Denon DJ Prime 2 - Full Demo and Review
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- čas přidán 12. 01. 2020
- The Prime 2 is the brand new all in one unit from Denon DJ. The little brother to the monster Prime 4, has Denon DJ cut corners when shrinking the unit down to just two channels? In this review Jamie Hartley covers everything you need to know about the most advanced two channel, all in one!
Read our full review here:
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I bought this and love it. Been using it at various gigs. No more laptop stress with usb cables, dodgy chargers, untimely OS updates etc.
Loaded up a cheap SSD with 100GBs of music and serato/traktor/apple playlists and off we go!
For music I didn't have I could hotspot my phone to connect Tidal streaming on the Prime. Fantastic piece of equipment!
I just ordered it but you know what, I've been preparing songs in engine software and it's just buggy. The beat grids are off on some songs. Also if I want to video mix I can't use serato.
Fantastic review. Clearly went through the features. Thank you. My son loves it.
Thanks for the info! Saved me a lot of time reading and working things out! More time for the fun stuff now .
This is amazing and exactly what a lot of people have been asking for.
Yes Friend i agree, are You a DJ too ?
thank you
Add Serato DJ Pro support and this beast is going to become the BEST 2-channel AIO+controller on the market!
Love this unit... my only gripe is that the price difference between this and the Prime 4 is honestly negligible since they're both over 1000 dollars, yet under 2000. If this unit was just under 1000, it'd be a steal.
I just got mine today and it's awesome! Watching your review sealed the deal for me. I'm still hoping Denon will listen to us and add at least USB to SSD file transfers (without having to use a laptop) and the sampler function... Overall, I'm very happy with it!
What sampler are you talking about. I didn't see a sampler button
Hey! Can you view the waveforms horizontally?
@@lauramayrogers8420 Yes! Use Shift-View together to switch views
I still use my SX2 but the Prime 4 has everything I want in an AIO solution! It’s simply amazing both of them are amazing!
Thanks for the indepth review! Great to know all the ins and outs, so to speak :)
Thanks for the great in-depth review! I have a couple questions...
1 - When Key Sync is engaged, is there a way to Key Shift both decks at the same time up or down like with Serato PnT?
2 - Does it have Cue Loop pad mode?
3 - Can you record to the same drive you are playing from?
4 - Is there a setting to always sort Cues chronologically?
Also hoping for answers to these questions. The MCX8000 does these things, right?
Really interested in this, looks great tbh
Excellent and useful demo!
nicely explained.....great job thank you very much
was looking forward to one of your performance videos
only thing giving the xdj-rx2 an edge for me is the ability to plug in turntables. hopefully denon releases a new prime 2 with this enabled
So remarkable. I didnt look too much at the prime 2, then it occurred to have a closer look. Bet you are equally happy with it today, or even moee today. T✌🏼
I'm in love with Denon Prime 2 ♥
Your awesome and in depth with your tutorials...
Glad you like them!
@@Crossfader do you know if they are planning on bringing sound effects/ sampler to the denon dj prime 2 maybe in an update? Is it possible?
Good review as always Jamie!
Quick question: does it show all cue points, bpm etc if loaded usb flash drive contains music exported from Serato?
That’s what I wanted to know. I guess not.
denon are killing it right now
Is there any significant advantage/reason to purchase the Prime over the MCX8000? For the money, it seems to me it'd be better to buy the MCX8000 since it can seamlessly transition between stand-alone, software and external decks, yet works stand-alone just fine even if you don't want to use software or external desks. Am I missing something important? Also, will it import your data if you process your files using Mixed in Key?
thanks for great review.
i order prime 2 and did not understad how can i recored my live set and copy it to my usb device. your answer will be appreciate.
I LOVE THIS UNIT !!!
Only thing no Serato Dj support, which is on the Denon Prime 4. And yes you can record your sets, just that you cannot record Tidal music.
And you can scratch on this unit
If your out n bout with it and you dont have WiFi connection can you stick a Internet data dongal in it for streaming
Huge thx man 👍🏼
You previewed a Tidal track, but can HDD & USB tracks be previewed too?
