You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve seen this before. And I would have to agree, as the new Pioneer DDJ-XP2 is more or less the old DDJ-XP1, but has been opened up to work with Serato DJ Pro as well as the original rekordbox.
I’m going to let the PR and other media outlets talk about the features, because I’m more interested in related things:
Double Trouble: Meet the DDJ-XP2 DJ controller for rekordbox dj and Serato DJ Pro software
Low-latency, highly robust unit maximizes new versions of both applications
October 1, 2019: Raise your game with the DDJ-XP2. Whether you use rekordbox dj or Serato DJ Pro, you can get the most from the new features in the latest versions of both DJ applications – released today – with this upgraded DJ controller. The DDJ-XP2 adds to the functionality of the popular DDJ-XP1 but retains the solid build quality and intuitive layout of the original unit.
Let your fingers fly at 32 robust, multicolored Performance Pads (16 on each deck) and enjoy lightning-fast responses. Thanks to its sturdy construction, with a non-slip rubber surround, the DDJ-XP2 allows you to hit as hard as you like. Get creative with tactile control of the Key Shift and Key Sync features in either of the compatible applications and dynamically apply your chosen effect by running your finger along the Slide FX touch strips.
The DDJ-XP2 ushers in powerful new pad modes in rekordbox dj and Serato DJ Pro. Make full use of Transport mode, which assigns transport controls such as play, pause, cue, and pitch up/down to the Performance Pads on the DDJ-XP2. And, for the first time ever, use 16 pads to control a single mode in Serato DJ Pro. Until now, Serato DJ Pro has only supported up to eight pads in any mode.
If you’ve used the DJM-S9 before you’ll be pleased to know the DDJ-XP2 inherits the looping section from the flagship scratch mixer. It’s a small upgrade, but an important one that will help you feel more comfortable and confident during performances. Plus, the new Silent Cue feature in Serato DJ Pro works the same way as the existing feature for rekordbox dvs (license key included) – enabling you to silently cue up tracks with the faders open on the mixer and trigger them instantly from Hot Cue points.
The DDJ-XP2 will be available from October 2019 at an SRP of £299/€329 including VAT. To use the DJ controller with rekordbox dj/dvs, update to the latest version of the application and activate the included license keys, worth a combined €248. To unlock Serato DJ Pro, you’ll need to use Serato supported hardware and update to the newly released version of the application. Serato DVS is also supported (Expansion Pack available separately).
The sturdy DJC-STS1 DJ stand is perfect for holding the DDJ-XP2, or a laptop, at an ideal height during performances. And you can protect your DDJ-XP2 from bumps and scrapes by carrying it in the DJC-XP1 BAG. Constructed with an EVA Durashock molded body, ballistic polyester, fleeced lining, and eggshell foam, it’s a hard-wearing but lightweight solution. The fit is perfectly snug and there’s a built-in compartment for your cables.
Want to know more? Watch the DDJ-XP2 introduction video or find out more about the controller.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DDJ-XP2
- Seamless compatibility with rekordbox dj and Serato DJ Pro
Feel at home using the DDJ-XP2 with rekordbox dj or Serato DJ Pro. You’ll be able to easily trigger popular features such as Hot Cues, Beat Jump and Slicer, bringing more creativity to your performances no matter which DJ performance application you choose.
- Highly responsive, robust and portable design
Put all your energy into your performances and the DDJ-XP2 will handle everything you throw at it. Built to withstand energetic finger drumming on the 32 tactile multicolored Performance Pads, the robust construction and non-slip rubber surround ensure that the DJ controller stays in place and keeps performing. You can also use the upper section to control key and beat sync status, and to select tracks.
- Slide FX
Dynamically control your chosen pad effect in rekordbox dj, or a combination of effects in Serato DJ Pro, by touching the Slide FX strips and moving your finger up and down.
- Serato DJ Pro’s first-ever 16-pad modes
The DDJ-XP2 introduces Serato DJ Pro’s first ever pad modes that support 16 pads per deck. These modes assign eight pads each to two different features, e.g. Hot Cue mode and Sampler mode, so you can trigger Hot Cues and samples at the same time, without switching modes. The other new modes expand the creative possibilities of powerful features such as Pitch Play, which you can now use to trigger cue points in twice as many semitones as before (Pitch ‘n Time DJ Expansion Pack required – available separately).
New modes
PAD MODE 1： Hot Cue mode and Sampler mode
PAD MODE 2： Auto Loop mode
PAD MODE 3： Slicer mode and Sampler mode
PAD MODE 4： Saved Loop mode and Manual Loop mode
PAD MODE 5： Pitch Play mode
PAD MODE 6： Roll mode
PAD MODE 7： Slicer Loop mode and Sampler mode
PAD MODE 8： Transport mode and Beatgrid Edit mode
- Support for new Transport mode in rekordbox dj
The Transport mode in Serato DJ Pro, also now accessible in rekordbox dj, enables you to use the pads on the DDJ-XP2 as transport controls for your music. Play, pause, cue, pitch up/down tracks, and more.
- Support for new Silent Cue in Serato DJ Pro
If you’re using rekordbox dvs (license key included) or Serato DJ Pro, switch on Silent Cue and the deck will be muted. This means you can silently cue up tracks with the faders open on the mixer and drop them into your mix instantly by hitting a Hot Cue – there’s no need to touch the faders. And, if you’re using rekordbox dvs or Serato DVS (Expansion Pack available separately) with turntables, press Silent Cue and the music will mute instantly, engage Hot Cue and the music will play again.
This avoids the sound of the music speeding up as the turntable starts to spin. Simply choose a Hot Cue, then hit play on the deck and it will sound the same as hitting a Cue on a DJ player.
