Pioneer xdj rx or denon mcx 8000 ?

I own a MCX8000. Never had the screens freeze. IF the FX are what matters, definitely go with the pioneer. For the same money you get a 4 channels on the Denon, it has built in DVS support, has a rugged metal chassis vs the plastic of the pioneer, 8 performance pads/hot cues vs 4, and a second screen for less money. The Denon was also awarded the title of Ultimate DJ controller while the Pioneer only has a Innovative product award that I am aware of.

Also, Denon has clearly stated that the MCX8000 will get Engine Primer upgrade as it is their flagship controller.

Personally I find Pioneer to be very slow to innovate and overpriced where as Denon is pushing the market in new directions and giving a lot of value for the cost the consumer is paying. I use my MCX as my workhorse for gigs and often as a mixer for CDJ or turntable setups as carrying less gear is always a plus. I think the current Engine software and Rekordbox are both pretty lackluster. The primer version of Engine looks to be a major step up. I think your decision should come down to

FX- Pioneer clear winner as of now but updates could change that
Durability- Denon kills it in this category. All metal chassis vs plastic.
Value- Again, Denon is a clear winner with 4 channels, DVS ability (through Serato), and a second screen. Cheaper by average of 150 dollars and most places are also offering coffins for the same price as list.
Software – No clear winner here as of now. Though with Denon slated to release Primer gear soon I think the Denon will edge out the Pioneer in this category.
Support- Dont know Pioneers plans to update and add more features but I do know Denon is committed to keeping the MCX as the center piece of its controller line currently so will be adding features. I know Pioneer tends to not push out much new features and has stared a focus on PA gear so its a crap shoot on whether updating their controller line will be a priority.

If your goal is standalone, and you are making your purchase in the very near future – Pioneer wins this battle as Rekordbox on the RX is more stable than the current implementation of Engine on the 8000.

But as others have said, that is all about to get a shake up as Denon’s software ecosystem is getting an overhaul (apparently as soon as next week), and that overhaul is planned to roll over to the 8000 in the coming months.

From a hardware perspective – Pioneer has better effects implementation on standalone, but Denon has better performance pads (8 vs 4, and proper rubber performance/drum pads vs hard click buttons).

So, if you need something in the next few weeks, the Pioneer wins. If you can hold off a few weeks, who wins isn’t clear yet.

Hope that helps.

Rather wait till the new version of Engine for the 8000 is released, then make your choice.
The current version of Engine sucks! You can’t manually adjust the beatgrid, which means that if the software doesn’t analyze the tracks right (which does happen), the auto loops aren’t accurate (standalone mode). The FX in standalone are very basic, echo (doesn’t quite operate the way you’d expect), phaser (very cheesy sounding) & noise (white noise-I like the most). They’re post-fader but NOT post x-fader (Say What!!). But at least we do have some fx, the filters on each channel are superb!! As is the overall sound quality. As a standalone media player it is definitely not bad. I can easily do a set on it – no problem, however song searching honestly is a bit painful. As a SDJ controller it’s a Boss!! Now… problems I’ve had with the 8000. My first unit had an issue with the usb hub on the rear which caused the screens to freeze whenever I plugged anything into it. It was swopped out under warranty, the new unit’s rear hub works fine but then I started getting random screen freezes. This has been the biggest headache for me. Denon’s forum staff honestly didn’t have a clue & blamed files, memory sticks & laptops, but as DjPeter said ‘it has been described by too many to be ignored’. Now though, it does seem like we finally have a solution!! (well I have anyway). It was suggested by a forum member to reduce the display brightness from 100% to 90%. This has worked for me & a couple of others that have tried it (touch wood). Since reducing the brightness I haven’t had a single screen freeze & for the first time, I actually feel totally confident with it. I’ve had my 8000 for over a year now & use it every single weekend (+-8hrs, Fri & Sat) and other than the screen issue (which is now resolved) it has been rock solid! I now absolutely love it!!

The screen freezing issues now seem to be solved for many by setting the screen illumination to 90 instead of 100% and to use single dot LED ring instead of full on minus one dot (my preferred setting anyway LOL).

The software is about to released in less that 1 1/2 day (see Denon site for countdown). It does not mention what if any MCX8000 support there is, but it is generally assumed that there will only be one version of Engine, so this one should already give you an idea of the features (there is a good promo vid out on it as well).

As for the Quad you’d be paying for CD-players (who still needs those!?). Also I don’t think there is anything RekordBox/Engine like for the Numarks. So you’d be working with folder/file only tracks, meaning you need a lot of prepping. And still have to do with no playlists, no cue points or beatgrids for example. Very meager screens.

Not something I’d recommend based on your OP.