Two weeks ago, this was hotter than hot news. I went down to inMusic UK to see this in the flesh, with the usual underlinings of secrecy, but as I suspected this cat was way too hot to stay in the bag. And sure enough, Denon DJ’s real return to the DJ fold via the epically huge MCX-8000 controller was leaked via a trade magazine. Arse.
So yes, everything you’ve seen over the last week is totally true, but we were instructed to stick the today’s embargo, if only to attempt to appear to be clinging onto said cat for dear life to keep even a whisker in the bag.
Anyway, here’s the PR to fill in any knowledge gaps that you might have:
DENON DJ MCX8000 DJ CONTROLLER WITH ENGINE SOFTWARE POWERS TO NEW HEIGHTS OF PERFORMANCE AND CONVENIENCE
MCX8000 hardware/software controller offers complete command of Serato DJ and Denon’s ground-breaking Engine technology in one instrument—without a computer!
Ash Vale, UK (January 18, 2016)—Denon DJ (www.denondj.com), a leading manufacturer of premium DJ products and solutions, today announced the introduction of its new MCX8000 DJ controller with its exclusive and revolutionary Engine software. The MCX8000 is the first true DJ hardware/software controller that offers total command of both Serato® DJ and Denon DJ Engine technology in the same instrument. The DJ can use the MCX8000 with its USB drives by opting to use Denon DJ Engine—without a computer connected! Engine enables the DJ to directly import from Serato DJ crates with all hot cues—as well as create their own—with Denon DJ’s Engine software.
With MCX8000 DJs looking for a complete, high-performance set-up with flexible operation and freedom from computer-related restrictions will find an MCX8000 with Engine system fulfills all their requirements: 4-deck Serato control and Engine-provided freedom from a computer, plus the ability to switch to local USB dives when using either Serato or Engine. With the MCX8000 two DJs can seamlessly hand off from one to another combining Engine and Serato DJ. Metal construction and high quality op amps ensure rugged and high-quality performance.
Key Features
- Includes revolutionary Denon DJ Engine standalone technology with integrated Serato Cue point support
- 2 USB inputs for Engine playback in standalone mode
- Includes 4-deck Serato DJ software
- 2 high-definition displays show Engine and Serato DJ operation
- Professional 4-channel digital mixer with 2 microphone inputs and Dual XLR outputs
- 3 built-in instant pre/post fader effects for Engine playback and line inputs
- Velocity-sensitive performance pads for cues, rolls, slicer and samples
- Stage LinQ network connection to control lighting and video
- Serato DVS Upgrade ready
- Metal construction
“The new MCX8000 DJ controller with Engine software marks a pivotal event in the development of DJ hardware, software and performance adaptability,” said Ross Goodwin, Product Manager for Denon DJ. He added, “DJs have been clamoring for a single device that does two things: 1) Offers ultimate control of Serato DJ and 2) Runs standalone in case of computer malfunctions and for the ability of one DJ to seamlessly hand off to another. The MCX8000 establishes a new era in DJ performance, control and flexibility.”
The MCX8000 will be available in Q2 2016 with an MSRP of £899.99.
INMUSIC’S DENON DJ IS HERE
With obvious design cues from the Numark NV (but built with a lot more metal) and if I’m honest a few Pioneer DJ ones too, this is essentially the proper pro version that many of you were looking for. And it’s big compared to what we’re used to, but I think some of that is down to proportions. You see the MCX-8000 is thin, and that makes the thing appear bigger.
It sees the return of Denon DJ’s Engine software (v1.5 in fact) and has developed into more than just a library as it’s now driving this expansive lump of hardware to be entirely standalone. So on one hand, it’s a Serato DJ controller that’s DVS upgradable (yes the handful of people with very long arms who would actually want to use this with turntable will have to pay), and on the other you can leave your laptop at home and run from USB drives only — or both, because you can switch channels on the fly if you want. That’s clever. And it’s all mappable too.
And on this subject, Engine is also able to share the Serato library and import BPM, loops, and hot cues. It’s one-way at the moment, and it’s also planned for Engine to import beat grids in future versions too.
The controller itself has hardware effects and filters, and they’re planned to be post-fader too, although the crossfader was still pre-fader on the unit I tried. And the fader is mini Innofader compatible. Oh the jog wheel lights are editable too.
