denon nailed it!

[@hungariantragedy]

Can’t wait to have this! Love it for the first time i saw it. Thanks for the review

[@djkit]

Hope you enjoy it! Don't forget to sub for more!

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

Everybody hating on it, but the modified layout alone adapting to closer cdj mixer setup is a selling feature. Remember how ddj 400 sold so much just for this reason.

[@djkit]

It's a much better choice to switch to this layout, I actually completely agree that's probably the biggest selling point on this controller!

[@trentonx]

Then why isn't there a USB port I can access without grabbing a flashlight standing on my desk and looking behind my equipment and or picking up my equipment every single time I want to plug in a USB it's b******* but bring this to a party and people are going to DJ on it in rotation it's impossible unless you set it up so that the back side is accessible that's dumb it's dumb it's dumb it's dumb it's dumb it's dumb it's dumb it's dumb

[@djkit]

@@trentonx Hey Trentox, thanks for your comment. Where would you have preferred the USB to have been?

[@wimmlewimmle2620]

thanx for this cool review...very helpfull...😃👍

[@LegendaryMaoMao20]

Hello! It's been a while since I got back to this channel, and I'm glad to get back in time for the Denon DJ SC Live 4 and hopefully you'll get thr Live 2 soon :)

[@djkit]

Welcome back!

[@sambrooks6103]

A great video, very informative. I have a DDJ 400 and am looking to move up more high end, and this is perfect. The venues I play at have equipment, so for the venues that don’t this is perfect. The built in speakers sold it for me as it’s perfect for home mixing/taking to a house party etc. I was planning to get the RX-3 but for the price, this one blows it out the water for me.

[@djkit]

Glad it was helpful! Yea, this is great value for money, especially for mixing at home. Such a great shout from Denon changing the mixer layout to make it easy to hop on to the club style stuff. Enjoy!

[@djroyal414]

Can’t wait to see the comparison vs the Prime 4 👍🏼

[@jasonsmith6061]

The prime 4 is by far the better bit of kit hence the prime. Smaller screen less inputs outputs put this way behind. BUT this looks to be a great way to start at the price point with stand alone and 4 channels even the the xdj xz doesn't have control over 4 channels on digital alone.

[@javiercg78]

Hello , when two fingers pinch zoom how many bars is the zoom out? Is like the pioneer xdj or is limited only few bars? Thanks

[@adammelvin4753]

This does look really good. If I ever upgrade from the DDJ 400 I'll get a standalone like this.

[@djkit]

The good thing about the layout on this compared to the Prime controllers, it mimics that of the DDJ-400, 800, 1000 etc, so you will feel right at home!

[@guilboy]

Complete beginner, this is an exciting controller, very good review mate , probly getting one too.

[@bossman8052]

I got mine on satuarday and let me tell u its brilliant speakers on it are great had we house party loads afun and i will be doin my gigs with it too defo recommend

[@djkit]

Glad you're happy with is Boss Man! What gigs will you be using this controller for? Will you be using the built in speakers for your gigs?

[@m-stat9]

Like a perfect hybrid between Prime 4 (channels), Prime 2 (size), and Mixstream Pro (speakers). Very interesting option!

[@johannesvetterfotografiebe6094]

Hi, nice review. One question, is there any a quantize function for the beat Fx? As far as I know Denon added this in the X1850, and my hope is that they trickle it down to all their future products. Especially Ping Pong could sound weird if not activated right on point. Thanks

[@djmartinsk]

All beat Efx in all Prime and SC Live gears, is automatically quantized.

[@abupablo]

The answer is yes. There's a quantize button in the settings.

[@pkliskiki1800]

can you use this as a general mixer? plug in a bunch of stuff into those four channels? like turntables?

[@alicevomsee9033]

Many say this controler is for online DJs. I use it in a small club and it does what it should for much less money than the so called club standard. The big machines may be well suited for big clubs but out there there are much more smaller clubs that can not or don't want to afford expensive equipment. This is an universal usable controler for small clubs and mobile DJs. I like and it makes fun to work with it.

[@AdamsBrew78]

I’m into electronic music production (dawless and ITB) and even though I have no intention to get into the DJ game, decks like this look like so much fun to a gear addict like myself. Would love to have a play on one.

[@ggreenleaf47]

What are the specs on the speaker monitors? Would they operate effectively in a live environment? What would be equivalent studio monitors on the market?

