denon dj teaser changeyourrider (1)

Another teaser of Denon DJ’s future shiny

Since coming under the umbrella of inMusic, Denon DJ has slowly trickled out a few units that give an indication of future directions. And there’s a definite feeling of pushing the envelope, as witnessed by the MCX8000, and tackling the somewhat stale super OEM turntable market with the VL12.

But there’s more to come. Back in January, I saw the MCX8000, and then some. I’ve teased the cool new toys that were shown to me, if only to appease those who have written off Denon DJ, but couldn’t actually spill any beans. But it seems that Denon DJ is getting ready to spill some beans themselves. Check out the above teaser video.

Another teaser of Denon DJ's future shiny

Using the somewhat bullish and provocative #ChangeYourRider hashtag, the video alludes to Denon DJ’s next new piece of shiny. And without giving too much away, it looks like a media player. Having seen… things, it would be unfair of me to go into more detail, or to act like some sort of oracle. We media types have all been shown some degree of Denon DJ’s roadmap, so don’t be fooled by coyness.

But just for fun, why not forensically frame-by-frame it yourselves and see what you can come up with. And then I’ll neither confirm or deny your conclusions.

While we’re all getting secret shows of Denon DJ’s roadmap soon, you’ll have to wait until 2017. Yes, very frustrating for you lot, and for us too as we’d love to tell you all about it. As I’ve said previously, this new Denon DJ stuff is good. Just be patient and all will be revealed.

The Old Owner
  1. I hope they realized that no one’s gonna change their rider (nor bedroom) if it has no working(!) HID control for Traktor and Serato.

    Besides these concerns I’m really looking forward to a Pioneer alternative.

  2. I can see two rows of pads? Maybe something like Arturia Beastep integrated?
    I will love a denon grovebox turntable (since Roland didn’t make it). To me is a change in my ryder due it will make unnecessary Traktor for beatmaking/mashupping realtime. Also forgetting about expensive ToRaiz…

  3. Definitely looks like a front competitor to cdj 2000 nexus product line:
    – Big color (touch ?) screen
    – (Static ?) Platter with central illuminated circle
    – Cue, slip buttons and platter FWD feature
    But we could see new features like slicer, param 1/2, many pads (8?) …so it could (and has to be) be a Serato/Engine controller.
    The
    good surprise may come from the platter which could be an hybrid
    static/motorized one? Anyway, the only thing we want so badly is the
    same one with motorized platter !!!!
    @Mark, I’ve told you there will not be “wow product” from Denon DJ in 2016 and honestly I have some doubts on this teased media player :-(
    Let’s wait till NAMM 2017 …

  4. If it’s motorized, I hope the platter strobes are the same as the 3700/3900. I don’t like what they did with the VL12 platter (the prototype looked better). When nudging the platter to pitch bend, in my experience the “super OEM” style platter feels best. Something about the strobes rubbing under your fingers when slowing the platter down makes it feel like you have more control. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/52d765adfcc2e0bdd4fc17a205665cc0b690eba7a1aeecf56deac373c76b7a37.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9041bf3694e03462fd6dcaf29b3e6917de2e4c0c6339dee2fd6095dbc99e4d46.jpg

    1. The prototype at NAMM looked amazing. And then I saw the updated version and my heart sank. I like the new platter more, but the silver bits are just too Technics like for me. I have my fingers crossed for a return to black and a straight arm too. This would most probably be the deck that would see me retire my elderly TTXs.

  5. Denon is TopHat!
    Make deck for scratchy!
    Scratchers loyal customers spend muy pesos!
    I design deck for you and explain picture ok
    [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/6xPYEje.jpg[/IMG]

    1. first things first, respect to the designer of the gemini cdt 05 for thinking of this over ten years ago and to gemini for creating it. shame that they went with cds instead of re-recordable media. still to the senori cabassi, you could always do a revamped version of it.

      so what we have is a denon hs 5500
      i’ve moved the pitch fader so as to do quick pitch changes with my thumb, while scratching. inspired by the sliding scale faders.
      i’ve cut down, with a hot-knife, a symatic and kutclass sample record( nice samples and eq’d well for scratching)
      the tonearm is from a stanton t80. i kept it’s board attached to it, so it needed zero modifications to use. it’s running as “vinyl” out. it would need power to run line out.

