The Last DJ Controller? Our XDJ-AZ Review - Digital DJ Tips

[@digitaldjtips]

⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡ 00:00 XDJ-AZ overview 00:50 Introduction 01:32 SonicLink for headphones 02:06 Music management 02:52 Key shift & sync 04:54 Decks & pads 07:13 Mixer layout 07:53 Screen settings 10:23 Screen views & functions 13:36 Inputs & outputs 14:56 Three things to consider 18:20 Should you buy it?

[@clanoue1167]

When can it be bought?

[@damelos4039]

Phil, I don't think I've ever seen you SO exited for a new piece of gear. You sound almost giddy! I think you were actually on your tip toes for a second as your excitement just couldn't be contained. LOL I'm waiting for Serato support since I don't want to go down the Rekordbox pathway. Great review!

[@digitaldjtips]

Serato supports will come. We’re excited by this because we know it will be perfect for so many of our students

[@19rayrayray90]

Pioneer : Here is the introduction of our latest XDJ-AZ Phil literally 1 second later : Here is the full review of our latest XDJ-AZ 🤣

[@brianweingartner619]

All the reviewers have had it for weeks if not months

[@MadelnMachines]

It's like stars in their eyes

[@Gamer4-life]

for sure they had it weeks in advance but could say because of NDA i new it was dropping this weeks because the xz had release around that same time 2020

[@jsva8661]

That’s one way to make a distinction between a review and an advertising campaign.

[@Jay_Blendz]

Been waiting for this drop and it's been worth it! Can't wait until they add more streaming services to the unit

[@JoshuaNeedham]

$3,200 it shoud dance for you too.

[@spacecy]

😂 for real.

[@adriangriffiths4051]

Living in Wales, you be an idiot to spend this much on DJ gear. The entertainment industry has gone since Lockdown.

[@EExgle]

What does that mean for anyone not brittish 😭😭

[@mattmayor2628]

@@EExglemeaning that for the price it should do everything and more

[@gavsmith1980]

@@EExgle Don’t think he’s British, $ ain’t £

[@djbackflow]

Wow it’s not even October 10th here in Toronto and I am already watching this 👏 Thanks Phil.

[@digitaldjtips]

You’re welcome

[@HongStarr]

They should've moved the performance pads up, as they did with the 3000s, to be more in line with the design progression. That would make it more like a product upgrade from the XZ visually.

[@digitaldjtips]

We tend to agree but they’re also no problem where they are

[@dam55ian]

@@digitaldjtips its not a real problem i agree but its an odd choice if they market it as inspired by cdj3k style layout. also i like the cdjs3000's but tbh if it would be my own product and brand i would add some things to make it a better product. not sharing cuz not giving great ideas for free lol.

[@HaunterMusicDJ]

I actually would also like the pads like the cdj's, they kinda get in the way sometimes and i HAVE hit them before on hard ass sets.

[@piurtv]

"It was already behind the best of the competition even when it was launched." It's good to finally admit it. I remember many reviews talking about the XZ like the first ever professional 4-channel standalone like the Prime 4 was never released.

[@digitaldjtips]

We certainly didn’t

[@HaunterMusicDJ]

Denon DJ sucks lmao stop it.

[@HaunterMusicDJ]

Denon Prime's has sooo many bug issues its gross, Thing freezes like its getting paid. There is a reason almost no one has one.

[@sin3r6y98]

@@HaunterMusicDJ We put a prime 4+ in our weekend mini club, it works fine. Literally has never given us an issue in multiple 5+ hour sets. And it does all the DMX lighting automation in standalone mode... Feels like AlphaTheta just got (mostly) on par with Denon with this release. Let's see what the prime 5 looks like next.

[@CypiXmusic]

Now this is a proper controller! Finally

[@martynjames1514]

Its not really a controller though its designed for standalone.

