DJWORX take an in depth look at how the Denon Prime GO+ handles in real-world situations, from build quality to performance, and where it really shines. We’ve been looking forward to giving it a proper run through since we first heard about it’s launch.
First things first – What’s the difference between the Denon Prime GO and the Prime GO+?
The Denon Prime GO+ is an updated version of the original Denon Prime GO, released in Jan 2020. The main differences are:
- Bluetooth : The Prime GO+ has Bluetooth input and output for streaming music wirelessly via compatible devices
- No Ethernet Port: The Prime GO+ removes the Ethernet port, clearly focussing on wireless, but considering the amount of other inputs we find this a backwards step. Wi-Fi just doesn’t have watertight reliability yet. You can use an adapter via the USB port, but then the USB port is taken up…
- Battery – The Prime GO+ has a slightly longer maximum battery life
- Refreshed design – The silver finish differentiates it from the original black colorway, and we prefer it.
Is this enough for an upgrade from the original to the GO+? – It depends on how important Bluetooth is to you. Otherwise we would suggest no. However if you don’t yet have a standalone, the Prime GO+ is a great starting point.
The Denon Prime GO+ Basics
The Prime GO+ is a solidly built, fully functional 2-channel standalone DJ controller. Denon’s pro-level build quality is evident, it’s constructed with an all-metal chassis that feels rock solid, definitely ready for the rigors of mobile gigging and frequent setups and takedowns. First appearances are that the jogs are a little small and plasticky but the rest is very well made indeed.
Denon Prime GO+ Review
We ran the Prime GO+ through our usual real world benchmarking in the DJWORX studio. This includes using a variety of USB sticks from the cheap, to top of the range, and 4 different pairs of headphones (including Sennheiser IEM’s). Output was tested with both Pioneer and M-Audio speakers.
We also took the Prime GO+ out to three real world gigs, where we played a variety of music. We needed to use the streaming when we were thrown by leftfield requests for merengue and salsa tunes (Not the style we had been booked for). We got a second opinion from DJ Jakx who is at a different stage in his DJ career and less tied into “industry standards”. Finally we allowed some brand new DJs to have a short go (Ed – GO+ ?) during one of our DJ tuition workshops.
How big is the Prime GO+?
The Prime GO+ dimensions are 411mm x 274mm x 53mm, weighing just under 3.7 kg (around 8 pounds). This form factor makes it easy to transport, fitting into most backpacks or messenger bags. Don’t forget you will also need the power pack for most gigs to be safe
Audio Specs and Sound Quality
We found that the Prime GO+ delivers crisp sound across lows, mids, and highs. Music from vinyl rips sounded surprisingly punchy paired with the M-Audio Forty Six’s, and really bassy when powering the Pioneer VM-50. The balanced XLR outputs are compatible with professional PA systems without the interference sometimes found with RCA connections (and with less than professional systems like one of the PA’s we ended up playing on with it). The Prime GO+ can output 24-bit/96 kHz , which is significant for those dogs who can hear this fidelity, but it’s equally happy with a 320kbps MP3.
Battery
One of the most compelling features of the Prime GO+ is its internal battery, with a claimed 4 hours of usage. In our test we actually squeezed a little more than that, although we were getting nervous and had teh charger close to hand. This is a game for mobile DJs, opening up the possibility of setting up anywhere, anytime, without depending on power outlets, and certainly not having to run a power cable all the way round a venue for example.
With the cost and difficulty of replacing power supplies this is a major plus point for the Prime GO+. We’d still recommend always taking the power supply with you, but the battery life is reliable enough to be counted on if necessary. You can also charge the battery while the device is in use.
Screen
The 7-inch glass multi-touch display is one of the best elements of the Prime GO+. It is beautifully clear, and with Engine OS’s well laid out design has more than enough room for swipe and pinch controls. There is a decent amount of space for track previews, waveforms, and FX adjustments. It does sit at a low angle, so in direct sunlight there will be glare on the screen. However light mode in Engine OS helps with this, and if you are lucky enough to be in a bright outdoor venue then a protective shield to keep the sun off will also work. (Being based in England we haven’t had to deal with this…).
The Crossfader
Short and stubby, but with a light touch this is fine for everyone except DJ Rasp or JFB, and knowing them they’d probably be able to cut with it anyway…
Engine OS DJ Software
The Denon Prime GO+ is powered by Engine OS software. You can analyze tracks, set cue points, and create playlists directly on the device. Some like it, others less so, but the official DJWORX view is that this is a very solid DJ software these days (Version 4), and each iteration continues to improve it.
