Pioneer DJ Opus Quad Vs Denon DJ Prime 4 - 12 Key Differences

[@Carl1872watp]

I've been a pioneer fan boy for years, guilty of only buying "the industry standard". I would never of entertained Denon until i took the plunge and sold all my pioneer equipment, bagged the prime 4 and I'll never look back. A wicked bit of DJ equipment! Pioneers ridiculous prices, lack of features and integration can do one! Denon wins in every category hands down 💯💪

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing Carl!

[@LiamBranch]

Traktor would be king if they pulled their finger out and introduced a true stand-alone 4 channel mixer with a decent soundcard. The functionality on Traktor hardware is just beyond.

[@ImpactSpace]

Lighting control alone is a HUGE win for the Engine ecosystem, at least for me. RB-DMX1 is half-hearted abandonware, while SoundSwitch got another major update two weeks ago... but even more it's *INTEGRATED* in all units, even the $600 Mixstream. Same with stuff like Ableton Link, proper streaming or onboard-analysis. Style or big jogwheels alone won't convince me to switch back, that crazy price even less so.

[@BlueHawk80]

100% I love SoundSwitch

[@lmilianl]

Yes a feature that really improves a Party. It needs some time to get into it, but its fairly easy. See a party with soundswitch and without and you now why light is so importnend but still completly forgotten by most DJs

[@Skaratak]

My whole LED mask project wouldn't even be possible with Pioneer. I stick with team Akai/Denon/SoundSwitch. Killer combo.

[@joelleggett6985]

The Opus Quad will sell. That said, I don't regret my purchase of the Denon DJ Prime 4. It has only gotten better and better over time. In Music/Denon DJ really have supported and improved Engine DJ over time. Either will be an excellent choice. I am a hobby and mobile DJ and Sound Switch is just amazing. I have so much fun with it.

[@digitaldjtips]

"Either will be an excellent choice. " that's the truth!

[@alexzanderking1556]

Too expensive for what it is Denon wins this, both hardware and on software, I do not mind the look of the opus but if the opus costs this much a club style version would be even more , perhaps Pioneer are using the opus to push the Flx 10 once it released, can't see denon releasing a controller to compete with this as denon is all about the stand alone.

[@killakong243]

I currently use a Denon Prime 2. The Opus is a nice push in direction for Pioneer but from what im seeing, it still can’t compete with Denon and the price is ridiculous! Currently waiting for Denon to release a standalone unit with moving jogwheels lol

[@digitaldjtips]

that might be good!

[@ScarCode666]

😊😊

[@DeanBrown]

You missed the fact that Denon has an internal storage that you can install in the unit. There is no streaming on the Pioneer. This platform is bias towards Pioneer.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good point, we'll add it!

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes - that'll be the interesting thing to see. The platform is now capable of being added to, how quickly/well will they do it?

[@djxcel23]

Prime 4 is up points on the scoreboard

[@Nocofella]

Denon has done a great job with the prime GO/2/4 firmware updates over the past FOUR years for it to even be comparable to the Opus.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes indeed, and continues to do so

[@NiceWindow]

XY effects are coming to the prime 4 - shown in there last release video

[@NiceWindow]

Prime 4 works with rekordbox-ish... drives that have been prepared with rekordbox will load, same playlists, same beatgrids, same cue points displayed in the library.... so it can claim it works with Serato, Virt DJ and RKDBX

[@DJLyncho]

Yep. Even my mixstream pro will be getting that. I don't know why anyone would buy this ugly looking thing.

[@chadnliz2k11]

Unfortunately they are still Denon quality effects

[@DJLyncho]

@@chadnliz2k11 you mean engine DJ/OS effects

[@MelloState]

​@@chadnliz2k11 unfortunately pioneer is still pioneer quality. Traktor has the best in the effects market

[@yaronhadad5231]

Just purchased the xdj xz and I was quite annoyed at myself when the opus quad came out. But after seeing the price tag and this video - I am sooo fine with it lol

[@digitaldjtips]

It's a good unit :)

[@LEKProductions]

Playlists were a thing on the Prime 4 until they updated it, I noticed this when I updated to 2.x.x and all my playlists were not only missing, but had no access to the music inside them, even though the music was still on the SD. I went back to 1.6.2 for that very reason and will never update unless they bring the playlists back

[@digitaldjtips]

they just simplified the whole crates/playlists thing, the functionality is still there.

[@DjRogerMoss]

Prime 4 has slip mode and bluetooth, is 4 years old and still got more functions than a brand new Pioneer release. Prime4 has beatgrid and adjusting bpm editing on the player, and thats a winner right there. and a lot of other functions that is not mentioned here. It seems that you bring up the things that pioneer can and compare with prime4. It would be nice if you took it the other way round and compared what Prime4 can do and compared it with the Opus. Another thing is that Prime4 can operate with 4 different Dj platforms.... Engine Dj, Recordbox, Serato and Virtual Dj. AND it can control your lights aswell.

[@digitaldjtips]

thanks for adding info to this, appreciate it.

[@CarlKillMusic]

@@digitaldjtips Prime 4 now has XY effects also! :)

[@Percussionists]

Always great content on this channel, keep it up!

