Serious Upgrades! AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 Review | Beatsource Tech

[@neiloughton]

Love how I wake up to a Pioneer announcement email to find the Mojaxx video immediately afterwards.

[@m-stat9]

because he and other channels get early access

[@neiloughton]

@@m-stat9 Oh yeah, I completely get how it works, just love the fact that its the case. Email from Pioneer then video from Mojaxx with my morning Coffee.

[@FunctionGermany]

mojaxx could explain crop growing to me and i would be glued to the screen. this man just has excellent presentation and review skills.

[@djstuc]

That stems roll on the vocal is genuinely brilliant.

[@orgonsolo6291]

Always enjoyable hearing MoJaxx putting Blue Monday through the mincer. New Order owes ya!

[@abumc5104]

i'm totally not interested in all this expensive digital equipment, but because it's you doing the hard work, it gets a like. 👇🏼

[@GillmanAudio]

This review is fantastic! It's incredibly informative, clear, and honest. It really does what it says on the Tin, (or plastic)

[@groovindj]

The drum sync wouldn't be an issue if the beat gridding in other software was as smart as Algoriddim's Fluid Beatgrid system. Overlaid loops on djay Pro stay in sync no problem. It's about time the others caught up.

[@FunctionGermany]

i'm not a huge fan. instead of the "groove circuit" i think they should have made the pitch fader longer and added master volume LEDs.

[@m-stat9]

850 bucks for this plastic trash with many flaws, no thanks, screw AT and better get a standalone Denon Live 4 for just 150 bucks more (still unlocks SDJ Pro if needed)

[@DJLyncho]

Right! And you get engine os anyway. I keep holding back on buying an sc live lol. Waiting to see if numark bring a new Mixstream. Can't wait forever tho

[@melbournerose4217]

Why would you buy a standalone but want to use a regular DJ software defeats the purpose of the word standalone. Denon DJ/Inmusic stupid logics

[@PowerOnPlay]

The Stems FX is really nice. Stems Roll on the Vocals or Drums ONLY is just phenomenal! 15:32 Why isn't Stems FX and Pad FX offered in general?

[@Carmai7]

Grid Nation is slowly but surely taking over!

[@ayyjayy5018]

ready for the AZ

[@FunctionGermany]

@@ayyjayy5018 but is your bank account ready? 3200 USD, allegedly.

[@djvenumofficial]

Looks solid, something I’ll definitely enjoy!!

[@tombyrnerocks]

"Babe, quick! The new Mojaxx video is out!" "Oh great, what's he reviewing?" "I don't care, it doesn't matter!"

[@juniorpops7632]

I totally agree with you about the UI of pioneer software, the UI just to busy, as much as I like the software I can’t get used to it. Serato DJ is such easier to look at and understand.

[@djphiliptan]

Agreed about the state of Rekordbox 7... the new features it added from RB6 all feel like they need more UI polish. The square icons are too small, unpredictable beachballing, and we don't need to see the horizontal library panel every time it starts up.

[@ReboyGTR]

*I love the jog wheel indicactors. Simplicity is key.*

[@bboymac84]

We want a lot of stuff in Serato but Serato won’t change. Algorithm DJay is the future face it!

[@melbournerose4217]

Really it can't even read the meta-data for flac files properly and they have been trying to fix this for over a year now.

[@bboymac84]

@@melbournerose4217 Serato or Djay?

[@bryanfontez]

Some cool stuff, but there's a dire need for a premium, pro-level, 2-Channel replacement for the DDJ-800 but with Serato and stem features. Maybe an SR3? Let's go.

[@dJBoog]

It’s the rev 5. Might not be what you’re wanting but I highly doubt they’ll release something that you’re looking for that isn’t just a successor to that.

[@bryanfontez]

​@@dJBoogthe Rev5 is a battle/scratch controller and nothing like the 800 or SR2. They need a pro, 2 channel club controller.

[@dJBoog]

@@bryanfontez What I’m saying is I doubt it will happen because of where it sits in their range of controllers, but hopefully for you they give you what you want.

[@bryanfontez]

@@dJBoog no you're right. It likely won't. But I can hope. I have no interest in 4 channels, they serve no purpose for 99% of DJs.

