[SOLVED] Doubts About Purchasing The XDJ-R1.

There are currently two similar threads, the other being:  http://pioneerdj.zendesk.com/entries/27306616-Is-the-XDJ-R1-ripe-for-the-picking-

Qualifier: Neither product fits my needs, so I have only owned both models on a temporary basis (retailer return policy.)  My daily rig consists of a pair of 2000 mk1 and a DJM900.

I would say that the R1 with current firmware is still not ready for prime time paid gigs.  Aero firmware appears reasonably solid, but lacks a number of features and is clearly targeting a different market.  With the R1 and this current (v7) firmware, I have ceased the 'buy it - try it' as I have with each firmware release as a distraction of time until I see a consensus on the forums that one of the future releases is solid.  

YMMV...

thanks Pope, I appreciate the information and your point of view of the subject.

I've had my unit since release, almost returned it but I stuck it out for the firmware updates, currently on 1.07, has been stable for since 1.05, I get the occasional error-8032 on certain tracks but I think its a rekordbox issue which pioneer hasn't fixed yet and doubtful that they will at this point, the rekordbox-remotebox-R1 dynamic for me is half-baked, settings that you chose in rekordbox when it comes to categories does not carry over to the the unit or remotebox which is a major gripe and false advertising on pioneer's part considering they are heavily marketing this unit with rekordbox/remotebox, I also don't like that there is a 10,000 track limit in rekordbox (this can be bypassed by adding tracks without running it through rekordbox but you are limited to folder navigation only, no cue points, inaccurate bpm and limited track info), it has not crashed on me yet (outdoor gig in 90+ degree heat for 5 hours straight) but there have been reports of crashing by other owners, it works for me at this point and if you purchase it make sure the dealer has a return policy for 100% refund, good luck, here's a pic of my setup:

BTD10, congrats on the setup, looks great! Also thank you from you insight. could it be that te insertion of remotebox in the R1-rekordbox equation might have unstabilize the equipment's proper funcionality.

I'm glad that it hasn't crashed on you live mixing. I heard as you have that it has happened to others and that's a big inconvenience. I live in Argentina so the purchase of this dj system with a 100% refund is pretty difficult. 

I guess the best thing to do is to wait till pioneer comes out with the following xdj model in the chain... maybe the next model might have the graphic sound display with I'm craving for.

@deejaygux>I hope pioneer continues to support this unit and remotebox as well, I think there is room on the ipad via remotebox to add a waveform display if they choose too, also don't forget this unit has midi mode (works with VDJ and Traktor afaik).

I would wait if I was you.  It crashed on me in a club full of hundreds.  I want to believe in this product.  But you shouldn't have to buy equipment, and wait for numerous updates for it to work as advertised.    Even the xdj aero, although working well is not without it's problems a year on.   

The Aero and the R1 are two very different units with different features and functionality. Essentially, you'll need to weigh up the pro's and con's of each unit to see what fits your needs. Personally, I like the idea of being able to control the R1 from a distance using an iPad or iPhone (say, during dinner music at a wedding or during some other quiet time during an event where only background music is required).

In terms of stability, I've found both units to be quite solid in their current form with the most recent firmware updates. There are probably more feature enhancements that could be incorporated from an end users point of view and we have been considering all input thus far.

If you're between two minds as to whether or not you should get the unit, you could see if the store has a no questions asked return policy and try out the unit for a period of days to help make up your mind. I think you might be convinced ;)

thank you gavin for your insight.

Even if controlling the R1 from a distance is a very interesting new feature, I'm more interested in the new effects and effect combinations with remotebox, the cue point buttons, the cd option and the 4 beat sampler, Also I must say that the R1's design structure is more CDJ friendly than the AERO which also is great.

Unfortunately, to my knowledge, where I live (Buenos Aires, Argentina) a try out period is practially impossible. Because of our import policy, a return policy would be very difficult as well. However, if you know of any official resellers here that could give me this option, I would like to contact them.

From what I see, when I purchased the AERO, it was a great risk but since I haven't had any problems with it (so far...and I touch wood), I have never considered the return policy variable. But, since I see alot of problems with the R1 users, it is a necessary option.

I've had no problems with my R1 since 1.07. i would like to be able to get more than 10,000 tracks on there, but I can live with the limit, I tend to have a laptop with me anyway because you can bet someone will always ask for that one song you don't have. mobile control from the ipad is great, I spend most of my time at party's wandering around the dance floor or propping up the bar now! :-)

@PeterRandall > The 10,000 track limit is only in rekordbox, you can add as many as your hdd will allow just not through rekordbox (no track analysis) which is a shame since they are marketing this unit to mobile DJ's like me.

@BTD10 yeah, i did read that. can you still browse them on an ipad by artist/track name etc via the id3 tag, or can you only browse through folders?

@PeterRandall > Folders only (fluctuating BPM readout and incomplete track info), I run all my tracks through MIK so I can't see comments without RB, sucks.

@Peter Randall so you haven't had any problems with the R1 what so ever? Do you only use it vía wifi or pendrive and CD as well? 

i use a 1tb external disk with all music run through rekordbox, i use an ipad to control most of the playback. i think i have about 7,000 tracks on there. ive never had a crash although i will admit i probably dont work it as hard as some dj's. i still use all the effects and samples/hot cues. ive yet to find a track that has any errors, and overall i'd have to say i love it.

Absolutely not.

I have the XDJ Aero and had the XDJ R1.  I sent the XDJ R1 back to pioneer and I am happy content with the Aero.  I use the Aero only to practice some sets for the CDJ 2000 equipment at clubs.   It is great for that.  XDJ R1 just did not do anything for me and had a ton of issues that annoyed me.  I also have no use for CDs anymore. 

When I DJ at a bar and they have no setup I take my DDJ SX running serato DJ.   That is a really fun setup!

@Peter Randall, well, its still a valid opinion on the equipment. Honestly the hot cues/sample and extra effects are really cool features...unfortunately something that the AERO doesn't have.

@Jobushwick it sucks that you had to return de R1. If i have to make a balance on the comments I've read of the R1 and the AERO, the R1 seems to need to be prefected. Not into CDs either but I must say that it's good to have the option if needed.

I have spinned in venues with over 1000 people with the AERO and it worked perfect, probably the only complaint I might have is towards the cue listening on the headphones on the mixer.