Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 Hybrid Turntable Review and Walk Thru - Pioneer DJ Raises the Bar

Wake Up in Cleveland
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[@ONEHENDRIX]

I designed this turntable in my sleep, maybe 20 years ago. With control codes and everything. I’m in heaven looking at this thing.

[@djmattames]

I love how you've taken the time here to really break down (at times, literally) the PLC-CRSS12. This, like your tech livestreams, is very helpful in overviewing/reviewing gear and helping me make buying decisions. This product is super slick and very functional. I do everything with Algoriddim djay on a Mac, and while it may eventually receive official support, this turntable makes me willing to learn the ropes of Serato and/or Rekordbox. Thank you, CT. Pioneer definitely made the right call sending you these to review!

[@ClevelandTerry]

Thank you.

[@goldteethtv71]

The best a man could get lol. I will have these no matter the price

[@bartykutz]

you can’t hold back your excitement, i had to check if i was watching the video sped up

[@Hannibaul]

These are just what I've been waiting for Terry. I never really liked the Dvs tone phase is brilliant but this I definitely what DJs have been waiting for. Reloop will probably do the same rp1000s or something 😮. Congratulations to Pioneer everyone is going to want these everyone will be one of the best selling turntables of all time. Setting new standards. I was hoping something better than phase would come out and here it is😊😊

[@djcarlo]

Looks good!

[@DJILLEE]

Rane Twelve guy here.... Three things that make me interested in these - 1. Internal mode is once again available which is an upgrade to me over the twelves. If you've ever had girls lean over your turntables to request a track you understand why this is important lol. I also like to use my tables as a spot to set things like my wedding information during important dances. It's really nice to just turn them off. 2. The adjustable magnet is HUGE! Seems like every gig my tables change how they feel based on the humidity of the room. Sometimes I have to put some paper under the spindle in order to make them feel right. It would be so nice to turn a knob. 3. I hate that the twelves stop playing at the end of a song. Sounds like a small thing but I like to use it as a silent cue so I'll jump to the end and use a cue point to drop in. Three things that make me not want to get them - 1. I wish the tone arm was detachable. I'm not going to use it 99% of the time and it's something that can break when on the road. It also can get in the way of the screen and the pitch slider. 2. Extra connections to hook up. With Rane Twelves you only have a USB to connect to the mixer and now you have RCAs as well. Not a massive deal but it is nice to only have to connect a USB. 3. The price. I don't see this as enough of an upgrade for me to make the jump. $2800 is a lot to spend to do what I am already doing. These will be great in clubs though since everyone will be able to use them no matter what kind of DJ you are.

[@DJKISSchitown]

You summed this up nicely. I like that the rane twelves can travel with no tonearm. Meaning lighter and I can use a ‘soft’ case to carry/travel with them.

[@atypical_blk_guy]

Hopefully with these being released, the pre-owned market for rane 12s will drop. Hoping to get a battle setup one day.

[@BoomDocs14K]

I'm also a Rane Twelve user. Although I love them, I have had the rapid spin issue happen a few times. It's always unexpected when it happens. I have found a quick way to recover, but I rather not have to be concerned about it. These new turntables may be the antidote. I don't want to use Phase or anything that needs to be charged. Playing my vinyl records or digitally recording them in my library with little effort is huge!

[@DJKISSchitown]

@@BoomDocs14K that is all true. I am curious since you experienced the spinback issues was it with the mki or mkii version? I have seen some say they worked that issue out with the software updates and it had to do with software based on their experiences/research.

[@BoomDocs14K]

@@DJKISSchitown I have the second edition of the MK 1's that I bought 2 months before the mkII came out. One of those buy 1 get another half-price deals. I should have known something new was coming. Anyway, on rare occasions the record will spin super fast. It has happened with the latest version of Serato, but rare. I think it has something to do with the Pitch-n-Time feature in Serato. It's always in use when it happens. My recovery trick is to instant double song to the opposite deck, then unplug the USB cable from my mixer for a few seconds. It will slow back to normal speed, but still obvious that something went wrong. Hopefully, this new Pioneer won't have that issue, but they are still motors being digitally controlled in some modes... #fingersCrossed

[@djfonzsolo]

Definitely grabbing a pair of these. I’ve come to hate the limitations with Phase’s battery life and constantly having to reset and calibrate the receiver/remotes to avoid cue drift. These will be a nice upgrade.

