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Best Pioneer DJ & AlphaTheta Gear 2025

Phil Morse | Founder & Tutor
Read time: 6 mins
Photo by Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta

Get your free download: The Digital DJ Gear Buyer’s Guide

Updating this guide for 2025 was a trifle complex. You see, this is how we started the 2024 guide: “When you think streaming, you think Spotify. When you think cameras, you think Canon. When you think multi-room audio, you think Sonos. And so it is with Pioneer DJ and, well, DJing. There are other great brands, but Pioneer is the undisputed industry leader, with 70% of the market.”

So what’s changed? Well, not the market share – they’re still way out front. As you may have guessed from the headline, it’s something more fundamental – the company’s name! You see, Pioneer DJ is no more, or rather, it’s not called that nowadays – they’ve rebranded as “AlphaTheta”.

Even that is not clear-cut, though, with the company giving mixed messages about the whole thing as its older Pioneer DJ products continue to be sold – but it’s obvious that going forward, AlphaTheta is the name they’ll be using and the one we need to get used to, even if the brand is staying coy today about this switch.

However, it’s the same gear, same team, same technology, so for this year’s version of our guide, we’ll call the company by either or both names as makes sense.

So… Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta’s ascendence began with it establishing its CDJs in pro DJ booths, just as DJs were moving away from vinyl. Nowadays, the standard pro DJ booth gear set-up is two (or four) of their CDJ players and – usually – an accompanying DJM-900NXS2 or DJM-A9 DJ mixer, too.

When it came to DJ controllers, Pioneer DJ was actually late to the game, releasing controllers for Traktor (the DDJ-T1) and Serato (the DDJ-S1) before it even had its own Rekordbox DJ software. But it soon caught up and now dominates that market too, with a whole range of products, as we’ll see.

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Prefer me to talk you through this? In this video, a recording of a live show from the Digital DJ Tips YouTube channel, I go through everything in this guide, and we take questions from our community on the subject.

Who does AlphaTheta aim its products at?

All DJs! The company definitely has an “every step of your journey” approach to the DJ market, with models for complete beginners and super-casual DJs, right up to the most expensive pro kit. It caters to laptop DJs, DJs who’d rather DJ on “standalone gear” – even DJs who simply want to mess around on their phones with their music. As just mentioned, nowadays the company has its own full DJ software platform too, Rekordbox, for both music preparation and performance.

(Note that they have a range of monitor speakers, PA speakers, and headphones, but in this piece, we’re sticking to the actual DJ gear. You’ll find reviews of many of their headphones and speakers in our reviews section, though!)

How to use this article

In this article, we’ll look at the majority of Pioneer DJ and AlphaTheta’s product range, to help you choose what set-up may be right for you. We cover pretty much everything current, and also give advice on buying discontinued products or superseded products – what’s good to go for and what may be best avoided. All we’ve left out are certain products that wouldn’t really be of interest to hobby and semi-pro/pro DJs (such as venue management software).

We’ve linked to our full reviews of most of what’s featured here, too, which usually also have an accompanying video review, so you can get really deep into comparing the kits and researching your options, should you wish.

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Contents

 

✅ Why you can trust Digital DJ Tips

We’re a DJ school, NOT a shopping website. We review DJ products and services simply to help our students (and would-be students) to make wise choices. We do NOT feature affiliate links and are NOT funded by any of these companies. All products and services we review are also featured in our lessons and training. We stand by our recommendations and will always answer questions in the comments to help you.

 

 

Current Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta Gear

As mentioned, Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta really does try to be one brand with gear to appeal to all types of DJs, from casual to pro, with controllers, all-in-one (ie non-laptop) DJ gear, and separates (decks and all types of mixers), at all price points. But we’ll start by looking at the kit that most users opt for: DJ controllers.

Pioneer DJ & AlphaTheta controllers

Controllers are DJ units that work plugged into a laptop running DJ software. Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta makes controllers that work with both its own software, Rekordbox, and with the hugely popular Serato platform. Most of the company’s controllers (working primarily with Rekordbox, but also with Serato) have layouts similar to Pioneer DJ’s pro club gear, while the REV controllers (Serato only) copy the standard scratch mixer/turntable layout. Here’s a rundown of the full range.

