Pioneer DJ Opus Quad Vs Denon DJ Prime 4: which is the best for you?
In recent years, all-in-one DJ systems (also known as standalone DJ controllers) have quickly replaced laptops as the preferred method of DJing for many enthusiasts. No matter where you are on your DJ journey, these controllers will allow you to explore new sonic territory and develop your own unique style. The only catch? Determining which DJ gear and DJ controllers would serve your needs best is easier said than done.
So, we have experts weighing in on the key differences between two famous DJ controllers in the market: Pioneer DJ Opus Quad versus Denon DJ Prime 4. But first, let’s get acquainted first about Pioneer DJ Opus Quad and Denon DJ Prime 4.
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If you’re looking for a professional all-in-one DJ controller, go no further than the Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD Professional 4-Channel All-In-One DJ System. This four-channel controller changes the game thanks to its cutting-edge ESS Technology 32-bit A/D and D/A conversion for crystal-clear audio, many onboard displays, a creative user interface, and plenty of networking options. Access an almost endless library of music with rekordbox CloudDirectPlay streaming, and easily add a new dimension to your mixes with the help of industry-leading Beat FX, Smooth Echo, and Sound Color FX. The two most popular DJ software solutions, rekordbox, and Serato DJ Pro, are plug-and-play compatible with no additional software required. The lowest starting price you’ll find it for is $3,199.
At the same time, even since the release of the award-winning MCX8000, Denon’s DJ Prime 4+ 4-deck Standalone DJ System has been at the cutting edge of DJ hardware innovation. The absence of technology allowed DJs to connect with their audiences on a more human level. Now, this breakthrough is taken to the next level by the PRIME Series of intelligent DJ consoles, which includes 2- and 4-channel devices with state-of-the-art performance capabilities, distinctive feature sets, and an overall “no-compromise” pro-DJ ethos. In this age of multi-gesture interaction, using a touchscreen to explore, search, and load music is both simple and stylish. In the market, its price starts at $2,199.
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With that, if you’re interested to know every difference between these two powerful controllers, check out the list below.
- The Opus Quad is considerably larger, more angular and curved, and roomier in usage than the Prime 4. Meanwhile, the Prime 4’s screen is movable, flatter, and the interface is quite busy. If you need to know the essentials of a DJ controller, note that the equipment needs to be comfortable to use.
- The Opus Quad features CDJ jog wheels, whereas the Prime 4 has smaller, controller-style jogs, with the former having a more “mechanical” feel.
- Some individuals like the Prime 4’s performance pads, which are located beneath the jog wheels, while others are content with the Opus Quad’s hot cue buttons, which are located above the jogs.
- The Prime 4 offers both an SD slot and an onboard hard drive, unlike the Opus Quad. The Prime 4 has a SATA hard drive slot, and you may use an SD card instead of a USB drive if you choose. But the Quad does offer the more modern USB-C port.
- The Opus Quad has more screen space than the Prime 4. The Prime 4 has small in-jog screens for artwork only, whereas the Opus Quad has larger deck screens above the jogs, so the in-jog displays can be used solely for position information.
- The Prime 4 is equipped with a sample drop player and DMX/home illumination control. Both features were introduced as software enhancements after the Opus Quad’s launch; neither was present at the time. However, the Opus Quad has X/Y effects control, Smooth Echo, and Smart Cueing. The X/Y is a wonderful feature that combines your chosen effect with a filter. Similarly, both Smooth Echo and Smart Cue are intelligent performance features that you would appreciate.
- Opus Quad is compatible with Rekordbox DJ (performance mode) and Serato, whereas the Prime 4 is only compatible with Serato. However, the Prime 4 also functions with VirtualDJ, but we anticipate the Opus Quad to do so shortly as well.
- Opus Quad has Bluetooth, something that is lacking in Prime 4. You can connect a Bluetooth source to either channel 3 or 4, which can also be transmitted to the zone if desired, something that the Prime 4 has never been able to do, can you believe that?
- The Prime 4 has a loop roll, whereas the Opus does not – The loop roll is an excellent-sounding performance characteristic. Slip functionality would be a simple enhancement to the Opus Quad if it could be added, but there is currently no means to do so.
- The Opus Quad has Playlist Banks. This is a unique feature that allows you to “bank” playlists, so you can have up to four sets if you use them in different venues with distinct playlist collections in each.
- The Opus Quad is brand-new, whereas the Prime 4 is several years old. If you’re one of those DJs who dreads purchasing a product only to have a newer, better model appear shortly after, there’s no need to worry about the Opus Quad just yet. But with Prime Four’s abilities and what it can offer, you wouldn’t mind not upgrading to the newest model yet.
- The Opus Quad is significantly more expensive than the Prime 4 – at least $1,000 more, which is a considerable sum. If you’re an aspiring DJ who wouldn’t mind spending money on something quite valuable, you might consider getting the Opus Quad. But if you prefer to save up to a grand in expenses, you can get settled with Prime 4.
Key takeaway
In the end, the decision to pick what’s suitable for you will be based on various factors that you need to consider. Indeed, both the Pioneer DJ Opus Quad and Denon DJ Prime 4 have made rounds as the best in the market, beating almost every name in the DJ controller industry. At this point, we feel for the hassle of choosing the finest DJ controller there is because of the plethora of alternatives available in today’s rapidly developing technological landscape. But if you put your mind and budget in the mix, you would most definitely end up with the best purchase ever – considering that you pick either of them.