[@deancarroll2365]

Loving what Pioneer did with this….didn’t like the CDJ3000 roll out but this is what any turntablist or vinyl enthusiast would want all in one package. It gives you all the options

[@DJFiBa]

we would have needed this 15 years ago when vinyl got battled by digital... instead, controllers took over and now, that even most of the vinyl djs have switched to controllers, they come up with a hybrid... it's nice, but kinda a joke to us OG vinyl djs...

[@FlawlessDJs]

I like that it gives you the option of both…1200s only could play vinyl

[@Simeonital]

I love these! Recently bought dvs and sent it back after 2 days. As an old school vinyl guy who like you, doesn’t play vinyl that much but likes the ability to play them, especially when live streaming, these turntables are perfect. Great review. Not the first time I’ve seen you but I don’t subscribe to just any and anyone. However, I’ve subscribed to your channel👍🏾👊🏾

[@Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

Great review Terry! Not ready to get rid of my 1200s!

[@ddman10001]

As much as people think this new Pioneer hybrid turntable is so great, the Reloop RP-8000 MK2 hybrid came out 4 years ago and still is the number one Hybrid turntable.

[@ClevelandTerry]

The reloop is a hybrid but it doesn’t do pure digital mixing without a dvs record or phase.

[@shaunstokes8827]

I like them but couldn't justify the cost over sticking with my 1210s and phase

[@DJFiBa]

had this idea like 15 years ago... back then we thought the reloop rp-8000 would do a similar thing, but it just had midi buttons... finally someone (pioneer) did it. thanks for presenting it to us, Cleve!!!

[@mark1658]

You always do very informative reviews and first looks. Thank you for the heads up. Something to consider 👍🏾

[@mitchwebb1227]

Superb review, been using 1210's since 1991 and DVS this past few years but these are definatly the future👍

[@djjoeydpr]

Pioneer is gonna have their own version of phase very soon 😊

[@1smooth84]

No need for phase with these. I don’t think they will venture into that lane.

[@househeadspeakz]

Pioneer is making some serious moves and as a user of their products, this is the innovation you want to see. I enjoyed the review as always CT. I know the DJs who still use turntables will love the get their hands on one. The price is up there and you need 2. I feel if you have a good mixer, getting these as an upgrade will make sense.

[@PedroSantos-rz3zs]

Damnit... this is pretty badass. I wish I would of known this prior but I think this will fix my problem between the RANE and the Technic 1200 decision making process. Thx Terry, greatly appreciate your review sir. Btw brother... these damn turntables are damn near half off in tokyo!

[@riddimfernandez5139]

GREAT video! I like this option a lot - and I mostly use one deck now and use instant doubles when I play out. Up here in Whistler we do not have venues with turntables so I often have to bring one deck anyways to use with my S11. Keep up the great work!

[@shadeamarshall5394]

Pioneer is definitely not playing around they got me sold rev7 an now this big game changer 💪🏾💪🏾 great video

[@6Rhyme]

If you swap the powercord from crss12 to plx1000 the sound change to. It is the powercord what gives a tone difference

[@huwwackman]

Killer dex. All in one. Worth the money long term and quality is perfect Good review

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

Weve come a long way since the Numark X2 😂

[@josephnunley730]

I saw your review on the PLX-CRSS and just purchased one just to test it out and if I like it, I'll get another one. I'm currently rocking an S11 and two MK7 1200's.

[@ClevelandTerry]

You'll like it

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

so the Rane 12cmk2s but with a tone arm .Very nice but mad price.A club install that does it all for clubs that use turntables but i recently got the 12s .Had i not i would have got these so i could have everything in one place.Vinyl time code and midi with no need for the tonearm if you do not want to use it.If i had the money i would camp out at the nearest seller until they had a pair but for now its the Rane 12s.