Will be able to read my music's data (cue points,etc) from Virtual DJ,so I can just plug my external hard drive & play??
yes
Just got the prime 4 November now am interested in the prime go
Can you set the mic setting to "robot" My handle is "DJ Mr Robot". That feature would be great for me. I thought I saw somewhere that you could run Serato, but maybe it was just that you could load your Serato, and other songs into the Denon.
If for any reason Prime software set wrong the beatgrid of a track. There's some hardware control in the unit, to adjust that beatgrid?.
Edit the beatgrid in engine software on computer
Great unit what is the xfader like is it user replaceable? Also can we use t-tables or cdj’s with it? Lastly if it does not have Serato support like the P4 I won’t be getting it...that price to be locked into Engine software...no way!
Yeah didn't hear any mention of Serato
Do the performance pads have a click to them like on the MC4000?
Doesn't seem to be inputs to route sources to mixer channel stips, and no sampler.... big misses in my eyes....but for many this will be an awesome kit.
I liked the Prime 4 aside from a few small things, mainly size and the screen looking fragile, this Prime 2 almost hit the mark...
Wondering, if you have a SSD installed, is it easy to transfer a folder of new music onto the SSD in the unit from a usb stick?
Gonna have to look closer at the Prime 4, and maybe just keep Serato and my MC7000 for now, and add one of the Prime SC series media players...
Hey Guys, I have a question concerning Streaming Services in DJ'ing. I have noticed, that all mayor Streaming Services normalize their Audio, cutting lows and highs down to make every song on an equal volume. This may be good for listening on the go, but unfortunately it takes away the "power" of the music. Does anybody know if the music is normalized or not using Steaming Services whithin DJ Software?
Hey this isn't actually true. What streaming services do is change the volume of the ENTIRE TRACK by a certain amount to make it the same volume as everything else. It's basically the same as turning the volume knob up or down before the track starts. Once the track starts, they don't mess with the volume anymore. So the dynamic range within each track is preserved and no power is taken away. This is the same as the "auto gain" feature which is on most DJ Software.
But back to your original question, I doubt the services give the DJ software a modified version of the track. They would just supply the original track with the original volume, and then it's up to you whether or not you choose to use "auto gain" within your DJ software.
Wher can we buy this here n d Philippines? Any Authorized distributor?
Can you set maybe Noise Filter to the Filter notch?
Be even better since they have separate motorised units dont know why they dont redo the prime 4 and make prime 2 with motorised platters yea might be copying the ns7 but but the controller will look awesome
This is another very good unit from Denon DJ a slimmed down version of the Prime 4 because I am sure some DJs would have been overwhelmed with capabilities of the Prime 4 and would prefer something slightly less complicated and this to me fits the bill. Good job Denon DJ
You are correct.my buddy is overwhelmed by the prime 4.Most djs can't utilize all four channels at once or even use three continuously as on the Prime 4.
Yeah, most mobile DJs only really want/need 2 channels and having a more compact unit is a real benefit in terms of portability so I can really see this being a massive hit for those guys.
Not for the price! £1250 might as well but the prime 4 for £1600 lol
Yes I agree fully
Yea. But wish the screen was bigger and tilt like the prime 4.
Is there a way to access saved loops?
Hi !
I'm thinking to upgrade my DJ console from the Stanton sc-s 4dj i own.
My choice would be the Denon prime2 (so i can link it to my akai force).
.. but now it is discontinued. But is it still supported? Will new prime firmware updates work on it?
In case, instead, would it be possible with an sc-live 2 or 4 get to link the akai force and use abelton link (or somehow) ?
Waiting for your kind answer :-)
Hi just one more question please could I plug this unit the prime 2 in to a mixer so that I could use this and a laptop on another channel so I have a back up thanks david
Can the fx units affect both channels at the same time?
Does it usb records ur sets like the xdj series?
I have question about hot cues.