We took a USB 3 stick with Rekordbox files on it, plugged it in (more on that later), and after a small time while the files were converted, we were ready to use in Engine. 1,000 tracks took around 6 minutes to convert from Rekordbox to usable Engine files. Cue points were visible, and the small elements of grid slide that have been seen when transferring between DJ software previously were notably absent. Engine itself is very easy to jump straight into, and the physical buttons on the Prime GO+ are sensibly laid out to take advantage of it’s capabilities. The Loop and roll sections are particularly well thought out.
Only streaming can set youuuu freeeeeeee
Using the Prime GO+’s Wi-Fi , you can access streaming services like Tidal and Amazon Music straight from the controller. To be clear, you still need to have or create an account with these platforms., but that is simple enough even via the controller. Pricing is out of Denon’s control, and the earlier Tidal DJ price increase has anecdotally seen quite a few DJs turn their back on this route. Amazon Music never set it’s stall out to be a DJ music platform, but does have a decent library. Beatport, Beatsource and Soundcloud are also all integrated directly.
A nice feature is the Dropbox integration, we add our promo’s directly to Dropbox so it was handy to have them all instantly accessible. The OS also has extensive library organization tools, such as the ability to create playlists directly on the device, analyze tracks for BPM and key, and quickly locate tracks using filters.
Can you use the Denon Prime GO+ without USB?
Yes you can. You’ll need internet connection via either wi-fi or ethernet via USB dongle connection to access streaming services. If you wanted to perform a set in the middle of the Bering Sea for Deadliest Catch you’ll apparently have no problem. We wouldn’t trial this route in large sections of Central London though…
Or you can pack an SD card full of tunes. Would we go internet only? No – we definitely recommend taking a USB drive or SD card. Memory is cheap these days but let us know in the comments if you are going to go the internet only route.
The Jog Wheels
There are two capacitive 3-inch jog wheels (official response time of roughly 3 milliseconds) that are surprisingly precise, especially when it comes to nudging, scratching, and beat-matching. However, their small size can feel limiting if you’re used to the larger jog wheels on other standalone systems. For longer blends in genres such as progressive house we felt the need to press firmly as we jogged, which gave us an increased feeling of control. Or you could just press sync.
As mentioned earlier the jogs appearance does seem a little out of place with the look and feel of the rest of the unit. They are thin and plasticky. If anything isn’t going to survive being transported around it is the jogs. We would have liked to see the deck control sections reduced in size and the jogs being 5inch instead – we can’t help feeling that Denon might struggle convincing buyers who just take a cursory look that the Prime GO+ isn’t a toy. Everything else is manufactured to a high standard, the knobs in particular so this seems an oversight.
Pitch Faders
The Prime GO+ pitch faders range is ±4% to ±100% , covering both ultra-fine BPM adjustments or dramatic tempo changes, so ideal for both TV personality DJs as well as Sasha and Digweed. The have a short throw, but are accurate and performed admirably when we were jumping around music styles at a corporate gig.
Performance Pads
Each deck on the Prime GO+ has four RGB-backlit performance pads, which provide visual feedback for cue points and effects. While four pads may seem limited compared to larger controllers, the “layer” button allows users to toggle between cue points 1-4 and 5-8. This layering effectively doubles the pad count as seen on pads on the DDJ-1000 amongst others.
Effects
Effects on the Prime GO+ feature a single FX unit assignable to either channel. FX intensity, wet/dry mix, and frequency isolation controls give good effect flexibility. The dub echo effect, a professional-grade feature inherited from Denon’s larger Prime mixers is particularly useful feature for making complex blends sound seamless. The Prime GO+ supports manual filter sweeps and the usual suite of EQ adjustments (3-band per channel), all of which feel precise. We were impressed at the lack of sound break up even when really pushing the EQ and effects. Chapeau Denon for such a robust performance and pad section, we had great fun with it.
Connections
The Prime GO+ offers a good range of connectivity. You get balanced XLR main outputs, a dedicated booth output with independent volume control, along with RCA and 1/4-inch options, which ensures compatibility with most professional sound systems. There’s also a surprising number of inputs and outputs for a controller this size: dual XLR-TRS microphone inputs with independent volume and EQ controls (we are slightly surprised by this, double mic inputs do not seem mission critical, unless this is being used at a Jungle rave), dual headphone outputs (1/4” and 1/8”), and an auxiliary input. This flexibility is a huge plus for mobile DJs who need to handle unexpected audio sources or mic setups.