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@greaterphillydjsandphotobo7760]

do we also need a mixer that will make it louder to add to the dj opus quad or it’s a mixer already is built in?? i always had a mixer with last controllers

[@digitaldjtips]

no

[@greaterphillydjsandphotobo7760]

@ thanks

[@jaimecereus4899]

The question what to choose vs Pioneer can be distilled to the answer whether you play in clubs or if you always bring your own gear. Bring your own gear? Play and practice on whatever you like. If you're reliant on club gear, you pretty much have to be comfortable in the Pioneer ecosystem. Investing in that comfort, despite the fact that Pioneer overall scores below NI and Denon in my opinion, is worth it.

[@digitaldjtips]

That said, this is a definite aim at mobile DJs.

[@wikkidselekta]

aside from the odd shaping in general, the OQ is clean; but too expensive and the Prime4 + should be on the horizon.

[@Audunforgard]

TBH, I got excited about Pioneers new mixer the past week or so, it loooked and felt like a lot of fun. An inspired take on a mixer, good for business. This on the other hand, looks like a piece of eighties furniture, matching with Bang and Oluffsen... You know, ... Its like its meant for vapourwave dj. Good luck, but I`ll keep my eyes on Denon still, wouldnt be surprised if they dropped some Prime 6, or somewhat... I just wish they`d run with prime numbers lol

[@digitaldjtips]

Lots of people like B&O...

[@jasonparker1454]

HA i said EXACTLY the same about furniture and Bang & Olufsen.

[@Audunforgard]

@@jasonparker1454 Haha, glad I`m not the only one to notice, and yeah B&O were the ish back then... Its got a lot going for it to a certain point, what with the very smooth effects and bluetooth connection, but still at that pricepoint, It even has like a third of the input options of the Prime 4. The screen, big sharp and clear, but isnt able to show all four channels,, can likely be fixed in future updates, but... The screen doesnt seem to be foldable, it kind of just sticks out there at the back... I mean, great for a furniture, and it looks like a very ernjoyable piece of equpment - If that was what I had to work with, well niiiice, it`ll deliver in spades, no doubt... But if its aimed for people who need something portable, throw it around too much, and before you know it the screen snags into something and Bobs yer uncle. And perhaps more importantly, in the industry, it seems like Pioneer are really struggling with thinking really innovative, compared with the quantum leap Denon released three years ago, which more than holds its own against this, but for the lack of a bluetooth connection... I can easily imagine the Denon folks have some very exciting products looming on the horizon... ? .... I really love a DJGO with four channels and at least six hours of battery time, *Anyhow, Really happy to se e tha market really starting to move away from systems that need a laptop to run, I just have found those really annoying since day one. (And I was quick to grab a NUMARK IDJ4 whan that came out many years ago, man it was cheap, like 400usd... Limited as it was, I could use a kaosspad to add efx for instance. It was also extremely fun, and like very portable, even if It didnt have batteries, if it had that then, I cant imagine what peoople would have made of the Numark crew lol

[@jackmasterfil]

I use Rekordbox with my Denon Primes

[@tamparey813]

Where do you put the Carthage?......

[@frank060272]

You can have 100 playlists in the prime 4 in its built in SSD.

[@neiljohnston6523]

exactly.... but hey, why tell the truth..

[@pandatrooper]

I was gonna say the same thing, it's legit 1 button to go back to every one of your Playlist and you can edit their order and names right on the machine. Not sure why that isn't the better option talked about

[@SnaikHead]

i heard you cant pair cdj's with the opus for 4 deck full control, is this true?

[@digitaldjtips]

We have;'t tried that yet.

[@adriangorski5460]

Next Prime gonna be a monster... I hope so... Great review regards 👍

[@digitaldjtips]

Fingers crossed!

[@reddepo]

10:34 I won’t be surprised if Denon launches their next All-in-One system with LiDAR so you can manipulate effects with your hand over the mixer without touching a screen at all. 😁

[@digitaldjtips]

That's been tried many times in the past not sure DJs really want it - but who knows!

[@reddepo]

@@digitaldjtips yeah, the Roland SP808 comes to mind. Tech has evolved with LiDAR. Sure it can be better implemented now with some foresight.

[@heriport6654]

hah great idea actually air keyboard

[@audiophil_dj]

Hey Phil, is it possible to type for example German letters (like Ö, Ü, Ä) or Cyrillic letters (б,г,ф) in the search field? This would be mandatory for international weddings. And how about STEMS? Thank you so much.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good point, don't know at this stage.

[@myths61]

Does the opus have a send and return for external effects?

[@myths61]

Also is there a work around for the prime 4 people have been using. That one of the things that have made me hesitant on picking up a prime 4. In no rush but would like to upgrade someday been using djm500 with tables.

[@ImpactSpace]

Nope, it hasn't. Check the rear.

[@UlisseDapaDJ]

Even though Pioneer is the standard brand on the market, in this case, most of what Opus Quad presents was already presented by Denon's Prime line. Regarding the pads, they seem to be better located below the jog wheels. Regarding X/Y pad effects, Denon has already hinted that it will soon incorporate this functionality into some Prime products... It also seemed to me that the analysis and comparison made with regards to software usage. At the moment, Pioneer's Opus Quad only works with Rekordbox, with integration with Serato being promised soon. Perhaps for the summer of 2023 this will be a reality. As for the Denon Prime, it works with Engine DJ, Serato and also reads playlists directly from Rekordbox. Great emphasis was given to the possibility of the Opus Quad being able to use Bluethoot connectivity, but it was not mentioned that at the moment Pioneer still does not have the possibility of connecting via Wi-Fi to the various platforms, such as TIDAL, etc.. .while Prime 4 has been doing it since it came out on the market.

