DJ Cotts - Pioneer XDJ-R1 Review

Hey everyone! Here is the long overdue Pioneer XDJ-R1 review. Hope you enjoy! NOTE: One week after I put this video up Pioneer released an official Traktor Mapping for the XDJ-R1, get more details and the download here: • XDJ-R1 Official Trakto... Awesome stuff (makes the controller that much nicer) :D

[@quidsonpoundsoff1492]

One of the best reviews I've seen for a long time. Thank you for helping me make up my mind to buy this unit!

[@owenmore5675]

To go through your tracks quickly using the controller, hold the shift button and spin the jog wheel

[@DjCotts]

Hey everyone, just an FYI Pioneer just released an official Traktor mapping for the XDJ-R1 XDJ-R1 Official Traktor Pro 2 TSI Tutorial

[@OzJumper01]

DJ Cotts, you need to put an annotation saying that if you hold shift and use the jogweel in vinyl mode you can fastforward and rewind tracks faster. try it and your know what i mean.

[@daviscarlson5598]

so does this deck work with a lap top 100%?

[@alizeroman7197]

dory

[@triniexr]

I also want to know if it can work with a laptop.

[@djdadbode3068]

ps great review as well! very nice

[@djedd23]

I was already thinking about getting one these. But your review has convinced me. I can't wait! at this price point it offers so much. And it seems like the initial technical problems that users were reporting have been pretty much ironed out. nice!

[@flosdraad]

19:15 yes there is, press and hold the shift button and move the jog forward or backwards.

[@BradInscoe]

Per your comment at 19:10 .. I'm fairly certain you can do the seeking (fast fwd, rewind) on the unit by holding shift + turning the jog wheel. You do not have to use the remotebox interface on the iPad/iPhone.

[@therealdjflip]

big ups on the review makes me want one as a upgrade

[@TheLordyorkshire]

Very helpful. Covered a lot of things I was unsure about.

[@djdadbode3068]

/. Great review DJ cotts /. very nice work

[@luisgonzalez-zc2wq]

that's gonna be my next controller... thanks cotts.... you are awesome !!!!!!!1

[@DjAnglalik]

You can actually fast search thru tracks with the unit by holding down shift while using the jogwheel! :)

[@DjCotts]

Nice one! I'll update an annotation on that. Thanks! I couldn't figure that out... :/

[@StroobantsCC]

Nice review

[@harrylime22]

Great review. thanks

[@traktorpro10]

Had this since release, in the shop today to fix/replace right deck cue button, disappointed with no waveform support in Remotebox.

[@DjCotts]

Yeah it would be nice to have, but for $1000 and effects, two cdj's and a two channel mixer you can't ask for more really! :) I broke my cue buttons on my CDJ-800MK2's ever since I have been paranoid about not touching them too hard :/ but they should be fairly strong!

[@jamala.4145]

Thanks for the great video. If I want to use the USB only is that possible (via the screen) or do I NEED to have the rekordbox (i.e. The I-pad or I-phone) on? Also can't I just use the rewind and forward buttons to search faster instead of jogwheels? I need a unit purely for moving from digital to CDJs and my friends are recommending this. Would you say this is a good decision? I can't afford CDJs now. Thanks :)

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

i gave you 9 out 10 grate review Cotts

[@TheQwertystyle]

19:10 Please do note that you can FFWD a track while using the shift button + jog on the unit. Great review otherwise. What version of ipad do you use?

[@AlonsoMontero]

WHOA! I didn't expect to hear a HALCALI tune in here! What's the name of the "Strawberry Chips" remix at 23:31? :)

[@thricedeviate]

great review thank you! :D

[@tylium1]

DJ Cotts I just bought one of these and set up my usb tracks with rekordbox and immediately updated to version 1.10. (Factory version 1.08 which came with the unit). I have no headphone sound or speaker output sound. My mixer is pretty much dead while the cdjs appear to play tracks just fine. Any idea what this issue may be???

[@GenoGiovanni]

Thank you for the tutorial.

[@hazelboy]

shouts out the jakazid track haha

[@jeromehennig2385]

DJ COTTS PIONEERXDJ-R1 REVIWW JA MAMAJA

[@stanwooz94]

Whats the name of the tune that plays from the beginning to 03:20 and the one that comes directly after it?