[@MentPlus]

I’m sold! Aside from the price I’ll be trading in my super old decks… Now they juuuuuuust need clamps for flattening 45s! 👍🏾

[@officialrapprod]

lovely beast...thank you terry for the review🙏🏾

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@17:35 - the anti-drift OFF was very good calibration - rarely see that with 2 stock 1200's unless I personally just calibrated them with a multimeter - a minute is a good benchmark for drift. Is anyone rocking these with that feature off though in 2023 I would assume those buying this are relying on that lock.

[@JohnLenin-y1w]

Great video bro. Every turntable is better than static jog dial ..

[@soundcentral]

The price is rough, but a turntable like this has been in my head for years and it’s so great to see how they accomplished it. I’m not looking to carry around turntables anymore, REV7 scratches that itch, but I would love to have these in my home set up.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

so you're to blame for that magnetic spindle adapter thing? 😂

[@POPQC]

price is cheap, CDX were way lot more expensive if we consider inflation.. Pioneer were never the most expensive: Flagship from concurents were WAY MORE expensive.. every gear company had different range of gear (beginer, mid range, high-end and flagships) ..Pioneer were positionned like apple: only high-end and/or flagships. but Pioneer wasnt pushing the technology: others done that. Pioneer became standard because they just don't made the low-market stuff.... so people associated them with expensive gear. but double the price of pioneer, and you had the new and awesome technology while Pioneer was 10 years in the past... still feel the same about them. Vestax, Numark, Stanton, some Denon, Rane too ...they are the one who made the DJ gear awesome. Even Gemini had turntables more expensive then Pioneer's one.. (Pioneer didn't had tables at this point, but if we compare to new TT or CDJs the PT2400s were more expensive than most flagship or 1200s when they came out..) Pioneer is the lazy actor in all of these.. they just killed the market for others so all these brands stop developping leaving Pioneer alone in the development.

[@apexpredator_jku]

It's about time the "industry standard" released something game changing! I got so used to them dropping incremental updates or facelifts to existing gear. They just took a traditional turntable, RP 8k, dicer, Twelve, Phase & rolled it all up into 1. Unless you were already exploring the market & weighing out your options, I just don't see it being practical for anyone to drop a boatload of cash for a pair to replace their current rig.

[@djkrazyt1333]

Im disappointed Technics (MK7) did not do something like this!

[@AxeMan808]

I'm so behind the times on DJ tech. Still just pure analog direct drive. This is badass stuff!

[@BillyBatsonMarvel]

At the rate which they abandoned this stuff, you’re better off.

[@DjGatesHarlemYoungGun]

This turntables are 🔥🔥🔥. Price will killed you but they are worth it. Pioneer wasted no time shaking things up again

[@DrefusX]

WOW. This is very interesting and looks pretty awesome on first look. I can definitely see this in a home or studio setup possibly. And yes it is pretty pricey no doubt about that. But I can see why. Hell the new Technics 1200s are expensive. This could be an option for a few people. Not mad at this at all and would love to try them out.

[@freakybeatnic]

As some others have mentioned, i would have changed the form factor a bit and placed the pitch on the left side and moved the display up where the pitch is. It may be coming but i think pioneer need a mixer with rekordbox built in so you can connect a usb/sd card to the mixer and control with the PLX without the need for a computer. If these had come out before the CDJ2000 i would never have gone down the CDJ route.

[@chukah9484]

Now that they have these tables I could see a battle mixer design with that internal pc / dvs support as it likely won't cannibalize their cdj market and it will help get them support from serato users after absorbing serato.

[@djsirlancealot4626]

Great video love the option to use vinyl 🎧

[@DJ1Hands1on]

Great review salute the Dj

[@djflavordaone]

great review Terry

[@deejayavoc]

I like the pitch wide effects

[@mike._.feliciano6782]

Thanks CT, great review and I can't really tell, are you a fan... 😄 Just kidding. I make no bones about Pioneer, I'm not a fan of most of their equipment but this, right here, is my jam (que music). Seriously, I own Phase and like you, was one of the first to get it and I love them, they've made some great improvements. The CRSS12 are just next level and although pricey, you wouldn't need Phase unless, like you said, you DJ at clubs, event centers or bars and they have the PLX1000s or the Technics 1200s, phase is a must have. Man, these tables are game changer and seriously has me thinking about selling my M3Ds and Phase, which will soften the blow but I can keep what I have and pick these up and still be fine. Well done, Pioneer, well done.

