DJ controllers come in a wide selection of shapes and sizes to suit any musical professional. From the basic tools for beginners to the advanced solutions for experts, there’s something for everyone.
Pioneer is the market-leading company producing these amazing tools.
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX is a state-of-the-art four-channel DJ controller designed for Rekordbox DJ. There are three touchscreens for track navigation, waveform information, and video control.
Additionally, you also get a set of 16 performance pads, three-band EQs, and trims for each channel.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-RZX also comes with mechanical jog wheels – similar to what you’d find on a standard CDJ system, Outputs include RCA and XLR master outputs, quarter-inch booth outputs, and 2 headphone jacks.
Is the DDJ-RZX any Good?
The DDJ-RZX from Pioneer is an advanced piece of mixing and music creation technology. It’s clear that this isn’t a product designed for beginners – although it’s definitely something you’d have fun with if you have a large enough budget.
Key Features of the Pioneer DDJ-RZX
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX is a massive, expensive, and heavy product. This item supports virtually every feature you could think of from Rekordbox DJ, including the video software. The DDJ-RZX is basically an DDJ-RZ, pushed to the next level.
Aside from the three screens, there’s an improved section for sound color effects too.
The DDJ-RZX has dozens of small bonuses that make it look and sound incredible. If you have the budget to spend and you want to access video DJ technology, then this is the product for you.
However, there are a few things missing, like the ability to play from a USB for standalone capabilities.
Features include:
- Incredible sound quality
- Three touch screens for extra control
- Professional microphone section
- Next-level effects
- Rekordbox v6 hardware unlocked
- Upgraded cross-fader
- Onboard OSC-Sampler
- Two USB connections for DJ switching
- P-lock fader caps
Pioneer DDJ-RZX Set Up
It’s no secret that Pioneer is on the cutting edge of CDJ and mixer technology. The company has led the pack for quite a while now, with solutions to suit virtually all budgets.
As the market continues to shift its focus towards DJ controllers that offer simplicity, portability, and ease of use, the company has started to adapt.
The Rekordbox DJ software has also really accelerated in its area, catching up with many of the other market leaders in the same space. The right combination of DJ software and hardware appears to offer a fantastic leap into the realm of technically advanced controllers.
With the Pioneer DDJ-RZX, it’s easy to process video and audio signals on the move, thanks to several 7-inch touchscreens.
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX goes beyond its primary function as a mixer and controller, to merge audio and video features in the same comprehensive package. The monitors are excellent for viewing and tracking waveforms. This ensures that you can match beats wonderfully.
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX also makes monitoring and previewing video and image files easier, too, with access to all of the essential effects you could hope for from the Rekordbox technology and Rekordbox video bundled plus. All you need to use the laptop for is scanning your library and choosing high-quality tracks.
This doesn’t come at a low price, however, as the Pioneer DDJ-RZX is very demanding in terms of CPU, GPU, and RAM.
To set a solution like this one up, you’ll need at least 8 GB of RAM. Many users report that even 16 GB isn’t enough to keep everything working at its full potential, without a computer overheating.
It’s also worth noting that some DJs think that the fact this product isn’t a standalone option is a bit of a disappointment too.
Layout and Jog wheels
The visual control elements are probably the most exciting key features of the Pioneer DDJ-RZX. If you’re looking for a powerful controller that showcases your Rekordbox technology in style, then this is it. The three 7-inch touch screens let you get full control over audio and video features without having to use your laptop. With the right settings you can close your laptop screen and put it aside.
The familiar layout is great for professionals, as it’s going to feel just like you’re working with features from the DJM and CDJ series.
This includes 16 large multi-colored performance pads and mechanical jog wheels. The independent sampler section on the 4-channel DJ controller makes it easy to control Beat Sync and trim too.
Touch Displays
Perhaps the most exciting feature of the Pioneer DDJ-RZX is its 3 touch displays. The 7-inch screens give you access to various pieces of useful information, including titles, BPM, and deck mixer display mode.
There’s also an enlarged waveform solution for each track, as well as various hot cues and loops in your mixer display mode.
The convenient screen displays make it easy to monitor and preview video and image files while triggering release and beat FX too.
Also, touch FX means that you can add effects and adjust the parameters in your music just by tracing the Y and X axis of your displays.
There’s tons of functionality available. No need for a laptop other than to run the video out and house your music libary.
Sound Quality
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX refuses to compromise on sound performance. You can hear the full quality and potential of your tracks with the AC inlets for reduced contact resistance from cables.
There’s also a powerful 96 KHZ D/A converter created by Asahai Kasei included in the mix. Add that to an incredible low-jitter IC clock, and you have amazing sound quality.
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX also comes with a 96 kHz /24-bit sound card for sensational output and a dedicated section for microphone control.
The 2 XLR combo input jacks on the device ensure that you can enjoy mic output without distortion. There’s a dedicated 3-band EQ and microphone FX solution, as well as support for pitch, reverb, echo, and more.
