Pioneer DJ is on a roll right now. With BPM approaching and a string of new stuff being announced, they’re clearly looking to fill every corner of their stand with new shiny, and the updated and rekordbox standalone XDJ-RX2 will absolutely garner the attention of a broad spectrum of the show’s visitors.
You know how this works — their complete words, and then a few of mine:
Inherit the Booth: Meet the XDJ-RX2 all-in-one DJ system for rekordboxTM –
Professional layout, 7-inch touch screen and multicoloured Performance Pads
14th September 2017: We’ve upgraded our popular all-in-one DJ system, the XDJ-RX, to create the XDJ-RX2. The new two-deck, two-channel system inherits features and design traits from our flagship NXS2 set-up to bring you a professional DJ experience, whether you use it to control music stored on your laptop via rekordbox dj or directly from USB devices.
The 7-inch touch screen in the centre of the XDJ-RX2 displays waveforms from both decks simultaneously, plus detailed track information including sync status and playback position so you can get a quick visual reference during mixes. You can bring up a QWERTY keyboard on the display to find your next track faster, plus there’s a large rotary selector and Needle Search, Track Filter and Short Cut features inherited from the flagship CDJ-2000NXS2 multi player. Each deck has eight large, multicoloured Performance Pads for tactile control over Hot Cues, Beat Loop, Slip Loop and Beat Jump, and you can get even more creative with the Beat FX and Sound Color FX, which come from the flagship DJM-900NXS2 mixer.
The XDJ-RX2 comes bundled with a licence key for our professional DJ performance application, rekordbox dj, worth €139. Simply activate the licence key, connect your PC/Mac to the XDJ-RX2 via a single USB cable and start using the system to trigger features and FX in the software. A limited number of the XDJ-RX2 systems we ship will also include a licence key for rekordbox video – the Plus Pack that enables you to bring videos into your performances when you play with rekordbox dj.
The XDJ-RX2 will be available from September 2017 at an SRP of €1699 including VAT.
Watch the introduction video or find out more about the XDJ-RX2.
KEY FEATURES OF THE XDJ-RX2
- 7-inch touch screen and other features from the CDJ-2000NXS2
Stay in control of your performances at all times with help from the 7-inch touch screen in the centre of the XDJ-RX2. Keep an eye on waveforms and detailed track information, including sync status, from both decks at the same time to ensure seamless mixing. Use Wave Zoom for a closer look at the current playback position and call up a QWERTY keyboard to quickly find the next track you want to play. You can also browse through tracks using the large rotary selector and Needle Search, Track Filter and Short Cut features, all of which come from the top-flight CDJ-2000NXS2 multiplayer.
- Layout and performance features from the DJM-900NXS2
Perform precise, smooth mixes on the XDJ-RX2 using the EQs and channel faders, which feature curves equivalent to those on the DJM-900NXS2 mixer. Add creative flair with Sound Color FX and Beat FX, also inherited from the flagship mixer.
- Multicoloured Performance Pads
Unleash your creativity with eight large, multicoloured Performance Pads on each deck for instant access to Hot Cues, Beat Jump, Beat Loop and Slip Loop, all of which are popular professional features. You can set up to eight Hot Cues on each deck.
- USB connection/Link Export for rekordbox
Import tracks to our rekordbox music management application on your PC/Mac to prepare them for performances by analysing BPM and setting up Hot Cues and loops. Using USB connection/Link Export mode, you can connect your laptop to the XDJ-RX2 and play your prepared tracks via the system without needing to export them to a USB device.
- Includes rekordbox dj licence key
Every XDJ-RX2 comes bundled with a licence key for our professional DJ performance application, rekordbox dj, worth €139. Thanks to its built-in sound card, you can connect the XDJ-RX2 to your PC/Mac with a single USB cable and use it to control the latest version of the software.
- Protective accessories available
To help protect your XDJ-RX2 on the road, the DJC-RX2-BAG is available separately at an SRP of €129. The high-quality bag features an EVA Durashock moulded body, egg-foam and a fleeced lining to prevent damage from vibrations and shocks. For even greater protection, the FLT-XDJ-RX2 is available at an SRP of €539. The lightweight, durable case is made from industrial 6 mm plywood with bonded high-pressure laminate so it’s solid on the outside, while the foam lining makes it soft on the inside. Aluminium reinforced edges, recessed butterfly catches and folding handles make it the ideal way to transport your XDJ-RX2.