I was trying Prime 2 today and there was one thing I couldn't figure out. Whe I use my MC3000 together with Virtual DJ I use a lot of Hot Cues. The cool thing is that each time I use any of my Hot Cues and then press CUE button music stops at the last Hot Cue I used instead of going back to "main" cue point ( the one next to PLAY button ). It's so annoying that in Prime 2 each time I am testing my Hot Cues I have to find the way to go to the one I like. For example I want to jump to one of them and prepare loop... If I just pres hot cue button It starts playing and I cant set the loop.
I hope you understand what I mean.
Is this possible to make Prime going back to last Hot Cue I used? I was testing only with original OS without updating.
I’m looking to upgrade from my DDJ-400. Should I get the Prime 4 over the prime 2 so that I can practice with 3-4 decks when I’m ready for it?
If you can afford it, I would.
es ist ein geiles Teil, Prime 2 genau das richtige für unterwegs und nur zwei Kanäle einfach super
Can I deactivate the loop's quantize?
hi. i have few queations:
- is that rekordbox compatibility only one direction or in both directions? if i prepare my set on engine prime hardware will i be able to play it on that other famous brand's hardware that i may find in the club's booth ?
- second question is about the prime 2 been discontinued ? really ???? Why? What should i buy instead? Is small, full of usb ports, aux in, mic, ethernet and other connections that are missing on the new SC serie, it seems.
That's a beast 🔥🔥🔥
Give it Serato DJ support and Sweep EFX via Quick Menu, and we will have the ultimate DDJ-SR/SX/RX2 killer!
Hoping for the same! Come on Denon, make it happen 🧡
Agreed, sweep fx missing is a big bummer. But hopefully denon will make it a feature in quick menu. As you where saying!
NEVERE EVERE !!!! PIONNER its weel by any time the best in this planet 😅😅😅 stuff like this denon shit its only a joke😎😎💪💪💪
This controller is something I would invest in since I am starting out as a DJ
me too, just deciding which controller to get, as there are a lot of choices
@@JoDubu409 start small, pioneer sb3 or something. Learn on a USB controller which is much more forgiving and user friendly before going for something much more expensive.
Very nice review of an realy interestin unit.
Especially all the software settings allow a lot of flexability and easy updates.
Two questions:
1) - Is this LED-Pulsing due to the camera? - 'cause its driving me nuts
2) - What are your thoughts on slicer vs. sampler?
would love to hear your opinion
Did u get opinions on question 2 yet?
1) is due to camera framrate, not visible in real life 👍
Madre mia como esta denon dj. I like denon prime 2
It has key sync! 6 possibilities or just 4?
Who sings the All Night song?
Great Review Jamie!
Quick question: Does it supports Memory Cue Call like Pioneer? If not it's a bit shame as personally I am using Memory Cues to DJ and not Hot Cues.
Thank you,
Kyriacos
none of the Denon Engine based systems pull up Memory Cues, just hotcues.
But what is the difference? Either set up new cues and aren't the hot cues a memorized cue anyways?Ellaborate.
@@renechang2406 so in RB and the whole CDJ/XDJ world, hot cues immediately play (think performance markers) whereas memory cues really allow you to skip quickly within a track to a mark where you pre-prepped without having the song playback. On CDJ/XDJs you can have up to 10 memory cues but hot cues depend on the gear you're playing off of. I used to rely on hot cues but started changing things up to using both because not all venues have a new 2000NXS2 (more than 3 hot cues available)
@@BryantFC Also on the XDJ RX I am using with the memory Cues I can add comments and colours and are visible on the controller. The hot cues comments and colors are not visible on the RX.
cues .. work pretty much the same as pioneer kit.
Loops are same functionality personally I prefer the Denon way with the dial for length
FX Denon has a separate engine for each deck, where as pioneer has a shared one (on xdj-rx)
Filters pioneer wins with 4, prime 2 just has hpf/lpf
Denon pitch bend with buttons rather than platter side, which us hardest thing to get used to when swaping between imo
Was hoping to see a prime 4M.. I really want something like the Numark NS7iii but with standalone capabilities. I know it'll add weight but not a big deal if it gets rid of the need for a laptop. Just having to only bring Facade, speakers & controller to gigs would be great.
