Should You Buy The Pioneer XDJ-RX2 In 2021?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

Very few DJ's use the RX2 to the full potential that it has, just like with the Pioneer club gear. Most DJ's don't change their way of playing with every new feature that comes along, especially not already established pro and semi pro DJ's. We tend to slowly embrace new features when we find out about them and when we find a place within our routines and workflow to implement them. Some pro DJ's I know who's been at the top of the food chain for many years don't even bother about new features at all. They do what they do manually and by ear, and use the skills obtained during decades of performing in front of people. Pioneer DJ knows this and they are very keen to keep us existing customers happy by not changing the layout too much, which means that new features introduced are a bit limited but very well incorporated in the existing design. That also means that waiting for the next version upgrade or new model becomes unnessecary. If you know there's a new model around the corner you can wait for it. If not, get a used one while you wait for the next gen, and when it's time for an upgrade you will probably get most, if not all, your money back to use for your next purchase. That's how good Pioneer DJ gear holds its value as long as the gear is well maintained. Even if the XDJ series is not considered as Pioneer Pro gear, it's absolutely good enough for any DJ to have for personal use at home, and for the occasional gig where you bring your own gear. Personally I'm coming from stand alone gear only, all the way back to the 80's and my Technics 1200's and over the following decades, cd-players and media players up until know with my NXS2 gear, and I was very skeptical to use these ''budget'' units at first, most because of the single screen and the capacitive jog wheels, but after using one for an hour or so, I was really impressed how close to the pro gear it actually is. If the 4 channel version had existed when I got my NXS2 setup, it would have saved me $4000. I really do like my NXS2 setup, but if I could have had the XDJ-XZ, AND keep $4000, it would have been a very easy choice to make.

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for watching.

[@bm373]

Just bought a used XDJ-RX2 last week, im gonna be returning it in the hope of a stand alone 4 channel from Pioneer in the summer. Good video ty.

[@djkarlthomas]

Nice!! Thank you for watching!

[@bm373]

@@bizzclub8622 Most bars and clubs in so cal have Pioneer. Maybe in the future it'll change, but for now its pioneer. ✌🇺🇸

[@djkarlthomas]

Same here in the UK!

[@bm373]

@@djkarlthomas Pioneer definitely has a stronghold on the professional market. Denon could be winning with the bedroom dj market though. ✌🇺🇸

[@FabioOnnYoutube]

Thanks man, i was thinking to buy IT, but right now im gonna wait!

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you for watching! I do think we will see an upgrade to these all in one controllers soon! It’s been a while since we have seen some new products like this from pioneer on the market

[@MrBobDigits]

@@djkarlthomas couldn’t agree more. Then just need to drop it already!!

[@djkarlthomas]

@@MrBobDigits still waiting hahaha

[@EuroNation]

Pioneer Rx2 vs Denon Prime 2? I bought the prime and I'm trying it out. But I'm wondering if it's honestly worth buying or exchanging for a 4 year old unit.

[@djkarlthomas]

I haven't used the Prime so can't comment on this really however I am very happy with my RX2....just think there must be something else round the corner soon!

[@BryantFC]

The reason why the waveform jitters is due to the weak processor PDJ uses. The refresh rate can't keep up with the two scrolling waveforms. The same thing happens to the RX and the XZ. If you compare the release timeframe, the original XDJ-R1 was released on June 2013, the RX Feb 2015, the RX2 Sept 2017, the RR sept 2018 (which was basically a scaled down version of the RX2 and took cues from the original RX) and the XZ was Nov 2019. So theres roughly a 2 year time gap when it comes down to the "ALL IN ONE" DJ systems from PDJ. I personally do not believe the RX2 will be refreshed this year due to the XZ being released not that long ago. COVID caused a big issue on inventory/supply that did not start picking up sales/delivery until mid-late last year. Fast forward to now, it's still a solid seller. If anything, they will probably release a new "XDJ" media player variant of the new 3000 (same size, new LCD, updated processor but still keeping in time with the XDJ media players, most of the transport controls shifted to the touch screen like the 1000MK2/XDJ700). Just watched a video a couple days ago with product specialist Jeroen Groenendijk and even he stated that the 900NXS2 (which was first released back in 2016) will more or less not get refreshed yet as well.