  • DDJ-FLX10

    This is Pioneer DJ’s flagship controller, the single replacement unit for both the hugely popular DDJ-1000 (Rekordbox software) and the equally popular DDJ-1000SRT (Serato software).

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a future-proof pro-standard DJ controller that feels close to playing on Pioneer DJ’s club gear, with full-sized jogwheels and all the latest features

    ❌ BAD IF: You want to use it with Serato DJ software – even though the integration is pretty good, certain features aren’t available with Serato, and the labelling can be confusing

     

    Price: $1599 / £1469 / €1649
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 Review

  • DDJ-GRV6

    With this full-sized (including big jogwheels) consumer-quality DJ controller, AlphaTheta fixed many of the issues we had with its predecessor, the DDJ-FLX6-GT. Yes, it’s still cheap feeling, and actually we feel a bit under-featured for the price, but it’s a lot of fun and has fewer of the silly additions that didn’t work on its predecessor.
     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want four channels and full-sized jogwheels on a budget, and the Groove Circuit drum sampler/stem replacement feature appeals to you

    ❌ BAD IF: You expect pro inputs and outputs in the audio circuitry at this price – it’s barely more featured in this area than the lowly DDJ-FLX4.

     

    Price: $829 / €849 / £719
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 Review

  • DDJ-FLX4

    Pioneer DJ’s entry-level laptop controller. Like the other FLX units, it works with Rekordbox and Serato.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a proven beginner controller – it’s based on the previous, popular DDJ-400, but improves on it

    ❌ BAD IF: You don’t like the new look – some think it looks cheap compared to the previous DDJ-400

     

    Price: $299 / £279 / €299
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 Review

  • DDJ-REV7

    One of several scratch-oriented controllers aimed at Serato software users, the DDJ-REV7 has innovative motorised jogwheels with built-in displays, and a (slightly controversial) scratch deck layout.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a fully featured motorised all-in-one scratch controller, with a scratch-mixer-and-turntable layout

    ❌ BAD IF: You want something portable – it’s big and heavy!

     

    Price: $1999 / £1849 / €2042
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 Review

  • DDJ-REV5

    A cut-down and static-jogwheel version of the DDJ-REV7, that still maintains the scratch deck layout.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You can’t afford the REV7 but still want a Serato controller with the classic scratch layout

    ❌ BAD IF: You want all the REV7’s features just without motorised jogs – this drops more things from the spec, too.

     

    Price: $1099 / £939 / €985
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV5 Review

  • DDJ-REV1

    This is a Serato-specific, scratch-oriented entry level unit, with performance pads on the mixer section and larger jogwheels than usual on this size of controller (and that same turntable-style deck layout as the REV7).

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want to learn on a controller that is laid out just like a DJM-S series mixer with pro turntables

    ❌ BAD IF: You’ve got fat fingers – the mixer section is very cramped

     

    Price: $279 / £279 / €279
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 Review

  • DDJ-FLX2

    A black AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 controller with orange and green LED buttons on a white background

    The much-needed AlphaTheta replacement for the terrible DDJ-200, which adds back that most essential of features, an audio interface! Apart from that, it’s business as usual, being a very small unit that you can barely DJ properly on – yet you can, and that’s its appeal to certain types of customers.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a tiny second DJ controller to go alongside your first one, or you’re a super-casual beginner who really doesn’t want to spend more.

    ❌ BAD IF: You want some of the features that most would deem essential that have been left off, like library controls, for instance.

     

    Price: $179 / £159 / €189
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 Review

  • DDJ-XP2

    Different to the other units here, this is an accessory controller designed to be used with Rekordbox or Serato DJ software alongside, typically, a DVS (digital vinyl) set-up.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You use DVS but want to unlock most of the performance features of your DJ software via an additional controller

    ❌ BAD IF: You don’t need 16 pads per deck, which do make it rather large

     

    Price: $319 / £329 / €349
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ Launches DDJ-XP2 Pad Controller For Serato DJ & Rekordbox DJ

Get your free download: The Digital DJ Gear Buyer’s Guide

About Rekordbox software

Rekordbox is AlphaTheta’s own brand of DJ software. It has two main components: Export and Performance mode. Export mode is used for preparing your music to export to USB, to then play on Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta standalone gear. It’s always free. On the other hand, Performance mode is the “DJ software” part of it, which is more akin to Serato, VirtualDJ and Traktor, for instance.

