Hi all,
I big time like the Pioneer "hardware" because of its overall quality in sound and durability. Due to rekordbox DJ I finally got an interesting alternative to Traktor-over-Midi and Serato using the Pioneer gears. As an "upcoming former" Traktor S4 user and would like to get some additional information regarding the (internal differences of the) DDJ-RZ and DDJ-SZ to find the better choice for my needs.
Unfortunately the pros and cons of SZ and RZ (for my usage scenario and personal preferences) leave me with some open questions...
Here are my personal (!) pros and cons:
Pro DDJ-SZ:
- compatibility to Traktor and Serato
- 200 € cheaper (here in Germany)
- I prefer the (LED-)color scheme (not that "blueish") and the silver jog wheels
- I might be able to sell the Serato license (most likely I won't do that ;-)
Pro DDJ-RZ:
- optimized for the use with rekordbox (has a few different knobs)
- a free rekordbox-license (I will anyway go for the monthy paid option I guess)
Con DDJ-RZ:
- limited to rekordbox DJ (any plans to support Serato or Traktor in future?)
Con DDJ-SZ:
- ??? no idea. Is there any?
Question 1:
Does the DDJ-RZ have an improved Hardware (compared to the SZ) i.e. (even) more solid jog-wheels, knobs, faders, better cable shielding, improved circuit board layout, ... ?
I wonder because in the specs is shown that the RZ is slightly heavier (300g) than the DDJ-SZ. In short: Are there any relevant HW-differences between the SZ and the RZ (besides a few knobs for rekordbox) which might make a difference regarding quality, durability, etc.?
Question 2:
Are there known driver issues or latency differences using rekordbox-DJ with the DDJ-SZ?
Question 3:
Are there any (natural or planned) limitations of the DDJ-SZ in supporting (upcoming) features of the rekordbox DJ-software (except the direct access of features because of missing knobs)?
Question 4:
I am also interested in feedback from SZ-users that already tried rekordbox: What is your practical experience with rekordbox? Did you experience limitations in your workflow using rekordbox-DJ with the DDJ-SZ because of the knob-mapping or for other reasons? Any other Pros and Cons?...
Thank you very much in advance for your help!
- Daniel
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Before I answer the questions, I'll point out that with the DDJ-SZ/X/R units, the hardware automatically unlocks the software; there is no license to sell.
1) Can't say for certain, I haven't had a hands-on with the new R* units yet.
2) The bulk of the latency has to do with the computer you use.
3) We wouldn't know that or announce it if we did.
4) I'll leave that to the hive.
Hi Pulse,
Thank you for your quick response!
Some quick notes:
1) Regarding the haptics I already checked it out and I am quite happy with it. The senior salesperson said that the RZ is even a bit better than the SZ. I could not compare on-site but from my memory they are actually quite the same.
Regarding any HW-differences: I assume you haven't really heard about technical improvements or differences quality-wise? Since this would be crucial for my final decision I would appreciate any feedback. Maybe this question can be put somewhere at Pioneer?
2) Good point, thank you!
3) OK, thank you!
4) Sure! Anybody out there with hands-on experience?
Thanks in advance!
- Daniel
BTW: Thank you for the info regarding the license which is coupled to the device!
- Daniel
Hi all, aren't there any news regarding my question 1?
"Does the DDJ-RZ have an improved Hardware (compared to the SZ) i.e. (even) more solid jog-wheels, knobs, faders, better cable shielding, improved circuit board layout, ... ?
I wonder because in the specs is shown that the RZ is slightly heavier (300g) than the DDJ-SZ. In short: Are there any relevant HW-differences between the SZ and the RZ (besides a few knobs for rekordbox) which might make a difference regarding quality, durability, etc.?"
Any feedback appreciated! Maybe someone already had a thorough "hands on" on both devices. Thanks!