[@ddetongre]

To summarise: Expensive, no active layer deck colours, light control that has been on Denon Prime hardware for almost 4 years, dedicated beat jump buttons in a weird location, gated playback taken from the RX3, the same awful 3 column menu system when sorting tracks, no internal ssd capability, cue point display that has no labels (still.) The only positives I see are the ESS audio chip, wireless headphone capability and the extra dedicated master EQ. Looks like another overpriced con job from Pioneer under the Alpha Theta badge. They can change the name, but they’re still behind in the game. I would go for a Denon Prime 4+ with more functionality, flexibility and lower price than this, that gives a Dj much better value.

[@heathenshaunt681]

Or get a rane one or the 4 deck I personally like the platters on the one over the new ones and jog wheels never feel right to me some are better than others but not right allegedly

[@papi.anaconda]

The 3 columns in music library I truly dislike on my RX3. Could not believe it's still there. Thought they improved it in the OpusQ

[@shevydoe]

I think it does have dedicated breast jumps, i was looking for it and you can see them at 2:36

[@jmrub06]

@@shevydoeI agree, let them tittays dance

[@MistaMatthews]

@@jmrub06😂

[@Two3sf]

Will you be doing a AZ vs Opus? I have the opus and really curious to hear your comparisons pros and cons for both

[@velanche]

Might have to keep my eyes on this one, as I may make a shift in my music focus as a DJ in the coming year and this could hit some key checkboxes. Thanks for the show-and-tell!

[@digitaldjtips]

You’re welcome

[@b00ster88]

Phew, i have the XZ but i don't think it's worth the upgrade... I only use 2 channels and i don't mind the old tech/old screen. I do hope the XZ holds it's value a little bit. It's still a very very good/complete all-in-one! ❤

[@digitaldjtips]

It is - it does the important stuff very well indeed

[@CetraAudio]

Chances are you may never have to upgrade. Lets not forget we're just DJi'ng here, really don't need much else at this point.

[@trevordustan3760]

mines on order, i cant wait.. been waiting like 8 months for this and i should get the XDJ-AZ, F10 Headphones and AT Flight Case on 4th Nov 2024 yipeeeeee 🙂

[@HaunterMusicDJ]

best review ive seen this is gonna be the ULTIMATE all in one, this thing is better then the CDJ3000. Would have loved a lcd for effects like the normal a9 but this thing is packed.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, we think it will do well. And thanks!

[@Willempopeye]

I didn't hear the word "stems" once in this review. No dedicated buttons or functionalities. I guess we have to work around and have fun mapping again.

[@_leoreignsmusic]

This is the comment I was looking for 🤦‍♂️

[@pudlah]

I agree. All this wait for the xdj-xz replacement and yet no stems! Very disappointing! Why did AlphaTheta bother.

[@critchee]

Maybe they will allow us (again) to use the eq pots to manipulate the 3 Stem layers that Rekord box allows. For us Serato users. Just out of luck.

[@joevillan892]

He said coming soon to serato. Meaning the UNIT it not compatible with serato yet ONLY recordbox.

[@HaunterMusicDJ]

buddy no one uses stems. Stem's are still wishy washy. Only tik tok DJ's want to use stem seperation.

[@houstoner]

Too little too late. Do I want this unit, hell yeah! But I am on a hiatus from Pioneer, Alpha Theta, whatever products. Putting stuff behind subscription paywalls that we bought licenses for is wrong, and this company is crap for it. They really screwed the hobbyist DJ over in the name of greed. Yeah I'm sure someone will comment "just downgrade", well I did that and you lose the cool new basic features. The whole things is crap! Do better Pioneer! Make DVS a license again and that could lure me back, but they won't listen.

[@diegoandreovalle]

Thats exactly what got me into denon

[@dj_paultuk7052]

@@diegoandreovalle Same here too. Prime4 all the way, even more so with smaller clubs and bars here in the UK moving to Denon as well. Or "Bring your own kit" setups. plus for me being able to fit your own internal drive is a win. Have a 2TB SSD in mine, meaning all my library is there in milliseconds. Ive found streaming services to be useless in bar / club scenarios, since the 4G service is swamped with all the people on the dancefloor. And/or the hotspot just drops frequently with 200+ other mobile phones in front of you.