[@djkarlthomas]

Great insights here and suggestions for the future! Thank you for watching!

[@MrBobDigits]

Soooo r u saying there is going to new product in the xdj line or just not upgrading the rx2 for a while. Here’s to hoping for some sort of competition to the prime 4

[@BryantFC]

@@MrBobDigits with the current silicon shortage, I don’t think we’ll see anything new for maybe a year.

[@MrBobDigits]

@@BryantFC that hurts to hear

[@TranceCore3]

I've owned my RX2 for a year and I love it, I've only recorded a few mixes on it, but it's still great. I kinda wish I got the XZ, but you can't use all 4 decks in standalone anyway so it doesn't matter.

[@djkarlthomas]

Yeah for sure!! It’s a great unit. I love mine! Thank you for watching!

[@DJNicShogun]

Hi im about to buy the Rx2 just a few questions. What studio monitors or speaker are you using? It can record mixes directly to the usb stick?

[@djkarlthomas]

Hello mate, so in terms on recording yes the RX2 will record to USB and for studio monitors I personally use Adam Audio however there are many decent brands to choose from. KRK, Genelec to name a couple.

[@DJNicShogun]

@@djkarlthomas Ah Ok will have a look I almost wanted to buy the pioneer range of monitors but my friends used it they say KRK sounds better.

[@naizondj]

Yes xz bullshit useless 4 deks!🤣🤣

[@RealLifeDJ]

I’m so having the RX3 when it’s launched 😎🎧👍🏻

[@djkarlthomas]

I think it could be coming!!!!

[@naizondj]

@@djkarlthomas not really. Will come out in 2024! I know’😜

[@djkarlthomas]

Insider knowledge eh? 😉

[@RovingChestnut]

@@naizondj That seems to be a long time!

[@naizondj]

@@RovingChestnut yes my mate work in big department in pioneer and he say that with those console xr2 and xz with the updates they will last long time👌🏻

[@shaunp221]

Great vid as always mate, keep them coming! 👍👍👍

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you bud!

[@frankygers]

Good review. I’ve not had decks for years. Looking to get back into it. These interest me

[@djkarlthomas]

Ah nice one! Let me know how you get on!

[@samtullett6889]

Really good video mate

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you for the kind words Sammy!

[@robbieswain]

Thank you for making this super helpful

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words!

[@djmat2y724]

Great Video Mate!

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@InitialDL84]

I just got one a few weeks ago, I love it! Sound quality is miles away from my DDJ-SX2 on Serato. Only issue I'm having now is recording my mixes more that 30 minutes smh. My 120gb USB drive started blinking after about 30 minutes of recording, not sure what that's all about....

[@djkarlthomas]

Thanks for watching. That’s really strange as the RX2 should record 90mins…and then anything over this it will split into different files. It’s recorded in wav. Really not sure why it’s doing that!

[@mikelh.7958]

try using a smaller usb, maybe 16 or 32gb. sometimes too much memory is a problem. good luck!

[@shivvarma3442]

Great video!

[@djkarlthomas]

Cheers Shiv

[@RP-vq4wd]

Brother, you can connect additional things through aux inputs, yes, you don't get a proper EQ and a channel but still, you can do something with those 2 additional inputs and I've seen people connecting cdjs or turntables! Cheers!

[@djkarlthomas]

It’s pretty flexible with the inputs at the back. Thank you for tuning in 😊

[@RP-vq4wd]

@@djkarlthomas You are welcome! Cheers, from Serbia!

[@MichelWesterhoff]

Great review thanks

[@djkarlthomas]

Thank you for tuning in!

[@djmajor2095]

Very helpful. First time using and buying a controller. Dj'd with vinyl and cds for 15yrs. Was debating between rx2 and xz seems rx is sufficient for home set-up. is this compatible with laptop and serato for back-up incase usb fail?

[@djkarlthomas]

Ah I have a similar background…vinyl, cd and now digital. XZ is certainly a good unit but huge so not too portable…the RX combines portability with professional features in my opinion. Yes you can use the unit with a laptop however not serato- it’s compatible with rekordbox.

[@FreFreTube]

Several online and brik/stone stores already mark the Pioneer RX2 as discontinued and can no longer be ordered.

