Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ Review

pioneer ddj xdj xz review

Pioneer DJ has released its new all-in-one DJ mixing solution with the XDJ-XZ. It is designed to be used by pros with high standards of quality. Featuring standalone functionality, a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, 4-channels on the mixer, and 64-bit audio quality, this is a premium DJ controller.

Due to its high level of quality in all aspects of the device, this is another option to look at if you want one of the best DJ controllers for scratching. In this Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ review, we are going to cover everything you need to know about this premium DJ controller. 

Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ Review Summary

Quality

The Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ is built for professional-level DJing. It will stay strong throughout years of hard use and transport from gig-to-gig. This controller has a superior level of sound quality that clocks in at 64-bit. This alone makes it better than much of the competition. 

Features

The XDJ-XZ is a standalone DJ controller with 4-channels. Two features that really stand out are LCD platter displays and the 7-inch touchscreen monitor. Pioneer added some cool new functions to the XDJ-XZ such as 14 Beat FX, 6 Sound Colour FX, and even the ability to add effects on specific frequency ranges.

Cost

The Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ price isn’t that bad considering the high level of quality and premium features that it offers. It’s worth buying if you want an all-in-one DJ system that is standalone and great for any sort of event. You also receive full Rekordbox and Serato DJ functionality with this DJ controller. 

Overall rating :  4.2 / 5

The XDJ-XZ is a top-end DJ controller with many premium features. Featuring 4-channels and standalone functionality, it is a great option for serious DJs. This is an all-in-one DJ controller that gives you the same abilities as playing on standard 2x CDJ setups. The best part about it is you can get all these features for a fraction of the cost of a traditional CDJ setup.


Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ Pros & Cons

The Pioneer XDJ-XZ is one of Pioneer’s pricier high-end model DJ controllers in the market. It’s built to give DJs a complete set of pro features for a fraction of the cost of an advanced CDJ or vinyl setup. Let’s go ahead and look further into the pros and cons of this DJ controller.

Pros

  • Standalone DJ controller.
  • 64-bit audio interface.
  • 7-inch touch screen control
  • Jogwheel LCD displays
  • Serato DJ Pro & rekordbox support
  • 14 included beat FX
  • Connect 2 external devices
  • Support for Pro DJ Link

First of all, the Pioneer XDJ-XZ’s all-in-one features are its main strengths. Not only does each center of both jogwheels have a screen to mirror what can be seen on software, but it also has a 7-inch touch screen control at the center. This makes it very easy for many DJs to use this standalone device without software.


Cons

  • A little bulky and heavy
  • A tad pricey

This model is very competitive with the Denon DJ Prime 4 in terms of features and overall quality. In both of these models, two of the biggest drawbacks is the comparatively-larger size and higher price. 


Conclusion

Overall, the selling points for the Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ are the high-level of sound quality, standalone functionality, jogwheel screens, and touchscreen control. Pioneer has started to integrate its best features and functions into one all-in-one controller with the XDJ-XZ. Portability might be an issue for some, though, as it’s quite heavy to transport as a mobile DJ. 

Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ Feature Highlights

Now that we have broken down the main selling points of this controller, our Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ review will now switch gears. Below, we will break down all other noteworthy features of this model that we have not yet covered in full detail. 

Optimized Setup for Pro Performances

This four-channel controller with standalone functionality includes 14 Beat FX and 6 Sound Color FX. It also has superior 64-bit audio quality. With 4-channels and LCD screens to help you monitor your mix, this is a great pro DJ controller.

Media Support for Various Sources

The XDJ-XZ is great for those who want to mix tracks from an array of sources. You can either play tracks directly from your rekordbox library via Link Export mode or export playlists from your laptop to USB drives. You can also use audio from other external sources such as turntables, samplers, and smartphones to the third and fourth channels. 

3-Band MIC EQ & Feedback Reducer

The Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ can fine-tune your voice using the 3-band EQ for ultimate control. Each mic input also has the same 3-band EQ allowing an MC to hype your performances with the proper tone of voice. It also has a feedback reducer feature which lessens the piercing high-frequency noise for both your music and voice. 

Pro DJ Link Support

The XDJ-XZ is the first all-in-one DJ system to support Pro DJ Link. This means you can connect external equipment such as CDJs to channels 3 and 4 with flawless functionality. Use the screen on the XDJ-XZ or the one on the CDJ to browse tracks on USB drives connected to either unit.

rekordbox & Serato DJ Pro Support

If you don't want to use this model as a standalone, you can also consider pairing it with software. This model includes a premium license for rekordbox software. It also comes with support for Serato DJ Pro and many other popular DJ software options. 

Touch Screen and Color On-Jog Display

DJs can keep a better eye on finer points such as the BPM, hot cues, and waveforms with the XDJ-XZ’s 7-inch LCD touch screen. Additional monitors at the center of both jog wheels make it much easier for use without a laptop. Visual information is indicated on the controller itself that helps you to focus more on your mix.

Manufacturer Updates

A device with as many high-quality features such as this one can be prone to bugs and errors. This is why it is important to search for a DJ controller with current manufacturer support. All the latest Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ drivers can be found on the Pioneer website. 

Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ Review Verdict

The Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ is a great choice for those who want a high-end DJ controller with both standalone and software support. With LCD screens placed on both jogwheels and for the mixer, this controller works great as a standalone. It also can be used with DJ software with high-quality 64-bit audio. 

Be sure to also check out our reviews on the Pioneer DDJ-200, DDJ-400DDJ-800, and the DDJ-1000!