[@Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

@@houstoner certain gear unlocks DVS

[@rami5682]

Thanks so much fo the tutorial Phil! U r # 1 ! 🤙

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome.

[@starlite-qj5ck]

It's finally here this is going to be out of stock in few months. I can see it being very popular

[@djiceysometimes8013]

Was waiting to decide on this or the Prime 4+.... think it'll be the prime4+ after all

[@PunchineloPow]

Out if curiosity what makes you side with the 4+ over this other than price? I'm currently after something and would love your opinion 🤟

[@m-stat9]

@@PunchineloPow everything

[@twank6234]

​@@PunchineloPow For me personally the price and integration with Soundswitch for lightning controls. I know its a bit lame for me to say but Denon makes an all-in-1 controller which allows me as a DJ to not bring a laptop with me and still deliver a great audio and light show. Should they somehow integrate DMX control with this unit then i would seriously consider it given that you are jumping into the Pioneer ecosystem.

[@heathenshaunt681]

@@PunchineloPow pioneer spent too long as the so called king people can see options like rane and Denon are way better

[@MarianoCrivello1]

@@PunchineloPow EngineDJ.

[@CypiXmusic]

After 5 years they caught up to Denon's Prime 4! Was about time!

[@digitaldjtips]

Fair words

[@chrisbrewinbland3881]

@@CypiXmusic can’t see any customisation on the screen, extra zone, streaming services not on par with Denon, no Dropbox, I could go on, this hasn’t caught up with a 5 year old unit

[@lansfordspencer8583]

Only denon will have something now in the pipelines of real stems in a standalone

[@chrisbrewinbland3881]

@@lansfordspencer8583Denon Prime Pro Stand alone incoming with full club gear jogs and stem separation, it will blow this out of the water!!

[@coreybramwell635]

finally what the Opus quad should have been. only thing they keep forgetting is Digital in's instead of just RCA's for the 2 extra channels if you run 2 other 3000's.

[@ralfbennert9279]

Best review as always :)

[@andrevdw747]

Thanks for the review Phil 👍🏻. Does it unlock serato dj pro freely?

[@DJ-Justo]

No mention of stem or stemeq, this Serato/alpha theta partnership needs some serious support. What a shame it doesn’t come with support at launch w Serato. Let’s see if Serato opens up stem eq for this

[@Positive_Tea]

Quality stems do not an exist in stand alone units yet

[@UONeal]

@@Positive_Teayou beat me to it lol... Even high end Intel CPUs struggle to run stems... And to add to this...a lot of pioneer and even Denon controllers haven't been launched with Serato but it'll come but why would you want this just to hook it up to Serato? Just get the Flx 10

[@spacecy]

They find new ways to take your money 😂

[@LuisMontes]

​@@UONealIntel isn't an AI power house. For over 3k they could have added a decent GPU and used demux

[@pudlah]

All this wait for the xdj-xz replacement and yet no stems! Very disappointing! Why did AlphaTheta bother.

[@macavree9464]

Still rocking a DJM-700… good enough for me. Although this unit is beautiful.

[@djcraigg69]

Same here 🙂

[@m-stat9]

totally irrelevant.

[@macavree9464]

@@m-stat9 Booo!

[@macavree9464]

@@m-stat9 mind your own business 😵‍💫

[@m-stat9]

stop spamming then. AZ and DJM700 are like comparing a car and a boat.

[@dolphinuppercut]

ultra-low latency is an egregious marketing term. Just tell us the ms. For the record, SonicLink is self-reporting 15 ms of latency. I prefer 6ms or under.

[@IcemanTheDj]

You’re right! Anything above 10ms is perceivable.

[@digitaldjtips]

9

[@viberdoom]

Looks nice. I wonder if the Opus Quad will get the Beatport play update soon. That’s what I’m waiting for.

[@AndersRingsted]

I LOVE IT. But - i really love the Hot cue buttons on my Opus better. The rubber like pads is not for me. I often play on both CDJ2000NX2 and CDJ3000 and the similarity from them to the opus is more precise in my mind. I would like a new CDJ2000 with a bigger display but as a BUDGET player like the XDJ series. NIIICE VIDEO!

