Nick, My name is Jammin Jay, and I have been DJing professionally for over 30 years, working with more than 20 different radio stations across the country. Enough about my background-I wanted to take a moment to express how much I admire your work. I’ve come across your pages on UA-cam and social media, and I have to say, there are very few DJs I follow and admire. You are, by far, one of my favorites across all platforms. It’s true that you’re never too old to learn new things, and I really enjoy watching your tutorials and live performances at parties and events. You are truly my inspiration! I love that you play a wide variety of music and mix so flawlessly. Keep doing your thing, and I’ll continue to watch and support you as a fan. Best, Jammin Jay
$3200 and yet no stems available. AlphaTheta is trying to copy Apple on how to sell the same things again for more price. I know it packs a lot of features beside stems but it is impossible to justify the price when such a basic feature is missing.
It’s a straight up scam. Flagship unit and still needs a laptop to get full functionality with less connectivity. The only point of this unit is to con you out of your money. Might as well just get a flx10 and save a fortune.
No one is getting stems in standalone for a long time... Even high end PC CPU's struggle to process stems on the fly... Everyone needs to set their expectations accordingly... This unit is quite a deal given inflation and the price of a 3000 and the A9... If you want to use stems get a controller and an M series MacBook
I understand most think the Rane Performer is “only for scratching”, however, one can shut the motor off and, use it in a different way. Point being, I still believe, compared to this new Pioneer piece, the Rane Performer holds the lead on the best controller of ‘24.
Nick, you’re the best! I just retired after 24 years in the Army and am looking to start a new career as a wedding DJ. New to the game I sponge up everything you put out. Trust is everything, and you, my friend, are the most trusted DJ on the interwebs. Dude from Sweetwater is doing a good job of upselling me on this controller. Is this a good one to start with and learn from in your opinion? God bless, Amigo!
Cool, I like it. I have 3000s, 1200s and a few mixers, but the all in one like this is kinda more easy to zone in on. That guy Dom on the bike needs one of these
I'm buying this asap I;ll be selling 1 pair of 3000's and keeping a pair. but was wondering I have 4 Cdj 3000's and a A9. maybe I should get a S11 for the other pair. Hmmm Decision Decisions
I've had a ddj1000 with a Microsoft surface with keyboard detached. and it was basically what I was trying to build. Glad to see my intuition was right 😂😂. Selling my kidney and getting this.
Thanks for the great review, I love using the "slip" function, on the XZ every time a new track is loaded this function is turned off, has the AZ got a workaround for this where the function is able to stay on even when loading a new track, I find it super annoying that it automatically turns off every time I load a new track, is there a way to keep this function permanently on or is it not possible?
Haha. I hate rekordbox’s quantize bs. Clearly we want effects quantized. I don’t want cue points or anything else quantized. But yeah I purchased one. I have a Denon MC7000 that is bulletproof and prefer over the pioneer/ Rekordbox ecosystem. But…I’ve been playing out with a group. And….everything is pioneer and sticks. So….. I need to get more accustomed and comfortable with it. Like you mentioned about phrasing for example is one of the primary issues tbh. 🤷🏼♂️
1:18 Wait, isn't that The link pot so that you can link Deck cause. Usually it is for linking 2 decks together. So I'm just asking if it's not to link an extra deck. Since you also have inputs for deck 3 And 4..... coz it says link 🤔
Okay this is whack The opus quad had the 3000 style hot cues at the top of each player. Why does this have the hot cues at the bottom of the player? This confuses me
It literally has the exact same layout for all the main features of the A9… lol i said in the video it is missing some things, its not exact but it is very similar
I said it has all the “main” features and layout of the a9 while missing some others. Yes it is missing that stuff along with the eq for the booth out, dual headphone ins with controls etc.
No stems, I get it. Not enough processing power. But when you want to use stems, you have to rely on workarounds like self-mapping and stuff. Maybe they thought having dedicated buttons for stems you can’t use on their own would be too annoying for those of us rockin' this thing without a laptop.
Yes and I am going to buy one.. I have an RX3 but not as good as I expected for the money I paid.. I have Denon Prime Go and man.. I am just amazed how their software are powerful and fast..Once I learned it I loved it ..
@@NickSpinelliI just wanna plug in a large hard drive with all my music on.. nothing more jus5 for fun at home and ditch the laptop. Do u think that’s poss? Not have to chuck tunes onto 2 sticks.
@@DJStanSteelu can literally get 256GB usbs for super cheap. U can plug in an external hard drive but it would have to be all synced thru recordbox anyways so may aswell just use a big stick
@@DJStanSteel So just use a compatible cable (C or A) and plug the hard drive into one of the USB slots. A 2TB Samsung SSD drive is essentially a massive USB stick. Super easy.
