The Denon DJ Prime 4, introduced in January 2019, stands out in the standalone DJ market with its extensive feature set and advanced technology. Its 10-inch adjustable touchscreen with responsive gesture controls, 1TB SATA hard drive bay, and multiple media inputs offer unparalleled versatility. The four-channel mixer, complete with a three-band EQ and built-in effects like Echo and Noise, guarantees dynamic sound options. Engine Prime software enhances track analysis and playlist management, while its Wi-Fi streaming capability broadens performance horizons. Priced at $2499, it maintains a competitive edge, particularly with the recent introduction of real-time Stems technology. Discover the full scope of its potential.
Key Takeaways
- The Denon DJ Prime 4’s 10-inch adjustable touchscreen with gesture controls offers an intuitive and responsive user interface.
- The four-channel mixer with customizable EQ and gain controls provides versatile sound manipulation for professional performances.
- Built-in Wi-Fi music streaming capability adds flexibility for accessing and playing a wide range of tracks live.
- Powerful effects such as Echo, Wash, and Noise, managed via rotary encoders, enhance creative sound possibilities.
- Priced at $2499, it offers superior standalone features and compatibility with Rekordbox and Serato, making it a strong competitor in the market.
Overview and Key Features
Although the Denon DJ Prime 4 was released in January 2019, it remains a formidable contender in the standalone DJ system market due to its extensive array of features and robust build quality.
The Prime 4’s design aesthetics are both sleek and functional, featuring a large 10-inch touchscreen that is not only responsive but also adjustable, allowing DJs to customize their viewing angle for peak performance. This touchscreen supports gesture controls and offers a dual display mode that enhances library navigation and waveform analysis. The real-time stem separation feature, seen in newer models like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10, could be a potential future addition to enhance this system further.
Portability options are well-considered in the Prime 4, which integrates a 1TB SATA hard drive bay, multiple USB inputs, and an SD card slot. These features guarantee extensive music storage and playback capabilities without the need for external devices, making it ideal for mobile DJs.
Additionally, the system’s customizable performance pads and four-channel mixer with three-band EQ and individual VU monitoring provide a professional-grade mixing experience.
The Prime 4’s built-in effects, such as the one-knob filter, Echo, Wash, and Noise, managed through dedicated rotary encoders, add another layer of versatility. This thorough feature set underscores the Prime 4’s enduring appeal in the competitive DJ equipment market.
User Interface and Software
The user interface of the Denon DJ Prime 4 is meticulously designed to maximize efficiency and user satisfaction. Central to this is the 10.1-inch touchscreen, known for its remarkable touchscreen responsiveness. Users can seamlessly interact with the device using gesture controls and pinch-to-zoom functionality, especially useful for waveform manipulation. This level of interaction is not merely intuitive but greatly enhances the DJ’s ability to manage their sets dynamically.
Additionally, the advanced track analysis provided by the Engine Prime software guarantees precise beat matching and efficient playlist management, key features for any professional DJ.
Engine Prime software further complements the hardware with robust track preparation and library management tools. Users can create playlists, analyze musical keys, and manage their libraries with ease. Importantly, the software’s compatibility with Rekordbox and Serato libraries guarantees a smooth changeover for DJs migrating from other systems.
However, one noted drawback is the time-consuming process of exporting tracks, with tests indicating that exporting 150 tracks can take up to 10 minutes.
The interface offers two primary modes: Library and Waveforms, each designed for specific aspects of performance management. Live filter search capabilities enable quick access to tracks based on BPM and key compatibility.
Additionally, the adjustable angle of the touchscreen caters to various performance setups, guaranteeing ideal visibility and user comfort.
Performance and Deck Features
Showcasing its prowess in live performance, the Denon DJ Prime 4 is engineered with a robust array of features that cater to both novice and professional DJs. Central to its design is a four-channel mixer with standalone capability, enabling connections to external sources and offering customizable three-band EQ and gain controls for each channel. This enhances the system’s deck versatility, allowing DJs to seamlessly integrate various audio inputs.
The Prime 4 also includes Wi-Fi music streaming, which further extends its versatility in live settings.
The performance enhancements are further highlighted by the fully lit performance pads on each deck, supporting functions such as hot cues, saved loops, and an autoloop feature. These elements provide DJs with dynamic tools for creative mixing.
Additionally, the jogwheels, featuring central screens displaying track artwork and loop length, along with LED status rings, offer intuitive and precise control over each deck.
Moreover, the system’s sound manipulation is enriched by 14 effects managed via four rotary encoders, including Echo, Wash, and Noise, applicable to all channels. Dedicated beat jump buttons and long-throw pitch faders further augment the system’s capabilities, ensuring precise tempo adjustments and facilitating innovative shifts.
- Four-channel standalone mixer: Customizable three-band EQ and gain controls.
- Fully lit performance pads: Support for hot cues, saved loops, and autoloop.
- Jogwheels with central screens: Display track artwork and loop length.
Market Impact and Comparisons
In the competitive landscape of DJ controllers, Denon DJ Prime 4 stands out as a formidable contender, particularly when juxtaposed with Pioneer DJ’s established products like the XDJ-RX2 and Opus Quad. Priced at $2499, the Prime 4 offers superior features at a lower cost, challenging market trends and reshaping user expectations. Its four-deck standalone capabilities and multiple music source options, including four USB inputs and an SD card slot, provide an all-encompassing solution for DJs. This robust feature set, combined with positive user feedback on its powerful effects and responsive controls, enhances its market credibility.
The introduction of the Prime 4+ with real-time Stems separation technology in 2023 underscores Denon’s commitment to innovation. This move could greatly impact the market, as it directly challenges Pioneer’s dominance. As the demand for standalone systems increases, the Prime 4 positions itself to shift user loyalty, especially among emerging DJs.
| Feature | Denon DJ Prime 4 | Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2 | Pioneer DJ Opus Quad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2499 | $1999 | $2999 |
| Standalone Decks | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Music Source Options | 4 USB, SD card slot | 2 USB, CD input | 3 USB, SD card slot |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denon PRIME 4 Discontinued?
The Denon Prime 4 is not officially discontinued but may see decreased availability as retailers shift focus to the Prime 4+. This change reflects Denon’s commitment to product longevity through continuous innovation and enhanced technical capabilities.
What Is the Difference Between Denon PRIME 4 and 4 Plus?
The Prime 4+ offers real-time Stems separation, enhanced streaming with Amazon Music Unlimited, and aesthetic upgrades. In comparison, the Prime 4 lacks these features but retains the four-channel design and 10-inch touchscreen.
What Is the Build Quality of Denon PRIME 4?
The Denon DJ Prime 4 exhibits exceptional build quality, utilizing high-grade build materials and robust design durability. Its solid 9.7 kg frame, metal jogwheels, and enhanced protective features guarantee reliable performance and longevity in demanding environments.
Does Denon DJ Prime 4 Have WIFI?
The Denon DJ Prime 4 lacks built-in WiFi capabilities, thereby limiting direct access to wireless networks. However, it supports streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited and TIDAL via wired connections or external WiFi devices, enhancing its versatility.
Conclusion
The Denon DJ Prime 4 stands out as a formidable standalone DJ system, integrating advanced features such as a robust user interface and sophisticated software. Its performance capabilities and deck features position it as a competitive alternative to traditional setups. When compared to market counterparts, the Prime 4 demonstrates marked superiority regarding versatility and user experience, potentially redefining industry standards for standalone DJ systems.