[@xXmystery0JumperXx]

XDJ 1000 mk 3 is coming soon..

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes and intriguing that the GRV6 does have that even though it’s a consumer device

[@Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

@@digitaldjtips at first glance I still prefer the opus quad. If they had put the effects on board like this unit, it’d be perfect

[@OfficialDJTazer]

Having the ability to ignore the mic in the recording is good. Does it ignore the ducking applied when you press ‘push to talk’ in the recording though? Does it support Hot Cue Bank list?

[@SirBoopBoop]

That 10inch screen looks clean. Hopefully it doesn't glare too bad under direct sunlight...

[@Positive_Tea]

It probably will have a day mode

[@frankieshulz9605]

I don't u guys, but i think it's the same as OPUS-QUAD, but with better looking cosmetic design and the only difference is the new connection for the wireless headphones. That's it !!

[@Atem_S.]

THE DJ GODS HAVE BLESSED US!!! PS, Thx a lot for the freebie! Ok, I might change my mind over legacy controller for this one....

[@dave808turner]

What the fader like on it? Was hopping they would have a magvel that would make it even more desirable. It will cost us here in Australia probably $5700 crazy money I better start saving. Still happy with my rx3 for now.

[@digitaldjtips]

It’s fine. It not Magvel unless I missed that, though

[@maestrofedora3548]

Something that I was really hoping for was easy changeover between two laptops by having two USB-C ports. Sad they didn’t do it despite the price tag. There are clubs that still rock computer software as standard vs standalone with USBs.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, but I guess this is mainly meant to be a standalone. Lots of people wish it did have this though.

[@ddetongre]

Hi Phil, my gripe with Alpha Theta controllers, is that they don’t have labels on the hot cues. Is that still the case with the AZ? It’s a bit pointless adding them in Rekordbox if they’re not visible on the controller. 🙃

[@DavidJamesInTheMix]

Have never used a DJ controller. Possibly looking at selling my DJM-900 nexus to replace with one of these. Would just like to know one thing. Do these controllers have an onboard soundcard like the DJM900 so I could output the audio to my own recording software? Thanks

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes

[@kevina.600]

Tell me how sweetwater already has one that is used in good condition…. $2k

[@heathenshaunt681]

Demo someone didn't want😂

[@Joostuh]

Could be used for a review

[@vipcolombiatravel]

Opus Quad VS XDJ - AZ please! 🙏🏽🎧❤️☝️🔗

[@digitaldjtips]

Coming

[@djtheob01]

I use Quantize values as a performance tool, 1/2 for finger drumming on the pads and then back to 1.0 for a drop. Having the values inside a settings menu isn't good for this trick! Same for the vinyl speed settings, bring back a dedicated knob for this! Especially as swapping the knob for a button doesn't really free up any space!

[@digitaldjtips]

I guess there was always the risk that this would upset some people, although you still get a quantize on/off button on this one.

[@DJLyncho]

Looks cool, Two new units in a week. I'm guessing Denon or NUMARK very very soon? 😏

[@IcemanTheDj]

Waiting for CDJs 🤭

[@digitaldjtips]

Who knows? Not us!

[@Mixwell55]

I’m using an older version of rekordbox that I can still use with the cdj3000… Am I going to be able to use my old version of rekordbox with the XDJ-AZ?

[@chrisrioux6436]

Just found out if you have a CDJ plugged into DJ Link on one side, it disables the internal deck select on the other side. Ruins any chance of me upgrading from my XZ.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, you need to engage Pro DJ Link mode which covers decks 3 and 4 together

[@allentastic]

I’m waiting for stems to be supported before I ever buy a standalone

[@digitaldjtips]

Lots of people saying this

[@einfachNurIch911]

Sorry but Opus Quad has the Key Sync and Shift as well... =)

[@HartogLeon]

Phil, in the video you talk about future support for more streaming services. Did they tell you anything about Tidal yet?