      Why, you ask?
      because it’s simple and effective, with no gimmick factor. i’m not trying to use the damn loops, cues, and fx, “because they’re there” in an attempt to justify them.
      That shit was version one of “digital files djing” and by no means should we assume that we’re so smart we got it right on the first try; this refers to both the functions built into the players and software, and their layouts on the devices.

      the stuff I’m doing with that pitch fader proves that there are still some discoveries to be made. I’ll reassert my belief that it’s better to discover than invent.

      If you’re serious about djing, as either a profession or life-long hobby, then I urge you to move to a media player of some sort. focus on sound and your ears, instead of eyes and laptop screen, and try to find a simple way to bring vinyl back into the mix.

      1. At dv forum Rasteri is messing with cdx to fake the cd rom with dedicated board (pendrive loading) and maybe it could be suitable to cdt05 as far as it seems somekind of X2 cousin… Do you have an unit to experiment?

        1. well…I’ve considered it, BUT…I’ve held off for a few reasons;
          1)since i built this one, I truly don’t need anything else. I’ve got 2 digital outs and one vinyl out from ONE device.
          (I would like to see more developed simply so I can buy new when mine eventually wear out, I picked up two extra HS 5500s to see me through until new direct drive players become a reality
          2)I think the 9″ platter is the optimal size, so that more functions can be modded close around the deck
          3) the smaller player is optimal so that it can become internal, rechargeable-battery operated
          4) I’d rather spend my energy(and $) adding a mixer into the body of the 5500. there’s plenty of room inside where the hdd would go. atm, just waiting on a djtech handykuts to mod into the player.

          I’m not holding my breath for any off this to come about any time soon, but as Mark talked about 10 YEARS AGO(can you believe that we’ve overlooked something so functional for that long) the ability to have multiple outs from one device is great, particularly for scratchers

  6. Four years going on five and no edit function in “Engine” for multiplying and dividing bpm! I guess the joke is on me for waiting and thinking one of the most basic editing function in a DJ software would be in Denon’s “Engine.”

    All I can say is I’m very disappointed in Denon’s lack of interest in improving their software for their customer.

  7. Am I the only one who thinks Denon DJ should leave the media players to Pioneer DJ (this battle can’t be won anymore) and instead focus on the growing market of “pro grade” controllers started by the DDJ-SZ?

    I think a Denon DJ controller in the DDJ-SZ price range with professional audio quality and hardware effects included could be a successful product. Many people probably want to stay with Serato instead of switching to Rekordbox.

    1. I’m certainly not with you there. I’d take an MCX8000 over the DDJ-SZ as it is. I don’t think anyone, except Pioneer, wins by not having any competition in the media players segment of the market. Competition is a good thing. Pioneer weren’t always the “top dogs” in the DJ world…

      1. Ok, good points made there Mark and Asu! The prices of professional DJ media players are indeed out of this world at the moment.

        Perhaps my main point was that commercially thinking a Denon DJ equivalent of DDJ-SZ could have the biggest possibility of success sales-wise at the moment. I think these types of controllers are becoming more and more popular as people want pro grade equipment but don’t want to spend silly amounts of money to mixers and media players.

        1. Hey Ajack, I’m still not following you. The MCX8000 already exists. The MC7000 has been announced. What exactly are either of these units missing to go up against the SZ, aside from the price tag?

          1. Hi Mark,

            I think the MC7000 is a direct competitor to DDJ-SX2 and in the mid range of DJ controllers. The MCX8000 however seems like a direct competitor to the XDJ-RX (works with and without software and they both are in similar price range).

            I don’t think the MCX8000 is quite at the same level as DDJ-SZ if used only with software as the DDJ-SZ has better hardware effects, bigger jog wheels with center display and probably higher quality DAC and mixer (cannot prove this though).

            The MCX8000 IMHO is not necessarily the best choice for someone who does not use the stand alone functionality.