The FLX10 is still better by a long shot...sure you need a laptop, but the stem separation and being able to isolate fx individually is still 👑. The AZ could have been the premium of the premium...sad
I got to say the Pioneer ddjsz ain't never going away I don't care what they come out with they need to make a new one put some new stuff on there I like the new stuff they making too much all equipment made to DJ is light trying to keep up with the Jones everybody sound like no different
No I do not think so.. The painful thing is the upgrade of this device not even close to the PRIME 4 or Prime 4+. I have and RX3 I love it but the software is slow reading speed is not really what it should be. I have a Prime GO too and it reads everything and reads right away. So transfer your library from Traktor or Serato , Recordbox so on.. with cue points and so on Prime 4 will read it, RX3 definitely not. Recordbox yes So Prime 4 have an enormous advantage here..
We just need a good 2 channel controller with great platers and a place for internal storage and a processor that’s fast with a lot of ram and mixer with paddles like a s11 and the unit can read all Serato crates ,cue points,loops etc and it will do stems . Basically self contained no laptop
Only thing I HATE (besides the quantize button) on the A9 and sadly now also on this is not having the option not to turn off 1/3 and 2/3 - PLEASE Alpha Theta, let have that option... Those two fucks everything up (real djs know)
Oh look, a controlller NOT built for bedroom DJ's or mobile ops. This is strictly for clubs who want one device over 3. There's no one who is going to carry this around from place to place as there are too many other options out there to take its place. Great review though Nick. Pause.
Sooo what are having here..? A super-overprized device, AT which means that Pioneer is GONE, which can not meet the industrial standard set by DENON and others.. What is wrong with this picture..? I assume that pioneer is gone. A.Theta is here but not for setting industrial standards, and I would not waste my money ( made by hard work) for them anymore..
Standalone unit that needs a premium laptop to get full functionality with less connectivity!!! WHAT!!!! Absolutely no point in this unit. We wanted a flx 10 with a screen and connectivity. Scam artists!!
The AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ is playing catch up with the Denon Prime 4+. The AlphaTheta has No Zone out, no STEMS, extremely limited streaming services/options ......it's a POS
No stems? Jog wheels look? $3200?! Absolutely no interest in this mammoth machine of a doorstop! Stems! Platters! No more than $2,000! Must haves for me! I have an M3 14 inch MacBook Pro! I personally am not looking for a standalone controller! Great for those that are! I have the Rev7, so unless there's some new revolutionary added feature(s) to go along with that of the Rev7... I will not be forking over 1,000s of dollars more for anything new to upgrade! Right now, I see a lot of expensive garbage being made, because they know, just because things are new on the market, a lot of folks will rush out and spend money!
lol - love how people complain. No standalone has stems yet. The only real shortfall is additional streaming like Denon and sampling. Just like everyone said XZ a joke yet it sold like hotcakes - this will too.
Can't wait to get this 2nd hand 2 years from now.
Nick,
My name is Jammin Jay, and I have been DJing professionally for over 30 years, working with more than 20 different radio stations across the country. Enough about my background-I wanted to take a moment to express how much I admire your work.
I’ve come across your pages on UA-cam and social media, and I have to say, there are very few DJs I follow and admire. You are, by far, one of my favorites across all platforms. It’s true that you’re never too old to learn new things, and I really enjoy watching your tutorials and live performances at parties and events.
You are truly my inspiration! I love that you play a wide variety of music and mix so flawlessly. Keep doing your thing, and I’ll continue to watch and support you as a fan.
Best,
Jammin Jay
@@jamminjaymix Jammin Jay!! Thank you so much legend 🙏🏼 you made my entire day!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
$3200 and yet no stems available. AlphaTheta is trying to copy Apple on how to sell the same things again for more price. I know it packs a lot of features beside stems but it is impossible to justify the price when such a basic feature is missing.
I agree. All this wait for the xdj-xz replacement and yet no stems! Very disappointing! Why did AlphaTheta bother.
It’s a straight up scam. Flagship unit and still needs a laptop to get full functionality with less connectivity. The only point of this unit is to con you out of your money. Might as well just get a flx10 and save a fortune.
I agree . NO STEMS ???
No one is getting stems in standalone for a long time... Even high end PC CPU's struggle to process stems on the fly... Everyone needs to set their expectations accordingly... This unit is quite a deal given inflation and the price of a 3000 and the A9... If you want to use stems get a controller and an M series MacBook
@@kondgeo fact DJs are used to stems now. If it don’t have stems DJs don’t want it..pass!