YES YES YES. 4M stand alone. The mobile turntablist dream.
Most Important Question!!!!! Are they STILL using the Plastic Buttons on these controllers are did they upgrade to the metal buttons like Pioneer? I had the MC7000 and the Play/Cue buttons were junk. Both sides broke, the plastic housing cracked and would not work anymore. Denon wanted $200 to put NEW plastic buttons smh.
Pioneer DJ don't use metal buttons. They are just silver textured plastic. These buttons are also plastic but feel high quality, very similar to the Pioneer but square. We certainly didn't find any issue with using them :)
Can i ask for the name artist ALL NIGHT music playing in deck one? Thank You
btw you can record vinyl with this. get a behringer ufo202. its like 25 bucks. connect it to the laptop. no drivers needed. then connect the output into the aux port. connect turntable to the ufo. and install audacity.
anyone know if the build quality is the same as the prime 4? cause prime 4 is rock solid
Same build quality.
I was expecting the prime 4 mkII with full size jogs, but surely a nice touch from Denon..except the pirce. I would seriously consider switching to prime 2 if it was €999, (speaking for myself here), but since the price gap between prime 2 and 4 is “only” €300..I believe its worth paying the €300 extra.. well I hold on to my RX2 for now and see what the Pioneer DJ’s response will be. Perhaps sometimes in this life 🤣
I agree the price gap is too small. They should have added real inputs, Sweep EFX and SDJ Pro support for that slightly smaller price.
But your Prime 4 Mk2 request sounds just dumb. If you want big jog wheels, just get the SC5000/6000. The Prime 4 is already big enough, too big actually for many users and clubs.
TriStar true, prime 2 is quite portable, very handy for mobile djs..
@@DjGJ Absolutely!
how can I set a key point on a track ?
The Prime 2 it can do continuous play list ? thank you for support
Yes, you swipe down from the top of the screen and "CONTINUE" button comes up.
@@MikeSinclairDJServices thank you sir
Are there plans to add serato support at any point?
They will bc the prime 4 has it. A few more updates after releasing the prime 2 then they should have a serato for it.
Why!?
The Prime 2 really needs Serato DJ Pro support. So far, due to lacking external inputs, you only have the internal player and VDJ, that's it. Not enough to convience Pioneer controller guys to switch. As long there is no Serato, I won't buy this unit. The 7" is just too small for wedding gigs, where I need my laptop.
Will the prime 2 recognize the prime 4 hard drive if I put it in the prime 2
Yes. Same system.
I have Denon DJ DND 4500 MK2
It's very hard to mix 2 songs because it's alwasys show wrong BPM 😞😞😞😩😩
Your doin it wrong!!! Mix by sound and not by the bpm.
@@paulholla thanks bro I will try my best
and micro effect?
Prime 2 doesn't seem as small overall as it could be, and could use some of the 6000's efficient use of space.
Also missing standard rear inputs.
What are the dimensions on these prototypes? It seems like you went overboard on downsizing for the GO and insufficient on it for the Prime 2. I want something between the size of both of these about as big as a Versadeck, with full-size pitch faders at least, and no battery.
I'm sure the size of this is like MC4000 dimensions or similar.
@@Alejandro-pg6ng It's only about 3" narrower than the P4. Only slightly smaller, none of the standard rear inputs, you lose two layers/upfaders, and the bigger screen.
So, it's more or less a gigantic mobile phone with a DJ app.
I like that. I like that a lot 😉, because the weakest link in a DJ set up? The laptop.
For bigger gigs like weddings with MANY music requests I still need my laptop, that 7" screen is just too limited. Serato DJ Pro support for the Prime 2, please. Otherwise a wonderful unit. With SDJ support I gonna buy it definetly. Fuck Pioneer!
Price in Italy?