- Other features
- Bundled rekordbox video licence key – included with a limited number of systems
- Two Mic inputs – XLR & 1/4-inch TRS jack
- AUX and 2 x Line/Phono input terminals – connect turntables, DJ Players or portable players
- Two USB-A ports – Import digital tracks from rekordboxTM (iOS/Android)
XDJ-RX2 Specifications
Frequency characteristic 20 Hz to 20 kHz (USB, AUX (0 dB/12 dB), MIC1, MIC2) S/N ratio 112 dB (USB) Total harmonic distortion 0.003% (USB) Input / Output terminals Inputs LINE×2 (RCA), PHONO×2 (RCA) MIC×2 (XLR connector & 1/4-inch TRS jack), AUX×1 (RCA)
Outputs MASTER1×1 (XLR), MASTER2×1 (RCA),
BOOTH×1 (1/4-inch TRS jack),
PHONES (1/4-inch stereo phone jack×1,
3.5-mm stereo mini jack×1)
USB A type x 2, B type x 1 Dimensions (W x D x H) 728.2 mm × 443.8 mm x 108.4 mm Main unit weight 9.1 kg
PADS AND SCREEN
If you’re groping for the selling points of this over the old one, I can sum it up in the above sentence. The XDJ-RX2 gets a touch screen, pretty much the top third of a CDJ-2000NXS2, albeit showing two waveforms rather than one. This will make users instantly at home on either, and does explain the “inherit the booth” strapline.
And it seems that 2×4 RGB pads are becoming a standard feature, no matter what the workflow. The previous version had a measly single row of pads, and only in boring old blue. Now it’s bang up to date and offers features that would normally associated with such buttons.
One thing — it has remained at two channels. This is not a complaint, but simply an observation, as I personally feel it’s the right choice for the target market. My feeling is that the target audience is actually perfectly happy with two channels, and is unlikely to dabble in looping on 3rd and 4th channels. Pioneer DJ wants you to have a solid slice of the booth, but in a more compact form. You can if you wish plug in external devices, but they’ll sit in the same channels as your regular decks.
Two further musings here — the Denon DJ MCX8000 offers just two channels of standalone play via Engine in a four channel unit. This makes me wonder if the embedded performance of these units is currently only capable of delivering two solid channels right now. It’s also quite possible that four channel play is being reserved for an XDJ-RZ. There’s certainly enough interest in standalone units to warrant such a beast. I’m also left wondering where Serato and Traktor are in all this standalone stuff too.
AN ODD LAUNCH
Here’s how things normally work for the duck’s arse tight marketing machine. Nothing leaks, retailers get early looks under pain of death, and we press types find out pretty much at the same time i.e. 8am UK in the morning of launch. It’s an admirably tight ship that others would do well to aspire to.
But the XDJ-RX2 is technically old news. Both DJ Techtools and Digital DJ Tips ran speculative pieces about the possibility of an updated XDJ-RX months ago, indicating that Pioneer DJ wasn’t exactly precious about this sort of thing leaking out, officially or otherwise. Then a few weeks ago, an image of the rumoured new unit hit the usual sources, including our Twitter. And just this week, the XDJ-RX2 appeared all innocent like in the new rekordbox 5 video, topped off by the official video sitting unlisted in Pioneer DJ’s Youtube channel, but still leaking out.
For the record, stuff like this is usually media gold. But I’ve never found speculation useful for anyone, especially when attention spans are short, and rumour rapidly gets quoted as fact. And in a world infected with fake news, I prefer to stick to real facts.
Topping this uncharacteristic launch off is availability. Usually it’s weeks away, but with echoes of Apple product launches, the XDJ-RX2 is in shops today, as it should be.