[@Bitznobobs]

I have a question about this controller, if i would use an USB without rekordbox. And if the USB had different folders i made myself, for different genres or w/e , would you be able to go in and out of them in the LED display? or would all tracks be displayed together in one place.

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Nah, you can use it like that too but why would you? If you use your UBS stick in different environments, just get another one and drag your folders in to Rekordbox to get your music analyzed. Your folders will automatic be playlists and will mirror your folders in your computer. I know most people drag their whole collections in to RB, and then starts creating playlists. The benefit doing so, is that once you've prepared your tracks with hot cues and whatever, this will follow the track in every playlist you put it. However, if you like me, erase the tags (keeping the comment & cover art), rename every music file following a set standard where BPM and eventually Key is included, and are not using prepared hot cues and loops very much anyway, sticking to keep everything organized in your explorer has more pros than cons. The benefit is that you can use your music in any system and it will look the same. In case of hdd failure and everything is gone, you just drag your folders back in RB, and in a few hours ,you're up and running again. When making changes in your already analyzed folders, you just choose to analyze the latest changes and then create a new playlist, which will overwrite the existing one, with a warning of course :) . If you use your RB analyzed USB on different Pio gear, you just have to remember to choose the right model before ejecting your USB from RB, or it will fail. The XDJ-R1 is a perfect unit for many cases and I had mine for 3 years. The only reason I sold it was because I replaced it with my primary players, 2000Nexus, when I got my NXS2's. Now a DJ friend has it and he is very satisfied. Two last important things. There's a limit to how many files you can have on a USB. Only 999 using non analyzed files and 10000 using RB analyzed files. This is why I had dedicated USB sticks to my R1. When using music on a USB stick, not analyzed, you can't use Remotebox to scroll and search your music. You will only be able to do this on the build in display. Me, I sold the unit with the iPad included, because it's such a vital part for the whole experience with the R1. Considering what you get for your money with the R1, it's stupid not to get a used iPad for a few bucks if you don't have one to spare already. It makes such a major positive difference in usability and functionality. Even compared to my full NXS2 setup, the browsing experience when looking for tracks to play, the R1/iPad wins easy.

[@Fertep]

excelent video, thanks DJ Cotts. Have one question, when using the XDJ as a controller, lets say traktor, the music has to be stored in the usb still or comes from the computer?

[@DJBaka]

Hmm is it still worth it as a xdj-rr alternative or so? I miss a mixer fx selection and damn sorry but i also miss waveforms :c i dont need beat grids, i dont need sync, i dont need everything but tbh... i need or just want waveforms. I mean often it works good enough without if you know the tracks and/or the tracks have a similar structure but overall... wave forms are nice if you play other genres or tracks that you not really know. Ok i think i have answerds my question by my self but damn why it is so expensive :c

[@lellocaso6041]

Hello help me with this please? : Can I hear the AUX LEVEL output only on one platter (CH1 or CH2) or on both platters (CH1 and CH2) of the console? Thank you!!!

[@Mr.Oblivian]

great vid, bruv... what is the track that you have come in @ 1:30?

[@T0nyWhyN0tT]

Hey bro is this almost the same as the club scene cdjs ?? Like it works the same way ? Same buttons ? I was gonna be djing at clubs but I didn’t know how to use cdjs so what would u say ? Save up for actual cdjs or this is the same ????

[@windu2110]

Excellent Device It Makes The Job As Much Easier As Funny Either....

[@lukeleo2003]

Hey man, I currently use cdj2000 and djm900, I'm looking for something suitable for smaller gigs, Can you use the r1 with record box straight from your laptop?? I currently run a LAN connection with cdjs and laptop all linked together via a hub. i do all my browsing on the screen of the cdjs with my laptop pushed to the side. Can i do this on the r1??

[@dogruler543]

Hey cotts, have you ever thought about using a launchpad for any mixes? If you have any suggestions on a rig?

[@Nomis-ru9cl]

can someone help me please what dj software will i need too use this ?