Aside from the excitement of true standalone, I find myself very interested in the Stage LinQ port. It’s a regular Ethernet port, but it’s the technology that sits at the other end that’s of most interest. I don’t have the full spec (but I think I know who makes it) but essentially the MCX-8000 will transmit metadata out of the port to a lighting controller. This controller reads the metadata (tracks name for example) and based on what you’ve programmed will control the lights. So imagine that you’ve programmed a light show for a particular track with a build and a drop etc. This process of the DJ driving the lights on the fly means that the whole show doesn’t have to be programmed from start to finish, but per track, allowing you to change things up as you see fit. And while DMX is a little daunting for casual users, we can only hope that the the lighting program is user friendly too.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
For me, we’ll begin to see some clear lines develop with inMusic’s DJ brands. ION will service the consumer end perfectly, Numark will evolve into a mid range brand (I wouldn’t for example expect to see the NS7 stay as a Numark model), with Denon DJ sat pretty at the top of the tree in the professional slot.
Now I have to be very careful about what I say next. While what we see with the MCX-8000 is cool enough, it’s the future that is most interesting. For some, this lump of hardware may not be quite enough to signify inMusic taking the Denon brand seriously enough. But I can tell you that you’d be quite wrong to think that.
I did comment to InMusic that everyone is playing for second place behind Pioneer DJ to become industry standard. Back came a knowing grin followed by “let’s wait until you see what we have this afternoon”. Such bullishness appeals to me, and having seen things coming in the future from Denon DJ, it would be very foolish for ANYONE to get complacent and think that they’re untouchable. I definitely had some wow moments, and they’re rare these days. Other key media types have had the same personal presentations that I have, so I’m interested to see what they think too.
RECAPPING
The Denon DJ MCX-8000 runs with Engine 1.5 fully standalone with onboard effects and filters, or with Serato DJ and switches to Serato’s effects, or a combination of both. It’ll work as a standalone mixer, or with DVS if you buy the Serato DJ DVS upgrade. The MCX-8000 is aggressively priced at £899/$1299, a level that will see these fly from retailer shelves.
Mark my words – Denon DJ is back, and the MCX-8000 is just the start. Buckle up.
GALLERY
Just a note – the glare on the screen in one of the pictures looks like there is no antiglare coating on the screens?
Which? The studio shots or Mark’s snaps on location? the studio shots look like they’ve had screen shine added (particularly the cheesy ones with the girl DJing) to make it look more ‘space age’.
this one – http://djworx.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/denon-mcx-8000-1.jpg
There’s not much you can do when confronted with huge ceiling lights just above your head.
True, but just thinking of direct sunlight or places where there are lights the flash all over. My iPad has a pretty good antiglare coating that can handle the sunlight and mega strobes in the club. Some of Pioneers handle the light well. Just wondering if there is any antiglare coating on the screens.
Looks impressive, but terrible, terrible name. It needs something catchier.
Such as?
MCX8 would be an improvement.
This looks cool, but why did they not mirror the pitch sliders? One is left of the jog, the other right?
In my own experience, symmetrical controllers are easier to use.
True, so why are these not symmetrical? Noticed this right away, and i am so used to having the pitch on the right.
The controller is symmetrical i.e. each side is a mirror image of the other. What you want is to identical deck configurations like Pioneer.
But when its mirrored, it are not symmetrical decks..anyway this is not important, but it boggles me why they did not put the deck controls on the same side left and right. Each deck has that, be it cdj or tt, and most controllers.
Just following in the mould of Denon’s product line. I don’t think it’s terrible at all. It’s certainly not cheesy.
Oh, not cheesy, no. Not like ‘Jogvision’.
This looks gigantic next to the NV! Very competitive price point and I wish there will be a 2-channel version. Very interesting to see what’s coming down the line. My guess is a set of new turntables and a new mixer.
This think looks awesome. Finally some made a ddj sx type machine with screens and usb play. This my friends might be the perfect machine? We just have to wait for sound quality and them damn jog wheels test lol. This might finally be the machine that will retire my ddj sx.
This thing looks like a absolute beast. Anyone have any measurements for it?
interesting to see what products are coming down the pipe… :)
And I suspect that you might know… ;)
“I can neither confirm nor deny any details of the operation without the secretary’s approval….. ”
lol
stop teasing us guys, it’s borderline unfair
we need a real Pioneer rival, and we need it now.
At least tell us a timeframe ?
I’ve been waiting for a controller like this from someone other than pioneer. I wonder if they will make the deck version, something like a revised sc2900…or better yet…can we get an update to the sc3900 with the screen update. Either way, I’m all in with Denon in 2016!
Want. Need. Been totally stoked since this ‘leaked’ last week.
I need this in my life so out goes the aging SX and a hello to the MCX8000.
First time I’ve been excited in a long time.
SX2 or SZ not doing it for you? Curious
It’s broken now as the up faders are worn (sound dropouts at the top) and the shift buttons are sending out random glitches causing the track to restart when I press them.