[@djkarlthomas]

Thats really interesting......thank you for the update! Fingers crossed for something new soon!

[@morsymusic]

hmmmm thats good to know. Im definitely going to wait it out just a bit longer.

[@djkarlthomas]

It must be soon for sure!!

[@-Hann]

great video, thank you... needed this very much! say you've selected one track to play from say USB 1 > folder > track 01... once the track has finished, will it automatically go to play the next track (02) in the folder or not?

[@djkarlthomas]

So yes you can set it up in this way but by default it won’t do this.

[@maxalire586]

Just switched from a traktor controller to this board in hopes it will help prepare me for the cdj 2000 nexus that my local club uses. Did I make a good move getting this to help practice on so I can get used to rekord box and what not?

[@djkarlthomas]

I think so, once you jump on a nexus set up. Apart from the hot cues being in a different place everything else is a similar layout. The screen on top of the mixer is pretty much identical to that on the cdjs and the mixer has a very similar layout to the djm 900. The only major difference is the size and feel of the jog wheel.

[@Paintedclocks]

Thanks for the Video Karl. RX3 is already here. Got the RX 2 on eBay for a killer price for an open box, hope all is well. really excited to move from DDJ 400. What can I expect?

[@djkarlthomas]

Yeah I posed this video back in 2021 when I thought they would release it soon! You will love the RX2 for the standalone nature of the player and extra features but you will also feel at home quickly as all pioneer kit all has the same layout

[@imzack_______]

Great ❤️ I just bought my new toy RX2 and now i have DDJ RX and RX2 and i just moved from serato to rekordbox 👁️👁️ Your controller Made In My Country Malaysia 🇲🇾✔️

[@djkarlthomas]

Very nice! Enjoy using it! I’m sure you will have a lot of fun.

[@gareththomas78]

Which one is better experience or easier to use RX or RX2 ??? 👍

[@djkarlthomas]

In my opinion the RX2- the software running the unit is more advanced and there are a greater number of performance pads.

[@imzack_______]

@@gareththomas78 RX2 was better

[@beautifulmind5513]

Give me your WhatsApp

[@scottmorris343]

This or 2 xdj 700s? Currently own a Allen and heath xone 92 and 2 cdj 1000s plus 2 technics 1210s. Just getting back into it and really want MP3. Any advice much appreciated. Cheers.

[@djkarlthomas]

XDJ 700’s are nice little players however quite old now. They still use tech from the first generation of CDJ 2000 nxs. It all depends if you want separate players or an all in one device. One thing to bear in mind is if you get this- it’s strictly 2 channel so whilst you can connect your turntables. You will have to use these OR the RX2 players. The Allen and heath mixer is a lovely piece of kit and will allow you to connect everything and then you can just upgrade the CDJs perhaps?

[@scottmorris343]

@@djkarlthomas thanks for reply mate. Yeah leaning towards stand alone players now as think I'd be silly to sell the mixer as it's a great piece of kit. An thinking of spending a little more and going for the xdj 1000s.

[@djkarlthomas]

@@scottmorris343 nice one buddy!!

[@n.g.gardenservicesessex1714]

Does it play WAV FLAC etc ?

[@djkarlthomas]

It supports MP3/AAC/WAV/AIFF files

[@joshuatyler9160]

Sample pads ?

[@djkarlthomas]

You need to have the RX2 connected to a laptop using Rekordbox in performance mode and then as far as I know you can assign the performance pads to samples. It's not a function I really use to be honest so don't know much more than that! Thank you for watching the video.

[@lucann807]

When do you think Rx3 will be coming?

[@djkarlthomas]

I would imagine at sometime within the next 12 months. There are already leaked pictures of an updated XZ...however I don’t think these are real.

[@lucann807]

@@djkarlthomas however, when this “covid period” will passed, I think I’ll buy the rx2 Maybe already in these months, maybe for the summer when the club will open again (I’m from Italy)

[@MarinUzelac]

please for opinion which is better, Pioneer ddj 1000 or xdj rx2

[@NicoOo48]

RX2 it's cheaper

[@djkarlthomas]

Not in the UK....the ddj 1000 comes in at approx £1120 and the RX2 retails for approx £1500.

