DJ80 - Denon SC Live 4 vs Prime 4 comparison, discussion, thoughts

[@3enniTee]

Im a hobbiest/bedroom DJ and have dabbled with posting a few mixes. The Live 4 for me is the perfect controller and In my opinion I'm probably Denons target market for this unit. I started with a Pioneer DDJ400 during lockdown then swapped that out for a Numark Mixstream Pro. As much as I liked the Mixstream Pro I found it a little limited functionality and FX wise rather quickly and found myself still using a set of Presonus 3.5" monitors as with the built in speakers the sound quality just wasn't quite there. The Denon SC Live 4 ticks all the boxes for me and I think it sit's at a fair price for what you get. The screen size is fine and perfectly readable, I think Phil needs to get himself down to Specsavers ;o) The speakers are a lot better than the Mixstream's so I no longer bother with the small monitors. I've dabbled with streaming services but to be honest much prefer having my own music library. I do use the Engine lighting function though with both Philips Hue and Nanoleaf, it works pretty well. Starting initially with the Pioneer, the Live 4 layout is familiar and nice imo. I don't really use the 4 decks functionality as of yet but it's nice to have as this will be a long term unit for me now. The Prime 4 will get an update pretty soon in my opinion, I don't think Denon will bother with another Prime 2 though and I'm not really sure what the point of the SC Live 2 is either for that matter.

[@DJ80]

Hi Benni, you make some really great points here, thanks so much. Sounds like you've hit the perfect spot for your needs, and I think you won't be alone. It's always nice when you upgrade gear and enjoy the benefits. I'm sure it won't be long until you're using all 4 channels. I made the jump to 4 and initially I was abit scared, but after practicing at home I soon got used to the extra 2 channels. I'm not a club DJ so don't really mix 4 songs at once, but as a mobile jock it's great for lining up extra tracks in case you change your mind or the current song doesn't hit the mark - and you need to swap direction quickly! I agree there probably won't be another Prime 2 - with the SC Live 2 and 4 there's not much point. I am patiently awaiting a mk2 Prime 4 or even a different brands version of something similar. If the Live 4 had had the same pads as the Prime 4 - I would've kept it in a heart beat because it had everything else I needed, but I'm too used to the pads on the P4 to make the change. Good luck with your hobby, and I hope you reach your desired goals. :-)

[@DJJDBass]

Don’t you think you might want to keep it for a backup in case your prime 4 goes down?

[@DJ80]

I hear you, but it’s an expensive back up. I did buy a Mixstream Pro for that reason but I was taking it to every gig and never using it. Now I have a tablet as a primary backup, and my phone as my 3rd in line.

[@hvxcolors396]

I dont understand why a Prime4 owner would even consider an sc live 4 , which is clearly sitting below the Prime series. I bought one because it costs 1000 less and weighs only half and given the price Im impressed, but I didnt have the expectations of getting same specs as a prime series product. Maybe that is something Denon should better communicate.

[@DJ80]

I didn't have the those expectations, and I would've kept it if the pads were the same. It had everything I needed except the quality of the pads - that was the only deal breaker. I didn't buy it expecting a total upgrade, I was willing to lose functionality because the Prime 4 has a lot of tech I don't need or use. Had the pads been the same I would've kept it, sold the Prime 4, and ended up with a brand new controller and probably a couple of hundred £'s extra in my pocket. Just didn't work out that way.