I love it’s layout but think this offers more ans I needed a new SX. This made me get more value with the USB and screens for only 100 quid.
Still a great controller though. It’s just I need to replace it. It’s been used 6 nights a week for two years now. It’s going to that controller heaven in the sky.
If u think this is better than sx2 or sz or rz you’re stupid. This is just another recycled numark nv. Stop with your gear lust
Why do you think that the Pioneer units are better?
Mark he just has issues…many of us on here can play on anything
Stupid? For the roughly the same money as an SX2 and less than an SZ you get way more features (HD screens, standalone use, etc.)
Roughly the same money? 1299 – 899 = 400.
Roughly my ass …
Are you actually serious? I own an SX so know exactly what I’m talking about. There’s also an NV in the house too (along with an S8).
1. They aren’t Numark. They are a sister company to Numark and made good controllers before they was purchased my InMusic.
2. Just because the screens are similar/same means they are the same inside. You obviously don’t know what your talking about. Metal construction etc. #NS7SERIES
3. It’s NOTHING like an NV.
If I want gear lust that’s none of your business. I think for £100 more than an SX I get a 10x better controller. How’s your job at Pioneer BTW?
KKR spend so much money to buy Pioneer DJ .KKR need to earn money back. Pioneer DJ also spend so much money to promo.
So we should give more money to buy Pioneer DJ stuff.
Pioneer DJ logo is expensive
you have issues bro,why name call people…everyone has their preferences and spend their own money how they please…you need some serious help
Have you tried it?
With a comment like that – you’re the stupid one!
A lot of people were saying the size compares to the SX but just looking at it next to the NV you can see this thing is the size of the SZ.
Looks big but looks great too. I can’t help but wonder if there may be a more portable 2 channel version in the pipeline that may appeal to a wider range to turntable based users also.
Still good to see Denon pushing the bar!
Do the centre markings on the platters display anything or is it all via the external rings around the platters?
Blimey Nora… it takes a 5A PSU! Does it get warm when it’s been on for a bit?
Usb eject sounds smart
the price is very reasonable. Too bad stem file support is missing.. Looking forward on seeing a new incarnation of a motorized platter media player! The SC3900 is aight but needs 8 big-ass cue pads and a new screen.
One thing bothers me a lil though – the previous versions of the engine software were subpar tbh. Hopefully the new engine version is a more matured experience!
As far as I’m aware, the software API for Stem file audio processing still hasn’t been released. No one outside of NI can use it properly.
Does anyone know the size of the jog wheels yet?
Just spotted it on Denon website – 133mm (a fraction bigger than on the sx)
This is the controller we’ve been looking for. Bravo, Denon DJ. Well done.
Will the unit read and play MP4 files from an external HD? Then it will be truly free of laptops connection
I’ve just hit a bit of a downer…….the Denon site says that standalone USB playback is only on two channels.
Is that a limitation in the embedded software, though? If so, it could be changed down the line.
No, if you look at a large pic of the mixer you’ll notice only the centre two channels (1+2) have a 3 way switch – the middle position being “Engine mode”.
That would be a huge downer. Need some clarification on this.
I also hope a 2 channel version comes out.
People aren’t bothered about two channel controllers. Especially when there’s a four channel one. The reality is that it doesn’t really save much money and there aren’t many benefits.
Size, weight (small difference), shipping costs (adds up quickly), amount you can fit in a shipping container.
just to recap, it works standalone with denon engine but with serato dj you still need a laptop?
Yes.
thanks
This is so amazing. I absolutely love it. When the NV came out I thought now if only Pioneer made one like this mainly because I love Pioneer’s styling. But wow, Denon really made this look like one desirable piece of kit.
My only gripes are (1) the screens look nearly the same size as the NV’s despite the whole controller being much bigger and (2) I personally prefer the same layout on both sides as opposed to the mirrored layout.
But that’s splitting hairs, this is truly the only controller I’ve gotten this excited about since I bought my DDJ-SX. (Yes, the S8 is cool but as someone who has a more traditional style of DJing, it’s just a bit unnecessary for me.)
Nice, though screwed with the mirrored pitch. Now, give us the single deck and a DN-X600 MK2.
What happened to working with Virtual Dj ?
What makes you think it won’t? Pretty much any hardware works with VDJ, and you can bet your life Atomix will be working on mapping for this ASAP.
VDJ support isn’t a given. The Numark NS7 III has been out for a while and still doesn’t have VDJ support.
Loving the tease about more gear in the article, Mark. Can we have some more hints? How long do we have to wait? Is it turntables? Am I the only person here hoping it’s a high resolution stand-alone jog wheel like an updated SC2000. It’s turntables though isn’t it?