[@cosmicpuma]

Totally agree with all the comments re price. Also, the streaming and connectivity options are miles behind the competition. If AT reduced their prices so it reflected the feature set, which let’s be honest, is not what it should be at this price, then it could be called worthwhile. We as dj’s and the community need to stop this madness that is the AT/Pioneer pricing… I’m not anti AT, only tired of them pushing products that don’t justify the price tag, (in my humble opinion) based on what the competition offers regarding feature set vs price … Thanks for the in depth review Phil.

[@kadooks]

Hi Phill, tks for the review! Can the master eq on the top right cornet be set to isolator in the settings?

[@digitaldjtips]

Good question and not sure but I don’t think so

[@dyztructive]

They could have added q send return for effects units on thw back, there is plenty of space for it

[@_cr8ive_]

If you're a professional DJ wanting to upgrade, would you say that this single unit would be a better option rather than 2 CDJ_3000's?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, for most DJs

[@_cr8ive_]

@@digitaldjtips that's great, thanks Phil, will certainly look into this model...stay blessed...👍🙏🥂

[@WarpedSounds-o5p]

I only just got my hands on the XZ with a pair of turntables last year... Honestly, for it's price and features it's just not worth the upgrade (for me) but it's a very nice unit indeed.

[@digitaldjtips]

XZ still a good unit.

[@avgazz7423]

Would be sweet if they had the option to use the wave 8s with this.

[@kereamohau]

So glad you don't have to hold 'Shift' to access the second row of the Pad Mode options. That was a big annoyance on the controllers.

[@djfane4790]

The price is ok, see that Opus was similar or even more expensive and this AZ is more advanced in many functions, still takes years to come out with something in vibe with nowadays technologies. Anyway, good one, probably I will buy AZ and sell or use XZ for renting.

[@digitaldjtips]

Think you'll like it!

[@SteveAldous]

Great video as always Phil appreciate the hard work it took to make this. All we need now is a replacement for the RMX 1000 🫶

[@davebowman1982]

Taking away any brand loyalty (of which I have none)... is there a genuine reason why I should spend £1000 more on this instead of a Prime 4+?

[@PunchineloPow]

This is what I'm thinking. I have been with pioneer in the past but atm I have 2x technics and a pioneer djm 450 and I'm looking to add a digital all in one to the set up and I've been eyeing the 4+

[@davebowman1982]

@PunchineloPow sounds like you're in the same position as me then. I love my Technics obviously but I've been really slow getting into the digital age so an all in 1 that could accommodate the Technics makes sense to me. Pioneer/Rekordbox is industry standard so with this new controller of course I'm getting access to that ecosystem but I'm under no illusions I'm getting booked for festivals anytime soon so it's not a deal breaker for me. All the reviews I've seen speak highly of the Engine DJ software and the hardware of the Prime 4+ seems to have all the same functionality of the new Pioneer gear... so do I pay an extra £1000 just for Rekordbox? Seems a tall order to me I've not used either system so I'm completely open to any input to help my decision

[@PunchineloPow]

@davebowman1982 Yeah, it's a very similar situation. I don't plan on playing out or anything, so having a club standard isn't a big issue for me. I'm just so used to the layout of pioneer mixers and their effects. As silly as it sounds, the main thing putting me off is the fx workflow of the 4+ and the smaller jogs. But from what I've heard, the engine software is solid, and the 4+ also has stems, I believe. 🤷‍♂️

[@IcemanTheDj]

Denon prime don’t have stems… and I don’t know if the quality of the faders and buttons that pioneer uses in az is the same as in the cdjs and djm a9 (I guess not) but the components used in prime standalone units of Denon are bad. The faders are so bad quality. And I am not a fan of any brand, I have players form Denon (SC6000) and mixer from Pioneer (DJM A9) so I am not against one or another.

[@digitaldjtips]

If you prefer the feature set, if you want Rekordbox ecosystem compatibility, if you play on similar gear in clubs and want something compatible at home, if you want bigger jogwheels.