- Other features
- Loop section from the DJM-S9 – feel at home when using the looping controls
- Bus power via USB – no need to plug into an outlet
- Includes rekordbox dj and rekordbox dvs licenses – worth a combined €248
- Kensington lock – keep your controller secure
DDJ-XP2 Specifications
Software rekordbox dj, Serato DJ Pro
Input / Output Terminals USB USB (Type B) x 1 Power Supply USB Bus Power (DC 5V) Power Consumption 500mA
Unit weight 1.5 kg / 3.3 lb Dimensions (W x D x H) 333.0 x 235.0 x 42.0 mm / 13.1” x 9.3” x 1.7” Accessories USB cable Quick Start Guide
rekordbox dj/ rekordbox dvs licence key card
System requirements (rekordox dj)
Compatible OS Mac macOS Mojave 10.14 (Updated to the latest version) macOS High Sierra 10.13 (Updated to the latest version)
macOS Sierra 10.12 (Updated to the latest version)
Windows Windows® 10/ 8.1/ 7 (latest service pack) CPU Intel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3 Memory 4 GB or more of RAM System requirements (Serato DJ Pro)
Compatible OS Mac macOS Mojave 10.14 (Updated to the latest version) macOS High Sierra 10.13 (Updated to the latest version)
macOS Sierra 10.12 (Updated to the latest version)
Windows Windows® 10/ 8.1/ 7 (latest service pack) CPU Intel® processor Core™ i9, i7, i5, i3 1.07GHz or above Memory 4 GB or more of RAM
THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT. BUT THE SAME.
As is my purview, it falls upon me to read between the lines and dig beyond what these new boxes of shiny actually do. Having seen the almost identical XP1 before, and seeing no real updates beyond adapting the controller for new features in Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox, I’m far more interested in something else, and that’s the dual branding.
The relationship between Pioneer DJ and Serato has been interesting to say the least. Ups, downs, ons, and offs have proliferated their rocky path through the digital DJ age. And after a period of on (DDJ-SP1) and off (DDJ-XP1), both Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox appear on this revised DDJ-XP2 box.
Thus the same hardware can be used to service the evolving features in their respective software. But to use the same hardware means that the features aren’t exactly a million miles away from each other. To me this closing of the gap is Pioneer DJ signalling that rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro aren’t as different as you might think, and that you might just want to dip your toe in Pioneer DJ’s software pool.
To make this easier, Pioneer DJ has included full rekordbox DJ and DVS licences. So if for example you buy the DDJ-XP2 to complement the Serato based DJM-S9, you’ll get a free licence to try out rekordbox with control vinyl. While I haven’t tried it myself, YouTube videos show Serato vinyl working with rekordbox, so you have nothing to lose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucPi9rrhQMg
SUMMING UP
What we have here is another easy non-boundary pushing release. There’s no new tooling, and both Serato and Pioneer DJ will make some money. And no word on if the DDJ-XP1 will work with these new features. The DDJ-XP2 will come in at $299/€329/£299 and is almost certainly available before I finish this sentence.
GALLERY
I’ve had the XP1 for a year now – it’s a great device!
I wonder what’s the point of a new version suitable for Serato, though, as it only seems to be re-labelled hardware.
I remember the first version of the Kontrol X1 (back in 2010) came with an overlay for Serato included in the box.
Isn’t that way more sustainable than a new device?
They could even sell those overlays separately including a Serato license for a good amount of money…
Same applies for the DDJ-1000, btw.
Who wan’t to put an overlay on a large jog-wheeled controller? Looks tacky
Wouldn’t it be enough to just put the overlay over the performance pad section?
Mixer, deck transport controls, looping, etc would pretty much be the same in Serato & rbdj.
Financially or environmentally sustainable?
Environmentally, for sure.
The other is hard to tell, really comes down to profit margins of the overlay + license vs. the new device.
I’m holding out to see if they’re going to have a djs1000 mk2. It’s been 2 yrs now – would hate to get it and see a new version drop right after
They should make all their line Rekordbox & Serato compatible since the beginning, they would sell much better.
Although it seems the plan to promote Rekordbox only for a while worked. Now it’s time to open the compatibility, add Traktor and VirtualDj, or even better do not artificially restrict the hardware, everyone would benefit from this.
Making one piece of hardware work smoothly for all software is an unworkable pipe dream, and has never worked. While technically possible, the assorted softwares are all different enough that a one size fits all approach would be a compromise for all.
I think the differences are most significant in the area of pad modes.
Aside from that, the features are pretty much the same everywhere.
Solution: Have small displays (like on the AKAI Force) underneath each blank pad mode button.
Regular pad modes will be shown constantly, switching to secondary pad modes only when holding a shift button.
I’ve never had any issues using VDJ8/Serato on my Numark NS73, Reloop TM8, Reloop Mixon 4 and now my Mixars Primo. The Mixon 4 also worked fine with Algoriddim DJ software. Heck, I used VDJ8, Serato, Reckodbox DJ and Algoriddim DJ on my WEGO 3 without a hitch. Not to sure about your “unworkable pipe dream” comment :)
Coming soon – DJM S9 MK2 and DDJ 1000 MK2 (rekordbox dj and serato dj compatible)
An S9 MKII would make sense, as that’s getting relatively old now. But with the original DDJ-1000s are selling well, so it’ll be a while before that gets updated. And in a few years time, who’s to say that the dual branding will still be a thing? Fortunes change.
This looks like a really thought out controller. It’s the kind of device that could push me to fully switch to RekordBox from Traktor.