[@ClevelandTerry]

Agreed

[@deejayqueazy8251]

Great review bruh. Thanks for slipmat love. You going to Expo? I will bring you more!

[@ClevelandTerry]

Most definitely

[@djnextofkin8720]

Definitely interested I have S11/Rane 12s at the moment but I will be looking to get these. The price is high but I see why 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@djadamlive]

I'm still waiting for the day i dont need to use a laptop with it and having to carry around a heavy bag full of vinyl to use with it. For example it would be nice to see a USB slot and a built in screen for reading playlists

[@leonardcann6645]

There's a controller that has that.

[@MaxSplVideos]

Price is high but not outlandish. I could see these taking over at rental companies as an EVERY rider friendly option. That and dentist DJs using them in their man caves.

[@chukah9484]

As a medical worker dj I can imagine it in my main cave next to my imaginary v10 mixer

[@jjuninc77]

My man cave approves this message

[@DJDDT1]

I love it. I effing love it!

[@LormaG]

great review. thamks😊

[@jersey21212121]

I can see Pioneer coming out with a S-12 mixer with dedicated stem pads to pair these 12s with.

[@FM-ne5pz]

great review.

[@Ziggy_v2]

Nice - but I'm still in sticker shock. I may get over the $3,000 for a pair shock sometime next year 😬

[@jaimerodriguez1550]

If you want to scratch hip hop and rap with DVS but also eant to sample vinly records to produce records, this is the all in one turntable. Pioneer quality.

[@gsweater9172]

Pioneer definitely is NOT known for quality, noob

[@jaimerodriguez1550]

@@gsweater9172 ur three months too late with that one player

[@vanjatreffers5094]

Gonna save for first 1 surely like it

[@abrahamrios6503]

These are nice, but I not a scratch dj, and the layout doesn't work for me. Very great concept

[@bomb1st]

Anyone find it odd that every youtube dj posted their review of this at the exact same time today?

[@ClevelandTerry]

Well yeah, the embargo released at the same time.

[@bboymac84]

Yes you can midi map in user mode

[@djjoeykmusic]

Awesome Thank you

[@davidbalan6571]

Pioneer DJ Raise is Rekordbox Subscription priced on 23 January 2023 .

[@djlouparis]

I’ve been holding on to my Reloop 8000s for a minute wondering if and when Pio or Rane would come out with something like this. Looks like I’ll have to shell out some cash soon.

[@cori5635]

Me 2

[@beatzandwheels]

This would be so dope for clubs. BUT: I think that the buyers will mostly be bedroom DJs who are willing to spend that money in order to flex on social media with the new shiny of the hour.

[@kjoebunsie100]

Nothing wrong with that

[@Vagab0nd]

Man you sound excited AF:)

[@jimboblivesforever]

Honestly, I am not convinced. They sure seem like great turntables, especially for home or streaming DJs. If you olay out a lot though, you'd invest in phase anyway. Or just use oldschool timecode vinyl. And for the home DJ that plays mostly digital anyway, two random Super-OEM decks and phase will get you there almost as well for the price of one CRSS12. I guess if money is not that much of a consideration, or you don't like phase for some reason, these are definitely a good but pricey option. (Also, if these decks should ever end up in clubs, you can be sure that the magnetic clamps will almost always have been stolen or lost)

[@lindsaymaria2876]

IMHO they should have orientated it non-battle style and place the tonearm base in the top left corner. That way you’re not having to awkwardly avoid the tonearm when using the pitch. And the pitch fader is closer.

[@ClevelandTerry]

Well for any dj used to DJing battle style, which is most, this is the way.

[@lindsaymaria2876]

I should have prefaced my statement that I have my decks set up battle style with Phase and it’s clunky to go over the tonearm to reach the pitch fader (I have the muscle memory now but it still annoys me occasionally.) I also remember my Numark TTX’s that allowed you to change the orientation of your pitch fader to the side, which I and a lot of dj’s loved. I think the design could have been more ergonomically elegant. Not only for the dj but also for the safety of the tonearm if this is meant to be the new club install tt.