[@digitaldjtips]

We are taking Pioneer DJ at its word that the bigger features you mention (onboard analysis, wifi streaming) are imminent.

[@Juicy_Vibez]

Is there any information about if 4 channel waveforms is coming to opus ?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, they said it is coming in our briefing.

[@ruk2023--]

Performance pads….the only one function I use on them on my ddj800 is hot cues. Every now and again I use the echo out function but that’s covered with smooth echo on the quad.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yup, agreed - we don't mind the lack of them either.

[@nickbeasley4446]

Ssd enclosures ?

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I'm just a beginner and making very slow progress. However, once I do decide to upgrade, I'm going with Denon. I know Pioneer is club standard but I like Denon's Tron-like look better.

[@digitaldjtips]

Fair enough!

[@apexpredator_jku]

The Industry Standard debate...not so much the premise of it, more like the way it's worded. The Industry as a whole encompasses more than club & Festival DJs. If anything, they're the minority...1% if that. "Club Standard" is more appropriate. Terming it Industry Standard breeds a, "if you don't have this $8000 rig then you're not a real DJ" mentality. We have Hobbyist DJs with no aspirations to be an A List festival DJ with 4 CDJs & v10 in their bedroom because they were led to believe that is what's mandatory to be acknowledged as a proper DJ. Even then, if you fancy yourself a professional DJ and you can't transition from CDJ 3000s to SC6000s then I'd have to put your professionalism into question. You can take your USB stick that was prepped in RB, stick it in a SC6000 and your off to the races. Load, cue, pitch, play, loop are performed no differently and all found in the same place.

[@ImpactSpace]

100% nailed and also my opinion about that.

[@davidpuzon8310]

Damn… well said

[@DEBOASSE]

Industry standard was savvly appropriated form Pioneer. I teach my students that industry standard is the positioning of faders and knobs that will repeat itself across multiple gear from every brand. And they should look for what they can afford and become really good at performing on their gear of choice.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, club standard - by "Industry standard" we really mean "Industry standard for the club industry" - point taken. Although Pioneer DJ also has about 65-70% of the total DJ market across the board, so arguably the brand itself is the "industry standard", too.

[@apexpredator_jku]

@@digitaldjtips Having the lion's share of the market doesn't necessarily make them or anything else in any given industry the standard of that industry. Toyota sells the most automobiles than anyone else. Toyota Corolla is the #1 vehicle in sales by volume...not exactly what anyone would deem the cream of the crop. HP sells more laptops than any other manufacturer, Apple barely cracks the Top 10...see where I'm going with this?

[@Dubbyyyy93]

Well I think I’m going to save for the opus. I honestly just feel at home in the pioneer ecosystem. However I’ll be waiting a bit to see if denon has an updated prime 4 up their sleeve. What do you think?

[@andresgarces10]

I'm on the same boat

[@Nocofella]

the touch screen effects will be coming soon with the next major update.

[@lucasmaia8315]

I think you're missing out on a potentially better unit for not wanting to switch brands. I think the RX3 is a good unit (I'm thinking of getting one myself.) But the opus doesn't seem like a 1000 dollar update to me

[@djcvmusic1]

Maybe one area DenonDJ is know to not be great is the Effects FX Quality. Prime4 is great what will be great is to have a Prime4F with full sized jogwheel other than that its truly a beast unit.

[@Ravinstomper]

Phil - Prime 4 actually has 11 screens if you count them all over 5 on the Opus quad

[@chadnliz2k11]

That's a bit silly as most of those "screens" are simply 1 color indicators.

[@Ravinstomper]

@@chadnliz2k11 Silly maybe, but it's not a button and shows me info about a current state in relation to action. It's still an on screen display no matter how colourful or monochrome it is. Yes they are small but still an informational display "screen" none the less.... What would you call them? 😃

[@ImpactSpace]

@@chadnliz2k11 And the very basic Opus Jog screens are what then? they only show some RGB lines and circles, wohooo.

[@neiljohnston6523]

He has a point Phil....

[@jamiebancroft706]

Do you miss the performance pads when using Opus Quad?

[@digitaldjtips]

Personally, no, as they buttons at the top and other controls replace them fine.

[@djkarnjunior]

I like this. The design is so simple and practical. Very cool.👍

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing

[@lansing786]

I use my buddy's record box via engin software. Is that the same level of integration your talking about?

[@kennethmalafy8012]

I don't think the club standard argument really applies to stand alones. You never see stand alones in clubs, it's always the jays and a mixer. I would be stunned to see this as the set up in a club. The only time I've seen the stand alone or a controller is when a DJ brought their own and most clubs (at least by me) sort of discourage that. Will this set up be close to the jays, yeah- but it will still be noticeably different. Many tricks require split second timing (you could argue that music is all about timing- as are most things). That little difference will throw you. If you don't believe me- play on a Prime Four then move over to the SC6000 set up. I guarantee you will notice the difference, though the lay outs are similar and the software is the same. To me, this is aimed at higher scale event DJs (think upperscale wedding) or a really nice piece of equipment for your house, because it is nicer looking than a typical set up. I would be really surprised to see this as a club's set up. Think about it- the look was part of this unit (there is a design to it), now imagine what this will look like after being abused in a club every night for six months....... I saw a Technics turntable- the chassis was cracked clean in half. Those things are tanks though- it was still working..... Equipment takes a lot of abuse at clubs.