Really want to get this but...as a scratch DJ the ddj 1000 got me spoiled so I’m waiting to see what pioneer gone do. I had a prime 4 but I just wasn’t impressed with their jogs. Pioneer step ya game up.
can you use the streaming feature on the prime 4 or just the 2 ?
streaming is on prime 4 also
@@djerniet350 thanks mate
Both. And their players too
Jamie, I really did not think they will do this. But it is not surprising. This is built for me and DJ's like me. i always thought the prime 4 was toooo much for me. i have a question, can you transfer the songs on my external hard drive to the drive inside of the unit?
You can on the PRIME 4 so probably can on this.
Can you change the jog tension on this unit or in the utility thanks
P.S keep up the good work.
No
I heard some dj say it’s very sensitive!
@@Mansa-Ali I used to have the denon mc7000 a few years back and I replaced it for another unit because of that reason, as Im heavy handed which is a shame as the controller was an amazing bit of kit otherwise.
It's a shame they don't have this feature on it I'm also told the Prime 4 is the same, which is a real shame 😑
Watch at 15:43
Can I plug my sl1210.s into this or is that just the prime 4?
Sadly not, that's just the prime 4
@@Crossfader thanks. That’s a shame as I don’t really want he big prime 4 but I guess I’ll have to. Don’t think pioneer are any comparison at the mo.
what was removed from the prime 4 ?
Mario As far as I can tell it’s just the extra 2 channels. There’s probably a few more features but I’m not exactly sure 🤔
2 channels. Mini screens on the FX engines. External inputs for turntables / media players. Filter effects on mixer (just has hpf/lpf). Separate EQs for each mic, uses shared EQs for both. Screen shrunk from 10 to 7 inch. Zone output
Does it have Aux for phone music?
Yes it does.
What would you recommend for a beginner
Just get it. If its not for you sell it. As long as you have a good collection of music you'll be fine
Good controller 🤙
Great bit of kit definitely the closet thing to the rx2 on the market! Should of had 4 colour effects on it and the price needs to be dropped to £1000
Steven Plumber this blows the rx2 out of the water ??? Are you serious? Lol
The only issue with this is the sampler button missing
I already have the prime 4 i think Denon should do the cream just like the 4 adjustable.
Does it have quantize?
Yes
I switched from an XDJ RX2 to a Denon Prime 2 and the Denon smokes the RX2 in every single way. I don't miss anything about it.
IN WHAT WAYS?
@@robbboynton5933 IN ALL WAYS.
The killer Question to the Crossfader Team:
Preferred rider Pioneer or Denon?
Can you do a survey?
Its to early
The Prime 2 is a sweet unit, but ONLY working standlone, without external inputs (only AUX) and no Serato DJ Pro support, which is not enough for that premium price. Please add Serato DJ Pro support (just like you did for VDJ), and more former Pioneer controller boys will have the courage to change their setup!
Also, while that Prime 4 bigger screen is okay for full standalone operation, the smaller 7" screen here is sometimes not, especially on wedding gigs I still need my MBP 15" with Serato DJ.
@@m-stat9 Hah, same situation here. I am owning a DDJ-SX. Its starting to bore me. I want that sexy Prime 2. But ditching my Macbook with Serato DJ enirely? Nope. I need more flexiblity.
Serato DJ support would makes this the perfect alternative for former DDJ-SX/SR and even RX2 users! Virtual DJ is already supported, but I dont know any pro using that.
Magic =)
that is so cool. But despite all of them, I prefer Pioneer with a record box
Why? Have you tried the Denon?
You can use the denon prime series with rekordbox
There is literally no reason to stay with this outdated Pioneer products
@@alphatecmusic8016 I kinda agree, the Denon kit is technically better but I have never played in a bar or club that didn't have Pioneer gear in the booth and playing out is stressful enough, having to get use to a totally different workflow in a performance situation is a nightmare. Having Pioneer gear at home makes that transition easy and that is not to be sniffed at. If you never play out though, Denon win hands down.