            1. Hi Ajack,

              Re: DDJ-SZ Vs MCX8000.
              SZ does not have dual 4/3″ hi-res full-colour displays – which I think easily beat a little display on the inside of the platter.
              SZ does not have standalone mode.
              SZ does not have Serato Pitch Play mode.
              SZ does not have balanced XLR booth outs.
              SZ does not have split cue HP’s.
              MCX8000 has Stage LinQ out and video controls.

              The MCX8000 is like a cross between the RZ and SZ, but better priced – and believe me, the sound quality and general build quality is excellent. Many of the guys at Serato HQ claim it’s the best built and featured Serato controller (but it also has Engine).

      2. Pioneer used to give away 2 units to djs and clubs for every unit you buy in the store, that is how they became the standard, not because of quality. Its also why their products are so expensive. They never made a dime off it, which is why Pio sold their DJ division, but I don’t know to who.

        1. Well put Mark and Kevin…Some of the readers were infants when the Denon 2000 and Rane MP 24 were the club standard. Pioneer is owned by an investment firm…when the tide turns and profits drop. They will dump it to the highest bidder…no doubt InMusic. Denon finally has a company that will put money into promoting its products, something Denon never did. For a DJ just starting out…his/her only exposure to equipment is seeing top name DJs behind overpriced Pio gear. $6000 to get 2 cdj2000 and a mixer? WTF? If Denon comes out with a media player that rivals the cdj2000 minus the cd player at half the cost the tide will turn. More players are bought for home/mobile use than clubs. Mark spill the beans…you can at least tell us you’ve seen it!

            1. my bad …hope he’s looking in. Either way we need a quality and reasonably priced media player, so that people aren’t bamboozled into getting PIO gear. Long live the Xone:DB4!

                1. A few years back they had issues with USB3 drivers on 2012 macbook pros. I believe its all fixed now. As for quality, Built better than most…maybe not the Xone:92 (Sherman Tank). But sound and effects on the mixer cant be beat.

          1. I miss the DN-2000F MK2 and MP24. Never failed! And for those that complained the 2000F had issues, some did and Denon OF THE DAY fixed them OUT OF WARRANTY with no hesitation. That’s the Denon I remember. and will never forget, this new Denon can’t even find their own parts.

    2. With Pioneer’s over priced CDJ’s,we need an excellent yet affordable Denon option…Denon always catered to your average working DJ’s.

      Pioneer prices is why i still rock my old CDJ 1000MK3’s…never saw a need to upgrade(not want but Need) especially for Serato users.

      Mark is right. we need options always…look at how affordable quality muscle cars have become due to competition

    1. They already showed the turntable…this is a CDJ type/media player, it’s even tilted towards the DJ like the CDJ 2000’s…frame by frame,i can see a slip mode button on the longer youtube video, the electronic boards are placed just like the inside of a typical CDJ,at 0:19,that’s the digital screen with a browse button, it also shows wave forms including full preview of the track being played, usb drive input is obvious, it also seems to have 8 cue point buttons,…it’s pretty much MCX 8000 without the mixer in between plus a few new things with a center circular display like a pioneer CDJ….if it’s about $999 to $1200,i’ll grab me a pair

          1. And vinyl… crazy people! ;)
            People will demand everything and brands will sell just what they take revenue. The day cd/dvd don’t give profit they will drop it. Just as most have done with turntablism specific gear. We have new products but in a ratio of 5:1 in Controllers or media players against turntables or mottorized platters. It’s a pitty but for them numbers talk.

  8. The thing is all these players much of a muchness, so i’m not just looking for a player that ticks all the boxes, but also boxes I didn’t realised needed ticking.

  9. Ive been wondering if inMusic will segment their brands with Denon becoming the high end boutique brand for Dance/Electronic and Rane becoming the high end turntablist boutique brand. Rotary mixers would go over to Denon and Rane would come out with turntables.

    1. Personally, I would like Denon DJ to be their more commercial but still higher end cutting edge brand, where they can fulfil the needs of the tech hungry masses, as well as push boundaries forward. Denon DJ can experiment, and be the testing ground for the whims of software makers.

      Numark should become the filtered down version of what Denon DJ does, and be the tried and tested but more affordable version of Denon DJ.