[@digitaldjtips]

Pioneer DJ has often constrained itself by making sure its gear at all prices adheres to the look/feel of its club gear, presumably to offer a smoother path from cheap controller to CDJs. That is the "club standard" this breaks from - that's what we mean.

[@LiamBranch]

Club gear will always be separate units as it can easily be swapped out during a performance without much disruption if something fails. Also it's much easier for DJ's performing complex 4 channel mixes with 4 individual CDJ's.

[@ashleymcgovern5120]

I think at some point forward high quality controllers will be the standard in clubs (think a FLX 10 or DDJ 1000 for example now but the version then) plugged into a solid desktop . You can still bring your flash drive or external drive to plug in, play off. Still uses Rekordbox (or other Vdj, Traktor, serato etc to cater for individuals). They work just like CDJs, cost less & do more although good screen hid integration makes it so much better as well (maybe an all in one). Although existing equipment can midi up, chuck in an Pioneer pad. Just so much more to do on the platform. My Denons blur the line with performance pads & some new engine options & 4 deck option but the way forward now is software. The individual units are just running software onboard really. If I was setting up a bar now or small club I would go that route just an DDJ 800 & plugged into a desktop & curved monitor around the booth, out to sound system. Although for the club I would add a pair of midi hid able decks to say a flx 10 so it can do both, engine or CDJ into the flx 10's standard 4 channel mixer or go full software with Hid. Is it going to make the night go any different for those just wanting to play or mix tracks together? No, are those that want to do extra able as well yes. Are those that are used to CDJs going to easily work the pioneer controller yes, they function the same. Live set recording, easy.

[@kennethmalafy8012]

@@ashleymcgovern5120 I disagree. Remember that the CDJ set up is modular. You are a club owner- your CDJ breaks are you going to: 1) Ditch your whole set up and install a new controller based set up or 2) Buy a new CDJ....... (I know which way I would go) What you might see is a small club or bar with a computer set up to the sound system and you can bring a controller and plug in. I don't think you will see it as a club standard or even in regular electronic music clubs at all. It will be the CDJs and the mixer. It's always the same, I would be stunned to see something different when I showed up.

[@mralexsambo]

Do you have any info about the XZ-2????

[@digitaldjtips]

Nope! 😉

[@mralexsambo]

@@digitaldjtips :(

[@D33_K4Y]

Is the XDJ XZ still a good controller to get?

[@digitaldjtips]

It feels dated next to either of these.

[@farouthere6994]

Aheeem. You are wrong sir. The Denon prime 4/go sure works with reckordbox. As in it will import and load recordbox playlists. Also it does track analysis on the hardware.. i'd say a big key difference you did not mention is how the denon prime 4 can acess online streaming services, tidal, beatport, soundcloud and dropbox.. and how it does not need to have tracks pre-prepared/analysed before on a usb, rather it does it on the machine. they are very different in this regard

[@digitaldjtips]

Not as a software controller, which is what we mean. No non Pioneer DJ gear does.

[@neiljohnston6523]

@@digitaldjtips but that means you then need a laptop !!! which defeats the "StandAlone" Tag

[@Ryan0751]

Looks interesting. I am not sold on the aesthetics or price, but it is nice to see Pioneer branching out from the usual. I am fairly tired of the "industry standard" discussion. Pioneer is not industry standard. Rather, a set of CDJ-3000s and a DJM-900NX2/A9/V10 are the industry standard. So if you are buying this, or the XZ2, or some other Pioneer Rekordbox controller, you aren't "industry standard" either. If a club buys this or some other Pioneer standalone or controller and invites a famous DJ to play, that DJ is not going to be happy when they roll up to the booth and find out it isn't a set of CDJs and a DJM. If a DJ is totally willing to spend a few minutes figuring this new unit out, then they could do the same for Denon gear - it isn't that different, and you probably don't belong there if you can't figure it out. So at what point does it matter anymore? Sure, one can argue that being in the Rekorbox ecosystem is important. However, there are tools (Lexicon) that make it trivial to move your library between any of the DJ platforms. The Denon gear will natively read the Rekordbox database from a USB/CD card. Is Pioneer considered industry standard because it's better? Or because of inertia? If folks aren't willing to branch out then it will never change.

[@digitaldjtips]

This definitely isn't "industry standard", it's a deliberate break from that. But most other Pioneer DJ gear, from the lowliest controllers upwards, is designed to feel like the "industry standard" units you mentioned, very deliberately.

[@Ryan0751]

@@digitaldjtips Oh sure, the other units share the same design language with the big boys. But they still are different… But for the basics a DJ needs to know how to use walking up to a new piece of gear, they are nearly the same. I guess my point is that rolling up to say, a Denon, well all the basics there are the same as well and we shouldn’t fear buying the gear we are interested in because it isn’t “industry standard”. Always love your content!