The USB issue
The Prime GO+ includes both USB-A and SD card slots. However we do have a niggle here – the USB port is on the back of the unit.
Good – This stops the USB being knocked out by the DJs legs. And the SC card is on the front, but when was the last time you saw a DJ using an SD card?
Bad – It could equally be knocked out by a random leaning over the decks to request Bad Bunny (again).
Also bad – The stick being at the back of the unit increases your chances of leaving it behind by approx. 1567%. We are fans of vertical USB stick insertion as found on CDJs which mainly negate these concerns. Having the USB input at the back makes it feel out of our control, and a potential point of failure.
Who is the Prime GO+ for?
The Prime GO+ is a great option for mobile or event DJ’s who are comfortable playing without a laptop. You can use it with a laptop of course, but that is missing the point of this controller.
For beginner DJs, the price point might be a deterrent , but if you need a portable setup with serious functionality and proper build quality then this should be close to the top of your shopping list. The feature set is comparable to some full-sized controllers, which gives it the flexibility to serve as a primary or backup controller for a wide range of DJs. The built-in streaming capabilities mean you’re always just a Wi-Fi connection away from all the music in the world, ever (almost).
For pro DJs looking to prep tracks on the go (Ed- GO+ ?) or handle small gigs, the Prime GO+ is a dream. Track analysis and playlist management is good, so it’s practical for preparing sets from anywhere – hotel rooms, plane rides, or even sitting on the couch. The touch screen and navigation controls makes track preparation far easier than just using your laptop. We can see this being used and then files transferred back to other software.
Denon Prime GO+ Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portable: Easy to transport, it’s not too heavy but it is sold. The battery power works reliably for around four hours, which covers a lot of DJ eventualities.
- Standalone : No laptop required. Denon’s Engine OS is very capable DJ software meaning you just need a speaker to get a party started (although we’d also always suggest a USB stick, and obviously some headphones)
- Connectivity: A real strong point – The multiple outputs and mic inputs mean the Prime GO+ is suitable for a wide range of venues.
- Streaming Services: Access to Tidal, Amazon Music, Beatport and Dropbox is slick and well implemented.
- Durable Build: High-quality metal construction that’s ready for gigging.
Cons
- Screen Angle: Fixed angle could be a pain in outdoor settings due to glare.
- Jog Wheels: Compact size may limit complex scratching and definitely feel cramped to us.
- Price: The Prime GO+ packs in a lot, and the pricing seems fair. However at nearly $1000, it’s a high entry price for beginners or DJs who don’t absolutely need a standalone controller.
The DJWORX second opinion
DJ Jakx –
This unit solves part of the problem of carrying loads of equipment to a gig, by removing the need to take a laptop, but you still obviously need a decent speaker. I was surprised how much I liked Engine OS – it was responsive and smooth. Transfer from a Rekordbox USB was quick and painless.
I didn’t like the jogs, they are too small. The knobs have way too much space assigned to them, give some of that space back to the jogs. Also the headphone controls being on the front edge takes some getting used to. The knobs are all very smooth. In fact it’s easy to twiddle way past where you are aiming for, I blasted my ears a few times doing that. Finally, having the cue and play buttons arranged horizontally seems strange. Obviously it’s for space reasons, but muscle memory much prefers them to be vertically aligned. The cue button is where I would be expecting the play button.
I would have liked to take this to a house party I was DJing at. (Ed – Absolutely not…)
New DJs –
General feedback was that they enjoyed the responsiveness of the buttons, and found the screen and it’s controls easy to navigate. The knobs were a big hit, especially the FX. Smaller jog wheels are much less of an issue for new DJs who rely on sync. However the price point positions this unit someway off for those who haven’t fully committed to DJing yet.
The DJWORX Denon Prime GO+ Summary
We like it. In the studio we happily used it as replacement for our usual kit. On the road it really shone. Not having to lug a laptop and it’s portable size seriously reduced the amount of kit we took to a gig. In fact it was whole bag less, which meant one less trip to the car at the beginning and end of the night, a bonus not to be dismissed lightly.
It also is solid, meaning you’ll get years of service from it. We do have concerns abut the jog wheels but not enough to put us off. For mobile and event DJs we seriously recommend the Denon Prime Go+ DJ controller as it packs a big punch in a portable size. We’d like to keep it for corporate gigs and events where we need to set up quick, but sadly Denon want this one back..
Denon Prime Go+ Review Table of Contents