After the SC2000 was discontinued I bought up a bunch of them from a warehouse down in Atlanta. Love those units and would love to see a replacement model with a few updated features – so you aren’t all alone on that one my friend!
This looks amazing. Can’t wait to check this out at NAMM. Big things.
USB stand-alone? Four channels? My prayers have been answered. What a great comeback. I can see the big clash between this and the XDJ-RX in the near future. Let’s just hope the build quality is at the same level.
Denon used to be THE rival for Pioneer. Let’s see if this time they can keep up
I now bid farewell to my SX2 & finally welcome Denon back into my life.
I’m with DVJ Rudy G… Where’s the compatibility with Virtual DJ 8.1
It will be compatible with VDJ because it has the Numark NV screens, which are already compatible. It’s just that Denon still can’t say anything because it’s Atomix team the one that must announce the compatibility.
NS7 III screens aren’t compatible with VDJ and it uses the same screens as the NV. Working with the NV isn’t a lock to work with other controllers. At least not right way. NS7 III has been out for 6 months and still no VDJ Support.
They aren’t exactly the same, because the third screen on the middle in the NS7 III changes the way the other two behave. In this case we have the exact same screens.
It is not standing “alone” if you need an external device to record your sets….
How far do you want the definition of standalone to go though? Battery powered with a wireless connection to the house system?
Ha – If we’re using that level forget wireless to the house system, the unit would have to have speakers built in. And a nightclub. Because if you have to have a nightclub to bring it to it isn’t really “standalone” now is it?!? IS IT?!?!?!
Indeed. I will only accept that a unit is standalone if it doesn’t require a DJ. ;)
XDJ-RX. ACTUAL Standalone controller.
Yes, yes. We get it. You’re a Pioneer fanboy and are butthurt that someone else is now competition to their precious XDJ-RX. Here’s the thing – be happy with whatever you own, I’m sure it’s excellent for what you use it for. Needing to find ridiculous things to tear down other people’s choices and preferences just makes it look like you lack any self-confidence. Now I’m going back to designing this DJ-less, full nightclub included super controller. Have a nice day.
I play on my 1210’s. no Pioneer in my studio. Its called vinyl, try it.
I don’t even know where to start on how little sense that makes, so I’m going to bow out. You have fun on whatever you want to use, regardless of how stand-alone it is or isn’t.
I think i have something that can tick these boxes……….
Erm… as standalone as the XDJ-RX. Genius.
I’m wondering, how many of the features will the Engine software “mimic” from Serato DJ in standalone mode and have the same quality and future expand-ability?
I said this because in standalone you will end up with the same buttons as with SDJ.
For example, Will the slip button work the same in standalone than with SDJ? How about Key support, Will it be just with SDJ?, etc.
If everything or most is supported and those and others features will be added then this is big! and could be the beginning of hardware manufacturers replacing computer dj software for good.
They announced that everything works on engine mode except sampler, beat grid adjust and 4 deck mixing (still can mix 4 decks on 2 engine mode+2 line)
Hmm..So that essentially makes it a 2-deck standalone unit?
I mean there are only 2 screens, so displaying 4 decks at the same time seems quite difficult. Nevertheless it feels like they couldn´t go all the way.
Not exactly, that just means that playing with only a USB and the screens is only possible with decks A and B. You can add 2 CDJs for deck C and D and use the CDJ screens for those decks.
ok
Pretty poor really to advertise it as “no computer required” when the standalone mode is turning out to be more restricted as each day goes by.
So those 16 lovely pads with the button marked ‘sampler’ are no use for samples when in the mode highlighted in their advertising… :-(
I smell NS6 II.
Is it just me, or do the wave forms and fonts look a lot like the 4dj? IVL wouldn’t be the folks behind “Engine” would they?
Nice move on angling the screens some more.(Whoever is out there that wanted them angled even more, you were right, just a skosh would have done it)
be cool if it had the platters from the 5500, as it is, it’s just another controller
Isn’t IVL dead?
Jog Wheels? Bleh!
I own SC2900s and I love them but my biggest gripe is that Denon Engine is a borderline unusable piece of garbage and I’m still mad at Denon for basically abandoning all updates for the last 2 years (until now I guess).
First problem, It crashes insanely frequently.
Second problem, It can only edit one file at a time and will take upwards of 10 seconds to save that tag even on a 100MB/S USB 3 stick. Why is this a problem? Well lets say you bought 50 drum and bass tracks but their genres were either incorrect or variants “drum and bass”, “D&B”, “Drum & Bass”, “DnB”, etc and you wanted to change them all to a single one.