[@ricardoracines5232]

Hey man.... I have question: I am trying to record a session with my R1 but... Once i begin to Record with the songs on PAUSE (not sounding) exist a noise like fffffffffffffff as a White Noise... Also this happens when i rise up the volume of my M Audio monitors at full gain or when its connected to a big Active speaker... Once it begins to sound... anything happens.... This is normal or my R1 is bad?

[@Rampage00769]

@OzJumper01 Thanks man, I was wondering how to do it. Now if I could only use My android tablet and ph, instead of Iphone/Ipad. Also Mine did not come with the Iphone stand to attach, was it supposed to or is this sold seperately?

[@kevressTV]

Hey Scott, would you rather Traktor S2 or DDJ-SR?

[@Dj-Vj_Danis-Hatziprodromou]

Hello from Greece. Great helpfull video. 1.It will be very helpfull a tutorial about auto loop function. 2.Can i use usb 3? 3. Can you suggest some fast usbs? Thanks keep on mixing!

[@44kaus]

Have you tried setting the mixer to pc in the utility so that the levels are mapped? I purchased the r1 and so far its been great using 1.10 firmware

[@Ni3ls118]

How is it that the max range of the tempo slider is 16% when there's also a "wide" option? "Wide" should mean 100% right?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

It's probably due to cpu power, or lack there of. Like on the CDJ-850 where you can use wide on CD's, but not on mp3's. This is something Pioneer has been bad at since the intro of software based hardware, like the CDJ-900/2000. Hopefully Denons' new approach about powerful cpu's in DJ units will make Pioneer rethink this issue.

[@djz3bra]

+DJCotts 2 things, can you make a ddj wego 3 review and do you like skrillex? 👽

[@PatchenDance]

What is the tune at 12:40 that goes "I just wanna be with you"? EDIT: Found it, it's JAKAZiD - Be With U :)

[@Chris5685]

So... A standalone XDJ- R1, or a laptop with Traktor Pro / Kontrol S2? Both would cost the same amount of money where I live, so the price is irrelevant.

[@DanielHennellMusic]

25:03 what keyboard is that? Thanks

[@liammcvicker5101]

Hi Cotts how do u record on them with out videoing yourself ?

[@harmlesip1]

I do love my R1 but I just miss my waveforms 😭

[@matttheazn]

hold track search forward or back while spinning the platter should ff and rr faster than just spinning the platter.

[@synapticflow]

Hey DjCotts, Iwas thinking about moving from a laptop and controller to an all in one, but I am worried about something. I have seen reviews where people say it's better to set up your playlist in advance on this type of unit because browsing songs is hard to do without a nice laptop type of screen. What if you are playing the type of events where you have to take requests all night and can't follow your playlist exactly in order? Would you just stick with a laptop if that's the case.

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

You can use this with any old iPad for browsing your music. The limit to have in mind is 10 000 tracks. The unit can't handle more than that. Usually, if you have a collection of the best, and most asked for, 10 000 tracks, you will be fine. A DJ's job is actually to know when a request will be good for the majority of the guests. Unless it's the host of a private or corporate event asking, nothing else should be played. The R1 has a AUX input, so if you're desperate to play every request, hook up your phone and use Spotify for those songs you don't have. In most countrys this is not allowed in public events, but for private use, who cares. However you do, NEVER use a playlist where you have decided beforehand what to play and in which order. That WILL fail 99% of all times you try to do it. Curate your collection carefully and learn your music and how the tracks you have affects people on the dance floor. Then you learn which tracks to pick depending on the gig you have and the people you have in front of you. The day you become a superstar DJ, you can get away with playing your pre planned 30 track set with the music people expect you to play anyway. Before that, you will have to earn the attention and respect from the people in the venue, reading the situation and creating on the fly.

[@djdadbode3068]

nice hula skirt ,

[@ChiefShaka]

is there p-lock fada's

[@Kn0wM1ndFlowAndMusic]

How can you mix as a stand-alone if there’s no waveforms? I’m interested in this “controller” because I’d like to be able to condition myself to be able to play on cdj’s with the two led screens separated by the mixer. I can’t afford the 3 thousand dollar rzx and this seems to be the only affordable pioneer “controller” with two screens.

