When you think of DJing, for many people, Pioneer DJ is the brand that immediately comes to mind. Whether you’re mixing tracks at a small club or headlining a massive festival, chances are Pioneer DJ gear is part of the setup. As the biggest name in the DJ industry, their product lineup covers everything that any DJ could ever want. But with such a big product lineup, finding the perfect setup for your needs isn’t always easy.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything Pioneer DJ has to offer – from entry-level controllers through to pro-level players and mixers. You can find the right gear, whether you’re just getting started or you’re a pro with years of experience.
What is Pioneer DJ?
Pioneer DJ is widely recognised as the number-one brand for DJ gear in the world. Since the rise of digital DJing and CDJs in the 90s, they’ve set the industry standard for professional DJ equipment and their equipment is a staple in clubs, festivals, and studios. That’s thanks to their consistently high quality and reliable gear, with widespread support and a complete ecosystem of every product a DJ could want, from decks and mixers to headphones and speakers.
Who Uses Pioneer DJ Gear?
Pioneer DJ has specifically designed their product lineup to appeal to DJs of every style and ability level. If you’re just starting out mixing in your bedroom, they’ve got affordable entry-level controllers that are a perfect introduction to DJing. As you progress, they’ve got options spanning from mid-priced controllers and all-in-ones through to industry-standard pro club setups.
As it’s become such a standard in the pro DJ world, basically every top DJ performs on Pioneer gear. These include top acts like Carl Cox, Armin van Buuren, and Charlotte de Witte.
What is Rekordbox?
A key part of Pioneer’s DJ ecosystem is its proprietary software Rekordbox. You use this to analayse a track’s beat grid, tempo and key so it’s ready to play on Pioneer DJ’s gear and make use of its advanced features. This is essential to organise your DJ library and get everything like cue points set up ahead of performing.
Rekordbox also offers a performance mode that allows DJs to mix, scratch, and perform live using their computer, with full access to advanced features like hot cues, loops, FX, and more. It integrates with compatible Pioneer DJ controllers, offering real-time control of tracks.
What are the different Rekordbox tiers?
There are four different Rekordbox membership tiers available.
Free
You just get the essential music management and analysis tools to prepare your tracks as well as limited performance mode features. This is suitable for DJs who are mainly concerned with getting their tracks ready to play on CDJ setups as well as beginners first starting to use a controller to perform the basics.
Core (£10/month)
Expands the track analysis with Intelligent Cue Creation and Cloud Analysis. You also get advanced DJ performance features, including mix point link, DVS control, new mixes that use stems and DJM-type beat effects. You can also sync your library across devices as well as record and share DJ mixes. This is best for DJs who want the essential performance tools and effects to create proper mixes.
Creative (£15/month)
Adds the ability to access your cloud library directly from your DJ equipment and sync your library to the cloud. You also get AI detection of vocal position and extra RMX-style effects. This tier is for more experienced DJs who are active in various locations and are after cloud management tools and more advanced effects.
Professional (£30/month)
With Professional, you can collaborate with friends on playlists and you get extra cloud management, including a 5TB Dropbox for your tunes as well as automatic storage of music collections and the ability to back up libraries stored on USB sticks and SD cards. This makes it the ideal pick for pro DJs and teams looking to collaborate on music.
For more information, visit Rekordbox’s site.
A lot of Pioneer DJ gear will automatically unlock Performance Mode on Rekordbox. That means that when you plug it in, it will work without needing to purchase a subscription. The compatible gear for this can be found here.
What is AlphaTheta?
In the last couple of years, Pioneer DJ has rebranded to AlphaTheta. This is in large part down to the Pioneer DJ brand being sold off and separated from the larger Pioneer parent company, known for making things like car stereos and DVD players.
They’re now launching new products under this name, and this is what they’ll be known as going forward, but there are still lots of Pioneer DJ products out there. It’s still at a confusing stage as they haven’t entirely let go of the famous Pioneer DJ brand identity. We’ll still largely be referring to them by that name, as that’s what’s still found on the majority of their product lineup.
Best Pioneer DJ Controllers
DJ controllers are hardware devices that allow DJs to control software such as Rekordbox or Serato on a computer or mobile device. They’ll typically give you physical knobs, faders, jog wheels, and pads to control your tracks and will simulate the experience of traditional DJ equipment, such as turntables or CDJs, but are often more compact and affordable. Controllers are widely used by beginner to intermediate DJs looking for an accessible and portable solution. Some controllers also appeal to more professional-level DJs looking for a compact option and offer more advanced features.