[@LiamBranch]

Pioneer is only industry standard because too many DJ's jumped on the bandwagon and now can't use anything else. Native Instruments are on the verge of greatness but need to bring out a wow factor unit to shift the trend.

[@mixdjmaster9740]

Like for the Ukranian flag palm! Kudos from Kazakhstan!!!

[@prodsgbeatz]

bro litterally predicted the prime 4+ lmao

[@olivernajdzien5415]

Does anyone know if the effects on the Opus work with vinyl through the auxiliary ? Would be one thing it can do that the PM can't 🤔

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, they do (99% sure, not checked)

[@JustinUrban1]

How do the jogs feel on the newer Denon Prime 4+? I like the features of the Denon, but I am very used to Pioneer gear owning several of the CDJs and DJM mixers. I own the V10, but I want a simpler setup for more stripped down house mixes instead of involved live performances and more Hastings style mixes.

[@digitaldjtips]

They're fine, different from Pioneer but we're good with them.

[@wh906]

Opus vs FLX? Not sure which one to go for?

[@digitaldjtips]

One is a standalone, the other is a controller - that should be your deciding factor.

[@chadzoe1]

Can you plug turntables in it ? Does it analyse tracks on the fly ? unable to replace the crossfader ? A 7 year old Prime 4 does more and £1000 cheaper Pioneer still playing catch-up

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, yes, don't know.

[@NewMinority]

Surely the new prime 4 will be out soon?

[@digitaldjtips]

Let's see...

[@mixministermike]

Prime 4+ has already been leaked by being listed in their newest user manual. Looks like it's a Prime 4 with Amazon streaming capability - otherwise the manual says it's identical to the Prime 4. Makes me think a Prime 5 is at least a year away

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the info :)

[@slopiijoe]

I heard rumors about this, and one of the rumors is it will really be a prime 4M with a motorized platter.

[@ashleymcgovern5120]

Buying anything new right now you want something with the stems buttons & functions as thats going to be next best thing. Although if you can find an extra little midi controller you can map those functions & put next to current controller anyway. If you think smart.

[@digitaldjtips]

Of all the platforms, Serato has done a good job of incorporating stems functionality so it works across most controllers made before it was introduced.

[@ashleymcgovern5120]

@@digitaldjtips problem I have with Serato is the pitch display output is still coarse @ +-0.0 even if the actual resolution isn't. & The BPM counter still is as well @ 000.0 offset. Beat Mixing manually in 2023 it's not a good option. Even on 'hardware' that has the same BPM offset as serato, you have full resolution display for the pitch percentage, so you can make fine adjustments by ear & sight. Even on last gen stuff. Rekordbox & VDJ use a more accurate BPM offset instead(even though most people are still crying out for both) 128.15 Vs 128.1 & that can be used as alternative for knowing exactly where you are on pitch adj. Not everyone is using sync, this is something the Devs of all these apps don't seem to understand. & The response is on their respective forums is always why are you mixing manually anyway? Use the sync. Plus some controllers pitch adj you can make a small movement 'physically' & it doesn't adjust even the fine BPM offset in those programs yet. There's play.

[@foodstampz]

The Opus is the most beautiful controller ever, most people will buy and and would rather hear music coming from the Opus Quad anyway. When we think of Denon we think cheap made for prank dj's , when you think Pioneer you think professional and the Opus is a work of art. Already ordered 4 for the rentals.

[@digitaldjtips]

"cheap made for prank dj's" - Denon has always had a reputation as workhorse it for mobile DJs, so this isn't our perception at all of that brand.

[@lucasmaia8315]

Terrible take

[@robinf3758]

I'm currently in the conflict between the Opus Quad and the S11 mixer, which sound is in practice better, I always have the feeling that the vocals are not so clean and clear with the Opus, instead only the bass dominates, although he has factually the better sound card. Deceives my perception and the sound is really overall better than the S11 ? Would be very grateful for your experience!

[@digitaldjtips]

Honestly? Sound the same to me.

[@robinf3758]

@@digitaldjtips Thanks for the quick reply. Just mean equal clean in vocals ?

[@kozihoppy]

You're comparing the Prime 4 with a unit almost twice its price and yet it's turning out the best in terms of features. That's a statement.

[@digitaldjtips]

Make your own mind up!

[@diaryofadj]

thanks for the comparison... dont you think after looking at the Opus Quad, when you look back at the prime or previous pioneer controllers... they look outdated already

[@digitaldjtips]

Certainly if you love the design, nothing else will ever look the same again against it (apart from other gear in any forthcoming Opus range, presumably).

[@remixgod6869]

I’m not sure why this video isn’t showing up in your video uploads list I can only find it if I type in the title of this video?? Strange. I really hope we’ll get a Prime 5 in the near future. 🙏🙏

[@digitaldjtips]

No idea!

[@misteriusoxygenhigh]

maybe do this video again with the prime + ???

[@digitaldjtips]

No real difference between the units

[@misteriusoxygenhigh]

@@digitaldjtipsehm.yea it does... so many things the old.prime cannot do.against the plus.... and so many years later. The updates of the prime against pioneer..