[@Quaranj]

(Laughs in vinyl)

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Wave forms are a great add on, not a necessity. You will have a time line showing where in the track you are, but basic knowledge in song structure and some knowledge of the tracks you are playing are sufficient info to DJ with any gear. Setting hot cues at important sections will help you to some degree as the hot cue's will show up on the timeline. Learning to mix by ear is far more usable than using your eyes matching wave forms. Even with the latest models of CDJ's, you won't have any stacked wave forms if the link is down. If the CDJ's happens to be the CDJ-350's, they don't show any wave forms either. If it is the CDJ-850 or the CDJ-900 (Mk1), the wave forms is so tiny that details you'd expect to see in modern DJ software, won't show anyway. If you learn to DJ on the R1, you will feel comfortable using any pro gear in clubs. If you look at the used market, I recommend looking for a XDJ-700/DJM-450 or maybe a DJM-250Mk2 setup. My primary setup is the NXS2, but in case I need to bring my own gear to a gig, I use my XDJ-700/DJM-450 and I really don't miss much from my NXS2 setup. I bought this setup used, in prime condition, for $1100 (half the new price) and value wise it has the best value of all the gear I've bought for the last 30 years. I have the XDJ-R1 with a dedicated laptop and iPad, but since I got the XDJ-700/DJM-450 setup, I haven't used it on a single gig, so it will be for sale as soon as I've made a sales demo video. I still think that the XDJ-R1 is the best value if your budget is under $900. If you already have the laptop and iPad, the used price is around $400. Any solution cheaper than that, I'd be very suspicious about it :) .

[@DenkyMusic]

Please.. I want buy a new controller. Pioneer XDJ-RX / SX or R1? Who is better?

[@cytrixz-codm6444]

SX has more features than the RX. let's don't talk about the R1 but if you are fine with 2 decks mixing and you want to something close to modern club equipment. .get the RX.

[@jackywong7918]

Is the xdj r1 a good choice fore the beginner dj?

[@DiplomatOfDirt]

A good cheap controller is a ddj-wego 2for a begginer

[@cruz6294]

How can I record the sessions with the xdj-r1?

[@DJErrn]

Does anyone know if this unit can be used with Rekordbox on a Laptop (i.e not through a USB Stick)?

[@djedd23]

No..... You can prepare your files on Rekordbox on laptop for use with USB. but you can't use Rekordbox on a laptop like a MIDI controller if that's what you mean. The Remotebox app is pretty good though. You don't get waveforms but can set up cues and doesn't really bother me especially if I know the tunes well anyway.

[@DJErrn]

Educasian Thanks, I thought as much. Well I like to use Rekordbox to DJ with it's my preference I Use CDJ 2000's currently, and mobile DJs tend to have a lot of music more than you could put on a mobile Device at any rate. Well CDJ 2000's are too large and overkill for my needs these days....But....Pioneer look to have come to my rescue in the shape of the XDJ-RX which is almost exactly what I'm looking for.

[@djedd23]

yeah i'd love to have the xdj-rx but it's not that cheap. still almost double the price of the xdj-r1.

[@busychild2933]

hey DjCotts can you go through the official Traktor pro 2 official mapping Im having hard time mapping the effects button.Default mapped (flanger) for the 1st effects and level depth working properly, and then the second (echo) 2nd effects and doesnt have level depth , and 3rd (roll) the effects button works and have to hold shift to use the level depth for the 3 effects :) hope you get it thank you :) i dont want to mess up the default mapping :)

[@NiftyPCs]

whats the track in the background at 13 mins

[@bsinclair1984]

I cant scratch on my unit whilst the play button is on only when paused anyone know why this might be??

[@djtomwatson]

Turn on Vinyl mode with the vinyl mode button, problem solved but I guess you probably figured that out a year ago?

[@darrinlavigne3531]

can it play mp3 cds

[@fkwstudio]

So there's no way to show waveforms on the ipad? What a damn shame. . really seems like a foolish omission

[@Canvit22]

Hello, people advise that it is better to buy Pioneer ddj sx OR Pioneer xdj-r1 OR (pioneer djm 800 & cdj 1000mk3 - The old truth is) ???

[@djedd23]

Don't get old CDJs!! Xdj-r1 is better than that. DDj-SX is good too but you need to decide if you want to use software and if you do which is best for you.