A pair of black headphones sits next to a MacBook Pro laptop in a cozy living room.

Most of Pioneer DJ’s controllers work with Rekordbox DJ, and the “free” version is very good – but for pros wanting extra features, especially wanting to take advantage of Pioneer DJ’s relatively new cloud library features, there are paid for “Creative” and “Pro” levels, too, available for a subscription.

Read this next: Rekordbox Professional Plan Review

They’ve also released a V4.0 Rekordbox mobile app, that combines the former WeDJ and Rekordbox V3.6 apps, and improves upon them greatly. Overall, Rekordbox is capable and popular – if not quite as popular as Serato – probably why AlphaTheta continues to make kit for that platform, too.

Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta all-in-one systems

Before it even released any controllers or software, Pioneer DJ launched CDJs and mixers, where DJs played from CDs, and later USB drives. So it’s not surprising, as we fast-forward to now, that it has a good range of all-in-one systems.

These combine decks and a mixer in one unit, which you can DJ on without a laptop, typically from a USB drive containing your music – although all of these units work with DJ software too (always Rekordbox, usually VirtualDJ, sometimes Serato, and others).

  • XDJ-AZ

    Top-down view of a black AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ standalone unit on a white background.

    Aimed at pro club DJs who want an all-in-one rather than separates, this AlphaTheta unit, the replacement for the aging Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ, looks and feels like using CDJs and a DJM mixer. It has a great new screen, full four-channel standalone, streaming with Beatport, WiFi, SonicLink wireless headphone compatibility, Pro DJ Link for adding CDJs – the whole gamut.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a “club standard” feel and size, but in an all-in-one unit

    ❌ BAD IF: You want to only add one CDJ for a “third” deck – doing so disables the “opposite” channel, so you’re best adding two, or none.

     

    Price: $3199 / €3299 / £2799
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ Review

  • Opus Quad

    This unit contains flagship, next-gen standalone tech, and was Pioneer DJ’s first real reply to the Engine DJ-powered systems from rival brand Denon DJ. It’s big, gorgeous, powerful… and pricey.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want up-to-date standalone tech in a classy, head-turning all-in-one, now with streaming added too

    ❌ BAD IF: You don’t like the design – this is a radical departure for Pioneer DJ from all its other gear

     

    Price: $3199 / £2899 / €2975
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ Opus Quad Review

  • Omnis Duo

    The first controller under the AlphaTheta name, the Omnis Duo can be seen as the company’s answer to Denon DJ’s Prime Go: A portable battery-powered standalone all-in-one DJ system.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a Rekordbox-compatible portable DJ system – this is the first one ever

    ❌ BAD IF: You want integrated streaming services, or key sync/shift – surprisingly for a modern all-in-one, neither are included

     

    Price: $1499 / £1369 / €1549
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: AlphaTheta Omnis Duo Review

  • XDJ-RX3

    A popular two-channel all-in-one unit, that for many DJs strikes the right balance between size, features, and price.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a good all-rounder that does most of what you’d feasibly want, with the familiar Pioneer DJ look and feel

    ❌ BAD IF: You want key shifting for harmonic mixing – it’s the one big feature we wish they’d included in this unit

     

    Price: $2099 / £1699 / €2199
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 Review

  • XDJ-RR

    Pioneer DJ’s entry-level standalone unit, delivering the basics without the hit to the bank balance of the XDJ-RX3.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You just want basic DJing functions and don’t need the performance bells and whistles of the pricier units

    ❌ BAD IF: You want something reasonably up to date – it’s been on the market a very long time now

     

    Price: $1049 / £1029 / €1229
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR Review

Pioneer DJ decks & players

From club standard media players, to turntables, samplers and FX units, Pioneer DJ makes a whole range of modular decks and players designed to plug into its mixers (see later) in order to build a DJ set-up. Here’s the low-down on the current range.