[@nathankabat1276]

I love my 800 and would be down for a new version! I expect several more years out of it tho

[@f3rny_66]

this is the controller I wish Pioneer released 4-5 years ago

[@copeyhagen4249]

You mean the ddj1000

[@konanhuet623]

@@copeyhagen4249 funny how idk how many years later the DDJ 1000 is still the go to. All these fluff features are just toys and the DDJ 1000 is the only 4 channel controller without gimmicks, no wonder it retains its falue so well

[@shouldknowbetteruk]

Loving the Groove Circuit feature. Yet again, PioAT release awesome creativity that isn’t available on more expensive ‘industry standard’ kit. They need to bring out a new FX unit to incorporate all this new tech.

[@simonshields2525]

Rumours are an RMX 2000 is in development, im guessing it will be like the 1000/500 but with fx paddles off the s7/s11

[@djriddem]

So how does it feel, when you lay your hands upon it?

[@OhHeyItsShan]

So you build up a reputation over decades as "Pioneer DJ", the club standard, name know for decades for quality before even the DJ equipment came out and then because you buy out the company, decide to rename it to your crappy unknown brand? Can't wait till I'll have to say "But its Pioneer in every other way..." or someone quips about "Looks like a knockoff Pioneer", probably some Chinese company trying to break into the market. You already have a solid name - why the f**k would you change it? It's not like Pioneer was a shitty or bad reputed name. Sure one can argue that even though it held the top spot in clubs, Denon and other brands were pushing the envelope further in features and price, but Pioneer was a name everyone saw and knew. If the name doesn't need changing, why change it?

[@Positive_Tea]

Enshittification by venture capital.

[@profbx5258]

@@OhHeyItsShan Pioneer Electronics spun off AT in 2014. They have not been involved in the creation of any DJ product since then. The current CEO was the engineer of the CDJ-500 jog and the DJM-909 fader, among many other things. Most of the employee base has been at AT since before 2014. So yea, it is the same people and the same product, and that does actually matter. You still have your Pioneer DJ gear, that you can buy right now. What’s wrong with actually establishing an independent identity?

[@profbx5258]

@@Positive_Tea there is no venture capitol ownership.

[@OhHeyItsShan]

@@profbx5258 You missed the core of my argument. My issue isn't with the people or products, I know the same engineers who built Pioneer DJ's reputation are still with AlphaTheta and I wasn't doubting their skill, now or in the future. The real question is: why rebrand a name with so much weight in the industry? Pioneer DJ isn't just a product name; it's synonymous with club-standard equipment worldwide. A brand like that carries trust and recognition that new names take years to establish. Changing it to AlphaTheta, a name no one knows, risks confusing customers and damaging brand identity. This isn't about staff capabilities; it's about brand equity. Pioneer DJ has been the go-to in the industry, and rebranding to an unfamiliar name feels like a step back. It's like if Coca-Cola rebranded to "Cola Blaze", it might be the same product, but most people wouldn't recognize it. You've just given Pepsi an edge. In an industry as competitive as DJ equipment, a strong familiar brand does matter. Why risk alienating customers when you already have decades of built-up recognition?

[@Naotaku]

So.. is the "Pioneer DJ" brand not a thing anymore? Or is it reserved for pro grade gear only?

[@skateboardkid420]

Great review. I have made a couple videos on getting tracks into rekordbox fast and how to set your grids perfectly quickly.

[@ikun9531]

This model is the most correctly designed one since AlphaTheta kicked in. The function, the layout makes me really happy that a mid-range controller can be this similar to the flagship model as a pro DJ using CDJs. And can't agree more with the rekordbox view, Pioneer DJ (or AT) still needs more work on stability, bug fixing and stem quality especially since they didn't make Serato of their own.

[@yaroslavnykyforuk9432]

29:57 Not sure how to do it in Serato, but you can adjust grid in Rekordbox on the fly with just a controller. If you go to MIDI settings -> Deck tab, there is GridSlide option and you can assign a button to it. I've assigned one of the pads from Sampler (this is basically my utility page) and at this point you just need to hold this button down and adjust grid position with a jog wheel. Also added grid halving/doubling and quantize there, which reduced mouse reaching with FLX-4 a bit.

[@Positive_Tea]

I’m looking to upgrade my board and the options are wild

[@kudamah]

I'm a vdj user and most of the features that are on this - mainly the stems fx and the way it works - aren't new to me but i definite luv that the effects on the strip aren't software based. Imo rekordbox effects are the cleanest... luv the spiral. Would luv to see how the integration of this unit will work.