So all in all, this has been a very atypical Pioneer DJ launch. I’d love to hear the logic behind this, publicly or privately. I’m intrigued…
SUMMING UP
There’s a price to pay for all this embedded stuff, and it’s one that initially made my arse cheeks clench. The XDJ-RX2 is going to set up back a full $1699/€1699/£1529. Yeah I know right? That’s almost £400 more than the old one at launch. But what you have to get past is that this isn’t a simple brainless MIDI controller. It’s fully standalone and a mixer too — essentially bar a CD drive, it’s a take anywhere with all bases covered device. It is a good slice of the booth that it wishes you to inherit.
There’s a price to pay for breaking free of the shackles of the laptop, and this is it. But if it’s anything like experience of the old one, it’s likely to be worth it.
GALLERY
I agree, for somebody looking to switch from laptop to standalone this will be worth it, even at this pricepoint. But for current XDJ-RX owners it’s not worth upgrading.
As for Denon, they probably already have the MCX8000 replacement, if for nothing else because of the fact that it’s not a inMusic product, they simple bought Denon when it was already done and in (pre)production so they had to release it. They probably didn’t even expected such success with it (confirmed by the fact that they neglected to include the support for it in Engine Prime on launch).
What I don’t understand here is why Pioneer didn’t include FLAC support, seems like a no-brainer. Oh and could somebody explain to me why some Pioneer products have a redundant master cue button despite the cue/master knob present???
Probably Pioneer thinks that by crippling their firmware (not supporting FLAC/ALAC), we are more likely to buy their higher end gear. And/or they want to keep FLAC/ALAC support for their MK3 update in 2 years (like with the XDJ-1000). Please Pioneer, it’s 2017. FLAC/ALAC support should be standard even for entry level products.
My gut feeling is that Pioneer DJ is banging out this new unit with associated hype as a preemptive strike against an inevitable 2 channel Engine standalone device. I’m assuming that there is one — I don’t actually know for sure. There must be right?
As for FLAC — the lack of it is the overwhelming comment I’m reading. Given that Engine supports it, one would assume that Pioneer DJ is reading the same things as me and will enable it very quickly in a future firmware update.
So you don’t think leaving out FLAC/ALAC support is a product differentation strategy? We’ll see if they come with that update. I don’t think they will.
Having talked to smarter people than me about such things, there’s no technical reason for them to leave FLAC out, so it therefore has to be something else. And as you quite righty think, it will be for product differentiation. If you want FLAC, step up to the more pro XDJ/CDJ tabletop players. I suspect them adding it will depend on what Denon DJ does next.
We’ve been calling for FLAC for years (at least, I have, with my minor voice in the crowd) and there’s been nary a peep from Pioneer about adding support.
I really like this unit, although I wish it was a 4-ch, if it does DVS, I’m sold!!
“it will depend on what Denon DJ does next”
Well, from their track record… not much!! 8000 users are waiting for almost a year now for idle promises made by Denon. Every 2nd person has experienced screen freezes etc… (Denon just pretend like it doesn’t exist).I really don’t think Denon is much of a threat. They honestly don’t have much going for them except one media player that has more features with crappy software/firmware. Pioneer still rule the roost… and for good reason!!
Codec support shouldn’t be something that plays into “Product Differentiation”. They should have the same support across the entire product range. The point is, buy this RX2 for your house, then you can play your Rekordbox prepared USB drive on the Pro Players. But since this new RX2 cannot support FLAC, that creates a disconnect from home to the club. It’s a wack, backward way of thinking!
Couldn’t agree more. It’s not even the disconnect — it’s having to manage two possibly identical libraries simply because of file formats. Not exactly a streamlined workflow.
You never know with Denon – mk2 version with on-device analysis (I assume that’s what you meant?) seems like a no-brainer but they still lack lot of products in their range: 2ch mixer, budget media player,….I don’t think they have the resources to work on everything (and they should). Don’t get me started on the software side of things…a complete PR clusterfuck.
I think your timeline may be a little off. The inMusic buyout of Denon happened well before the 4000 came along, and the 8000 was still some time after that. I know there can be a long development cycle on some of these things, but the 8000 would have been in very early stages, if at all, under previous ownership. No, the 8000 is heavily an inMusic designed product.
