Pioneer are massive in the world of DJ equipment. Particularly in recent years, Pioneer dj controllers have started to take over the industry!
Pioneer have three XDJ controller units, that are marketed as all-in-one units. But what does that mean and what are the differences between these three excellent units?
The three Pioneer XDJ all in one controllers
What are the three all in one DJ controllers Pioneer offer? Heres a comparison chart for the three current Pioneer XDJ controllers.
| Feature | XDJ-RX3 | XDJ-XZ | XDJ-RR |
| No Channels | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Display size | 10.1 inch | 7 Inch | 7 inch |
| Mic input | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jog wheel size | 6 inch | 8 inch | 7 inch |
| Pads | 16 Multicolor | 16 Multicolor | 8 Multicolor |
| Analog inputs | 2 x XLR-1/4″ Combo (mic), 3 x Dual Stereo RCA (line), 2 x Dual Stereo RCA (phono), 1 x 1/8″ (aux) | 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo (line), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (aux), 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic) | 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (phono/line), 1 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic) |
| Analog outputs | 2 x XLR (master 1), 1 x Dual Stereo RCA (master 2), 2 x 1/4″ (booth) | 2 x XLR (master), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (master 2), 2 x 1/4″ (booth), 2 x 1/4″ (send) | 2 x XLR, 1 x Dual RCA Stereo |
| Software | Rekordbox DJ, compatible with Serato DJ Pro | Rekordbox DJ, compatible with Serato DJ Pro (firmware update), Rekordbox Video (sold separately), DVS Control | Rekordbox DJ |
| Effects | 14 x Beat FX, 6 x Sound Color FX | Color FX: Space, Dub Echo, Sweep, Noise, Crush, Filter ; Beat FX: Delay, Flanger, Helix, Phaser, Ping Pong, Pitch, Slip Roll | Echo, Reverb, Flanger, Filter, Noise, Dub Echo, Pitch |
| Price | Currently priced at $2,099.00 or £1,700.00 if in UK. | Currently priced at $2,499.00 or £2,049.00 if in UK. | Currently priced at $1,049.00 or £1,030.00 if in UK. |
(Note all prices current as of January 2024)
XDJ-RX3
This all-in-one digital DJ system is a blend of intuitive hardware and flexible software. It’s designed for a 2-channel setup. The system features 16 multicolored pads, which are great for creative performance. A 10.1-inch touchscreen display enhances the system. This display provides excellent visual feedback for mixing. It also simplifies browsing through tracks.
The system includes Nexus-style features like Quantize, Beat Sync, and Slip Mode. These features help DJs achieve polished results easily. It offers Sound Color FX and Beat FX to add flair to mixes. Another feature is the Loop Slice. This allows DJs to slice loops and remix them using hot cue pads.
The system supports rekordbox DJ and Serato DJ Pro software. DJs can prepare tracks in rekordbox with cues, loops, and beat markers. Dual USB inputs allow loading music in formats like MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, and FLAC.
It also has phono/line inputs for external sources like turntables and media players. Dual mic inputs include XLR and 1/4-inch connectors. This caters to different microphones. Finally, the system offers full MIDI support via USB. This feature allows for control of DJ software.
XDJ-XZ
This 4-channel all-in-one DJ system is innovative and inspired by Pioneer’s NXS2 setup. It’s the first to support Pro DJ Link, enhancing its functionality with CDJs and Pioneer DJ gear. The system comes with 14 Beat FX and 6 Sound Color FX. These features offer a wide range of creative possibilities for DJ sets.
The system is designed for collaborative performances. It allows connecting up to two laptops at once. This feature facilitates back-to-back performances and smooth DJ transitions. The mic input includes a feedback eliminator for clear vocals. The system’s sound quality is exceptional, thanks to 64-bit digital signal processing.
A Master 3-band EQ is another key feature. It lets DJs fine-tune their output for any environment. The system also has 16 performance pads. These pads trigger software-specific features, adding control and interactivity. Side grab handles make the system portable.
The 7-inch LCD touchscreen and color On Jog Displays provide excellent visual feedback. The package includes the XDJ-XZ system, power cord, and USB cable. It also comes with a Quick Start guide, software license notice, and rekordbox dj license key card. This ensures DJs have everything they need to start mixing immediately.
XDJ-RR
This 2-channel all-in-one digital DJ system merges intuitive hardware with flexible software. It’s ideal for DJs who want a mix of both. The system has a 7″ display for exceptional visual feedback. This makes mixing effortless and track browsing quick and easy.
The system enhances DJ sets with its Sound Color FX and Beat FX. These features allow DJs to add unique elements to their mixes. The Loop Slice is a standout feature. It lets DJs carve and remix loops in real time using hot cue pads. This feature brings a dynamic and improvisational feel to performances.
The system includes a rekordbox dj software license. Rekordbox dj is popular for music management and performance. It allows DJs to prepare tracks with cues, loops, and beat markers in advance.
The system has dual USB-A ports. These support various music file formats like MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF. DJs can load tracks from flash media and mobile devices. Additionally, there are phono/line inputs. These inputs allow mixing external sources like turntables and media players.
The system also has a mic input with XLR and 1/4″ connectors. This caters to different microphone types. Full MIDI support via USB is another feature. It gives DJs more control over their DJ software. These features make the DJ system versatile and powerful for both aspiring and professional DJs.
Which to choose?
Ultimately your choice is going to come down to your budget. There is quite a difference between the prices. In particular the RR version is a lot chepaer than the other two. But depending what you are going to use it for, this unit might fit the bill.
Whichever you choose, you will get Pioneer DJ’s excellent build quality and reliability. All three units are excellent, professional audio controllers that any DJ would be happy to own.
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