[@djenglewood]

Great Product very innovative i like it, However 😅 I'm not in the Pioneer/Serato universe I'm a Traktor user these are not Traktor compatible (I'm sure mappings will be available. ) but nice 👌

[@ClevelandTerry]

What’s traktor? I kid I kid. 😀

[@MrInternationalSound]

Looks cool. But not wasting the money.. my pox 1000s works perfectly fine.. and after my issues with the REV 7 I’m not buying any new pioneer product… I will wait at least an additional year (version 2) of any of their products.. THEY NEED TO RE FOCUS ON QUALITY CONTROL BEFORE RELEASING NEW PRODUCTS.

[@DJGaryP]

Pioneer build quality sucks

[@CJScratch]

I think the price tag will be its biggest hurdle for them becoming the standard for every dj .. ideas like this have happened in the past with hybrid tables & cdj's all in one deck but unfortunately it becomes to much of a gimmick and they kill the model after a short while ..i fear these will fall into that same category. plus if i was to spend this amount of money they would never leave my home for fear of damage . kind of defeating the purpose of getting them .

[@djwizard256]

I think this is a game changer but still I prefer the Rev7 over this

[@jerrychisholm8565]

nice unit

[@mrpep1976]

How’s the wow and flutter ? Better , the same or worse then let’s say 1200s?? And rane12 is solid beat match cause it’s like a CDJ, software controlled.

[@clipz1]

can tell these are good but for the price im good with all the shit i already own but overall the kid in me was amazed

[@meganoid_9001]

Hi, thanks for your video. Can you please check the actual WOW & Flutter of this turntable?

[@dgdundidit]

The single thing I really want to know is if the jerky and stuttering motor of the PLX has been fixed or improved in the lower pitch ranges of 50% or not. I love everything else about the PLX but it’s honestly a deal breaker

[@chukah9484]

Bump

[@ClevelandTerry]

Yes

[@dgdundidit]

@@ClevelandTerry yes what? Fixed or improved? This was a pretty big deal and hefty price tag to buy and see for yourself. Thanks

[@deejayshmoove]

As a veteran turntable dj, this would be the END OF THE ROAD as far as buying kit goes. Lets hope they make the magnetic clamps super accessible in case we just want spares or they get broken or (heaven forbid) LOST!!! That was a MAJOR problem with the rane 12's. Spare 'quick release' clamps were so hard to come by!!!

[@djsubculture2786]

Pioneer has said the clamps would be available separately.

[@BigCountrySo-CaL619]

@@djsubculture2786for club or festivals events, they will have to make it where they can’t be detached. Because I could see the things getting stolen or lost real quick.

[@danizm78]

yo can you do a video on how you setup your carts and needles on an angle like that?

[@tedewans415]

Nice

[@PatrickBalm]

it appears to be nice. however if you own SL1210 & Phase it is not an option for me. new mixer is more eligible for a swap but what is future for serato with Pioneer? these players do make a statement towards this uncertainty but I will wait a bit longer before i buy anything new thx for the review!

[@DjGPower]

They do look nice but my rev7 will suite me just fine

[@jnc30001]

If Phase did not exist then this would be perfect, as good as these maybe I can't pass that price.

[@BobBenz55]

Stick to my OG SL1200LTD with PHASE .. nice decks thou.

[@felixkoecke657]

So what is the big plus here? Take your 1210's (if you have them), Dicers and PHASE, and you have nearly the same Set. If you do not have 1210's buy 2 Reloops 8000 MK 2's for less the Price of 1 Pioneer (and additionally PHASE) and you have more Pad Options... If somethings fails... put your Dicers, PHASES on another TT, cause if somethings fails on a not tested new Pioneer... your dead... ;-) It would have been innovative, if you could use usb sticks like on any Pioneer Media Players today... So you stuck on Notebook.. Also: Anybody tested, how the vinyl playing will be affected by huge Stages using bass speakers under the dj booth? So Terry, thx for the review, its always a pleasure, to watch your videos! But DJ's have to play in 1000's of Settings, where Hardware has to work 100%... For me, the new Pioneer TT Hybrid is a nice one to use at home. Too expensive for me for that use, but Pioneer fans will surely sell their grandma's to buy them... ;-)