      Rane however would be their rock solid totally aspirational brand, where everything is built like a tank, costs the earth, but it a tad more conservative. It also does the basics to an incredibly high standard, and you know that buying one means a solid investment for many years to come. You’re paying for the most brilliant execution of the core features of DJing, knowing that your investment is safe.

      1. Pro Denon DJ used to be the same team as Alan & Heath, that was before they sold it to Numark. The HS5500, 2900, 3900 and the x1600 and x1700 were all designed buy the same team that designs A&H, but not no more. The HS5500 was the best kit ever made by anyone and it should have been developed further. I own 3 of them and with a bit of hacking I have made it work with everything.

        1. Not true. A&H joined D&M Holdings in 2008. The HS5500 already was on the market by then. And I highly doubt that A&H designed the other Denon products, as well. They simply have no experience in building cd-/media players.

          1. I’m not sure about who was paying the team of engineers and designers, but I do know they had a part in the design of those kits. They also had their hand in the design of the x1600 and x1700, which is part of the reason we are now fighting denon to give us a fix for the osx sierra issue. They don’t own them, only put their name on it. Just like the 5500, which was already discontinued by 2008 because of $$$ to use the tech. I hope this a build up of that tech, it would be nice to see the spinning platter and dual player evolve. I still can’t see replacing my x1600, I could use it all my life, or till I can’t fix it.

      2. Actually I see Numark as the one pushing boundaries. Something they done quite well for awhile now. Denon and Pioneer have always waited on Numark to push the envelope and then ponce on their R&D creativity. The only problem with that was that Numark would take the chances and fail miserably while Denon and Pioneer would to take the good and leave the bad once Numark fell on their arses (ala.. CDX, HDX, X2). To this day there are still no true competitor for the V7/NS7 series in the digital controller market for scratch DJs.

    2. I think InMusic is a bit of a mess at the moment with Numark and Denon DJ sharing the same markets with low and mid priced gear and having nothing compelling yet at the high end. Nobody really knows how Rane will fit in.

      This is why I’m a bit worried about Serato now to be honest. Pioneer DJ has a clear strategy and covers the whole market. I’m not sure whether InMusic has the right vision, product strategy and capabilities to become a credible competitor to Pioneer DJ. We will have to see. I’d like to see that happen though because I really do not want to use Rekordbox software..

  10. And out of the hat comes another DJ controller. What do these products ad to a all ready over flooded market?! We can’t compete whit Pioneer so “fuck innovation” and spam controllers for some easy cash. Or maybe i am just pessimistic and is this a game changer lol.

    1. Denon have released some of their most pivotal products of recent years under the inMusic banner. DS1, MCX8000 and the soon to be released MC7000 and VL12. Not to mention this media player, and whatever else is around the corner, that DJWORX are alluding to

          1. i think most of the bugs were fixed, I beta tested the firmware for them. I had them then sold them as i wasn’t using them as much as my 3700s but I should have kept them. Almost like an X1 with a JOG. If NI built something similar, then that would be game over.

      1. I’d say we have a good chance of getting cover art in the jog display, probably (hopefully) rotating! I had this idea on my mind for quite some time and I wonder why Pioneer has not done this until now.

        1. Could have to do with the fact that this is about s gimicky as it gets. There is MUCH more valuable info that can be displayed (static & interactive) front & center. What is gained by displaying album art? It helps how?

          1. Could help by identifying with a track. I always know my records and CD’s from the cover-art, but my digital files are a bit of a mystery to me – there’s often very little emotional attachment to the “file”. Having said that, if a screen can display album art, there’s every chance it can display other information.

            1. I get this. Nobody has given a good reason to have said cover art in the center jog display spinning even. Seems to me if you have dyslexia spinning objects may not be the best solution. Why would you not have the album art where it matters most located in the library or browsing view. If the album art is displayed on center of jog the music is already playing, no? Wouldn’t the most effective recognition at this point be audibly hearing it?

              1. So what’s your problem with the idea of a spinning cover art?

                I think it would look cool. Like other stuff that’s been introduced to DJ technology for the purpose of looking cool. Like hi-res, multicoloured waveforms, for example. No one really needs them. The monochromatic, ultra-low-res CDJ-1000MK3 waveform was perfectly fine to mix. Turntables didn’t even have a waveform.

