Pioneer DDJ-RZ versus DDJ-RX

Well, they are a bit more different than that.

The player part on the RZ has the CDJ2000 platters, the ones on the RX are somewhat smaller. This makes the RZ a total battleship in size. While the RX is a pretty decent size too, it is still smaller than the RZ. 87cm high vs 66cm, 98cm vs 70cm width and 10.7kg vs 5.8 kg weight. Another major difference is that the RZ has dual sound cards, making it possible to hook up two laptops, for either back to back or simultaneous DJs.

Also the OSC sampler, which is (as I understand) a hardware option, meaning that it is effective on all input sources (like CDJs or TTs should you have those hooked up), independent of software. Also the RZ has two separate mic channels with independent gain and single band EQ (integrated in channels 3 and 4 on the RX which – especially for a mobile DJ – I find less appealing).

The RX offers a separate sample section with volume fader.

Both have the independent color fx options so nobody wins that battle, unless you have strong feelings for either noise and crush (RX) or Space and Jet (RZ). Imho, the most important is filter and pitch can be fun occasionally. With FX being something that you should use only sparingly and having the full DJ Software FX section at your disposal for any music played from there, I’d say both controllers are well equipped for the task. The OSC is an extra built in oscillator that does open up some new tricks and it’s not the same as the pads (which just let you trigger samples loaded in your sofware) in that it works on non-PC inputs as well for example.

As for quality comparison, you say you think the RZ is slightly higher quality, I am not sure. I own an SX (pretty much identical to the RX) and it’s plenty high quality. I have played with the SZ and couldn’t tell it was higher in build quality, actually lots of things seemed identical. Just a (lot) bigger box and platters 😀

It’s pretty much the same question when picking between SX2 and SZ and that answer has always been: “If you don’t have a very strong need for the things that are different (bigger jogs, two sound cards mainly – in the SX2/Sz comparison also the color FX which are missing on the ), then you probably are better off buying the RX and spending that chunk of left-over money on some other high level DJ gear (headphones, PA, monitors, music purchase, etx.).

Hope that helps some.

I don’t do much of that, but I understand from co-moderator Terry_42 that Flip mode in Serato handles that quite nicely. Not sure what the RekordBox equivalent is and how that stacks up to the Serato workflow.

I’d say the OSC Sampler is a bonus if you need/want all the other “different” features on the RZ. Personally, again, I think I could live without samples on top of the sample banks I can already load (which I hardly ever use anyway 😀 ) and it wouldn’t be a deciding factor for me.

But, this isn’t about me and you are the man in charge of deciding what IS important for you and what kind of budget you are willing to free up for it.

As said, I have the SX (not even the SX2) and it’s a great controller. Sure, there might be some things not there, but there is always a current or just around the corner piece of gear that will have something yours doesn’t.

We always advise to start with determining your (desired) workflow. Then pick the software that best fits that workflow. Then set a budget, then pick two or three controllers that support your software AND your workflow best and fit within your budget. Get some hands-on time with those and make your final pick.

Coming from a “I want a controller from brand A” or “I want a software B controller” point of view tends to cloud judgement. You can end up focussing on what the unit offers or doesn’t, without having totally clear if you actually need certain things for your workflow.

Just because it says Pioneer (whether RekordBox or controller) doesn’t mean it is the best option for YOU!

Not trying to get you off Pioneer (No money in my pocket either way), just trying to point out a way to go about picking your next controller that will help get close to your personal optimal solution.

Rest is up to you.

I was googling the same question and your answer helped me a lot. Thanks a lot :-)…..