[@trabolmix2839]

Denon prime 4+,económica versátil el todo en uno de verdad. Pioneer está claro que se está quedando atrás precios de locura y nada nuevo en sus productos. Sin embargo Denon apuesta por precios absolutamente atractivos y tecnologías mas importantes para el Dj. Felicidades por tú estupendo video.

[@digitaldjtips]

thanks for your comments, and you're welcome for the video :)

[@bboymac84]

Does the opus have a sampler?

[@digitaldjtips]

No

[@bboymac84]

@@digitaldjtips I’m good!

[@IamCoast2Coast]

It’s the step before moving to the A9 +3000 Or if for mobile, to be played off USB/large drive

[@djmax2110]

Can the pioneer opus analyze songs on the fly like the Denon dj prime 4?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes (it's being added imminently - wasn't on our review unit).

[@neiljohnston6523]

@@digitaldjtips so it currently can't

[@loveeveryone136]

What I don’t like about the design is the look of the cue/play buttons are different at the bottom. It kind of looks lopsided a bit, and they both have different sizes.

[@digitaldjtips]

It does! But they're not, it's an optical illusion caused by the curve of the unit.

[@olivernajdzien5415]

Can the pioneer analyse music without putting it through rekordbox.

[@digitaldjtips]

They say it will be able to imminently.

[@olivernajdzien5415]

@@digitaldjtips Thanks great video as always will be interesting to find out how the unit performs with viynl compared to the DP4

[@djmartinsk]

Don't be mad at me, but attributing features to opusquad that this new release doesn't have yet, and none of us know when they will be implemented, is fake and unserious. Then you can also say for the Prime 4 that it has an XY FX pad implemented (next firmware release), or Bluetooth, etc. You also know well in digitadjtips that all Denon DJ prime devices have a built-in Bluetooth module. Already from the SC5000 prime model 2017. Note: However, no function that uses Bluetooth has been implemented yet. However, this does not mean that the device does not have bluetooth, or that any BT functions cannot be applied in future updates.

[@ImpactSpace]

Aye, that bluetooth statement also confused me. It is long known that BT chips had been integrated by Denon ever since the SC5000 back in 2017. So they can add it. Not that it matters for serious DJ performance due to the latency.

[@digitaldjtips]

They're coming imminently - it's not rumour, they just weren't quite ready for the review model we were told.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, so there's a chance BT will come to Engine, you're right. Let's see. I'd like to be proven wrong!

[@Klootviooltje]

The Pioneer looks cheap next to the prime 4, the truth is the opposite

[@b__p]

That's funny, I think the Prime 4 looks like a toy compared to the Opus. I never liked the look of the Prime 4.

[@Siryn]

The Opus looks incredibly cheap and like a toy for TikTok DJ's. Style over function. I prefer my Prime 4 for sure.

[@ImpactSpace]

Prime 4 looks like an industrial powerhorse. Don't get confused by the (poor) product images. In videos and even more real life, its absolute high-tech. Opus Quad is for Tiktok DJs.

[@wetmonkeydiapers7069]

Prime 4 is for people who think the more buttons the better. Unless your 15 years old the Quad looks a hundred times better and a lot more professional.

[@wetmonkeydiapers7069]

@@djstuc I use my ears most of the time and when I can’t,not having markings is not a problem. Also,I have played on plenty of mixers where the markings were wore off.

[@BoomDocs14K]

I like the design and the leap forward these companies are making for the DJ culture. I'm sure many DJs will love this new unit. For my personal taste, I would miss pedal/toggle style effects, and the Hot Cue placement would take some getting use to. If I were a mad scientist, I would breed this unit with the Rev 7, and some of the DNA from the Rane One and the perfect baby would be birthed into this world! Wishful thinking... I know! Other than the price tag, the Opus Quad seems to be a legit unit! Great informative video Phil & Team!

[@digitaldjtips]

thanks :)

[@louminati4318]

Just wondering what the waveforms are like. The RX2 as standalone, the waveforms were rubbish. I had A Denon Prim4 and the waveforms were better but still lagged.

[@digitaldjtips]

they're really good

[@jaimell297]

Pioneer now looks like a cheapie Gemini o Numark. I prefer old Style...

[@MQParty]

Yes! Absolutely looks like a Gemini controller

[@nunobrito3366]

​@LOYAL TO THE FOIL no streaming services like tidal , no 4 channel lines on screen, etc etc etc...

[@chadnliz2k11]

Denon had none of those streaming and waveform choices at launch either. Both are coming

[@ImpactSpace]

@@chadnliz2k11 We shall see, as for NOW, they are missing (next to the other stuff in that huge list).

[@lucasmaia8315]

​@LOYAL TO THE FOIL I didn't like the unit either but "too many screens" is hardly a reason to hate it

[@reddepo]

It’s cute … they put WiFi in it. Gotta love them recognizing the competition. Would be nice if they actually struck competitive deals with streaming platforms, though.

[@digitaldjtips]

good idea!

[@reddepo]

@@digitaldjtips they could have debuted an exclusive with Spotify.

[@dennyd935]

what about stems

[@digitaldjtips]

No standalone has stems

[@marcelassink8757]

Prime 4+ does have stems in try-out (only 2 stems for now)

[@rupakmajumdar9959]

For me the pioneer! I already have a Numark mixstream pro for portability so I would go for the pioneer.