Serious Nick is quite impressive. Excellent overview of the controller. Thank you for doing this.
I understand most think the Rane Performer is “only for scratching”, however, one can shut the motor off and, use it in a different way. Point being, I still believe, compared to this new Pioneer piece, the Rane Performer holds the lead on the best controller of ‘24.
If only rane could get rid of having to use a laptop with their gear and make it so that we could just plug in a usb stick.
The XY AZ isn't a controller though. It's a different category.
Just looked at my XDJ-RX3 and sighed lol. I don't NEED the XDJ-AZ but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to upgrade
Nick, you’re the best! I just retired after 24 years in the Army and am looking to start a new career as a wedding DJ. New to the game I sponge up everything you put out. Trust is everything, and you, my friend, are the most trusted DJ on the interwebs. Dude from Sweetwater is doing a good job of upselling me on this controller. Is this a good one to start with and learn from in your opinion?
God bless, Amigo!
Glad to see they finally put combo jacks for both mics and IEC power. It's def on my list of kit to buy.
Best straight-to-the-point overview we’ve seen 🤜💥🤛
We’ve an AZ on order to replace our DJ school’s XZ (which has been worked HARD but still rockin)
Cool, I like it. I have 3000s, 1200s and a few mixers, but the all in one like this is kinda more easy to zone in on. That guy Dom on the bike needs one of these
I'm buying this asap I;ll be selling 1 pair of 3000's and keeping a pair. but was wondering I have 4 Cdj 3000's and a A9. maybe I should get a S11 for the other pair. Hmmm Decision Decisions
Great presentation Nick! Nicely done!
$5200 in Canada. That’s crazy expensive for a controller that’s missing a bunch of features. Not so “clutch”
How good is the soundquality vs Denon Prime 4+??
No, it's not a Denon competitor for that amount!
Sc4 beats it😂
I've had a ddj1000 with a Microsoft surface with keyboard detached. and it was basically what I was trying to build. Glad to see my intuition was right 😂😂. Selling my kidney and getting this.
Great review !
You didn't touch too much on the build quality. Does it have that rubber coating around it? I'm just curious
Lookz Dope!!!🔥 🔥 🔥 😎
I think its great and worth the money its amazing
Welcome back bro
🫡
Thanks for the great review, I love using the "slip" function, on the XZ every time a new track is loaded this function is turned off, has the AZ got a workaround for this where the function is able to stay on even when loading a new track, I find it super annoying that it automatically turns off every time I load a new track, is there a way to keep this function permanently on or is it not possible?
I'm gonna wait til after Namm Show to see if anything else new comes out.
Everything is clutch, clutch, clutch
Hey Nick! Apart from the looks, how do you compare this with opus quad ?
The opus quad is super niche. I like this best for performing over all. The opus quad is a cool statement piece in your living room.
So will they connect to the Wave8 speakers?
No it doesn’t connect from what I read on the website
@@DJGabsTheFab That's too bad
Definitely picking this up.
A shot every time this guy says “clutch”.
who the hell designed this spaceship??? =D
apenas uma palavra: QUERO
As someone wbo scratches on other pioneer gear... How does the cross fader compare to the a9 /s11 cross fader
Feels very very similar to the A9 - I like it a lot
I'm thinking about it but I want to wait
Haha. I hate rekordbox’s quantize bs. Clearly we want effects quantized. I don’t want cue points or anything else quantized.
But yeah I purchased one. I have a Denon MC7000 that is bulletproof and prefer over the pioneer/ Rekordbox ecosystem. But…I’ve been playing out with a group. And….everything is pioneer and sticks. So….. I need to get more accustomed and comfortable with it. Like you mentioned about phrasing for example is one of the primary issues tbh. 🤷🏼♂️
Take a drink every time he says super clutch 😂😂😂
Can you record music only to the second one USB?
Yes
1:18 Wait, isn't that The link pot so that you can link Deck cause. Usually it is for linking 2 decks together. So I'm just asking if it's not to link an extra deck. Since you also have inputs for deck 3 And 4..... coz it says link 🤔
No that’s just a lan for internet
SUPER CLUTCH!!
lol I think I said that 30 times
@@NickSpinelli still best review of the AZ
3200 and no send and return? Wtf
Is there stem separation ?
No. I wishhhh
Good point
@@NickSpinelli wack!!!
Damn you got it already lol
Awesome!
I want one for my sound system
Okay this is whack
The opus quad had the 3000 style hot cues at the top of each player.