Correct. The idea for the 8000 might have existed before inMusic, but to the best of my knowledge, it is very much an inMusic product from start to finish.
I know for a fact that some pre-inMusic employees were talking about MCX8000 as their last product so no, I’m not wrong. Also confirmed by the fact that Engine Prime (that was done from scratch by inMusic) was released a year after MCX8000 without support for it.
For that price, it had better include Rekordbox DVS capability. If I am a DJ promoter who plays on Serato DVS with vinyl, but a lot of my DJs that I book are requesting to play on Rekordbox with a USB stick, I could buy this and make my DJs happy… but still bring my turntables and laptop to play on the same unit via DVS.
If Pioneer really wants to challenge Serato/Traktor on DVS, it needs to get realistic about people wanting to use different workflows than you designed, marketed and branded the unit for. Because the user can envision or need it or want to should be reason enough. This is why there are many dedicated users still for Serato Scratch Live. It is the best product (or only product?) for the user’s workflow.
Although I’m guessing it is possible to ad this feature later?
Seeing as you can hook up a laptop and run it directly with rekordbox, then in theory the chances are good. It will all depend on the hardware audio path and whether it can route analogue inputs through USB and back into the channels again.
If this was able to run Rekordbox DVS without a laptop they would have a serious winner on their hands.
Haha. I didn’t mean without a laptop…. I was thinking with one a laptop.
But yes… they should do it without one if at all possible.
The most important new feature IMO is ‘Beat Jump/Loop move’ in 1, 2, 4 & 8 beat increments. This is brings the unit much closer to how most modern DJ software works and is also functionality currently only available in higher end CDJ/XDJ’s.
Yeah, it’s real……a real DISAPPOINTMENT!!
Come on, no FLAC/ALAC support?!?
This is the thing I miss the most. FLAC is free, goddammit.
My guess is that they didn’t want to increase the processing power of the MK1 version. In other words, this new RX2 has the same weak processor as the original. Cheap-asses!! Here, let’s add a touchscreen and some pads and call it a day. Let’s not listen to any feedback from the original at all…..no need to add a Send/Return or FLAC/ALAC support. Nope, that would actually require us “upgrading” the unit.
I have a pair of NXS2’s, but I REALLY wanted the RX2 to have FLAC support. I REALLY wanted something for mobile gigs. I guess Pioneer doesn’t want my money. Bummer!
I badgered Pioneer to support FLAC before I would consider buying a set of CDJs. I reluctantly stuck w’ Serato & Traktor because they supported 24bit FLAC. Finally, Pioneer gave in and supported FLAC w’ the NXS2 players. So, I bought a pair. Then, they added FLAC support to the XDJ-1000MK2. Here, I thought Pioneer finally understood. I assumed that every product going forward would support the same file formats. My assumption was that the next incarnation of the XDJ-RX would have FLAC/ALAC support as well. Then they go and do this…….WTF?!? Seriously, what were/are they thinking?!?
I badgered Pioneer to support FLAC before I would consider buying a set of CDJs. I reluctantly stuck w’ Serato & Traktor because they supported 24bit FLAC. Finally, Pioneer gave in and supported FLAC w’ the NXS2 players. So, I bought a pair. Then, they added FLAC support to the XDJ-1000MK2. Here, I thought Pioneer finally understood. I assumed that every product going forward would support the same file codecs. My assumption was that the next itteration of the XDJ-RX would have FLAC/ALAC support as well. Then they go and do this…….WTF?!? Seriously, what were/are they thinking?!?
About time… I’ve been waiting for this. Sort of wish they did a layout more like the DDJ-RZX with multiple screens, but for roughly half the money and a good high resolution touch screen, it is a nice step up from the XDJ-RX.
Where’s the eq/iso switch? Eqs are marked with iso, but I see no switch. Also no crossfader reverse and split cue.
eq/iso is changed via the software menu, same as MK1
Did I miss a mention of on-board analysis of tracks? Or does everything still need to be prepared in advance for standalone playback? I refuse to believe Pioneer isn’t working on that after Denon lobbed that grenade in the spring.
No, looks like Pioneer are still big believers in the prepare then play mentality. I don’t mind it so much personally, as the on-device analysis is just a “nice to have” thing. I find prepping on a desktop in advance much easier.