[@adriangriffiths4051]

Hi Phil I bought the XDJ RX3, and the reason it was sold was because you couldn't play offline tracks from Beatport or Beatsource via pro link, cutting my flexibility down massively. Does this unit have that ability? , for 3k I'd expect the tech to be complete and totally flexible for offline tracks.

[@digitaldjtips]

Beatport but no offline, unless used with a laptop

[@adriangriffiths4051]

I won't be selling my DDJ1000 or 800 then.

[@PeteSherriff]

I knew I stayed awake for a reason 😂

[@melsterne3484]

Hey Pete, my favourite midlands DJ, 🎉🎉🎉

[@djNineshoxxx]

the AZ is nice but a logical purchase would be the prime 4 plus which has everything you need to get started with several streaming services to boot the AZ should have been launched when all its featured were ready.

[@digitaldjtips]

If you don't want/need the "missing" features but prefer Rekordbox ecosystem, AZ - if you need those things and don't mind Engine DJ - Prime 4+.

[@YouriHL]

Thanks for this in-depth view of the AZ, Phil. Splendid. Although I'm still happy with my Roland DJ-505 and my turntables setup, I do like this all-in-one device. I actually wanted to get a second hand DDJ-RXZ, but this ... well, it's wonderful. I just don't like the way AlphaTheta handled the Serato situation. Leave Serato alone haha. That said, do you guys have a full course of the Roland DJ-505 or know where to find it ? I do have the pdf-file printed (the extended one), but a visual manual helps me better (I know Roland released a section by section videomanual, but it's not really in-depth, especially for the built-in TR-S).

[@DUSTYUK]

3 questions… 1 No stems yet? I guess no? 2 Does the 2nd usb port have the ability to record like on the RX3? I guess no? 3 is this suitable to take to a club to use with a void or function1 sound system or are all in one systems still a bit lacking in quality over a dedicated mixer like the 900 nexus 2 or the newer A9?

[@digitaldjtips]

1. no 2. yes, you can choose 3. yes, 32-bit ESS

[@DUSTYUK]

@@digitaldjtips re 2. I can’t see any record buttons like on the rx3 to record direct to usb unless they have moved the record button into the software?

[@DJFITME]

Does it have finally beat count feature like on cdj when you put finger on the small waveform and it shows how many bars to that point? Love that on CDJ because if i dont know the track i can still make good phrase mix.

[@digitaldjtips]

Would have to check! The “listen ahead” feature is good for this though

[@DJFITME]

@@digitaldjtips Thanks! waiting for the info ☺️

[@DJFITME]

@@digitaldjtipsJust watched spanish review and it does have that feature. I just put order in. Cant wait :)

[@petervrolijk5788]

So... with this information... how does the new XDJ RX4 look like? Larger platters?

[@AnaNegruta-t2q]

SALUT.Wait for S4 mk4 or just buy mk3? I wonder if mk4 will come out soon. It would be terrible to get mk3 right before mk4 comes out. What would you do in my situation?

[@Punks1nSandals]

I just don't understand why they left the pads on the bottom but the Opus and the Grv6 has the 3000s style 🤔

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, I guess because they are trying to make an all in one universal unit appealing to everyone. It's fine though, XZ lovers didn't seem to mind.

[@MVPHawaiiDJs]

Will there be firmware updates in the future for more streaming services like tidal, beatsource? What I really wish they had was other storage drive ports like Sd card & SSD Sata disc drives,?

[@Deejay-cassette]

I do have the pioneer opus quad so do you think it worth to switch to this guy or not?

[@digitaldjtips]

No

[@robwalsh2362]

It’s look pretty impressive 😮

[@Soundsplash-r2f]

I'm not happy. it's as if we've been cheated. Why did they launch the Opus Quad earlier and then bring out the XDJ AZ later? Was looking forward to the addition of paddle effects. I bought the Opus Quad last year, can't get this now.

[@markstephenson9280]

No replaceable fader, no Magvel, break once break everything.