  • CDJ-3000

    These are the media players you’ll find as standard in many clubs and festivals, and which touring DJs expect to find when they rock up to play. The CDJ-3000 is a replacement for the CDJ-2000, itself the standard for the previous half decade.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want the very best – these are truly capable, next gen players

    ❌ BAD IF: You’re not rich – because these are very expensive units indeed

     

    Price: $2549 / £2169 / €2579
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 Review

  • XDJ-1000MK2

    Pretty old now, the XDJ-1000MK2 is best seen as a poor man’s version of Pioneer DJ’s pro club players (the CDJ-3000 and previous CDJ-2000NXS2), giving you many of the features and feel of those units at a lower price.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You really want the club look and feel but can’t afford the higher players

    ❌ BAD IF: You want modern features – these are decidedly last-gen tech nowadays

     

    Price: $1259 / £1159 / €1399
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ XDJ-1000MK2 Review

  • XDJ-700

    Even older than the XDJ-1000MK2, these are small and light standalone media players that nonetheless cover the basics.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a compact, basic Pioneer DJ modular system for use at home or to take with you, say to mobile shows

    ❌ BAD IF: You want full-sized jogwheels (the jogs here are shrunken, and more like those you find on smaller DJ controllers), or modern features

     

    Price: $769 / £649 / €769
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ XDJ-700 Review

  • PLX-CRSS12

    A unique hybrid of real turntable, software deck controller and Midi controller.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want something unlike anything else, that could potentially change the way you DJ

    ❌ BAD IF: You’re not going to use most of its features – because it’s not cheap

     

    Price: $1399 / £1199 / €1259
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 Review

  • PLX-1000

    Pioneer DJ’s “club standard” turntable, to be seen as its equivalent to the venerable Technics SL1200/1210.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a pro turntable, but also want the Pioneer DJ brand, maybe to match the rest of your set-up

    ❌ BAD IF: You’re looking for any kind of innovation – these don’t do anything that 40-year-old Technics can’t

     

    Price: $739 / £699 / €749
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Review

  • PLX-500

    Pioneer DJ’s more affordable turntable, for those who can’t justify the price of the PLX-1000s.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want decks for home use

    ❌ BAD IF: You want to play on them in loud, public venues – they’re too lightweight and prone to bass feedback to be recommended for that

     

    Price: $369 / £349 / €399
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Review

  • DJS-1000

    A specialised sampler that looks a bit like a CDJ deck, designed to integrate into a performance DJ set-up.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You play on Pioneer DJ standalone gear, but miss having a sampler (Pioneer DJ standalone systems don’t have a built-in sample player)

    ❌ BAD IF: You want to keep things simple – the workflow with the DJS-1000 is quite complex

     

    Price: $1299 / £1169 / €1329
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJS-1000 Review

  • RMX-1000

    Slightly different to the other “deck” units here, this is also a standalone sampler, but mainly it’s an effects unit, designed to plug in via the send/return functions of Pioneer DJ’s pro club mixers to add further effects to DJ performances.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want extra cool, standalone effects with a Pioneer DJ pro mixer (or any mixer with a send/return)

    ❌ BAD IF: You’re happy with your mixer’s built in effects, because unless you see yourself using the sample function, your mixer can already do lots of this

     

    Price: $839 / £709 / €749
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ RMX-1000 Review

Pioneer DJ club mixers

Because Pioneer DJ is a leader in decks and players, you’d expect the company to have a wide range of mixers too – and indeed it does. The first big family of mixers the company sells are its club-style mixers – units designed to pair up with most of the kit described in the previous section. Add a couple of media players (or more) to one of these mixers and you’ve got a full DJ system. Nearly all of these have great sound cards too (some even have Midi), so you can use with Rekordbox and other DJ software.