On-device is great if your friend wants to hop on with a USB filled with tracks.
And supposedly works just fine. Takes a little organizing your music into folders instead of playlists/crates but ok. Only thing is on-device analysis takes 20-30sec and in the meantime you can play the track but cannot set your cue.
Yup. Took the SC5000s over to a friend’s house. Takes between 20 and 40 seconds to scan. the players do disable your sync on the layer when scanning a track, though.
Btw Dan, when is the big Denon review coming up? Don’t tell me they actually hurried and supplied a new firmware/Engine version so now you have to postpone the review?
SC5000 review is just going through final re-reading. VL12 review is done, I believe. We’re doing it proper like.
EVERYTHING that Pioneer does these days is focussed on drawing people towards rekordbox DJ.
Their main strategy is making people change their ecosystem (and trap them in their own).
I don’t see an on-board analysis on their units anytime soon – cause it’s just a Denon workaround.
Denon’s strategy is to make a (at first non-permanent) change from rekordbox as hassle-free as possible.
You -as a rekordbox user- can turn up at the club with your files and just use the SC5000s right away, therefore the analysis.
I don’t see onboard analysis as a workaround. These are standalone units, designed for use without a computer. It makes sense that they can work 100% without a computer.
Why have a “standalone” unit that still needs a computer to analyse tracks? It’s daft!
How do you get those digital tunes without a computer or cell phone (Rekordbox is available on both)?
if I’m not mistaken it mentions you can do it all from a phone without a USB stick. If you don’t have a PC, there is the RB phone app. You can purchase songs online, download to phone, analyze, prepare and make playlists, then plug your phone directly into the XDJ and go.
(But hopefully you have with 128 or 256 GB of storage.)
Back in 2006, I bought my first set up of a then-brand new pair of cdj 1000 mk3s, which came to £1500, and then picked up a mixer on top of that which all in cost me over £2000. If I was spending £1500 now on a first proper standalone set up (and wasn’t fussed about cds), I’d pick this up.
I have two points to make. 1. Serato and NI better start making their products run on hardware like this (maybe via SD cards?) or they will be irrelevant in 3 years. 2. I want this. I really want a four channel version that’s DVS capable, but this will do… for now. Minor quibble: FLAC… but I believe it will come if enough complain about its absence.
Im with you on this.. i keep thinking how much easier it would be to carry this to gigs, then i realise how much better Serato is for general use so I’m not willing to lose that just to be a bit more portable.
At the moment I’m torn though because one flight case is so much easier to transport than a flight case and a DJ bag with all the other stuff in.
Is it limited to a certain number of songs when playing off a USB or HDD?
i checked the manual. it isn’t limited . The xdj-rx was
From my perspective the improvements address one of the things that put me off such a unit, namely the extra cue point access. If i was moving from Serato or Traktor not having direct acess to additional cue would be v. frustrating (for me). However I do feel they missed a trick not putting in a magvel fader. If you can use dvs which is mostly used by turntablists then a decent fader is a must imho. You then have all bases covered in 1 unit. It has everything else going for it bar that for me.
No DVS = no magvel fader
It does support DVS, but buying this unit and pairing it with turntables for scratching is a bit ridiculous at best. For the same price, you could get an S9 and have a world’s better experience. Not to mention the spacing between the two turntables would be monstrous.
No DVS (yet). It doesn’t say anything about DVS in the press release. Hopefully it comes later in an update. For that price, it should include it.
Yes… it might not be as good of an experience as an S-9, but you can’t imagine people are looking at this simply for personal use. What about situations where multiple DJs will be using?
For a small bar or club, this standalone controller plus turntables with DVS would handle most DJs that want to come in with Rekordbox on USB sticks or DVS with a laptop.
It shows two turntables with Rekordbox Control Vinyl in the video.
That aside, having a large all in one unit like this for a club or venue install would be a nightmare. Instead of removing just a couple standalone units or a mixer whenever you need to deal with an equipment rider, you have to remove a bulky piece of gear.
Not to mention leaving you less room to work with for anyone that brings a controller, etcetera. This unit reeally is meant for home use.