[@lorenzo6053]

Groove circuit: This just Hardware control for the RB sampler as far as I can tell. You can do the same with a set of DJ tools and a loop on a beat playing on a 3rd deck, and have control over nudging and beatmatching thats missing. Use beatloop/roll effect for making breaks. Whats new here? Nice UX on the Serato Stems though love that.

[@DjJohn.C]

Great review as always Mojax. Seems a little like Traktor's Pattern Player if you ask me. ❤️

[@djestrela2]

this seems far more convenient to use, and disables the drum stem automatically

[@DjJohn.C]

Great review as always Mojax. Functions a lot like Traktor's Pattern Player if you as me. 👌

[@djestrela2]

this seems far more convenient to use, and disables the drum stem automatically

[@broucke1r]

thanks for awesome review! I still wonder if I will be able someday to accept that Pioneer(alphaTheta) midrange(GRV6) controller cost the same (or even more) money as Traktor high range(s4)?))) But I have to agree that this looks like the real upgrade in comparison to FLX6 and the company turn back to the competition, after Traktor/Rane/Denon/... shows that they really can deliver a lot more to the market for a lot less money.

[@darrentanner6245]

Looks pretty cool!! Hoping that the xdj-az leaks are real!!!

[@IcemanTheDj]

11:11 Bro, is the same as is on DJM mixers. The button flash when respective sound color fx is on! 😉 And BTW, it seems like Pioneer Dj brand is going bye bye... This controller is a solid confirmation of this!

[@deeejay1054]

I love this, it could be used in a bar plug and play setting or at home/parties.. great bit of kit with all the bells and whistles FX/Stems too for a good price.. nice one Alpha Theta, and in many peoples budgets too for an entry controller :) one thing .. whats the mic channel(s) like on it - can you EQ it through a channel or only using a level knob ? Also shame you can make use of the 4 channels to input Phono's or Line... 4 channels all through software to me seems a waste :(

[@Mike-wo2dk]

"Serviceable" sound quality, no pitch bend for the groove box, no hardware grid controls, and a feature centred around Rekordbox stems that Mojaxx admits are not up to scratch with their competitors? Look im a Pioneer fan but even I am not a fan of this product. Traktor and Roland made better stems/drum machine controllers in 2012 and 2018.

[@DJMANICO1]

Damn good review. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@DJRyanJamesUK]

@00:55 I used to have that transformer toy on the left doesn't it become a Lorry? Wow thats the best bit of this video lol. You say its a Mid Range controller I've always wondered if the FLX10 is considered a professional grade controller. Im a pro DJ but there is no way im carrying around an XZ its too big and heavy for portable use.

[@djsubculture2786]

It would be great if Alpha Theta would release an updated DDJ-XP2 with the "Drum Swap" features built in.

[@DT1One]

Appreciate the review, but I expect more from the alphatheta brand. Moving on from the standalone prime 4+ (a phenomenal a-z controller) and also the Rane Performer and Serato I found myself going back to The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 (24 bit 96khz) and Maschine Plus with the new Traktor 4 update and talk about remix on the fly! I really did expect more from alphatheta But then again pioneer doesn’t have a foothold when it comes to sample hardware or robust daw like features It’s Traktor for me right now; the performer is pretty much an oversized mouse pad It may go back

[@dooshmasta]

@2:37 I wish you would explain balanced a little better. It uses polarity inversion to cancel out interference that occur down the cable path and that’s why it’s so much quieter than an unbal signal. It would have taken you two more seconds to say that.

No EQ on the Groove Circuit? Would have been cool if the drums from the circuit could be routed to one of the channels.

[@craigshagey9999]

Good bit kit 👌

[@LeeChaney-g6w]

It looks like a toy, essentially the channel leds 😂 omg… horrible but the pioneer fanboys will buy it 😂

[@xsm5525]

was just about to comment the same thing, looks like a toy

[@Greg.Newton13]

When people still flick their fingers up after turning a knob, even on a demo video 😂

[@househeadspeakz]

As a mid-range controller user, I am disappointed with this one. I was hoping for AlphaTheta to upgrade the DDJ 800 instead of the FLX 6 DJ hardware. I'm not too fond of the jogs not having the display in the middle. I'm not too fond of the pinch slide being smaller. Mostly, I don't like that RB hasn't approved STEMS. Since I still use RB 6, I am not certain this hardware will work on it. AlphaTheta has gone backwards with this and it is not worth the USD 839 price. I would rather update to the DDJ 1000- or the FIX 10.