[@jasonparker1454]

makes not so much sense as then u have to manage to totally different library systems.

[@djihsansiral]

Dont you think you can play at clubs with these? In terms of performance, when we put design aside

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes

[@lukesb3025]

Ahhhhhh can’t decide between: Opus Quad, Denon Prime 4, Pioneer XDJ-RX3 or at a stretch XDJ-XZ as it’s getting old. I tend to prefer Pioneer over Denon Leaning to Xdj Rx3 as 2 channels is mostly enough with an aux line, and I prefer the classic pioneer mixer layout And bit less cost too Coming from extensive club and mobile dj background but want something for myself, stand-alone for ease of use at home and private parties. Currently have DDJ-SX2 but want to ditch the laptop

[@digitaldjtips]

Probably Opus Quad.

[@lukesb3025]

@@digitaldjtips now I’m actually thinking FLX-10 (stems seem cool) and I’ll just keep the laptop going! Decisions decisions 😅

[@jeffszurgot]

Maybe sc live 2? If you need only 2 channels? And it is cheap compared to rest

[@alexttube]

opus is ugly ( looks like Numark) and the price is crazy...I prefer prime4 and the RX 1000 times

[@DJLyncho]

Numark stuff looks way better that this. This looks very early 2000s hi-fi

[@alexttube]

@@DJLyncho that’s right

[@djnorm777]

Just noticed the bottom right button and right pitch slide close to the bottom plus they’re name is not on the face plate nothing other than opus quad is pioneer releasing a new brand ?

[@digitaldjtips]

Good point, although the name does appear (small, top of screen).

[@renechang2406]

I have a feeling xy screen effects will come to a bunch of big screen cdjs sooner or later like the denons 5000s and 6000s and the cdjs 2000s and 3000 it's def coming to the prime

[@digitaldjtips]

We agree

[@BOBBYdigital31]

Not a fan of the design. Just looking at it seems like it would be an issue stacking two additional players on the sides because it's sides are not square

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, I don't think they really envisage DJs doing that

[@m-stat9]

Denon now has Echo Cut and XY-EFX. Also bluetooth is imminent in v3.4 Nothing really left in favor of Pioneer really (which didn‘t got any meaningful updates btw)

[@digitaldjtips]

Pioneer DJ updates are definitely thin on the ground compared to Engine DJ, but that's not to say they won't come.

[@james141111]

@@digitaldjtips I always said this about Pioneer, once something is released it only gets very minor updates and fixes, they want you to buy the new very over priced shiny thing all the time. Denon are the opposite constantly adding brand new features. If you had brought a Prime 4 at launch and something similar from Pioneer, now compare them today they wouldn't even be in the same ball park

[@lesleybthedapperkiwi]

My Demon gear for me all the way - still use my pioneer SX1 and turntables for fun.

[@renechang2406]

The prime 4 is getting xy screen effects soon. If you look at the new upgrade commercial of Denon 3.0 it's teasing it for the future. maybe by namm time.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, we saw that too!

[@james141111]

In the past Pioneer rarely add new features to launched products they just bring out new hardware, its one of the main reasons i switched to Denon, i got sick if them leaving features out of expensive units then putting them on newer cheaper units a month later.

[@digitaldjtips]

Let's see if this new, software-based platforms lets them do that

[@slopiijoe]

Yeah Pioneer doesn't have a good track record for updates, but part of me is thinking the hefty price tag is to account for the cost of software devs.

[@james141111]

@@digitaldjtips Still not convinced, they can update firmware on units to an extent to add new features but they usually dont. I bought an ddj-rzx a few years ago and it was awful to use, they never really fixed the bugs or added any features, which was a shame as it could have been and amazing unit. Denon only for me now, they are constantly improving and adding features, lets hope Pioneer start to follow their lead and also bring some sanity back to their prices!

[@mrbustabeats2u]

just wonder how stems gonna work on this

[@digitaldjtips]

Only with Rekordbox, in controller mode (assuming that at some point Rekordbox adds Stems) - or with Serato when that gets added this summer.

[@djihsansiral]

Im upgrading from RX3 to Opus. Lets see what it brings to the table🙂

[@digitaldjtips]

I think that'll feel like a big upgrade...

[@djhemmy9969]

Opus has + but olso - to rx3 I think in shortly time you will be able to update the rx3 and to receive the fx effects on display exactly like opus! Personaly I own the opus but if you need a standalone for club or mixing....don't go for opus just if you need it for weddings! Best regards DJ_HEMMY

[@djihsansiral]

@@djhemmy9969 thanks man. To be honest I never ever take these units outside of my place. I have dj400 for pubs, lounges etc. The reason Im purchasing Opus is I wanna move on to 4 channels. Just a curiosity, what differences you see between rz and opus besides design?

[@djhemmy9969]

Opus has an unique design! Display on the center is very big and you have fx on Display ! It has also bluetooth which for weeding it's a must on these days ! But the price is very high! Xz is a unit much lighter (opus 14kg)and you can connect xdj with data cable ,that's a plus, but xdj it's also able to do that! I think rx3 it's the best option! I've had one and on channel 3 it was connect with xdj700 and channel 4 with my cellphone via cable!