Read this next: 9 Features To Look Out For On A Typical Club Mixer

  • DJM-A9

    The current “club standard” four-channel mixer in Pioneer DJ’s roster, the DJM-A9 was new in 2023, and improves over the DJM-900NXS2 (the previous club leader) in many ways, not least sound quality. Physically a bit wider than the previous mixer, with controls for two sets of headphones, it has all the features pro DJs expect, and then some.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want the same mixer that you’re going to see at the best clubs and festivals for the next half decade, at least…

    ❌ BAD IF: You are expecting a break from the past – this looks and feels just like any Pioneer DJ club mixer (ultimately it’s evolution, not revolution)

     

    Price: $2699 / £2469 / €2799
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-A9 Review

  • DJM-V10/LF

    These two six-channel mixers are equally as “top-of-the-range” as the DJM-A9, but this time, they’re aimed at creative DJ/producer types (think Richie Hawtin et al). The LF variant ditches the crossfader entirely, in favour of even longer channel faders.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a cutting-edge DJing tool with lots of effects and routing options, particularly to use as part of a “hybrid” DJ/producer set-up

    ❌ BAD IF: You just want to mix records, as these would be overkill for that

     

    Price: $3499 / £2899 / €3379
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 Review / Pioneer DJ DJM-V10-LF Review

  • Euphonia

    The front of a black AlphaTheta Euphonia mixer, with a retro analogue-looking VU meter top right and large copper-looking rotary knobs across the unit.

    This AlphaTheta digital rotary mixer is again just as “top of the range” as the two previous mixers (with a price tag to suit), but is aimed at a very different crowd – namely, those who prefer rotary mixers. We’ve seen it appeal to audiophiles as much as DJs, to boutique listening venues, and to home users who want something worthy of their living room.
     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want rotary, amazing sound quality (it really is), and innovative digital effects too – plus that classic three-band isolator that is a part of the heritage of rotary kits

    ❌ BAD IF: You don’t “get it” – this is niche gear for a certain type of customer. If you want a crossfader, standard club effects and so on, this definitely isn’t for you.
     

    Price: $3799 / £3249 / €3799
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: AlphaTheta Launches Euphonia, A High-End Rotary Mixer

  • DJM-750MK2

    A “cut price” club mixer, this has most of the features you’d expect on a DJM-A9, for instance, but at under half the price.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a mixer that looks and feels like the top club models, but can’t justify spending those prices

    ❌ BAD IF: You want all the effects: This misses two Sound Color effects and five Beat FX when compared to the DJM-A9

     

    Price: $1299 / £1099 / €1300
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-750MK2 Review

  • DJM-450

    A cut-down, cheaper two-channel take on the DJM-750MK2, that still has most of the basic features, including an audio interface.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a simpler, two-channel DJ set-up with the Pioneer club look and feel

    ❌ BAD IF: You want a full-sized casing – this is appreciably smaller than a “standard” club mixer

     

    Price: $769 / £649 / €769
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-450 Review

  • DJM-250MK2

    Pioneer DJ’s most basic mixer, yet it still manages to include an audio interface and the familiar club layout of the pricier models.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You’re assembling a small DJ set-up that you still want to feel “professional”

    ❌ BAD IF: You want effects – all this has are channel filters

     

    Price: $389 / £349 / €399
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-250MK2 Review

 

 

Pioneer DJ scratch mixers

A subset of DJ mixers, scratch mixers were originally simple, analogue two-channel mixers with very clean layouts on the bottom third, so scratch DJs could pull tricks using the crossfader without accidentally snagging other buttons.

While retaining that aesthetic, scratch mixers today have developed into a hybrid software controller/mixer format, and are invariably designed to work with Serato DJ, and generally intended to be used with a pair of turntables.

They have Midi controls, include performance pads, they usually have paddles for the effects, and always have a sound card to use with DVS. The now discontinued DJM-S9 was the OG of this modern style.

  • DJM-S11

    The flagship scratch mixer in this line-up, the DJM-S11 fixes all the minor flaws of the much-loved DJM-S9, and adds a wealth of new features, including four-deck control (sort of).