[@vincewatson_official]

@mojaxx surely the Quantize button being on would make the launching of the groove captures to work?

[@Mojaxx]

I tried all kinds of ways of working with it, and whatever I did, sometimes it was just off. Sadly.

[@kudamah]

There are shortcuts in rekordbox to nudge the beatgrids on the fly @30

[@MsLGmobilos-sb3hb]

In the groove section, can you do the same on RMX 1000, or another unit?

[@eyeamtim]

How you getting on with the AZ 😉

[@JosephGibson-ep6dd]

The 3-1-2-4 is triggering some kind of primal rage deep within.

[@DJ.Kvn_]

I'm getting numark 4track feels

[@d-zone]

balanced is 2 (not 3) conductors and separate ground that's why there is 3 pins on an XLR, not 4. It's a shame the overlays aren't magnetic

[@DirtyRuffdawg]

Why does the stems roll panel move when you press the buttons at 37.05 ? $800 is not plastic toy money

[@Mojaxx]

Do you mean the adhesive overlay which, moments before, I explained I wasn’t actually sticking on?

[@DirtyRuffdawg]

@@Mojaxx missed that. My bad x

[@Mojaxx]

@@DirtyRuffdawgAll good! The video is HELLA long, easy to miss things 😂

[@scupakus]

They should make stem volume control mappable

[@djNineshoxxx]

No XLR’s is a fail in my view i will give credit for the hybrid style set up bridging the gap between producing and DJing it maybe that we see more devices utilising this hybrid style format what i would like to see is a motorised standalone device with these features and have xlr’s of course

[@Inferno77665]

why is the panel so loose where the stem features are?

[@profbx5258]

Ayyyyyeeee

[@danceb4nine]

Ain’t gonna lie this is a solid unit. I absolutely love it. I love the look, the way it works and everything.

[@djstuc]

I wish they would crack on and get proper USB-C power delivery sorted out.... every single device from now on should offer it, remove the need for laptop charging cables.

[@FunctionGermany]

the problem is that different laptops require different amounts of power. many "thin and lights" won't charge below 90W PD which is a lot to ask from a light, plastic controller like this. you'd need something like 95W power input with sufficiently rated charger and USB-C cables and then take 90W inside the unit and route them out the USB port. i feel like this isn't feasible for many devices other than USB / thunderbolt docks. consuming something like 10W and forwarding 5W to slow charge a phone or tablet is much easier which i assume is being done here similar to the FLX4.

[@djstuc]

@@FunctionGermany you could have it at 50w and the laptop will at least maintain its power, i do it with the Reloop Flux all the time, it doesn't increase in power, but it also doesn't decrease, which is all we need for DJ gigs.

[@FunctionGermany]

@@djstuc only few laptops will even charge at all at 50W, which i think makes it not worth it to implement - at least at this price point. maybe that will change with the more widespread adoption of 120 and 200W PD.

[@djstuc]

@@FunctionGermany Well mine is an M1 Macbook and it works with the trickle charge of the Reloop Flux., i also have the same working with a surface laptop 4 through a USB-C port on a Dell monitor, as already stated, it doesnt need to charge, it just needs to maintain power. i have no idea why you're trying to argue against this feature? there is literally no logical reason to not want it.

[@FunctionGermany]

@@djstuc you're completely twisting what i wrote. i said that i think it's unfeasible at the moment to implement high power budgets in these devices. of course it would be good if the manufacturers implemented it.

[@LarryZinc]

Still a FLX6 at heart and I will still hate it.

[@swiftdetecting]

would this work with Traktor 4?

[@sinesthetix]

Re: UI/UX I really just wish they would unify things. Rekordbox DJ definitely needs a GUI cleanup but the fact that its workflow is so divergent from the CDJ UX just seems badly planned.

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Need full size tempo sliders

[@brayant152h]

No Pioneer branded anywhere on it. I'm unsure now.