                If you don’t like cover art in the center jog, that’s fine. I’m pretty sure Denon’s got you covered with other options to use the display (like showing your rotating DJ name :D )

              2. Not sure what “dyslexia” has to do with anything…

                Maybe the library could appear on that screen, I don’t know, you probably don’t know either… perhaps we should just wait and see.

          2. Allow me to share my own feelings on this. I too used to think that showing cover art was gimmicky in software. But then someone of the Serato forum explained that for visually impaired or indeed dyslexic DJs, cover art is a massive help.

            I’m sure it’ll be something that you have control over anyway.

            1. Well see I am not saying anything about displaying cover art. I am saying something about it being displayed in a rotating display in the center of the jog dial where MUCH more useful info could be displayed. This cover art is not doing anything but visually displaying what is already playing. The browsing and selecting has already been done. Dyslexic or not you can hear just fine, no?

                1. Kevin Basher – “I’d say we have a good chance of getting cover art in the jog display, probably (hopefully) rotating”

                  Me – I don’t think Spinning Images would be that great (para)

                  You – Album Art is good (Para)

                  Me – But why rotating in platter. (Para)

                  You – “It’s not rotating”

                  I think the me/you should have could have been avoided as I was never speaking against a static (background) image with (crucial) info displayed. I was speaking against an idea of a rotating image as mentioned in the OP.

            1. Having the album art visible while browsing collection or library is what helps you recognize and pick your favorite tracks. Having the album art visible and spinning within platters just lets you know what you are playing already. Meanwhile info like BPM, track time, time until next cue point, key, pitch…………. etc.

  11. DenonDJ? Fader decay is all that comes in mind…
    What is a DJ Company that releases a Scratch-Mixer with CrossFader-Decay? It’s like a gay couple trying to naturally reproduce…it just doesn’t work period. Or did they withstand your famous “Putting-a-fader-to-the-test-well-just-chirp”-Test Mark?

  12. I hope they realise that if they want to sell anything, Christmas is only a few weeks away and January through February no one has any money to buy expensive controllers. It would make more sense to release details before Christmas and people could hold back on big purchases. I’d like to see a new 3900 with a much faster processor so it will read cds like mp3s, it can take almost a minute to read some of them currently.

    1. I’m not trying to be a smart-alec here, but i don’t understand why someone would continue with cds if the ability to convert that music to a drive was there. Is it easier to find/navigate/load?
      Care to elaborate on the specific reasons why and when a cd is preferable?

          1. And thankyou for a stupid post. If you really need to ask that question look at the djs who earn money in corporate events, weddings, birthdays, er do I have to go on?

                1. Let me make it easier, next time the event organiser asks me to play a cd I’ll tell him you say we don’t use them anymore. Or to the bride on her special day….. Nah, it’s my tunes or nothing. Come on, do you really need to gown this route? Get out of your bedroom into the real world and open your eyes, questions like your don’t need answering and by asking them starting with “I don’t mean to be a smart arse” makes you out be just that, a smart arse.

                  1. Hahahaha,
                    You don’t even have the playlist sorted before a wedding. And you’re talking about being a professional
                    What a joke? Damn I feel sorry for your clients. My last check, from an event at the San Diego zoo, was $6500. I would never jeopardize money like that by playing a stupid cd someone just handed me. But hey, you do you, buster.

                  2. But hey, in your world, where you get paid a handful of lead weights and a plate of nachos, a skipping cd in the middle of the wedding party dance fits in perfectly.

        1. And you, a real professional doing corporate and weddings will sort out the playlists (with the person who’s name is on the check or the bride) before the show, and damn sure won’t be taking requests by someone’s aunt to play a cd she has out in her car.
          If, for some unexpected reason there is a need to play something that is on a cd, a working professional, will have the sound tech rip it to his computer to ensure it is ok, and then play it from his computer, since he’s sitting there at the board already.