@@StefanInstall I am sure that the time where Pioneer is the absolute DJ Standard will be over soon
What is the Indian price?
Great 😍😍
👍
As a beginner, is it worth it to invest in this ?
Definitely. I'll give you my personal opinion.
1. You don't need to take a laptop with you, which means less baggage and fewer cables to connect.
2. If you have to share with other DJs or musicians the booth, it can be a little annoying having to take up less space for your own equipment, and for that, you would have to buy a laptop stand to fit more equipment in.
3. Also, related to point 1, you'll need only one socket to connect the controller's power and don't have to deal with a laptop brick.
4. If it concerns you that you are missing on two decks because you couldn't afford the Prime 4, don't bother, it's too expensive for a clunky way to interact with four decks. You can plug in the other two turntables to the Prime 2, you'll grow to hate having to switch decks with a button and the knobs staying in place between switches. In the long run, if you feel comfortable mixing with 4 decks, buy separate turntables.
My question is why go for the Prime 2 when you can get the Prime 4 for about $300USD more?
size
Size, not everyone wants to haul around a big 4 ch deck + flightcase. Will be quite heavy and I hardly ever see djs using 4 channels anyway.
@@johnmarrdj 😂 😂 exactly.. 😩😩😩
I bet this controller have the same price with DDJ 1000 right?
About a third more. It's a stand-alone, doesn't need a laptop...
It's competing with the xdj-rx2. Pretty much same spec. The Denon has the better screen, storage and streaming support, the Rx let's you plug in turntables. The Denon has slightly more options on the FX, the pioneer on the mixer filters. That's it.
The GO is to compete with the cheaper pioneer products.
@@steve40092 Yeah, totally agree. The Denon is technically better in every way but if you play out in clubs and bars on their kit (which is inevitably Pioneer), you might choose the less capable RX2 so you learn the Pioneer workflow because let's face it, playing is less stressful when you can use the system based on muscle memory and not have to work out how achieve the effect you're looking for each time.
If I was a mobile DJ taking my own kit out with me for each gig, I'd go Prime 2 or 4 no question but as I'm not and as I use Pioneer's Nexus kit when I play out, I went. Pioneer (XZ) for my home kit to make the transition from bedroom to booth as smooth as possible even though the XZ isn't as capable as the Prime 4 in many regards.
This looks great, but the ddj 800 catches my eye because I can add CDJs if i want. I’ll wait for pioneer’s answer. This looks good though
There will be none. The 800 is the answer
Pioneer are already a full year past when they should have responded. I wonder whether they are going to at all. They've lost so many of their employees to Denon. We may be witnessing the end of Pioneer DJs dominance.
risquedj is there any validity to the claims of Denon’s products breaking easily
donald cannon I’m sure that at some point Pioneer will release a 2 channel standalone
Deal breaker: no Phono inputs if one wants to switch to Vinyl decks ?
very verey few working djs use vinyl nowadays. this thing is for most djs specialists have good options somewhere else
Get the Prime 4 if you really need the Phono Ins. Or, if the single Aux is okay for you, get a Super-OEM like Reloop 7000 which also has a Line-Out, this would work with the Prime 2 then!
Can turntables be hook up to this with out a pc as well?
No fx demo???
Great concept but its not earth shattering like the Prime 4
What would be the cost ?🤔🤔
$1399
Nice unit but overpriced at $1399. I would have considered this unit if it was out last year before I picked up the DDJ1000. Possibly a future purchase once I have mastered the DDJ1000 through the Crossfader lessons Im currently taking. Great review of a very cool unit.
It's several hundred cheaper than a xdj-rx2 with pretty much same features. Only real drawback Vs the Rx is you can't plug turntables into it.
@@steve40092 Yes thats true. And because of that I recently pre ordered one. I did like the Prime 4 but I already have the DDJ 1000 but I was waiting for the Denon Prime 2 if it ever came out. Im familiar now with Rekorbox and now looking forward to learning the Prime system. Thanks.
oh wait, how are the jogs??
yes how is it?
Better than P4