[@coopercooper58]

Hoowww do I feeel 🎉

[@DynMarkMusic]

26:25 Serato can do that with the FLX-10

[@profbx5258]

@@DynMarkMusic he means on the GRV6 lol

[@MrSamuel9126]

For the price I'll prefer something more solid like the Traktor S4 mk3, which offers built in displays, motorised jogs and a built in mixer. The GRV6 is a bit overpriced, it would be affordable if it was the same price as the flex 6.

[@Soufside_Slim]

Pioneer/Alpha Theta needs a new iPad controller, maybe a new WeGo 5 to compete with the Mixtour Pro. This is another Rekordbox gimmick without XLR cables.

[@DynMarkMusic]

I think it has hardware effects

[@CyanideSoundSystem]

Look kool I guess

[@djwaltwhite]

so they improved the stems agorthm quality but they only made it available for users of their mid range controller? the users of all the products over this controller cant use it? WTF?

[@profbx5258]

@@djwaltwhite it’s in the rekordbox 7 update for everyone.

[@nourdinh.1450]

In my Opinion buy the REV 5 for the same Price only 2 Chanels Controller but better Quality Better In and outputs better sound

[@gaviscon4304]

You can even have fun with stickers how much fun, but not for me.

[@dancarthen3634]

$829 and no XLR is crazy

[@angelocatalano]

requirements to use all of that: macbook pro m3/m4. Add 2.5k $ to the controller's price.

[@Aves_1]

You definitely don't need an m2/m3 pro

[@razyelPKTM]

the ddj-sx2 was 999$ when reliced to the market was a face plated metal and rigid build u could feel the premium price of PIONEER DJ and i still use it today, the cheap bull shit plastics in this days are to expencive for there build quality.

[@lucasmaia8315]

No XLR outputs for 830 dollars is absurd

[@blackduck65]

this is overpriced for what it's worth. I think if this was a solid $450-$550 it would not only sell a lot better, but actually be enticing for the person this is for. This might be an unpopular opinion but we need more weird and experimental. Give me an updated Roland DDJ. Or I want to see Alpha partner with Korg and make something dope.

[@hoangcaophong]

yoooooooooo

[@hardkore360]

That jog wheel display is just ridiculous, good luck seeing that outside under direct sunlight. Rekordbox 🤮🤮🤮 Those Fisher Price pitch faders 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Not stand alone in 2024 🤯🤯 No XLR 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ No sale. Review done.

[@romareokaiden0608]

Outputs are poor though 😢

[@mariuszchill]

STILL 1 USB PORT?? SERIOUSLY ????!!!!

[@meganoid_9001]

Still cannot dee why Mojaxx, Phil, and other vip DJs keep on advertising the kind of garbage that Alphatheta periodically announces. Guys, this is NOT innovation. It is destroying your reputation.

[@konzekuenze]

Looks "okayish", but nothing special. I'm on a DDJ 1000 and until Alpha Theta releases a full 4-deck standalone unit I don't going to upgrade.

[@D.E.E.P.Y.]

Thursday! Can't wait

[@Yaamaari]

17:59 That plastic doesnt look good tbh. Low built quality it seems.

[@Mojaxx]

It’s the adhesive overlay, which, as I explained, I didn’t stick on.

[@christopherdasconio8022]

Listen to feedback ? Stems quality is still trash and we dont even have CDJs with stems yet.

[@k9chance250]

Wow Rekordbox answer too stems suck.

[@bluntink1]

i dare any one go and buy this machine 🤣🤣🤣 remenber to keep your receipt (AlphaTheta ) pioneer is like apple new product upgrades but nothing new 😕

[@Alestor10]

Boycott Alphatheta/PioneerDJ

[@remingtontufflips3623]

It’s over guys 😢 pioneer is dead

[@Vrakin_Max]

Funny🎉 But not more. FLX6 was an a joke. It’s the same: looks cool but unusable for real DJs. For kids who want to be a super pro DJ 😎👍 Cons: plasticy, less space between knobs, overpriced. (IMHO for this price used ddj-1000 be better: durable, outputs, layout)

[@sauvagemusic1844]

this looks absolutely useless to me. I would love an update on the mainline players. Pioneer, please stop focusing on toys! Thanks!

[@DaveCoakley]

More cheap plastic crap.

[@LeeChaney-g6w]

It looks like a toy, essentially the channel leds 😂 omg… horrible but the pioneer fanboys will buy it 😂