DDJ-FLX2
The DDJ-FLX2 is the next step up from Pioneer DJ and brings with it more advanced features, improved build quality and audio outputs, making this a great first proper controller. Like all the FLX series, it works with both Rekordbox and Serato. It also features ‘Smart Fader’ and ‘Smart CFX’, which will make mixing between tracks super easy.
RRP – £159
Want to start mixing on the DDJ-FLX2? Check out our FLX-2 course, with over 50 in-depth lessons to take you from complete beginner to confident DJ.
DDJ-200
The DDJ-200 was Pioneer DJ’s previous entry-level controller and for a while was the go-to pick for beginners. It has the basic controls you’ll need to start mixing but little in the way of additional features. However, it doesn’t have any audio connections of its own, so you’ll have to output sound from your phone or laptop.
RRP – £139 (Discontinued)
DDJ-FLX4
The DDJ-FLX4 is the next step up from Pioneer DJ and brings with it more advanced features, improved build quality and audio outputs, making this a great first proper controller. Like all the FLX series, it works with both Rekordbox and Serato. It also features ‘Smart Fader’ and ‘Smart CFX’, which will make mixing between tracks super easy.
RRP – £279
If you want to learn how to get the most out of the DDJ-FLX4, check out our FLX-4 course where you’ll learn everything you need to know to start mixing with this controller.
DDJ-FLX6GT
The DDJ-FLX6-GT is a 4-channel controller and brings with it a couple of innovative new features. You get a ‘Merge FX’, which applies a number of effects to help with transitions, and a ‘Jog Cutter’ to simulate vinyl scratching. Depending on how you DJ, these may be gimmicky, but some will find them useful.
RRP – £569
DDJ-GRV6
The DDJ-GRV6 is AlphaTheta’s versatile, mid-range controller with standout features like Groove Circuit and Stems FX, allowing DJs to remix on the fly. With high build quality and a club-standard layout, it brings CDJ-style functionality at a reasonable price.
RRP – £719
DDJ-FLX10
The DDJ-FLX10 is Pioneer’s flagship 4-channel controller and is full of top-of-the-line features. As well as the premium look and feel of things like mechanical jogwheels with inbuilt displays, the standout feature is Track Separation. This lets you mix individual stems or elements of the track to create a unique sound in your sets.
RRP – £1469
DDJ-1000 / DDJ-1000 SRT
The DDJ-1000 and DDJ-10000 SRT were Pioneer DJ’s previous flagship controllers, having recently been usurped by the FLX10. However, it still offers many of the same great features and build quality and can still be picked up on the secondary market. If you just need a quality controller without the new additions like Track Separation, this is still a good buy.
RRP – £1199 (Discontinued)
DDJ-REV1
The DDJ-REV1 is Pioneer DJ’s entry-level ‘battle layout’ controller and is set up to mimic the layout of two turntables and a scratch mixer. It’s a great way into scratching, and its build quality is surprisingly decent given the price.
RRP – £279
DDJ-REV5
The DDJ-REV5 is a 2-channel, 4-deck performance controller that brings CDJ-style jogwheels and new features into Pioneer DJ’s scratch lineup. You also get Stems Isolation and an innovative Piano Play mode that lets you play samples or cues like musical notes using the performance pads.
RRP – £939
DDJ-REV7
The DDJ-REV7 is the top-of-the-line scratch controller, offering plenty of turntable-inspired features, including, most importantly, quality motorised platters. It gives you much of the feel of real vinyl whilst also bringing the benefits of digital systems, including built-in displays.
RRP – £1829
DDJ-XP2
The DDJ-XP2 is different to the other controllers on this list as it’s an add-on for Rekordbox and Serato that gives you 32 performance pads, that can be used in 8 different modes. This gives you way more functionality and can really open up new avenues for your performance.
RRP – £299
Best Pioneer All-in-Ones
All-in-one systems are standalone DJ setups that don’t require a laptop. These are ideal for professional DJs who want a complete setup to travel with and those who want a more streamlined, club-ready experience at home.