[@DJWenlowe]

Denon are absolutely on it nowadays, thanks for the review . I like the look of this, it's really, really excellent value ( standalone is the future). If you cost a decent laptop alone then it exceeds the price of one of these so you are winning just buying one of these and the quality is always there with Denon gear. Engine software is rock solid in the working environment, I have been using it since April this year and it's absolutely brilliant. Big thumbs up from me 👍👍

[@renechang2406]

Imo in music and denon are doing well

[@Ardash_Int]

Can you, please, make a video on how to export tracks and playlist to flash drive after working with them on this controller?

[@garethpotter]

I was aiming to get a Pioneer controller (to upgrade from my CDJ setup), but illness has forced me to cancel all my gigs for the rest of the year. This looks like a cheaper and more compact option for home use (I like the speakers too). When I get back in the game, do you think they’d be worth using in a *live* situation? Or should I still consider getting a club setup when that time comes? Thanks.

[@djkit]

Absolutely yes. We've seen plenty of people taking these out on the road. There's been quite a bit of demand for cases too.

[@dop5]

Very tidy and intuitive. i like it (Nexus user)

[@djkit]

Glad you like it! I'm the same!

[@peterlee3687]

Quality product from the in music team I'm happy with my mixstream but the sc live two would be a great upgrade

[@djkit]

If you have the Mixstream, you would be right at home on either of the SC Live controllers!

[@lewisorange1]

does the time knob work the same as pioneer on reverb ?

[@inside_billys_brain]

What's everyones thoughts a year on after buying this controller? Really thinking of getting one. Would lobe an RX3 however I just can't justify the price when you can get this with what seems like much better features ie built in WiFi, streaming etc just a bit worried about some stories I have read about them faulting frequently?? Any input would be much appreciated

[@Guerdo42]

I love the speakers! Ive play at clubs but at home I don't have space for a proper setup. The speakers make the practice sessions a lot easier because I can play anywhere without having to drag around a sound system.

[@djdekone9259]

@djkit do you think this is a good investment, it's for my mancave SESSIONZ mixes that I record on twitch I will not be taking this unit out too clubs or outdoor parties.... strictly for the mancave and twitch live mixes. Want too make sure I'm making the right decision financially...$1500 w/warrany Thx .

[@TheodorRauta]

To say this is a beginner dj console is a understatement. I'm a club dj and I've been mixing on Pioneer CDJs for a few good years. But lately I feel like Pioneer gear can't keep up with my style of mixing (A lot of on the spot mashups, jumping within different genres, creating buildups, switching drops and so on. With no preparation, no cue points) So looping and beat jumping are my weapons and Denon executes them way better in my opinion. I just orderd the SC Live 4 after watching your review and will be using it in the club until the owner buys a pair of sc6000s. I had my eyes for some time on the prime 4, but I much prefer this one due to the club style mixer. Best review I've seen, just subcribed to your channal.

[@David-tb9nz]

I also switched from Pioneer to Denon. Know I also got the SC 4 and I am hoping Denon will create much better future equipment than Pioneer.

[@christolongers]

How are you finding the sc live 4 ? I love it but recently noticed how stiff the faders are , doesn’t bother me much , not a massive problem but they are a bit stiff

[@grahamkelly8662]

@@christolongersdid the faders loosen up?

[@SAVIA.]

I’ve got a DDJ 400 and I’m thinking about purchase this one, but i hace a question. It’s possible to assign effects on the pads? I use this function a lot, and I want to know if it’s possible to do the same

[@snako79]

No, it is not possible at the moment, the pads have hot cue, loop, roll, slicer functions, and in updates that have been arriving in recent months, extra functions have been added such as samplers, and it is possible that in Next updates the stems will be added

[@Anderson9448]

I have tried to connect with Djay Pro 2 from my Mac, it recognises the Device and I can play music but the controls don't work, am I doing something wrong?

[@djkit]

This controller isn't compatible with Djay Pro 2, so it won't work. Perhaps in the future if they map it, not not at the moment.

[@stalbansdj2418]

Love mine, I have the Prime 2 and MCX8000. Was wondering if as a DJ mobile could I use this. Only had it a week so I guess yes, if it's better then prime 2 it goes out 🙂

[@MrKuken911]

For the slicer mode, just use pads 1 and 2, not the others. It'll sound good. Just play with both and have fun :)

[@djkit]

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely give it another chance!

[@TheSpiroTube]

How’s this compare to the mixstream pro. Granted you compare it to the 2 channel version. Is it worth the price difference?