[@claytonproctor7514]

So I have a pair of Technic 1200 MK2's already...would it be more beneficial selling them and buying a pair of these? Or keep them and buy Phase to use with the 1200's? Just curious as I have crates of records I haven't used in awhile because I pretty much just use CDJ's with Rekordbox now. Just getting a feel which would be a better direction...these things are pretty sic LOL

[@TheMixologistDjSe7en]

Been Waiting On Your Review on This!! 🔥🔥🫡

[@clementorbih8010]

I will stick with Reloops and Phase

[@GhxstLight]

Rane 12 mk2 still more convenient and a better price, only upside I see is playing your favorite vinyl on the same deck

[@chadnliz2k11]

Rane 12 is in trouble

[@GhxstLight]

@@chadnliz2k11is it really tho? Cause I’m willing to bet my bottom dollar Rane has something in the pipeline to compete.. it allllllwaaayyyss does… personally I’m not budging until rane does cause pioneer just regurgitating already present technologies… while the competition typically brings you something newer when they drop

[@DJKISSchitown]

Rane twelve has an edge for me as when out and about I take the rane twelves since they have no tonearm. No tonearm means easier to pack and travel with. Mixer case and two ‘soft’ cases. Takes up less space and lighter than a hard case.

[@ClevelandTerry]

Soft cases for your turntables is wild.

[@DJKISSchitown]

@@ClevelandTerry Never have I ever used a soft case for an actual turntable but just noting that traveling with the rane twelves in the magma cases helps save space and weight for me.

[@weximan1]

These won't ever replace technics,you can bling a turntable all you want but ul never beat a technics

[@ClevelandTerry]

Time will tell

[@garritts]

What about playing 7” records??

[@SPARO_1984]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@youngshakey]

I am new to all this. Coming from controllers, DDJ FLX10 and DDJ 1000SRT. Will this work like hooking up the Rane 12s to the Mixer, say the Rane 72, via USB, or do I need anything else, just to get started with them.

[@blackclassic007]

If you don't already own a collection of vinyl, why would you buy these?

[@evanrandall1675]

Someone needs to remake the vestax controller one. My friend has rp 8000 mk2's and they're totally awesome but I probably wouldn't buy them

[@tonykellydjt2805]

Difference is the price is super premium! As nice as this is, will it be a necessity? Hmmmn🤔

[@ClevelandTerry]

If you have to ask if it’s a necessity, then they are probably not for you.

[@tonykellydjt2805]

@@ClevelandTerry The point being that this is a luxury not a necessity. If you already own Reloop, Technics and or Pioneer and Rane, i see this as a bit of a niche market. Sounds like a great idea for club installations though.

[@JoshMKelly]

do the patter pitch dots works

[@ClevelandTerry]

Yes

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

Good question .. wow imagine if it was just a cool effect?

[@9teen87]

hey how would you rank these vs the following reloop 8000mk2 technics 1210 mk5 with phase

[@deejayiwonder2400]

Numark were the first to do it

[@twentynone8362]

Coping hard

[@stevellaustin]

Nice overview. I am going to order a pair when the wife goes to bed. 😂 Can it handle a standard 45-record adaptor?

[@martinrafaj5998]

Hi, I have old mix and one plx1000. I will buy plxcrss12. Should I have soundcard or I can play serato only by ntbook with sw and old vestaxmix. Thx

[@ClevelandTerry]

You need a mixer to use these.

[@Iron883NZ]

Does it use any of that tech to stop drift when you are playing vinyl?

[@therealdjking202]

Very Interesting #thatdjlife

[@matthewweller158]

Hey, any idea if they work with traktor?

[@leroyphillips2638]

Is the Rane 72 mixer compatible with Pioneer Plx cx...???

[@ClevelandTerry]

Yes.

[@FreddyGonzales1986_]

Does it come with stock needles or do you have go spend another 300 on 2 needles?

[@ClevelandTerry]

Headshells yes, needles no.