So much so that hardware updates to PRIME 4+ are minimal, with the true focus being on the awesome software updates opening up most of its new capabilities. A notable omission is any type of sampler on the pads or indeed anywhere on the unit (this is now implemented, as of Engine DJ 3.0). Also, the parameter buttons to the bottom left of the pads can be used with the pads, for instance to alter the range of the loop lengths on Loop mode, but it’s not always clear what you’ve altered as sometimes there’s nowhere on any of the displays that shows you what you’ve done with these buttons. Mic channels Fully customizable crossfader with curve control knob, channel assignment switches, and Fader Start Users can now sync tempo with external hardware using Ableton Link over both wired and wireless networks. Once Ableton Link has been enabled, an orange link icon will be shown in the top right of the toolbar providing the number of linked devices, sync lead tempo, and phase meter showing the current beat position. When synced, the tempo will match the tempo of the longest playing device. The lead tempo can be adjusted from any device and all other linked devices will automatically follow. On paper, the Denon DJ Prime 4 is one of the most powerful standalone DJ systems ever made – no laptop required! DJing from USB, SD or SATA hard drive, you get four full channels of digital audio, a big touchscreen that’s smooth and responsive, and pretty much all the performance features you find on the best DJ software.

A mega part of the Engine 3.1 update also means the FX frequency for all of the Main FX can now be adjusted as a parameter , allowing DJs to apply an effect to a focused frequency range. You can control the level and 2 band EQ of the zone direct from the unit. If playing an internal playlist isn’t for you you can also send channel 4’s external source to the Zone. We can also see this feature being useful in smaller venues, the zone could output to the seating area, bar area or even the toilets and hallways. It’s a brand new concept and something we would love to see on more hardware in the future! The Zone output is handled by balanced XLR outputs. One thing I was not aware off with the prime 4 is the possibility to add external hardware via the ethernet port to control your DMX lighting. I will be looking Into this very soon. Run your DMX lightshow directly from the Prime 4 once you have syncronised with SoundSwitch. You can also sync Philips Hue lights with the Prime 4 with no software or programming required. This game-changing addition allows DJs to create an instant instrumental or acapella with the tap of a button , much like they can in Serato DJ and Rekordbox .A great part about the effects are the tiny monochrome screens above each knob, telling you the effect chosen (lefthand knob), the amount of the parameter selected, in the form of a bar (the rest), plus additionally the LFO length expressed in beats (the far-right one).

In short – it feels like DJing with a laptop and DJ software, and a really good controller. That is praise indeed for a standalone unit. DJing is like driving a car – you want the unit to get out of your way and let you do your thing. It does – and it does so with most of the bells and whistles of software DJing there, present and fully available. Although the onboard stems control is in its infancy at the moment, it will surely evolve and transfer over to Denon’s future SC club players. The jogs measure 5″ across at the top and 6″ across at the bottom. They’re high-quality and just the right weight, although we feel that on a controller this big, they could have been an inch bigger. Immediately above them are the Slip and Vinyl buttons, the latter determining whether the top surface of the jogs nudge like the jog edges, or exhibits “scratch” behaviour.

PRIME 4+ comes fresh out of the box running Engine DJ 3.1, but most of the features will become available on the entire Engine lineup. The mixer features 4 sweep effects with HP/LP filter, echo, sweep and noise. These, however, all revert to HP/LP filter when you’re using an external device strangely, however, the two banks of dedicated effects work fine with external devices. Performance Features Fully customizable crossfader with curve control knob, channel assignment switches, and Fader Start.