XDJ-RR
Pioneer DJ’s entry-level all-in-one, the XDJ-RR, is a budget-friendly 2-channel option. It will give you the basics you’ll need to mix and has a similar feel to club standard setups but is limited when it comes to more advanced features.
RRP – £1029
XDJ-RX3
The XDJ-RX3 offers a more advanced feature set with a large 10.1-inch touchscreen and additional mixer effects. It’s a good pick for anyone after the features and feel of a pro setup but is limited by only having two channels, small jog wheels and no key shifting.
RRP – £1699
XDJ-XZ
The XDJ-XZ is Pioneer DJ’s previous generation flagship all-in-one controller. While it’s got 4 channels on the mixer, it only supports two-channel playback, with the others being used for external connectivity. It’s an old unit at this point but still very capable if you get a good deal second-hand.
RRP – £2049 (Discontinued)
XDJ-AZ
The XDJ-AZ is the current top-tier all-in-one from AlphaTheta. It offers true 4-channel playback and more modern features such as wi-fi and direct streaming capabilities. This is the closest you can get to the industry standard setup without shelling out for 2 CDJs and a mixer.
RRP – £2799
Omnis Duo
The Omnis Duo is a super-portable battery-powered all-in-one from AlphaTheta. Feature-wise, it’s fairly limited in terms of mixing, although it has decent connection options. Streaming is yet to be added, however, and it’s expensive compared to its competitors.
RRP – £1369
Opus Quad
The Opus Quad merges Pioneer DJ’s best technology with an eye-catching design in this 4-channel all-in-one. It comes with pretty much every modern feature you’d expect, but the decks and mixer take after Pioneer DJ’s previous generation of club gear.
RRP – £2899
Best Pioneer Players
Pioneer DJ players are standalone media players that are designed to plug into a mixer to create a complete DJ setup. This sort of modular system is what you’ll find in the majority of clubs and professional venues.
CDJ-3000
The CDJ-3000 is the current flagship media player from Pioneer DJ. As such, it offers the best in class when it comes to build quality and features. This is the go-to option for pro venues and touring DJs but will be out of budget for most.
RRP – £2169
If you want to take the step up to using these industry-standard CDJs and get ready for club gigs, we’ve put together a complete CDJ masterclass to teach you everything you need to know.
CDJ-2000NXS2
The previous generation Pioneer DJ player, the CDJ-2000NXS2, will still be found in many clubs and venues. Compared to the current models, it’s slower, the screen is smaller, and it has fewer playback features and connection options.
RRP – £1500 (Discontinued)
XDJ-1000
The XDJ-1000 offers many of the same features and layout as CDJs but in a more affordable package. It’s now quite dated, however, and lacks the top-tier build quality and modern amenities you get with new Pioneer DJ gear.
RRP – £1159
XDJ-700
The XDJ-700 is even smaller, cheaper and older than the XDJ-1000. It’s still a capable unit if you’re set on having the modular-style setup but is dated and won’t offer the best value for money compared to newer all-in-ones.
RRP – £649
Best Pioneer DJ Turntables
Pioneer DJ’s turntables appeal to the DJs who still love the old-school feel and sound of vinyl systems. Turntables are also the go-to choice for scratch DJs, whether they’re using real vinyl records, or control vinyl for a DVS (digital vinyl system) to control software like Serato. Like the players, they’ll need to be plugged into a mixer, or used as part of a larger hybrid setup.
PLX-500
The PLX-500 is Pioneer DJ’s entry-level turntable that’s a great pick for anyone looking to start out mixing vinyl. However, it’s not as sturdy and well-built as higher-end models, so may not be the best pick for noisy clubs.
RRP – £349
PLX-1000
The PLX-1000 is a direct-drive turntable aimed at professional DJs. It offers high-torque motor performance and is built like a tank, making it the perfect choice for clubs and pro DJs after a quality turntable to last a lifetime.
RRP – £699
PLX-CRSS12
The PLX-CRSS12 is a truly unique product that combines a direct-drive turntable with tone-arm-free DVS control. It’s a quality, well-built piece of gear, but you’ll need to be sure you’ll use both features, as it’s not cheap.
RRP – £1199
Best Pioneer DJ Mixers
Pioneer DJ makes two different types of DJ mixers: club mixers and scratch/battle mixers.