[@aaronjp413]

Hey Phil, any chance you could give us the measurements between the feet specifically the depth of the unit? It says 504 mm or 19.85 inches in the specs but I’m sure they’re taking the screen into account with these measurements.

[@BabyRaver98]

Where did u get those cool headphones?

[@redbasemedia]

We need a XDJ-AZ vs Denon Prime 4+ vs Raine video now.

[@Stalkermatrixx]

Hello very nice videos what you produce. Very informative I would have a question for a professional. I released x years ago with vinyl. Now I would like to hang up again. Practice at home and later again at events if it arises. My questions is enough here an rx3 or would the Az be the better choice?thank you best regards from Austria

[@digitaldjtips]

AZ if you can afford it

[@esilvaits]

Hi Phil, how about stems? Is it also available on it, with easy access to select them? Cheers

[@digitaldjtips]

No stems on this (or any standalone at this time).

[@fouaddarwishjr]

I have an opus quad is it worth it to switch from the opus to this not because its any different from this they both do the exact same thing but this one is the industry standard

[@RaymondWard]

Thanks for this video. Now to save.

[@digitaldjtips]

Happy to help

[@seanbrennan3472]

I just got rid of my XZ bought a pair of Denon DJ SC6000’s and an X1850 mixer I’m with Denon now and won’t be changing back there’s no comparison and I’m sick to death of Pioneer greed and their insane prices for the so called “club standard “ which is meaningless I think now as most jobbing DJ’s have to take thier own equipment in now the scene has changed now the standard is whatever the DJ themselves buys

[@djihsansiral]

I have opus. I think I will stick with it

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah no reason why not

[@MikeNovelli]

Is this basically the DDJ-SZ upgraded? Or what is the closest upgrade from a DDJ-SZ to its modern equivalent?

[@digitaldjtips]

There isn’t one but this is probably closest to

[@MikeNovelli]

@@digitaldjtips Do you mean because of the S for Serato? What would make one choose this over the DDJ-GRV6 and visa versa? .. personally I would like a GRV6 with pads. It seems like you have to compromise if you go with one or the other. I want them slammed together so I have all the knobs and switches... I want drum swap and drum roll and drum release with pads.. and why are there no longer FX knobs on each channel? ... What do you think is the upgrade path from the DDJ-SZ that shares as much of the original SZ DNA?

[@andrewk9241]

FINALLY I can justify getting one of these vs piece by piece setups. Going for the prime is something only home djs should do. This here will keep you in sync with modern club setups. Pioneer will always be the top tier for this. Sure the competition is something to be heard however until they take over the professional world it just isnt worth it. If you can work on a pioneer you can work on everything. It does not seem to be the case the other way around. Just food for thought. Lastly the downside, WHY DONT THE DECKS SPIN ARRRRRGGG!!!!!

[@digitaldjtips]

The deck don’t spin for the same reason they don’t spin on CDJs, because there’s no need. And you’re quite right about Pioneer/AT being closest to the club, that’s just the truth.

[@djblakethesnake]

the one USB for laptop is a bummer, as well as hub for ethurnet.. Also the old unit didn't show all the serato info in the screen.. Is that different.. The same drawbacks on th XZ are still there..

[@digitaldjtips]

I guess they are thinking that this unit is designed to be used standalone rather than with laptops hence no need for two laptop sockets, as far as the lack of an ethernet switch again I guess they’re thinking so few people actually plug-in CDJs that if you did, you’d be prepared to spend the money on a switch There are so many improvements over the previous unit that all the old shortcomings are still there is slightly unfair, I think

[@DJPellevin]

Price are almost same as A9-mixer and you get two decks at the same price. What are we missing from A9 if we go with AZ?

[@LesGo-vx1zc]

On my xdj xz I have two technics 1210 turntables my MacBook sound card for ableton and a groove box in the inputs. So 4 things. This AZ would be no good for me is that right? Or is there a work around?

[@ricolush]

Phil. Can you plug in a large HD into this unit ? Like, I use a 1TB SSD in my Opus Quad

[@klubstompers]

Now if they would onky update Wreckitbox, so you could import your serato Playlist to RB.