[@Canvit22]

thank you

[@Canvit22]

Educasian I have now Pioneer ddj ergo-v, advise me to buy the kit to Pioneer ddj ergo-v Pioneer rmx remix station 500 or Pioneer rmx 1000, or sell Pioneer ddj ergo-v and instead buy all this Pioneer ddj sx ???

[@mmaximko]

Last track id?

[@Piets8]

Your most recent video just got taken down :c

[@fabio39318]

How do you record with them?

[@djedd23]

I record it into my computer via and external sound card. Many people use Audacity to record on their computer but I prefer to use GarageBand, which is great if you have a Mac.

[@ModernTrucker1]

When i'm a dj at a party en i have the XDJ R1 i'm just gonna gonna get a drink in the middle of my mix en get a drink

[@skinnydmc10]

So whats the deal with the XDJ R1 now then? I cant find any recent reviews. I wana buy 1 but there are so many vids and write ups online of so many problems etc. If i was to part with my cash id like somthing thats not going to make me wana smash it up soon as i start mixing on it. Did you experiance any problems? Crashing/Freezing or anything not working how it should? Are people still getting problems with the latest firmware? Thanks

[@charlasvitamina]

Pioneer XDJ-R1 or DDJ-SX?

[@djedd23]

Depends... DDj-SX is 4-channel and only works with serato as midi. Xdj-r1 is only 2 channels but works with with virtual dj and Traktor, as well as USB sticks and CDs. Are you only gonna use software? Or do you need the other options?

[@charlasvitamina]

I want somethin like cdjs

[@djedd23]

well... you could argue both are similar to cdjs in that they're both similar in layout to the CDJs. But XDJ-R1 works with Rekordbox and usb and cds just like pioneer's CDJs. So i guess XDJ-R1 is more what you're looking for

[@charlasvitamina]

ok thank ou

[@Hrmnc6]

I just bought this mixer! It does not support serato! I'm alil upset

[@djmandador3115]

How to play all at once and no stop I have to play every song

[@ughhhead]

Oh my god... I had that buzzing-1.06 version crash at a live gig!!!! Not cool at all!!

[@Brenwalsh]

"Beet Sampler"......Lol The question is, This or the DDJ-SZ?

[@DjCotts]

I should have one of those in two months and will do a review like this on or very close to the release date. The SZ is three times the cost and requires a laptop to use, but looks great. We will see!

[@Djappyd]

Some one lend me £849 hahaha jk's i need this. i will have you! hahaha

[@wololoaudio2564]

That app has everything except waveform display.. wtf?

[@glegakis]

The music in the background is distracting and obnoxious. I wish I could've turned it off. Otherwise good review.

[@djnicksid]

I'm very disappointed with this unit...using cds (which I still like) its impossible to get a consistent perfect beat loop..god forbid you want a 16 beat loop...you have better success trying a 4 beat loop then open it up to 8-16-etc...if you need that loop on the fly at that particular time and you only have one chance, your screwed... what I don't understand is how can you have all these functions work perfectly fine on a pioneer cmx 3000 from the 90s and on all your players and not have a loop adjust on this....

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Nothing during the last decade has been really made for the use of CD's, and to be realistic, setting a perfect one touch loop even on a CDJ-1000MK3 is a bit optimistic. You had to set that loop manually and save it as a hot loop to be able to use it reliably. The R1 is optimized for Rekordbox analyzed music files, where a beat grid has been added. That beat grid info is then quantized to get you perfect loops and beat effects in sync with the track even if you change the tempo. The unit can play your CD's but on a basic level. I have the NXS2 setup, and if you put a CD into them, you're back to the functionality of a CDJ-1000Mk3 from 2006. That's why I still have my 1000's when I need to use my own gear in pubs and bars where there's risk for a variety of liquids damaging my gear. I'd rather let that happen to a $100 unit than a $ 2200 unit.

[@12360869]

3 нах

[@SlimmyTV]

No waveform? Typical Pionner greediness...

[@DreysonVey]

R1 sucks... dan waste of my money...

[@Goldy87s]

whats that pioneer external stand you have in the video?

[@wololoaudio2564]

That app has everything except waveform display.. wtf?