Best Pioneer Club Mixers
Club mixers are designed for general versatile mixing and are often found in venues, clubs and festivals.
DJM-250MK2
Pioneer DJ’s most affordable and simple mixer, the DJM-250MK2, is a great entry point and even includes DVS support. Its features are kept to the absolute bare minimum, with no effects section at all, but for many DJs it will be the perfect streamlined option.
RRP – £349
DJM-450
Pioneer DJ’s most affordable and simple mixer, the DJM-250MK2, is a great entry point and even includes DVS support. Its features are kept to the absolute bare minimum, with no effects section at all, but for many DJs it will be the perfect streamlined option.
RRP – £349
DJM-750
Pioneer DJ’s most affordable and simple mixer, the DJM-250MK2, is a great entry point and even includes DVS support. Its features are kept to the absolute bare minimum, with no effects section at all, but for many DJs it will be the perfect streamlined option.
RRP – £349
DJM-900NXS2
The DJM-900NXS2 was Pioneer DJ’s flagship club mixer for many years and you’ll still find plenty of them in clubs and on the secondary market. If you’re not too fussed about the relatively minor changes made to the newer generation mixers, this could still be a good buy.
RRP – £2069 (Discontinued)
DJM-A9
The DJM-A9 is the current industry standard club mixer from Pioneer DJ. It’s got upgraded sound quality, a better fader and a few new effects compared to the previous generation. You also get an XY pad for greater control over the beat effects.
RRP – £2469
DJM-V10 / DJM-V10 LF
The DJM-V10 is the Pioneer DJ’s top-of-the-line feature-packed club mixer. It boasts 6 channels, along with a 4 band EQ, master isolators and channel compressors, along with just about every other feature you could imagine. It comes in two variations, with the LF doing away with the crossfader in favour of long-channel faders.
RRP – £2899
Euphonia
The Euphonia is AlphaTheta’s high-end rotary mixer. The sound quality is immaculate thanks to a Rupert Neve transformer and premium components throughout. Everything about this screams quality, but given the price, it should do.
RRP – £3249
Best Pioneer Scratch Mixers
Scratch mixers are designed for battle DJs and turntablists and are especially popular for hip-hop and open-format mixing thanks to features like adjustable crossfaders.
DJM-S5
Pioneer DJ’s most affordable and simple mixer, the DJM-250MK2, is a great entry point and even includes DVS support. Its features are kept to the absolute bare minimum, with no effects section at all, but for many DJs it will be the perfect streamlined option.
RRP – £349
DJM-S7
The DJM-S7 offers a range of additional features, including several pad functions, MIDI loop and extra effects. It’s still limited by only having two channels and no screen, though.
RRP – £1399
DJM-S11
The DJM-S11 is Pioneer DJ’s flagship battle mixer and features pretty much everything a scratch DJ could need, including a USB hub, performance pads, a touch screen and super crisp audio quality.
RRP – £1809
Best Pioneer DJ Samplers and Effectors
If you want to add a unique twist to your sets, Pioneer also offers samplers and remixers that let you play back sounds and add effects to mix up your sound.
DJS-1000
The DJS-1000 is a standalone sampler in a similar format to Pioneer’s CDJs. It gives you 16 large performance pads as well as a 16-step sequencer
RRP – £1169
RMX-1000
The RMX-1000 Remix Station is a versatile hardware effects unit that’s designed to work alongside a CDJ and mixer setup and give you more effects to play with. It’s a dated unit now, and much of this functionality can be found incorporated into new models.
RRP – £709
Best Pioneer DJ Headphones
Headphones are a crucial part of any DJ’s setup and Pioneer DJ make a selection across a range of designs and price points.
HDJ-CX
Pioneer DJ’s answer to the legendary Sennheiser HD-25s, the HDJ-CXs are high-quality, minimal on-ear DJ headphones.
RRP – £120
HDJ-CUE1 / HDJ-CUE1BT
The HDJ-CUE1 offers a great value option, with solid build quality and decent sound, and even comes in a range of fun colours. There’s also a Bluetooth version for to use daily as well.
RRP – £69 / £89
HDJ-X5 / HDJ-X5BT
Pioneer DJ’s most affordable and simple mixer, the DJM-250MK2, is a great entry point and even includes DVS support. Its features are kept to the absolute bare minimum, with no effects section at all, but for many DJs it will be the perfect streamlined option.