[@lawrencevusithubane3111]

Do you have to restart the unit if u switch from usb to software?

[@Ejshoe]

Thanks for the great review, I love using the "slip" function, on the XZ every time a new track is loaded this function is turned off, has the AZ got a workaround for this where the function is able to stay on even when loading a new track, I find it super annoying that it automatically turns off every time I load a new track, is there a way to keep this function permanently on or is it not possible?

[@digitaldjtips]

No, it hasn’t and it’s a very unusual use case to want slip mode on all the time, although I can see why you like it.

[@Ejshoe]

@@digitaldjtips thanks for letting me know, personally I find it a great feature and would appreciate an option within the settings where it can be left on permanently, maybe a hint for the developers ;)

[@ultragummer]

Tidal, Amazon? Why no possibility to put a SSD in the Controller? Zone Out? And the price.... ^^

[@digitaldjtips]

Clearly not things they think particularly bother too many people

[@ultragummer]

@@digitaldjtips so it's not standalone. 🤷

[@ShaneDabinett]

are those full size jog wheels? I think i missed that but they dont look it from this angle.

[@lexxruno5765]

and HOW we connect DJS-1000 without a SEND? Is DJ Link doing the job to sample and sync the sampler?

[@mrhipno]

Does it have sonic link to the wave eight speakers? Would be sweet if it did

[@TheChriscarr1210]

Do I need it? No. Do I want it? YES!

[@naimbitar88]

When are you going to do the in-depth tutorial?

[@digitaldjtips]

In the next few weeks hopefully

[@NoobRideseMTB]

How quickly do the tracks from Beatport streaming take to process?

[@MadelnMachines]

To practice for clubs and have fun at home would you get this for £2700 or 2 x CDJ 3000s for £4300 and use your existing mixer (Xone 92 for me)? I could sell the Xone for a DJM-750MK2 later if I wanted all pioneer. Also can I use my 1210s with this unit as a timecode for decks 3 and 4? Can you control stems with eq or the pads when plugging into a laptop? Thanks

[@DJWoody714]

I would keep the Xone. BTW, there's a new Xone 92 out! Check it out. It has some minor upgrades and a new refined color scheme.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes you can use your decks for DVS. I’d get this.

[@MadelnMachines]

@@DJWoody714 I love the 92s filters but don’t really like the faders on the xone or the fader curve and I’m interested to try and start playing with pioneers effects even though a most of them sound very cheesy to me. I remember the feeling of the DJM800 faders in the store - they felt like a rolls Royce. Perfect smooth resistance. I wonder if they are still the same on the controllers A9 or v10. I did see the new Xone but it’s expensive for pretty much the same mixer as I have.

[@MadelnMachines]

@@digitaldjtips I think I will - every club go to and would want to play at uses V10 and CDJ3000s. With this I can easily transition from vinyl to digital and learn the pioneer effects and CDJ decks. Play DVS if I want. Plus really I’d want more than 2 CDJs or at least 2CDJs and a sampler that syncs perfectly. I’d be curious to see how stems is in implemented when the az is plugged into a laptop - is there Stem EQ / stems on the pads. I’m still very tempted by the FLX but I really like the idea of playing without a laptop and having a proper CDJ screen

[@diegoproano199]

Even though the opus quad is for mobile djs, how is this better than that?

[@jackmasterfil]

4TB SSD Hard Drive? Prime 4!

[@digitaldjtips]

Yup

[@Jordan_long]

Do the EQ knobs and tempo faders have the tactile feedback in the centre (like older pioneer gear did)? I know that was something that was missed off the FLX10

[@digitaldjtips]

From memory not sure but pretty sure they do

[@djfuzzofficial]

I'm a Serato DJ. Is there an option for a once-off payment for Rekordbox anymore? If not that would the only reason I won't upgrade to this.

[@syntaxvrc]

Rekordbox does hardware unlocks, so just having the device connected enables all the performance functions of the software. Aside from DVS, I don’t actually know what you get from paying for Rekordbox, to be honest.