Standalone systems (no laptop) advice needed

Well the MCX-8000 has needle drop 😀

And it has the option to switch between DVS and vinyl when a laptop is hooked up (switching between decks can be done in the software actually). If no laptop is hooked up, the channel are just regular phono.

Not sure if you can record direct to USB, specs seem to say both USB ports are for Engine playback only.

You can always get an external recorder and hook that up to the master RCA outputs (something like the Reloop Tape for example). Not a big investment and very practical.

Clearly if you are using a laptop, you can record in the software, but with the exception of regular vinyl. So that wouldn’t suit your needs.

It’s 4-channel to the RX’s 2-channel and I while you can switch between external line/phono and deck, I am not quite sure it allows DVS out of the box.

Reading what you want to do, my first thought was MCX8000 fits the bill way better. It offers the option of DVS support via Serato should you want to do the faux vinyl thing (other software will be compatible soon too if you prefer a different route), plus can immediately switch between actual records, software, and music on USB. All indications are that it does not have recording abilities, but with the extra port that could be a firmware upgrade down the line, and in any case a portable recorder isn’t a huge investment. I carry a Zoom H1 with me to all my shows.

So ya, a second vote here for the MCX8000.

There is actually a USB HUB to PC port on the back of the unit that I don’t anybody knows the use of. It seems like a USB input though, from the looks of the connector. So not ment for USB sticks. And hub?

The so-called Hi-Retention USB port has the kind of USB device connector that you normally hook your gear up with to your hub/pc. So I am really curious to find out what it does. Anybody spot a manual yet?

I was under the impression that you wanted to continue using your SLs as well. In which case I’d HIGHLY recommend 4-channel mixer, especially if you want to switch frequently between USB-stick tracks and regular vinyl.

I don’t think (Deathy) there is any device that let’s you do DVS control with local (i.e. RekordBox/Engine USB-Stick) tracks. The actual DVS experience always comes from DJ software as far as I know.

Having seen the specs side by side, other than it being RekordBox vs Engine and it being Pioneer vs Denon, I can’t really see that many points in the plus column for the XDJ. The MCX-8000 is, based on the vids and available info, definitely in a class of it’s own, for now.

At the end of the day though, it’s not up to us to decide what you should spend your hard earned bucks on. All we can do is give you advice and our opinions and experiences. Up to you to make a choice.

I’d like to revert back to the core gospel we preach here when looking for new gear. Determine your (desired) workflow, pick your software (which could mean laptopless), set your budget and then look at which gear MOST CLOSELY matches your workflow and fits within your budget.

The Denon MCX8000 has definitely caught my attention, and I’m hoping for more similar options in the near future… I’m hoping to upgrade sometime this year, I currently use a Reloop Terminal Mix 8 but want something that works as a standalone and this Denon looks like it ticks all the boxes… best of luck! Moonshadow