It doesn’t show rekordbox working as DVS. It shows two white label records but wveforms are not moving. It is phono inputs to play music off of a record. And no mention of DVS anywhere in the pages long press release.
Sorry, but I doubt the video means anything, they probably just needed some kind of vinyl on the turntables to film.
Yes, it would be ridiculous but Pioneer would then supply the DVS licence and proudly show it in the press release because it would bump sales some more.
And you are forgeting that not all DVS user are turntablist that depend on the spacing between the decks. There are shitload of home user that just mix.
I’m talking more about your local neighborhood bar/pub than a nightclub that deals with artists with riders and has a paid sound person on staff.
Which system are they going to purchase? Even a low end separates system like a DJM750 and XDJ1000 (first one) will set them back US$ 3000. When this will do the same thing for half the price
…and the bartender or hostess can maintain it because it is just a power cord and two XLR outs.
Link is now done through USB.
I’d be very interested to see the beatjump function in action, this would be a winner!
NEW Pioneer XDJ-RX2 Share All-in-one DJ system
Specifications
Plays AAC MP3 WAV AIFF
USB Storage Support FAT FAT32 HFS+
MIDI Control
Plug and Play
Auto Standby
Included DJ Software rekordbox dj
Compatible DJ Software rekordbox video
Width 728.2 mm Height 108.4 mm Depth 443.8 mm
Weight 9.1 kg
Frequency Range 20 – 20000 Hz
Distortion < 0.003 % (USB)
Channels 2
Deck Control 2
Sound Color FX Noise Filter Sweep Dub Echo
Hot Cues 8 per deck
Slip Mode
Beat Sync
Quantize
WaveZoom
Inputs 2 LINE (RCA) 2 PHONO (RCA) 2 MIC (XLR & 1/4 inch TRS Jack) 1 AUX (RCA) USB 2 USB A ports 1 USB B port
Outputs 1 MASTER (XLR) 1 MASTER (RCA) 1 BOOTH (1/4 inch TRS Jack) 2 HEADPHONE MONITOR (1/4 inch Stereo Phone Jack, 3.5mm Stereo mini-jack)
PRICES: – $ 1100.00USD
DJ Controller
————————————————–
Pioneer XDJ-RX2 Share All-in-one DJ system……………..$1100
Pioneer XDJ-RX Share All-in-one DJ system ……………..$750
Pioneer XDJ-R1 Share All-in-one DJ system………………$800
Pioneer DDJ-RZX Share Professional 4-channel controller….$800
Pioneer DDJ-RZ Share Flagship 4-channel controller………$750
Pioneer DDJ-RX Share Professional 4-channel controller…..$800
Pioneer DDJ-RR Share Portable 2-channel controller ……..$500
Pioneer DDJ-RB Share Portable 2-channel controller………$300
Pioneer DDJ-SZ2 Share Flagship 4-channel controller……..$1100
Pioneer DDJ-SZ Share Flagship 4-channel controller………$850
Pioneer DDJ-SX2 Share 4-channel controller …………….$550
Pioneer DDJ-SR Share Portable 2-channel controller………$350
Pioneer Pro DJ RMX-1000-M DJ Controller………………..$350
2 x Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus & DJM-900 NEXUS Mixer cost $3200
2 X PIONEER CDJ-2000 Nexus2 & DJM-900 Nexus2 DJ Mixer cost $3700
2 X PIONEER CDJ 900 Package 1x DJM-800 MIXER DJ PIONEER HDJ 2000 headphones cost $1200
2 X PIONEER CDJ-850 Package 1x DJM-850 MIXER DJ headphones PIONEER HDJ 2000 headphones cost $1300
2 X Pioneer CDJ-350 1 x DJM 350 mixer pack cost $1000
We will Ship with Tracking Number !
ORDER TO BUY!
E-mail: djsolutionsltd01@gmail.com
Call : +1-719-286-0762
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So I’m currently on the fence of either buying one of these or just getting a pair of XDJ 700s. I was reading online that a lot of people have issued with the XDJ RX 2. What would you prefer? Any thoughts on this would be helpful!