You can also tune each voice with your controller to help your performance move to the next level.
Advanced FX Features
One of the things that make the Pioneer DDJ-RZX so impressive is its approach to FX. This powerful machine stands out as a pro controller, stacked with amazing options for DJs who want to experiment with their sounds.
You can apply things like Beat FX simultaneously and Sound Color to a track at the same time. There’s also support for Release trigger beat FX to reset FX instantly.
The sound color brake FX solution comes with sub-parameter access, so you can adjust the performance to suit you, with Crush, Dub Echo, Pitch, and even Sampler repeat options to adjust the length of your loop.
The OSC sampler also makes it easy to adjust the sound of your creations.
Overlaying 4 pre-set sounds onto your tracks is easy, with things like Noise, Siren, Sine, and Horn to choose from.
The OSC sampler comes with plenty of control to modulate the output with the dial. You also have the freedom to manipulate and trigger the samples you already have loaded into the Rekordbox software.
Software
The Pioneer DDJ-RZX is built for use with the Rekordbox software, and it takes full advantage of that fact. You can use the Rekordbox features with this software without having to upgrade your subscription or buy anything extra.
Just plug in your Mac or PC, and you’re ready to go. Of course, this does mean that you can’t use the DDJ-RZX as a standalone controller.
The good news is that when you plug into Rekordbox, you’ll have full control of the software’s amazing low-latency control. This makes scratching tracks a smooth and simple experience. All the while, you’ve got access to various advanced features.
For instance, an active censor in Rekordbox will allow you to set out and in points for your music and apply Trans, Reverse Roll, Echo, and brake FX to your tracks.
Once you set a trigger beat FX simultaneously over a track, you can maintain that feature every time you play the same track from Rekordbox.
Connections and design
It’s not just the incredible features and effects that make the Pioneer DDJ-RZX special. This product is professional down to the last wire.
Everything on this device offers durability and performance. The controller comes with an aluminum top plate for excellent professional performance.
What’s more, as part of the package, you get an amazing newly developed crossfader from Pioneer. The highly durable crossfader can handle more than 10 million movements, according to Pioneer.
This new feature delivers smooth and seamless control for long-term use, with P-Lock fader caps that prevent the fader knobs from diminishing.
From a connection perspective, there are 2 USB sound cards and ports that allow you to hook up 2 PC or Mac computers at the same time.
Also, the top-loaded A/B switch makes it quick and easy to jump between transitions. Don’t forget your 2 XLR combo input solutions for microphone output that excels even at louder volumes too.
Pioneer DDJ RZX Pros and Cons
Pioneer has once again knocked it out of the park with their DDJ-RZX. This powerful controller is professional, high-quality, and brimming with features that you’re sure to fall in love with. However, it’s not going to be the right option for everyone.
If you’re searching for a standalone unit, or you want something portable enough to take with you on the move, this isn’t it.
The DDJ-RZX is a bulky unit, packed full of power with fantastic three screens and a ton of beat FX options. It works brilliantly with the Rekordbox software, and the hardware gives you the sense that you’re working with a true professional kit.
This is a device that doesn’t seem to cut any corners, which is essential if you’re building a real career.
You’re probably not going to use this device at every gig and for every occasion, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be the machine that changes your career.
Many experts in the industry are beginning to look at the DDJ-RZX as the next step in what DJ mixing might become.
In the meantime, your choice of whether or not to use this solution will generally depend on your budget.
DDJ RZX: The Verdict
In many ways, the Pioneer DDJ-RZX takes care of a lot of common problems for today’s DJs. For instance, the new and improved crossfader is much more durable. This fader can work perfectly for millions of movements, which means less risk of extra investment too soon in your career.
Of course, you’re paying for the quality that Pioneer has to offer here.
This isn’t a mid-level or budget controller. You’re going to be paying a lot of money for a wide selection of features – and not all of those components will necessarily appeal to you. If you’re not a video DJ and you don’t need the extra software that’s built into this machine, then you might wonder what you’re paying for.
On the plus side, you can at least enjoy a relatively professional feeling controller here. The DDJ-RZX is about the same size as a standard controller, just a little bit smaller.
Unfortunately, it does still need a computer to pull information from, which makes it harder to transport your entire DJ set.
Even with the bulkiness to consider, the Pioneer DDJ RZX doesn’t necessarily seem overpriced, or poor value. It’s actually a decent product for what you get.
The key to success here is making sure you actually need all the features that Pioneer has to offer with the DDJ-RZX before you begin investing.
If you’re looking for video mixing and high-quality performance from a club-level system, then you’re going to love the DDJ-RZX.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ RZX also comes with mechanical jog wheels – similar to what you’d find on a standard CDJ, Outputs include RCA and XLR master outputs, quarter-inch booth outputs, and 2 headphone jacks.
As always my reviews are never paid for and are my own opinions of these products.