        1. Having difficulty seeing a medium that can,and will often, become scratched/damaged and no longer work, as simple. (And not have the immediacy or nostalgia of vinyl)
          And then there’s the CD player in the device, which will, let’s be honest, be the first fail point for the player.
          Physically media is great, true.
          Would these same users embrace a giant sd card?
          Why not return to the floppy disk? At least it was inside a protective housing.

          1. “Why not return to the floppy disk? At least it was inside a protective housing.”

            Because you’d only get 25% of a single song on a floppy. ;)

            I’m not for a second stating that DJs will start to use CDs as a format. But I don’t think they’re dying out of usage as quickly as some think.

            1. Still don’t have an answer to the real benefit of cd over a thumb drive.
              Why?
              Is it just too much hassle to move old songs over to a drive?
              And why should a “new” device have a “not for a second start on” tech?
              Is plugging in a thumb drive, hitting USB and then link just too complicated?
              Is a thumb drive not a “tangible media” ?
              Look at all these broken CDX, 3700, 3900, 3500, all suffering from problems caused by the cd drive. Is it really worth going that route to satisfy a few people who have other options but refuse to us them.

              1. A thumb drive is tangible media of sorts, but it lacks the ritual of flipping through a wall, selecting the right CD, loading, and unloading when done. For some, the process is very important to them.

                I don’t need convincing of the benefits of digital music because I already know them and use them. .Nor do I need to persuade you that CD is still a valid format. I’m merely commenting on a vibe I get, backed up by anecdotal evidence.

                You may not understand it or agree with it. But the fact remains that some are still happy lugging heaps of CD wallets around, and most likely will be for some time to come.

  13. UPDATE:

    As some of you may have seen on Facebook, I tried and (due to a back injury) failed to make it to inMusic to see this new stuff. But not wishing to leave DJWORX out of the equation, they made a special trip oop norf to the Worxlab this weekend.

    It’s not really for me to spill even the slightest of technical details, but having laid hands on this, I want to lay hands on it some more. A lot more. I’m deeply impressed to say the least. The video gives some clues but doesn’t show everything.

    I had assigned the #changeyourriders hashtag to the usual lashings of inMusic hubris, but I feel that Denon DJ is definitely coming back strong with this. And not wishing to put words into their mouths, but the DJWORX team seems to agree too.

    When I can share more, obviously I will.

        1. Same here.
          I wouldn’t switch from Traktor to rekordbox.
          And also I’m not going to throw big money at Pioneer for their way overpriced CDJs / XDJs.
          But a reasonably priced Denon media player with good Traktor HID integration could be exactly my thing!

  14. Finally, the cat is out of the box.

    SC5000
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a0d2f25c505b12710d8eaae832da953e876ae31c40544b1d27a538bfc2a251d4.png

    X1800
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4d98cc39088bcbb9b46e60b0c5c507a668db0bc3777aa73d47b10747d6582685.png

    Pricing will be quite hefty (2.141€ for both the mixer and the media player).

    To be honest, this is a little letdown.
    I was hoping for something a little less expensive.
    Now their stuff is as expensive as Pioneer.

  15. @Kevin_Basher:disqus
    Sorry Kevin, but were going to wait for the real information and the full release rather than posting blurry photos from trigger happy retailers who can’t keep it in their pants. It’s a matter of days away now anyway.

    1. @DJWORX:disqus, this PR went totally wrong. It has nothing to do with happy retailers etc.. It was and is printed in Fazemag 59 the Jan 2017 Issue, a German DJ magazine, you can buy in every good sorted newsstand in germany. It’s available as print and web format.
      So yes, you and many other signed an NDA to prepare the blog article and to release it on the date it should be seen by public eyes. But in Germany it went simply wrong. As it is available to the public, it’s no more a leak.
      Bad for the people who spend a lot of time and energy in this campaign, but they should make the best out of it and not start to censor the web.
      BTW: the player looks really great, can’t wait to get my hands on it!
      Best regards, Jan

      1. Yes, I’ve seen the pic. It was posted briefly on the VDJ forum then removed – but Google still has a cache. I hope this is only the first deck and something else will follow, as this is not as good as it could’ve been.

    2. Your site – your rules. A little sad though ’cause it’s out there anyway.

      Let’s hope that retailer is wrong with their prices.
      The unit itself looks VERY promising.