[@snako79]

You have a more complete mixer, a greater number of effects, and the speakers are located in a less invasive area when working, otherwise, they are quite similar devices, in my opinion the SC live 2 has a more professional appearance, but If you are thinking of making the jump to a higher equipment, I would opt for the SC Live 4, it is a little more expensive, but there you will find greater differences, especially because of the possibility of using 4 channels simultaneously, 2 microphone jacks, more effects...

[@tonyfly4501]

Just wondering how to get pitch range %,is it the same as the prime go like press shift and pitch bend + -?

[@djkit]

Yea, that's correct! It ranges from 4 to 100! 🤯

[@grahamkelly8662]

Any1 know if sc live 4 may get stem support in future? If no is there a pc software I can buy to separate the vocal from songs, to then mix them in to an instrumental? If I knew I’d love prime 4 and was totally happy with odd layout and having effects at top of device, I’d buy it But if I buy it and I can’t access the effects properly or feels awkward, I’d be gutted. That’s why I may just buy sc live 4 for now.

[@djsir901]

I think this is aimed at mobile DJs like me. This is not bedroom or beginner at all. No beginner is gonna spend $1600 to spin in their bedroom. Beginners will also feel overwhelmed by 4 channels and soo many settings, buttons, etc. It's perfect for me because I have gigs in small venues and gigs at large clubs. This works for both scenarios.

[@diwaves1855]

Yes a lot of people says it's a beginner controller, even the most known djs play with just 2 channels 🤷🏻‍♂️, it has almost all the features needed to play pro dj sets

[@neil_bird]

Expand when able to, by adding the LC6000s either side and i can’t fault this.

[@allaroundsound7384]

@@neil_bird there’s no inputs on the back 😢

[@djbrano]

@@allaroundsound7384 You do not need audio inputs for using it with LC6000. Just connect LC with USB cables and you are good to go with 4 channels

[@allaroundsound7384]

@@djbrano there is no usb ins on this controller

[@cheslinscheepers3407]

Cool track 😎

[@alejandrocarballea5141]

What happens if the view options doesnt change the way the tracks are on the screen ?? Help please

[@IDrinkBleach13]

Try shift+view

[@bp5269]

Pioneer allow to record a set to a USB "LIVE" - Does this Controller allow the same feature?

[@jeffszurgot]

Can you check if this works with Rane Twelve?

[@diskosehatofficial]

can BPM move up & down like a Pioneer XDJ series or just statis one BPM display on jogwell

[@chrispuntershakermakerindie]

Thanks

[@peachymedina234]

You can practice and here it when you ready for the party you shot off the built in speakers and use your big speakers and it’s party time all night long ❤

[@ematic75]

I just purchased. I didn’t know it existed and was looking for something Exactly like this a few days ago. Even caught it on sale and saved $200. Best in depth review here

[@djkit]

Glad I could help! Nice touch you got it on sale already! Let us know what you think of it!

[@mattsmith1440]

I'm looking for a solution that lets me mix digitised vinyl in as similar fashion as on turntables as possible. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. 😊

[@djkit]

You have a lot of options here! You can check out the Rane One or Pioneer DJ REV7 controllers, they both have moving platters. Or the Rane Twelve controllers are like turntables to pair with a mixer. Or if you have turntables already, you can look at getting something like the Reloop FLUX interface that allows you to run DVS mode, or a pair of Phase remotes that do the same thing.

[@dimitrispetraki]

Any idea how the screen responds to sweaty hands?

[@PhilipSchroth]

Is there some internal storage like the prime4

[@djkit]

No, only 2 usb sockets and an SD card slot

[@PhilipSchroth]

@@djkit Thanks for the reply.

[@Skaratak]

I use this puppy for gigs in the wild, batterypowered, and driving my LED DMX Anubis mask. Speakers are also useful!

[@loganwoods7212]

post fader means the effect follows the fader. it turns off when you lower the volume.

[@dragonheatbeats9944]

Could I plug in an Audio Technica AT-LP120xUSB into the USB slot and add it that way?

[@djkit]

That won't work, unfortunately!

[@dragonheatbeats9944]

@@djkit Thank you for the response...it would of been nice though haha

[@DavidRobinsonakaDJTiggr]

How is everyone getting their waveform horizontal on the sc live 4?

[@nicholasmorales8560]

Shift + view

[@mikehanna120]

Im really loving my new sc live 2 but I've noticed that when im using it sometimes i get an audio glitch, like a small stutter on the playing track, why is that? Is there a fix? The usb that i use is ssd, and i dont get that problem when im playing the same usb on my mixstream pro

[@snako79]

I use SC Live 4, and I have not had any type of problem with the sound. I mainly use 3 sound sources, a 128Gb Samsung USB 3.1 flash drive, a 512Gb Samsung Evo Pro microSD card, and a 480GB Sandisk m.2 USB 3.1 hard drive, and all units work fantastically well.