Well, get a fucking drink because you have to go through, line by line, pasting in your desired genre tag with these absurdly long save times each time you save the tag. Editing 50 tracks with these nonsense save times can end up making what would have been – in any same program with multi track edit – a job that should have taken 10 minutes.
So, I guess the solution is to use an external tagging tool to like MP3tag to tag the genre *before* importing it, right? Well, besides bascially *requiring* a separate program in your workflow being a pain in the ass, this does *not* work because Engine overrides BPM information on analysis.
And what a shit analysis it is. It is wrong *a lot* and not in a consistent manner.
What I mean is it’s not like all tracks at 174.00 read at 174.70 – they will be all over the map. Assuming it doesn’t halve your BPM value (many D&B and hardcore tracks will say 86 or 88 bpm when they’re double that).
Anyways, it just makes me crazy that I will import a ton of tracks with correct BPM information and want them analyzed so I can see the waveforms, but analyzing a track automatically overrides its BPM information – which by and large is almost always correct in the first place when you buy your music.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for usability issues. It analyzes BPM to 3 decimals which is realistically enough granularity for anyone – but unless you CLICK ON AND PLAY THE TRACK you only get to see the value BEFORE the decimal. The value displayed when looking at your playlist is actually a rounded value so if you want to ensure your BPMs aren’t fucked you have to manually look at every damn song.
“So what, REAL DJS DON’T NEED BPM INFO!” And look man, I get it – I still do vinyl sets from time to time – but it really, genuinely throws me off seeing two mismatched BPMs on my players. It makes you second guess yourself. Or at least that’s my experience. Maybe you’re different?
So just delete the BPM info? Well so long as you want to go through, line by line, deleting the BPM of every song you own after the Engine analysis with super slow saves, be my guest.
I hope to God almighty that update 1.5 makes the year + of silence from Denon (I understand they were bought) and just revamps this software into an actual, usable product that doesn’t need to be run in compatibility mode just so it doesn’t crash when I have the audacity to *import a song*.
Denon, I’m ready to be surprised or I’m jumping ship.
I’ve already jumped. Horrible service experience since the changeover.
http://www.denondj.com/product-guide/DenonDJ_2016ProductGuide_Web.pdf
I know this thread has been up for awhile, but with recent events ie. “Pioneers Rekordbox Performance mode” and Pioneers push away from Serato……..I think Denon and Serato should design a standalone player! Maybe the Engine software on this unit will become just that?
You listening?
This does run Engine 1.5 in standalone mode – no laptop needed.
Thanks Mark, I guess what I mean is do you think Serato is working with Denon on the new Engine?
Is there going to be a full review of the MCX 8000 soon? I was at the Mobile Beat show in Vegas last week and got a chance to play with this unit but only briefly. It seemed solid but I wasn’t 100% sold. I really needed more time to play with it. One thing I noticed was that the Cue buttons on the mixer channels were lit all the time. Channel 1 and 2 were always Blue and channels 3 and 4 were always lit orange. When I pressed the Cue button, I think it did get a little brighter to indicate that that Cue was activated for that channel but the difference in illumination was so minor, I couldn’t really tell if I had activated or more importantly deactivated cue for a given channel.
Yes a review is coming. The cue button thing needs work. I don’t know why the Engine channels need a different cue colour, nor do I understand the buttons are like on and on more instead of off and on.
That’s great Mark. I look forward to a full review. I guess they wanted to make sure DJs could see the buttons in the dark and I get that but if that’s going to be the case, there needs to be more of a difference in brightness to distinguish on and off. Watching the tutorial video Denon DJ posted to YouTube about a week ago (a couple times now) it looks like this might also be a problem for some of the other backlight buttons as well.
I also wish they would have included a third screen with parallel waveforms similar to the Numark NS7iii rather than going with the 2 screens more like the Numark NV.
@DJWORX:disqus
Any news on the review please?
I’m looking to get back to it this week. Paying the bills and moving studios has been a greater priority for me.
Can someone translate this part into french or a more comprehensible english:
“I did comment to InMusic that everyone is playing for second place
behind Pioneer DJ to become industry standard. Back came a knowing grin
followed by “let’s wait until you see what we have this afternoon”. Such
bullishness appeals to me, and having seen things coming in the future
from Denon DJ, it would be very foolish for ANYONE to get complacent and
think that they’re untouchable. I definitely had some wow moments, and
they’re rare these days. Other key media types have had the same
personal presentations that I have, so I’m interested to see what they
think too.”
I’m quite confused by some words and some uses of pronouns (“…what they think too” for example)