RRP – £349
HDJ-X7
The HDJ-X7 offer high-quality sound in an over-ear design, without the price tag of Pioneer’s top-level headphones.
RRP – £179
HDJ-X10
The HDJ-X10s are Pioneer DJ’s flagship DJing headphones and offer sound quality that makes them not just great for DJing but also making and listening to music.
RRP – £299
HDJ-F10
The HDJ-F10s are AlphaTheta’s current top of line headphones and are unique in that they offer super low latency wireless connection via SonicLink.
RRP – £369/£469 with transmitter
Buying Used Pioneer DJ Gear
If you’re on a budget, buying used Pioneer DJ gear can definitely be a smart choice. However, not all models have aged as well as others and some may be outdated or lacking in software support.
Models like the CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2 are still highly relevant even if they’re a few years old. These were industry standard up until very recently and their feature set isn’t vastly different to new models. The same goes for many recently discontinued controllers such as the DDJ-400, DDJ-800 or DDJ-1000 as they’re still working fine and are supported by Rekordbox. There are also models like the DDJ-1000SRT and DDJ-SB3 that still work perfectly with Serato. Much of this older gear, however only works with one type of software.
However, avoid older models like the CDJ-1000 as while they were once top-tier gear, the times have changed significantly and they now feel pretty outdated as they don’t have the modern features and support of newer models.
Best for beginners
Most beginners will decide to go for an entry-level controller paired with a laptop running DJ software such as Rekordbox or Serato. To help you decide between Rekordbox and Serato, we’ve put together this handy guide. The obvious controller picks from Pioneer are the DDJ-200 or the DDJ-FLX4 at £139 and £279, respectively. The DDJ-200 is a capable first choice, but many people quickly outgrow it, whereas the FLX4 is likely to last you longer throughout your DJIng journey.
Pioneer also makes everything else you need to start DJing. To go alongside your controller and laptop, you’ll need headphones and a pair of speakers to complete the setup. A beginner pair of headphones like the HDJ-CUE1 is a great entry point, while nicer ones like the HDJ-CX should last for years, even as you upgrade your setup. When it comes to speakers, a small set of studio-style monitors like the Pioneer DJ VM-50 is perfect for home use.
For beginners just starting with controllers like the DDJ-200 or FLX4, understanding how to set up your gear and create smooth transitions is crucial. If you’re looking to get the most out of these controllers, check out some of the step-by-step DJ courses we offer, which cover everything from setting up your first controller to mastering advanced mixing techniques.
Best for club DJs
The current ‘club standard’ setup consists of two or more CDJ-3000s combined with a DJM-A9 mixer. However, you’ll still find the previous generation CDJ-2000s and older mixers like the DJM-900NXS2 in many venues. If you want a setup at home that will give you a similar experience to this sort of club setup, an all-in-one like the XDJ-XZ will give you some of the same layout, feel and features at a fraction of the price.
Best For Event, Wedding and Mobile DJs
For DJs who are constantly travelling around for gigs, you need something that’s lightweight and easily transportable, without compromising on features. It’s also important to have something that’s flexible enough to cater to a wide range of musical styles and media formats. You’ll also need to think about what cases are available – Pioneer DJ offer them for many models and pretty much everything else can be provided by third-party companies. An all-in-one like the XDJ-XZ or Opus Quad gives a super powerful club-style setup in a more portable format. If you want something smaller and don’t need 4 channels, the XDJ-RX3 would be a good pick.
Many of these sorts of DJs may instead opt for a controller and laptop setup. This gives them the best portability, and these controllers often have as many features and outputs as complete systems. Scratch-style controllers can be especially popular among open-format DJs as they’re great for transitioning between different genres.
Best for scratch DJs
Scratch-style controllers like the DDJ-REV5 are a good entry point to this style of mixing without having to splash out on a completely modular setup with turntables. If you do decide to go for the full scratch system, you’ll need a couple of turntables and a scratch mixer – which one you choose will depend on your budget and the features you’re after.
Master your Pioneer gear
Once you’ve got the perfect setup for your needs, you need to master the skills to make the most of it. We’ve put together a selection of courses on some of the most popular Pioneer DJ equipment – including beginner controllers like the DDJ-200 and DDJ-FLX4 right up to pro level CDJ masterclasses.
FAQs
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