[@mikehanna120]

@snako79 i took mine back to the store and they replaced it to a new one, the new one also have the same problem, but I've noticed that if i turn the vinyl mode off the audio glitch disappear

[@snako79]

@@mikehanna120 It is very strange what is happening to you, I always work in vinyl mode, perhaps the firmware of the sc live 4 is slightly different and does not have that error

[@mikehanna120]

​@snako79 try this...play a track on the left deck, load another track on the right deck, dont press play on the right deck, lower the right deck's fader to minimum, press both vinyl modes left and right, and just spin the right jog wheel fast forward and backwards from the top plate and see if the playing track jumps/glitchs

[@snako79]

ok I'll try and tell you@@mikehanna120

[@johnnychipello919]

I dont know why they all dont add clicks for the pitch fader.

[@NaidelPro]

Im not a fan of the speakers, I wish we have cheaper version without them to invest on a carrying case, microphone, lights. My take is I can always practice with some headphones on the bedroom, I dont think is a deal braker though. Nice controller overall❤

[@marcolondon88]

There is something coming up next , that's why there is speakers on club layout. Will be something like sc live 4 pro for couple of hundreds quid more. Just feeling

[@djmartinsk]

22:06 Hi Mate... It is not true that microphones do not have EQ. Mic have 3 band EQ, you can set in the settings/mic menu. Mic EQ can set separately for mic1 and mic 2. Also have too Noise Gate function.

[@djkit]

Hey Martin, thanks for this! We discovered this about an hour after the video went live! 😂

[@djmartinsk]

@@djkit It's okay. 😉

[@renechang2406]

With 4 channels and 4 decks within two wonder when serato 3.0 stems comes out it will be mapable

[@pfolger]

There is mic EQ accessible through the touch screen…

[@djkit]

Thanks Paul, we realised this after we uploaded the video! 😂

[@MAZRAMIREZ]

This is a nice controller but for me i feel like the button layout is a little weird.

[@djkit]

Which buttons?

[@him9887]

I would like to try it first but that said.... What all the hate? Looks like a solid 4 deck all in one for what looks like a cheap price for what you get, speakers probably not needed to be fair, but an all in one unit with all them features and 4 decks and channels.... Why is it hated on is it off people using it or just people jumping on the bandwagon? I don't personally know unless I try it but looks like a good bit of kit for a good price to me..... By the way I started on 1210s and then pioneer cdjs and then traktor and ended up on ddj 400 as it was the practical option at this point in my life 🤣 I'm not saying the hate is wrong I just don't understand it so any constructive criticism would help as I was looking at buying it

[@barrywallace6151]

Do you like the fact that there is no sync button

[@djkit]

There are dedicated sync buttons in the top right hand corner above both jogwheels.

[@hyperfocus4866]

xD I find it so funny no one can seem to define it :D

[@tamlansaoudi]

Speakers are great in a venue qhere their aoundsystem is spread out and you cant set up clise to a speaker for nonitoring.

[@djdocdarkside8346]

Mobile DJ, Live Stream DJ, Use Serato, VDJ, Beatport Link and hate squiting at a laptop,this checks all the boxes and speakers can serve as booth monitors

[@djkit]

Sounds like you should grab one then! Do you prefer the 4 channel or 2 channel version?

[@djdocdarkside8346]

@@djkit after much deliberation I decided on the Prime4 (buy once cry once) has more for the "pro DJ" in the way of expansion.

[@househeadspeakz]

I like your video. I am not impressed with this new kit I think Denon will suffer for this one. Especially, when DJs find out the Prime 2 no longer available.

[@neiljohnston6523]

why ?... i dont get your comment ?

[@markprak2516]

It looks like pioneer design

[@renechang2406]

That's the whole idea. Makes it an easy transition

[@tetrahedron647]

Yeah @DenonDJTV : Screen could have been bigger guys... But I'm still gonna buy tho :) Great Job! The future is now!

[@djkit]

How big would you have wanted the screen?

[@shadie2k]

this isn't aimed at prime users more as an introduction to engine to tempt the rx2 users over instead of them getting an rx3 from the layout etc my theory anyway

[@djmartinsk]

That's is absolutely True 👏👏👏

[@djkit]

Pretty good theory Shadie! I think it's more joining the generic mixer layout to prep entry level DJs for the Denon X1850!

