Pioneer releases the XDJ-XZ and it’s a monster of a controller
3 min read
PIONEER launched the new XDJ-XZ on Tuesday, and it is one of the most full-featured controllers on the market.
This controller is an all-in-one which means that no computer is required (though you can connect one if you like). It allows DJs to plug in USBs and get going immediately.
It is very much a pro controller – its massive size means it is essentially equivalent to a pro CDJ setup, and in the image below, you can see how they match up.
Where this beats a CDJ setup is the performance options. The 7-inch touchscreen and performance pads add a bunch of creative options only really available in the NXS2s and the XDJ-XZ’s little brother, the XDJ-RX.
This is where the naming gets quite confusing. I’ll clear it up a bit below:
XDJ-XZ: This one – the pro
XDJ-RX: The “main” one for most consumers
XDJ-RR: Entry level (though still pricey)
ADVANCED FEATURES FROM NXS2 SETUP
The XZ has full-sized jog wheels which will make mixing and scratching feel like you’re using the CDJ-2000NXS2.
And, thanks to On Jog Display, you can keep an eye on important track information via the colour screen in the centre of each one.
All the knobs and controls on the XDJ-XZ are arranged in the same way as those on the NXS2 setup too.
It offers four-channel mixing, with all 14 Beat FX, plus the 6 Sound Color FX, from the DJM-900NXS2.
SUPPORT FOR VARIOUS MEDIA
You can plug in USB drives loaded with rekordbox-analyzed tracks or connect your PC/Mac to use rekordbox dj. Most users will likely find the “traditional” CDJ approach easiest and will opt mainly for the USB option.
This also makes it a great investment for a club manager where the XZ could replace a CDJ setup and operate in essentially the same way.
You can play tracks directly from your rekordbox library via Link Export mode, so you don’t need to export playlists from your laptop to USB drives.
DJs can also connect turntables, samplers, smartphones, and more, to channels 3 and 4. And if you want to perform with Serato DJ Pro, you’ll be able to do this following a firmware update, coming early 2020.
HIGH-QUALITY SOUND AND MULTIPLE EQS
As you’d hope, the mixer comes with a 3-band EQ and DJs can fine-tune the whole mix using the 3-band EQ on the master output.
With 3-band EQs on each of the mic inputs, MC’s can also adjust their channels as well as switch on the Feedback Reducer feature and it’ll automatically lessen the “howling” feedback frequencies if they occur.
PRO DJ LINK SEAMLESSLY SYNCS EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT FOR EXPANDED CREATIVE OPTIONS
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 and sync audio to your mix.
TOUCH SCREEN AND COLOUR ON JOG DISPLAY
The 7-inch LCD touch screen and the colour On Jog Display in the centre of each jog wheel shows the waveforms and an assortment of other data, including Hot Cues, BPM, and more.
OTHER FEATURES
- Three USB inputs (two top-loading for USB devices and one laptop connection) for smooth back-to-back performances and DJ handovers
- 16 multicoloured Performance Pads (8 per deck)
- Mic input circuit produces clear audio, even with high input level
- Robust, high-quality design
- Single unit with grab handles for easy carrying and setup
XDJ-XZ SPECIFICATIONS
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz ～ 20 kHz (USB, LINE, AUX, MIC) |
|---|---|
| S/N Ratio | 114 dB (USB) 103 dB (LINE) 90 dB (PHONO) 96 dB (AUX-LINE), 90 dB (AUX-PORTABLE) 81 dB (MIC) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.003% (USB) 0.005% (LINE) 0.017% (PHONO) |
| Inputs | LINE× 2 (RCA) PHONO × 2 (RCA) AUX × 1 (RCA) MIC × 2 (XLR & 1/4-inch TRS JACK x 1) |
| Outputs | MASTER × 2 (XLR × 1,RCA × 1) BOOTH × 1 (1/4-inch TRS JACK) PHONES × 2 (1/4-inch STEREO JACK × 1, 3.5-mm STEREO MINI JACK × 1) SEND × 1 (1/4-inch TS jack) |
| USB | USB (Type A, 5 V/1 A) ×2 USB (TypeB) × 1 |
| Others | LINK ×3(LAN 100Base-TX) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 878.0 × 466.1 × 118.4 mm / 34.6 × 18.4 × 4.7 in. |
| Weight | 13.0 kg/ 28.7 lb |