Why does this have the hot cues at the bottom of the player?
This confuses me
Any word on a "Alpha Theta" Rev5 or Rev7 upgrade/conversion? @everyone
No but I doubt it
I have the a9 and this mixer section is not an a9, just a few buttons and layout that are the same
It literally has the exact same layout for all the main features of the A9… lol i said in the video it is missing some things, its not exact but it is very similar
Nick arentalking mixer compare to A9 and says all knobs are exavtlynthe same? I cant see 4-band EQ or centerlock on the ColorFX, so not the same…
I said it has all the “main” features and layout of the a9 while missing some others. Yes it is missing that stuff along with the eq for the booth out, dual headphone ins with controls etc.
Do you have original Italian second name Spinelli or?
Idk what you mean but my real last name is Spinelli
@@NickSpinelli Spinelli is a italian second name, your relative have italian origins
In Australia, the price is $6849, that's $4609 USD... AlphaTheta treating Aussies like old beta.
That controller is so dope, but not for me though. I’m just an old guy with turn tables and a bad back 😂
No stems, I get it. Not enough processing power. But when you want to use stems, you have to rely on workarounds like self-mapping and stuff. Maybe they thought having dedicated buttons for stems you can’t use on their own would be too annoying for those of us rockin' this thing without a laptop.
Prime 4+ beats this in every possible way
Because of stems?
Yes and I am going to buy one.. I have an RX3 but not as good as I expected for the money I paid.. I have Denon Prime Go and man.. I am just amazed how their software are powerful and fast..Once I learned it I loved it ..
@@dennis_thedj exactly lol what a fail! 🤣🤣🤣
But will your friends make fun of you for using it? 😂
@@NickSpinelli If you have materialistic sheep friends like that, who needs enemies😂
I can wait 2 years to get this in second hand sale
Inside Hard Drive???
No internal hard drive. You can play with sticks or a computer
@@NickSpinelliI just wanna plug in a large hard drive with all my music on.. nothing more jus5 for fun at home and ditch the laptop. Do u think that’s poss? Not have to chuck tunes onto 2 sticks.
@@DJStanSteelu can literally get 256GB usbs for super cheap. U can plug in an external hard drive but it would have to be all synced thru recordbox anyways so may aswell just use a big stick
@@NickSpinelli wack!
@@DJStanSteel So just use a compatible cable (C or A) and plug the hard drive into one of the USB slots. A 2TB Samsung SSD drive is essentially a massive USB stick. Super easy.
I think I will keep my vinyl and turntables
best setup u ever can have ,nothing beat turntables
The FLX10 is still better by a long shot...sure you need a laptop, but the stem separation and being able to isolate fx individually is still 👑. The AZ could have been the premium of the premium...sad
I got to say the Pioneer ddjsz ain't never going away I don't care what they come out with they need to make a new one put some new stuff on there I like the new stuff they making too much all equipment made to DJ is light trying to keep up with the Jones everybody sound like no different
I am still good with my XZ as i am usb stick guy
Prime 4+ finally has some legit competition. Denon has had most of these features for a long time, and at a much lower price.
No I do not think so.. The painful thing is the upgrade of this device not even close to the PRIME 4 or Prime 4+. I have and RX3 I love it but the software is slow reading speed is not really what it should be. I have a Prime GO too and it reads everything and reads right away. So transfer your library from Traktor or Serato , Recordbox so on.. with cue points and so on Prime 4 will read it, RX3 definitely not. Recordbox yes So Prime 4 have an enormous advantage here..
@@DjEliasL yea denon will eat this guy np!
I just wish the Prime 4+ would get rid of the tiny jog wheels.
@@djcoalcut9399 they need to design a standalone stem controller and take over! Pioneer would crumble!!
And one more thing,did I mention hard drive..?
We just need a good 2 channel controller with great platers and a place for internal storage and a processor that’s fast with a lot of ram and mixer with paddles like a s11 and the unit can read all Serato crates ,cue points,loops etc and it will do stems . Basically self contained no laptop
Give it 10 years
Naaahhhh that into!!😂😂😂😂😂 shout out!!!
Same old. One or two new features that can be missed. New design adds a thousand dollars. Insane.
It’s called capitalism baby
Thank you pioneer but I’m not trying to carry a coffin around with me.
This man said pause in the middle of a presentation ☠️☠️☠️
hell of a controller
wireless aiaiai headphone has been out for a while now. nothing revolutionary here
7:34 this is USB type A!