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You loved the DJM-S9, but also love the idea of screens showing you Serato waveforms right on the mixer

    ❌ BAD IF: You don’t need the screens and extra features, in which case you’re spending more for nothing

     

    Price: $2099 / £1809 / €2199
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-S11 Review

  • DJM-S7

    In many ways the natural successor to the DJM-S9, the DJM-S7 has improved pads and pad functions, and better FX control.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You loved the DJM-S9, and would just like the same form factor and layout, but with some of the limitations fixed

    ❌ BAD IF: You were looking for a bigger leap from the DJM-S9: If that’s you, then look at the DJM-S11 instead

     

    Price: $1449 / £1399 / €1549
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 Review

  • DJM-S5

    A simple, entry-level scratch mixer that covers all the basics for scratch DJs looking for a pro-feeling, but more affordable mixer.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You like the Pioneer basic layout from the DJM-S7 (including paddles), but can’t run to one of the more expensive mixers

    ❌ BAD IF: You want eight pads per channel – this only has four

     

    Price: $839 / £749 / €899
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-S5 Review

  • DJM-S3

    A bit of an anomaly in this line-up, this is a previous-generation scratch mixer that’s been around for over half a decade, and looks very different from the other scratch mixers here.

     

    ✅ GOOD IF: You want a more conventional-looking, basic mixer to use with turntables and Serato

    ❌ BAD IF: You like paddle FX – it doesn’t have either paddles or FX, just per-channel filters

     

    Price: $839 / £519 / €579
    Our rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info: Pioneer DJ DJM-S3 Review

Legacy Pioneer DJ gear

There’s loads of Pioneer DJ gear out there from times gone by, some which only recently have been superseded by other kit. It is often possible to get a bargain, so read on for our tips.

OK to go for

  • DDJ-1000, DDJ-800, DDJ-400, DDJ-FLX6, DDJ-FLX6 GT – These are relatively recent Pioneer DJ controllers for Rekordbox that should still work fine, and you can probably find new or in great condition second-hand
  • DDJ-1000SRT, DDJ-SX3, DDJ-SB3 – Again, these are relatively recent controllers, this time for Serato, that you may find new or in good condition second-hand
  • CDJ-2000NXS/NXS2, DJM-900NXS2, DJM-S9 – These were flagship products until replaced relatively recently, and you’ll still find them out there to buy new, and in use in venues etc. Buy and use with confidence
  • XDJ-RX2 – Still a decent standalone that you may be able to get cheaper than the XDJ-RX3
  • XDJ-XZ – Although replaced by the true four-channel standalone XDJ-AZ, it has FX send/return and a Pro DJ Link hub, both now missing from its replacement

Be cautious

  • Older controllers that are incompatible with current software – The issue with older controllers is software support. While many more recent models are fine, just make sure any unit you’re considering still unlocks your software of choice (there are too many models to list here, but the Digital DJ Tips reviews all have “launched” month/year listed so you can see how old they are, and you can check on the software websites, ie Rekordbox and Serato)
  • Older controllers where you now have to pay a subscription to unlock the software – The Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX, DDJ-RZX, DDJ-RZ, DDJ-RX, DDJ-RR, DDJ-RB and DDJ-XP1 all now require a subscription to continue using Rekordbox with them, assuming you want to use the latest version, Rekordbox 7, whereas more modern units don’t need you to pay a subscription. This has upset users, perhaps understandably

Avoid

  • DDJ-RXZ – Not supported by Rekordbox AT ALL any more, even though it is not truly old, which is a real disappointment and surprise
  • Most other very old controllers – You’d be buying second-hand, they may have had multiple owners, and if you do buy, you must make sure you get a software licence for Rekordbox if appropriate with the unit (older gear didn’t “unlock” Rekordbox as newer gear does upon plugging in), which it is often not possible to get

DJ like a pro using ANY gear: The Complete DJ Course

Finally…

Many DJs decide instinctively they want to go for Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta – they see their DJ heroes playing on this kit, and really, they’ve made their minds up before they even start looking. That’s great, but just bear in mind that you may feel that way partly because this company has done a great job with its marketing!

There are other brands (a big competitor is Denon DJ) that may well offer you more for less, so take the time to look at competitor products and of course, use our reviews to compare.

Get your free download: The Digital DJ Gear Buyer’s Guide

Ultimately and very generally, people who want to play in clubs tend to go for Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta gear as it is an easier progression, while mobile DJs or hobby DJs (who know they’ll always be using their own gear when playing) find they have a wider choice; some of this group of DJs decide to take advantage of the better value often offered by other brands.

Whichever way you go, hopefully our guide has helped you to understand Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta’s approach to DJing and the DJ hardware/software world. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them below – our team will be more than happy to help.

Last updated 14 January, 2025

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