[@djhemmy9969]

For clubs and parties xdj rx3 it's the best option regarding the price 1999€ ,for opus I have paid 3600€ ......much difference! And opus has no samples to play! But like I said every has + or -

[@dj0n1t56]

Already have the prime 4, so is it worth it to switch to Opus Quad?

[@thedjguru]

Noooooooooooo

[@MQParty]

No way!

[@ImpactSpace]

@LOYAL TO THE FOIL Uhm, the Prime 4 also has Multitouch and 4 usable channels (actually with 4 external sources vs 2) But otherwise I agree 100%!

[@alexttube]

Noooooo

[@imk1744]

the 3.3 prime has got the xy pad

[@martijnhendriks6659]

One thing I'd like to see is sound quality. I know it's subjective but in my opinion high end pioneer mixers, including the Opus Quad just sound better. I can only describe it as sounding fuller, or warmer whereas the denon sounds more neutral/flat? Then there's the FX which, in my opinion, also sound better on Pioneer. Yes Denon pumps out features left and right but they aren't always as good as the competitor.

[@digitaldjtips]

You generally get what you pay for with regards to sound quality

[@giladshaked131]

If denon bring us pad fx on the screen & change the fx - with youtube music on wifi - this going to be game changing.

[@digitaldjtips]

Let's see

[@marcelassink8757]

Touch FX are there now!

[@kereamohau]

15:45 he knows the Prime 4 Plus is coming folks. I'll hang back and wait

[@digitaldjtips]

For the record, I do not - just hearing the same rumours as you guys are.

[@m-stat9]

Skipped quite some points. What about the handy SD slot or Sata bay? Far better implemented Zone out? Master EQ? The fact Prime can display 4 big waveforms at once, plus vertical view mode? And a clock combined with history timestamps? Ableton Link? Those are big things!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for adding them, Solaris!

[@lightskinmongose]

More inputs, physical channel select buttons, physical buttons for effect selection. Roll and slicer mode. Physical crossfader side select (crucial if you like to scratch from time to time but don't want to keep it assigned to one side all the time). Replaceable crossfader. Parameter based effects, on board beatgrid editing. You can choose whether you want your hot cues to work like cdj mode or if to stay paused when triggered on a paused track. Engine os let's you import your library from rekordbox and serato. On board light control with support for smart home products such as nano leaf (panels and lines) and Philips hue. Support for external device control such as plugging in an lc or sc6000. And I could keep going on about little things that make the prime 4 such a revolutionary mixer. These reviewers need to do better when it comes to actually comparing or reviewing things instead of just being like pioneer good, other company ok, but not pioneer. Pointing out where pioneer is falling behind and being honest when they are charging a ridiculous amount for an inferior product is only going to make pioneer a better brand in the end.

[@neiljohnston6523]

@@digitaldjtips why did you not include them Phil... you missed quite a lot out for Denon

[@marcelassink8757]

The Prime 4 has touch FX since Engine 3.2

[@giladshaked131]

Ithink also rx3 is more from opus - opus only in sound card & decoratin.

[@angusgibbins4954]

I'd love to see the Opus vs XZ

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the idea :)

[@CosticaKristianDiVogli]

The main "problem" with Pioneer is the price; that's were Denon wins; Got a MixStream from Numark at the moment (as I'm broke) after owning cdjs 2000, 900, DJM 2000, Xone 92, DJM 800 & 1210s over more than a decade. I was laughing at Mixstream speakers (I use F7s + Sub 7 from Adam) but the 500 £ standalone from Numark got everything for its price. Is a savior (apart from battery and incorporated SD internal drive hahah) 😄😁😆

[@digitaldjtips]

It is definitely a value for money product.

[@DjFusion86]

'I'm not a fan of the overall design but it's subjective. What I really don't get is why they design the jog display like this? It looks like a slightly upgraded version of the ones on the FLX6 which is a big downgrade from the original premium ones like the XDJ-XZ, DDJ-1000 or even the classic CDJ one

[@BunnyT208]

It seems this comparison was waaay too early as there has been so many corrections to Phil’s comments and also missing information regarding Denon’s features. Let’s see how this progresses.

[@digitaldjtips]

I reckon we've got the main ones (plus comments are always a great place to get the full picture!)

[@Discoretrox]

If you've the spare cash great...but as a mobile dj give me the sc4 live and spend the rest of the cash on lighting and good pa system!

[@digitaldjtips]

Yup, makes sense on a budget!

[@paulsanar8260]

I think the bluetooth is great for party djs

[@suri-man]

I stick with my prime 4. I don't think you can really compare there interface. The pioneer is less cluttered because a lot of the the features are behind some screen menu. I rather have all the buttons of the prime 4 so I can instantly reach some function instead of going into some onscreen menu. I also don't see the added value of the extra screens? Also I don't like onscreen effects.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good point re menus vs buttons, that's a personal choice I guess

[@Foodgloriousfoodish]

Saddens me to say but the Prime 4 has killed this area of the market. There’s no reason to stick with the pioneeer platform if pubs and weddings is your thing and the Prime 4 is so much more feature packed. Both a complete waste of money to any aspiring club dj’s.

[@digitaldjtips]

Let's see how the market reacts

[@kellyaustin7487]

Never liked pioneer. Pimps of the industry. I'll rock with Denon all day. Bang per buck it's a no brainer. Thanks for the comparison review.

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome