Using DDJ without computer?

DDJ series = Need PC/Mac

XDJ and CDJ series = Dont need PC/Mac

Hi, thanks for the info.

It's sad because the DDJ has many more features than the XDJ... i guess i'll have to wait until Pioneer decides to put a USB A port on the DDJ. That doesn't sound so hard ;-)

That is not going to happen. A DDJ controller is a "controller" meaning it is controlling midi signals from a extern computer. It does not have any onboard processor. The XDJ and CDJ series have onboard processors. If you are looking for a controller with onboard USB possibilities, look for a XDJ-RX, a XDJ-R1 or a XDJ-Aero. All great machines.

Michael, what are the extra features a DDJ has over a XDJ that you particularly like?

Is it functionality or appearance?

I mainly am concerned with functionality. 

I am used to play on a CDJ / DJM setup in bars, and I would like to buy my own setup. I only play with Rekordbox, so don't have added value of buying a setup of 2 CDJ plus a mixer over a DDJ (or XDJ for that matter).

So I am looking for something that comes closest to the functionalities offered by a CDJ / DJM setup, but then in one machine (less cables, and much cheaper). And if possible I would like some nice new features (like the pads)

Comparing the DDJ with the XDJ, there are a few major arguments why I prefer the DDJ:

• 4 channels instead of 2
• 2 more screens + touch (big screens and touch are important for browsing and searching for tracks)
• 8 pads instead of 4
• in general the DDJ looks to have much more effects and other buttons to play with :-)

BUT, the main issue that blocks me from buying the DDJ is that I would love to get rid of my computer. I don't mind to use it for the preparation of my tracks and playlists in Rekordbox at home, but it's a hassle to bring it to the club all the time. Also, my computer is getting rather old (8 years) and I'm afraid it will crash one day during a live set ;-)

IF I go for the DDJ setup, that means i would also have to invest another 3K in a new computer, which makes the total price very expensive again...

I see that you understand the Pioneer DJ range, they currently do not have what you seek. They only have one or the other, no product yet combines the two philosophies.

I hoped they would release a new DJ product at CES 2017 but they didn't.

Thanks for the feedback Phil.

I still prefer Pioneer setup above anything else, and would very much like to buy my own setup. Yet, the only thing I can do is.... wait. Just like I did for the last few years. Every time they launch a new product, I'm enthusiastic to read about the new features. But my conclusion is always the same: 'this don't cover my needs, I'll have to wait for the next release...'.

From a provider point of view, it's really sad to have clients who are willing to buy your stuff, but simply can't do that because it doesn't cover their basic needs. And it's not that I have such incredibly complex needs :-D

Let's hope that the new Denon DJ products speed up the innovation process at Pioneer and makes them listen better to their users...

 A monopoly is never good for the end-user  ;-)

I have to comment again on this. What you want is a Cdj2000nxs2 setup at the price of a ddj controller setup?

Again, the ddj line doesn't have onboard computers, and that is why it is cheaper to produce. The high end ddj controllers have a build in stand-alone mixer, but that's it. 

The cheapest way of getting usb compabillity is a used xdj aero or xdj-r1. Or you could wait and see if pioneer is releasing a 4 channel xdj-rx.

Btw, have you ever tried Denon Dj support? They don't give a **** about there customers. The MCX-8000 is already been abandoned, although it is the "flagship" controller, and is less than 1,5 years old. A lot of angry customers over there. And the prime line is just as expensive as a good Cdj/xdj setup.

I'm not convinced about the pricing argument, as the DDJ is more expensive than XDJ.

Nevertheless, I would like to pay more to have a computer inside, so i can plug my usb and play. But for a machine that has the same feature set as the DDJ offers.

I haven't tried Denon, and hopefully never will. But that will depend on Pioneer :-D

i have ddj rzx and have 3 screens on board don't know why it would be hard to create a cable that one end plugs into controller and the other plugs into flash drive.... all i want is to see the songs on the screen and keep the functions on the controller... I had a problem with my laptop at a gig the other night.... turned out it was just the plug, that was brand new, for the laptop lucky that it took another Dell plug from a different model but it would be nice not to have to worry about a laptop especially with something as big as the RZX pioneer could have added something to it for this purpose..

@ksmooth > The XDJ-RX2 is that product.

so are you going to take my RZX and trade with me... this isn't rocket science you have the screens already there just get a big enough flash drive to hold rekordbox and my music and create a cable that has USB-C i think it is called and USB-A

@ksmooth > The RZX doesn't have any processing onboard; it's a controller for the software.