[@MarinUzelac]

In Croatia, the DDJ 1000 is also cheaper than the XDJ RX2

[@NicoOo48]

I bought my XDJ RX2 in Late 2019.

[@MarinUzelac]

I am interested in your opinion which is better for DJing

[@rodrigonovaes4797]

xdj rx3 does not have key sync. I would only update to the rx3 if it had key sync

[@djkarlthomas]

Will be covering this in a video shortly.

[@MACODJ]

New Pioneer Rx3 Is coming!

[@djkarlthomas]

Cant wait!!

[@Suriprofz]

What about the xdj zx?

[@djkarlthomas]

It’s a very good device if you have the extra budget....as it has similar technology inside to the RX2 I would imagine we will see an upgrade at some point in the future.

[@Suriprofz]

@@djkarlthomas I've been putting both in my shopping cart for weeks, still can't decide which one I want. The rx2 of xz

[@djkarlthomas]

Both are good- I chose the RX2 because of the size. I wanted something slightly smaller than a full cdj set up (due to space) and something a little more portable. The XZ is more or less the size of 2 cdjs and a mixer and weighs substantially more so it’s slightly less portable. That’s the reason for my choice.

[@elpizza2457]

@@djkarlthomas great I will consider the same. I don't need to 4 channels, so i would only buy it for the extra effects and bigger and I think better jogwheels... Not sure if that's worth it.

[@MACODJ]

Il 9 Novembre Pioneer annuncerà la nuova RX3 stay united!

[@larshardwaretests9561]

For me in Gemany a RX1 costs ~900€ used. A RX2 can be had for 1100€ used and the new RX3 costs 2000€. Then there is also the option of two XDJ700 paired with a DJM250mk2 or DJM450 which is pretty hard to get right now. I have seen offers from 1500€ ranging all the way up to 3500€. For me as a ish-beginner, which one would you buy? Im currently using a DDJ RR Controller. My goal is to eventually play in clubs and here they all have pioneer cdj setups. Thererfore going standalone and getting closer to the club standart is very important to me.

[@djkarlthomas]

An RR is a good piece of kit! Depending on your budget the XZ is the the closest to a full cdj set up with the full sized jog wheels however an RX2 or RX3 you will be able to make the transition easily as the buttons are all in similar places. I regularly switch between the rx2 and cdjs myself.

[@larshardwaretests9561]

@@djkarlthomas Thanks for the response. The Problem with my DDJ RR Controller is that the master Output regularly Drops Out. I dont know whats causing this but im unable to play live with this so its just a training unit for me. About every hours to 90 minutes i have to reboot it to get my audio back. And im not a scratch DJ so the jog size isnt as important to me. So i will probably watch out for a good condition RX2 for ~1000€.

[@djkarlthomas]

Nice one mate! Shout if you have any questions as I have one too!

[@bjornvanleynseele8653]

You are talking about an upgrade version. This will most likely be the Xdj - Rx3. Either this console will be a 4 channel mixer, with a screen as large as the Denon dj prime 4, + also become it's opponent in the race.. or would it stay with a 2 channel mixer system ?

[@djkarlthomas]

I personally think it’s likely the next RX will stay a 2 channel device....the 4 channel will be reserved for the XZ. Just my personal thoughts though. Thank you for watching!

[@MrBobDigits]

@@djkarlthomas so no prime 4 competitor for at least a few more years?

[@DJSTOEK]

🖤

[@georgewainaina9994]

Hey carl

[@alessandroambrosio]

hi Ross from friends hahahah

[@djkarlthomas]

Hahaha you wouldn't be the first to say this.

[@alessandroambrosio]

@@djkarlthomas no worries, this is only compliment. Ross is legendery and will always be. Anyway, good review, great job. I had xdj r1 for longer time, and practiced well on it, now i need more pro equipment, where i decided to take XDJ-XZ. This one RX2 is awsome too, it was very close to buy this one, but i saw that price between those here in Croatia is practically very near, like 300-400 eur difference. And if i am buying unit for 2000 eur, i might add this difference and buy bigger unit, which is more close to those pro standard clubs setups (cdjs 2000 nexus2 or cdjs 3000). Its just my personal choices, but both units rocks :)