@@DanielOliveira-rx1si exactly! Lol
This is like blackberry phone selling a phisical keyboard when theres touch screen keyboards
Skoro na tym czymś jest napisane Recordbox i Serato to potrzebuje komputera
History actually says the opposite. People claimed the Opus would have other streaming services and it doesnt.
Can’t wait!!!
Imagine if Lamborghini changed their name or even Apple changed their name.....that's exactly what Pioneer did. 😂
Only thing I HATE (besides the quantize button) on the A9 and sadly now also on this is not having the option not to turn off 1/3 and 2/3 - PLEASE Alpha Theta, let have that option... Those two fucks everything up (real djs know)
I 1000% agree.
Oh look, a controlller NOT built for bedroom DJ's or mobile ops. This is strictly for clubs who want one device over 3. There's no one who is going to carry this around from place to place as there are too many other options out there to take its place. Great review though Nick. Pause.
Having just seen the price in the comments, no stems; I'll take a pass!
BUT ONLY HAS ONE COMPUTER TO USE I LIKE TWO
Sadly no two usb output
Who in their right mind is using a computer with this thing???
@@NickSpinelli I would
Portów to ma tyle co Herkules
Without music streaming support not worth it
Sooo what are having here..? A super-overprized device, AT which means that Pioneer is GONE, which can not meet the industrial standard set by DENON and others.. What is wrong with this picture..? I assume that pioneer is gone. A.Theta is here but not for setting industrial standards, and I would not waste my money ( made by hard work) for them anymore..
Sup
You Americans have always a beautiful consolle before the Italians
It’s been leaked! Lol
Well well well.. look who’s reviewing pioneer (alpha theta) products now lol
@@ud4034 lol
Standalone unit that needs a premium laptop to get full functionality with less connectivity!!! WHAT!!!! Absolutely no point in this unit. We wanted a flx 10 with a screen and connectivity. Scam artists!!
@@Foodgloriousfoodish $3200 with no stems? I can get stems with a $500 laptop 💻 lol 😂 Pass!
@@bboymac84 definitely a pass.
The AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ is playing catch up with the Denon Prime 4+.
The AlphaTheta has No Zone out, no STEMS, extremely limited streaming services/options ......it's a POS
Wow so they didn’t add a dual usb for DJ crossover…🤦🏾♂️ pass!
There's 2 USB ports for this reason.
@@djlewko we already had this in the XZ…pass 🤦🏾♂️
Who would use this with a computer?? lol
@@NickSpinelli exactly! It’s made for usb people. I don’t mind using usb but I definitely need my stems…PASS
No stems? Jog wheels look? $3200?! Absolutely no interest in this mammoth machine of a doorstop! Stems! Platters! No more than $2,000! Must haves for me! I have an M3 14 inch MacBook Pro! I personally am not looking for a standalone controller! Great for those that are! I have the Rev7, so unless there's some new revolutionary added feature(s) to go along with that of the Rev7... I will not be forking over 1,000s of dollars more for anything new to upgrade! Right now, I see a lot of expensive garbage being made, because they know, just because things are new on the market, a lot of folks will rush out and spend money!
No one wish cdj3000 have a baby with A9
Nice pièce of garbage. How much do they pay you to advertise it?
@@meganoid_9001 fact! They know it’s crap! You can see it in their faces. They trying not act like it’s dope lol 😂
It’s actually a really nice piece of gear and they don’t pay me anything, but that’s my opinion, what do I know 🤷🏻♂️
Yeah 😂 pure wackness, lol. But keep doing your thing my man, hey everybody it's not his fault that this thing is a wack piece of garb.....
@@DuaneGaines-n6q yea they send it to him he has to say good things by contract
@@bboymac84 lol 😆 😂 🤣 ain't mad at the player easy money for wackness somebody got get it, go on player and eat lol....
Too hard trying to be like Denon Prime
They making trash overpriced gear come on out Denon, and get rid of them.
No magvel at this price, dissapointing.
bruh you are so od lmaooo
Nope!
Nooooooooooooo
lol - love how people complain. No standalone has stems yet. The only real shortfall is additional streaming like Denon and sampling. Just like everyone said XZ a joke yet it sold like hotcakes - this will too.
@@adamg6849 you don’t know the power of stems…💪🏽
It's too much, too big, too many screens... more doesn't mean better. Keep it simple please
Then you should go with the cheaper model. These are necessary if you want a stand alone controller.
Too many complaints for a product that's not for you and you'll not buy it anyway.
Maybe you need the Flx4 than???
@@ngtamphuong 🤣😂 so true!
@@ngtamphuong Yes i’m still rocking the DDJ-S1 hehe
What is “super clutch?”🫤