[@stevietimis463]

How you change this f****g waves in the horizontal mode…I can’t find it 🤬

[@djkit]

Hold shift + view

[@snako79]

It seems to me an excellent standalone controller, I would not have put the speakers, and I would have placed the control for the microphones in that area, with equalization, and also a third USB and the SD card in the upper part, for convenience, since the two Rear USB, if we use the Denon DJ LC6000, they are useless to put pendrives or HDD with music. But taking into account the price, the benefits, I think it has no rival in that category, if we compare the SC live 2 with the pioneer XDJ-RR, than its rival, with 2 channels, and at a similar price, although somewhat cheaper denon, I think that the denon is much superior to the RR in everything, and even more so if we take into account that the RR works with Rekordbox, in its free version, that if we want a more powerful version of rekordbox, we have to pay a subscription, the Denon includes its own software to work with, it analyzes tracks, without having to go through the PC, and also unlocks the Pro version of Serato, which is priced at around 250 euros, so it seems to me a very good value for money option. superior to the RR On the other hand, the speakers don't bother me, although I would like there to be a version without speakers and with the changes that I mentioned before.

[@CrusaderGeneral]

the builtin speakers kind of makes this armaturish

[@djkit]

As I say in the video, I feel like the speakers were a strange choice for a product that Denon DJ are pushing as 'Club' equipment, however, even Club DJs need to practice at home, right? 🤨

[@djpedromixhouston]

i like the video, buy i dislike Denon ,not making a controller , to many of us, working djs, use computer and controller to play videos, music, and Karaoke. gimme a Denon DN-MC4000 like and will spend money on denon.

[@djkit]

Thanks for your comment! That's a pretty niche market for a controller don't you think?

[@djmadnez]

It’s a DDJ Rx3 with WiFi

[@JohnLeyMystikmusic]

feels like this went backward from the Prime4.

[@saiaudiovisual1787]

First viewer boss

[@djkit]

Thanks for getting the ball rolling! 👍

[@johnniep1]

if it was battery powered then the speakers would make sence

[@rickywayne7556]

Non stop Dj professionals advance products to Njoy entertainment crowds Denon Djrb107 ♎️ RiChib!!

[@nixsy9]

lmao try hard not to spill beer on it

[@djkit]

Always a terrifying situation!

[@nikoxiro]

Κind of pricey...

[@EscapeMCP]

Don't look at the Prime 4 then

[@djkit]

You know both the SC controllers have dropped in price right?

[@rez1812]

Controllers will come and go....1210s are for life!!!!

[@djkit]

Make sure you keep them serviced! 😊

[@loganwoods7212]

standalone is for life. technically you could never update and have a usb and keep rocking for years to come

[@jonram747]

Design is horrible at one look it’s only good for bedroom dj doesn’t look professional, it’s a mix design of numark mixtrack with the pioneer style monitor knob,,, the Denon Prime 4 looks better and more stylish bigger monitor means easy viewing and engine processor is not bad with the latest version update,, pioneer is a shit design and pioneer are only good on effects

[@cw3728]

Yeah it has that inmusic Numark vibe, I think it's safe to say the old Denon is dead.

[@chrisschneider850]

then what are you using?

[@loganwoods7212]

nah, better than the numark.

[@EExgle]

Nor memory ques, or visual marks of any form, such a joke

[@antonjamesmix2440]

I bought denon once I will never go near that Company again I advise anyone not to buy that rubbish

[@djkit]

What happened Anton?

[@antonjamesmix2440]

@@djkit I spent £1000 on the mcx 8000 it kept on freezing denon was saying it’s my usb it’s this it’s that they knew it was them give me and many Others the run around then said wait for a update took them 9 mouths to do it and of course everyone’s guarantee it run out by then I would Advise everyone not to go near them

[@djkit]

That's a pretty bad experience! Sorry to hear that!

[@chrisschneider850]

@@antonjamesmix2440 that was a very common bug for that unit.

[@d17mop]

Just don’t like it.

[@djkit]

How come?

[@Foodgloriousfoodish]

I just don’t get this unit. Should of been a numark console. Cheesy, cheap build and over priced.

[@djkit]

You're not the first person to say this should have a Numark badge! you know InMusic own both Denon and Numark, right? 👀

[@Foodgloriousfoodish]

@@djkit yeah of course that’s why I said it should of been a numark unit and it should be £600 cheaper than it is in my opinion which means zero 😂😂😂😂

[@barrywallace6151]

Never mind